This post is going to be for anyone working in a resort space as a spa technician.  I have experience in both the esthetician and nail technician space but these tips can also apply to a massage therapist.  Note, I also started out as a spa receptionist.

I wanted to write this blog post because I was fortunate to start my esthetician and nail tech career in a resort spa.  I have moved around a lot in my career due to relocation.  For the most part I stayed working in resort spas but I also worked in a mall salon, an all men’s day spa, and a members only private club in downtown LA.  I worked on celebrity clientele on site and in private homes and music studios.  I’ve been around you can say.

The reason I wanted to share this post is because through my various employment ventures I would have co-workers that although they had experience in the field i.e. massage therapist and nail technicians they were new to resort spas.  So here are some things you can expect when working in a resort spa.  I’m going to describe the departments that you may work with in some capacity.

What To Expect Working In A Resort

Resort world is way different then working in the small mom and pop shop.  I started my facial career working in a four star resort on the island of Maui.  Absolutely beautiful property.  You learn the property style  and that every department has their position to work together.   All the different departments working together to keep the guest experience top notch.  When you work in the spa the most connected departments as a spa therapist will be the laundry, housekeeping and security.  The front reception of the spa will be heavily in contact with engineering, housekeeping, laundry, front desk, concierge and security

Why is this important to be aware of?  You want to know as many people in as many departments as you can.  It’s similar to putting a name to a face. Also I want to empower anyone who is learning the field now and thinking about applying to a resort spa what to expect.  Of course every working environment is different but a resort can be a little overwhelming at first.  Hopefully this will clarify some things in the work place.

Human Resources

This department you will first encounter for your interview process.  If you are hired you will check in with human resources to present your work documents.  Human resources will coordinate your onboarding and training courses.  If you have any questions or concerns about your department you can ask human resources staff and they can usually explain things to you and help you understand that properties policies and expectations.

Security

Security is going to be one of the first departments you will encounter.  When you go in for your job interview a lot of times you will have to check in with security.  Once you start working, depending how the building is set up, you will walk past security when you go into the building to start your shift.   Its always a good thing to get to know who is the security staff.  You never know if you may need assistance in the spa.  Note security is also an emergency response crew.  If one of your clients has a medical emergency security will be the first ones to call and they will come help.

Valet

The main reason you will work with valet is if they are aiding with employee parking.  Different properties all offer different parking policies.  When it comes to employee cars and parking the valet usually works close with security.  They will let you know where you can park your car and if there are any issues security will also be available to help you know what to do with the security of your car.  Example, you may need a sticker or fob to enter a parking garage.  Security will usually work with you on issuing the fob or parking sticker. However each property is a little different. Also depending where you end up parking your car security will guide you on how you will enter the building after you park.  Some parking garages can be confusing.  Especially if you end up working in a large resort.

 

Laundry

Is the most important department for a spa employee to know.  You want to know where it is, how to get there and have a good repertoire with the staff of this department.  When you need your sheets and towels cleaned you want to know in a crisis or shortage of sheets and towels how to find laundry and who to talk to about the sheets and towels.  Also a lot of properties you will use laundry to get your uniform laundered and you will check in and out your uniform.

If you need laundry for your service you want to be able to communicate properly with the laundry and let them know how important it is to have sheets and towels clean and by a certain time of day.

Staff Lockers

Most large properties have a locker room where you can change and store your clothes.  This area is normally located close to where you pick up and drop off your uniforms.  Again not all properties allow you in the locker room if you are an independent contractor.  Every place is different but just be aware of this.

Housekeeping

Most resort spa’s housekeeping can be responsible for cleaning up the spa after hours.  If you see things moved around or not being cleaned properly then you want to be able to know who to talk to and let them know, hey I noticed this issue, it is a problem and it needs to be addressed.  Some properties have housekeeping clean and maintain the spa and some spa’s are to large and they require an outside cleaning service that comes in over night.  Good to be aware of this as sometimes things get moved around and if its an outside cleaning company it can be a little harder to get issues solved as their staff can change and schedule differently.

Engineering

If you end up working in a wet rooms or body treatment rooms sometimes there can be plumbing issues.  In that case engineering would be called to come and check the repair.  Your not going to be expected to call engineering that is usually spa reception or management but know that department is the one coming to fix the issue.  There is sometimes an audio or music issue.  If the property has an audio department they will come and address the issues but sometimes engineering will be hanging or checking speakers too.

Front Desk

Most the time as a spa therapist you will not be dealing directly with the front desk.  Note if you have to have a client signature for a service performed or a room number for a hotel room charge.  What happens if you have an incorrect name or guest room number? The spa reception will have to call the front desk to confirm the correct information.  These are fine details that are important to you getting paid.  It can cause a problem if the spa receptionist has to call the front desk and the front desk agents are busy checking new guests in.

Concierge

In most resorts this department you will not deal with directly to much.  Be aware though that the concierge can be an important factor in sending guest to the spa and booking appointments.  This is an important department for the marketing of the spa and can also determine how you get paid.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria is where it is at.  You will meet the majority of your co-workers from other departments  in the cafeteria. This is usually where you will have your breaks on your shifts.  Note I have worked in some spas and when you are an independent contractor some properties have policy that you cannot enter the cafeteria.  Just depends how you are hired and what the properties policies to outside vendors is. I am just including this info because don’t be surprised if it happens where they do not provide food for contractors.

Other Departments

Gym and Pool or Recreation Department can also be part of your area or connected with the spa.  Every property is different. It is good to know how these departments are run with the spa.  A lot of times your clients will work out and then come to the spa for a treatment.  If you ever have to find your client these are areas sometimes they can be and it is good to know how they are connected to your spa area.  Also after a service sometimes your spa client will want to go to the pool and relax and you will need to know how to guide them there.

Conclusion

All in all every single property is run different and with different rules.  I’ve worked in some where the employees were not even allowed to be seen in the guest locker room and amenity lounge and others where on our days off we were allowed to go in and use the amenities and relax.  I’ve worked at places where you were able to trade services with your coworkers and other locations it was to busy to trade or just not allowed.

If your hired as an independent contractor you are sometimes allowed to enter through the front of the building and sometimes you still have to enter through the back. Normally management for security will let you know what they expect.  Like I said some cafeterias do not allow independent contractors to eat in the cafeteria and other locations will let everyone eat in the cafeteria.  Some cafeterias charge a fee to eat.

Each property is ran a little different with different rules and expectations.  Hopefully after reading this if you get hired at a resort property you can think of some questions to ask your manager before your first day so that you will be better prepared and not lost walking around and not knowing the rules.  Most people will give you a tour and show you where you can go but it is all different and can be circumstance related.

Like I said I’ve been both an independent contractor and an employee in large resorts.  I also worked with a company off property that would send me into guest rooms and villas in different resorts.  Knowing what is going on behind the scenes and the different departments is going to help you to feel more confident while your working.  I also wanted to point out how to be more successful while working at a resort spa.  To keep this post from being to long this is my part 1.  Stay tuned for part 2 where I will explain my tips for success and flow in the work space while working in a large spa.