As wellness professionals, we know the potential this sector holds for providing life-changing services to guests. Viorica Coman, the director of Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, knows this is especially true after discovering the field’s capacity to heal people through unique methods. After getting her start in medicine, she switched over to spa management and has since made a name for herself among top luxury spa destinations. WellSpa 360 sat down with Coman to discuss the growing trend of treatments rooted in indigenous cultures, her favorite healing services and more.
What was your first job in spa and wellness?
I began my professional career in medicine. I studied cancer research in university, and my first job was as a laboratory assistant of oncology. I pivoted to the wellness industry because I was inspired by the field’s capacity to heal through methods intertwined with nature. I moved to Mexico to learn more about spa management at Tecnológico de Monterrey and have since trained teams and opened spas across the Caribbean and Latin America.
What is your favorite memory of your time working in this industry?
My favorite memory is summertime at the Ritz-Carlton Cancun, when VIP guests from Hollywood would come to the spa. It was so special and unforgettable to provide the best spa service for the best actors.
What do you love about spa and wellness?
I love that the spa has the power to transform a guest’s life. When a guest walks through the spa doors, they walk into a world of relaxation that is devoted entirely to their well-being. It is my goal to provide an unparalleled experience through which a guest’s worries and ailments slip away through the union of nature, healing touch and personalized treatment.
What new wellness trends do you find most exciting?
I’m excited by sound baths and sound healing, as well as treatments rooted in indigenous traditions.
What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
Get my body moving and connect with nature. The outdoors brings me a lot of joy.
Related: Viorica Coman Joins Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve as Director of Spa Botánico
What’s your favorite wellness treatment to receive and why?
My favorite treatment is Savasana Sound Healing, a unique experience that combines sound healing meditations and vibration.
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest pride throughout my career is that I have achieved five-star ratings for multiple spa concepts I led. It is satisfying to see my teams’ hard work to create an exceptional guest experience recognized by critics in the industry.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the industry?
The spa industry is amazing—it’s a field all about passion, caring and well-being. Everything about the senses and elements are present in each moment, making for unique experiences with the best professionals. To be successful in one’s career, one must be committed to excellence and consistency for every project.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Tiramisu and red wine.
Who inspires you?
My family. I am a social person and I cherish my connections. I’m inspired by traveling around the world, discovering new places and creating new friendships.
How do you practice self-care?
I connect with nature and take moments to appreciate the interconnectedness of living things, from myself to the trees around me, and the physical things that give us life, like water, soil and air. I center movement in my life as well: I practice yoga and am an avid hiker, runner and cyclist.
What is on your bucket list?
I love to travel, and I want to visit Tokyo, Machu Picchu and Norway.
What's on the horizon for Spa Botánico?
Spa Botánico has recently partnered with Tata Harper, launching a dedicated menu of facial treatments. I plan to continue expanding the estate’s offerings with new body treatments and holistic wellness retreats this year.
