We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Longgi, the Spa Manager at Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Mayakoba. Jessica's journey into the world of spa management began during her college years, and since then, she has passionately pursued her goal of directing a spa.

Under her leadership, Fairmont Mayakoba has flourished, offering unique wellness experiences that blend modern techniques with ancient Mayan traditions.

Join us as Jessica shares her insights into the evolving spa industry, her personal wellness routine, and the innovative sustainability measures that set Fairmont Spa apart.

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THE WORLD OF SPA MANAGEMENT, AND WHAT HAS KEPT YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT IT OVER THE YEARS?

My passion for the world of spas began while I was studying in college. I did my thesis on an improvement quality program applied to a spa in Mexico City. Since then, my goal has always been to direct a spa, and Fairmont Mayakoba gave me the opportunity to do so, starting in late 2019. Witnessing the evolution of the spa industry over these years has been fascinating. Integrating new techniques and incorporating the ancient wisdom of Mexico into spa services is always thrilling. Moreover, observing the growth of the wellness culture not only within spas but now across all areas of hotels and people's lives has been remarkable.

AS A SPA MANAGER, WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR ROLE, AND WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE WAY?

Being able to bring a vision of wellness not only to guests but also to hotel colleagues is a priority. We've developed a wellness program for them, offering weekly free classes ranging from art classes, sunrise yoga, paddleboard sessions, to specialist talks and special courses.

For our guests, we aim to provide a menu of services that reflects our commitment to freedom and confidence in their choices. This menu offers a range of services, from locally inspired experiences rooted in Mayan culture to holistic experiences and specialized massages.

Working with my team to develop all of this has been one of the most rewarding experiences. However, one of the challenges is finding time to organize daily operations, seasonal programs, and new projects while also enjoying a few minutes to chat with team members and listen to their concerns.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL WELLNESS ROUTINE AND ANY SELF-CARE PRACTICES THAT YOU FIND ESSENTIAL TO YOUR WELL-BEING?

I've been practicing yoga since I was 18, and it's something I love dearly. It helps calm my mind and keep me centered. Beyond just my mat, it's about living out the teachings of yoga every day.

I'm also passionate about skincare, so my morning and evening routines are essential. I believe that starting with learning to breathe correctly is the key to everything. Now, I rely on my Komuso necklace to help me during moments of stress or anxiety. Finding a balance between social moments and my alone time for meditation is crucial to keeping me centered.

WHAT INSPIRED THE CONCEPT AND DESIGN OF FAIRMONT SPA AT FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA, AND HOW DOES IT REFLECT THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT AND MAYAN CULTURE?

The inspiration behind our spa was to honor our Mayan and Mexican roots in an elegant manner consistent with Fairmont Spa's vision of showcasing the cultures they are immersed in. We are fortunate to have expansive windows throughout the spa, allowing guests to connect with the lush jungle surroundings.

Incorporating modern healing techniques, we offer our guests a variety of different experiences to choose from. Mayan culture is vast, so to capture it in our experience menu, we focused on a small aspect: cosmogony—the connection between humans, celestial bodies, plants, animals, and everything around us. We developed flagship services based on lunar phases, each connected to a natural element.

I'm fortunate to work with team members who have direct Mayan ancestry. Together with my treatments supervisor, Eulalia Pool, we crafted these services. Our locally inspired services, which have been the most successful since the spa's opening, were modernized and enhanced with various natural ingredients and touches to more accurately reflect the spa's vision.

WHAT MEASURES DOES FAIRMONT SPA TAKE TO ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY AND MINIMIZE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT?

Instead of printed spa treatment menus, we utilize iPads to minimize paper usage. We have also eliminated single-use plastics for both guests and spa staff. In our gym, all our Technogym cardio machines and Peloton bikes are energy-efficient.

Furthermore, we partner with sustainable product lines such as Comfort Zone, Osea, Barker Wellness, and Davines. The spa staff uniforms are the first sustainable ones at Fairmont Mayakoba, as we've partnered with Amor&Rosas, a company that works with artisans in Puebla to handcraft uniforms made from 70% recyclable fabric.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our spa garden, where we cultivate herbal and flower gardens. We also support the conservation of melipona bees, native to the Yucatán Peninsula, which are sacred to ancient and present-day Maya culture. We collaborate with communities in Yucatán to conserve these bee sanctuaries.

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE AMENITIES OR FEATURES OF FAIRMONT SPA THAT GUESTS MIGHT NOT FIND ELSEWHERE?

We offer special amenities designed for post-treatment relaxation, infused with local touches. Additionally, our chefs have crafted a wellness menu where all dishes are balanced and free of added sugars. On the spa's second floor, we have a juice bar offering smoothies made with locally sourced ingredients.

HOW DOES FAIRMONT SPA BLEND MODERN LUXURY WITH ANCIENT HEALING TRADITIONS TO CREATE A TRULY HOLISTIC WELLNESS EXPERIENCE?

We offer holistic experiences ranging from pendulum alignments, Reiki, Access Bars therapy to our new Temazcal, built in the spa garden where guests can connect with emotional and cultural well-being. Our locally inspired services are rooted in Mexican ingredients such as cacao, corn, or copal mud, as well as specially designed experiences in collaboration with Barker Wellness x Hyperice.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING SPA MANAGERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO MAKE A MARK IN THE INDUSTRY?

Surround yourself with a team that is entirely different from you, and together, complement each other to achieve success. Never stop learning from everyone around you and firmly believe in their vision to convey it to others. There are no ideas too wild; try everything and remain open to listening to your customers and colleagues.

In our conversation with Jessica Longgi, it's clear that her dedication and innovative approach have made a significant impact on the spa industry. Her ability to blend ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices has created a unique and holistic experience for guests at Fairmont Mayakoba. Jessica's commitment to sustainability and her vision for wellness extend beyond the spa, influencing both guests and colleagues alike. Aspiring spa managers can draw inspiration from her advice and experience, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and a collaborative team spirit. Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your journey and the remarkable work being done at Fairmont Spa.