Spanish-born Virginia Lara is the Spa Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona. Ms Lara joins the hotel from the award-winning Mandara Spas at Atlantis and One & Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas where she most recently held the position of Spa Director.

Originally from Madrid, Ms Lara started her career in hospitality in 1996. She soon decided to specialise in massage therapy and pursued wellness and beauty studies in renowned training centres around the world. Her long list of qualifications includes certifications in anatomy, physiology, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy as well as diet and nutrition. Ms Lara also earned a Spa Management Degree from the Steiner Training Academy in London and completed an advanced course in Thai Massage at the famous Wat Po in Bangkok.

On completion of her wellness related studies, Ms Lara first practiced as a massage therapist at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in London before joining the Steiner Leisure company as part of the opening team to launch to world’s first large floating spa on the Celebrity Cruises Millennium cruise ship in 2000. Here, she swiftly climbed the ranks to become Spa Director in 2004.

“We are delighted to welcome Virginia Lara to the team and are confident that her excellent managerial skills topped with her extensive international experience and continuous search for excellence will all be great assets in helping us to position The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona as the best spa in Spain”, explains Luis Marco, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona.

The 1,000 sq metre Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona will offer a wide range of holistic rejuvenation and relaxation as well as luxurious water and heat therapies in a tranquil, meditative setting. Incorporating the most comprehensive range of wellness, beauty and massage treatments in Barcelona, the spa will feature life-enhancing signature programmes created exclusively by Mandarin Oriental.

“As a huge admirer of Mandarin Oriental’s holistic Spa philosophy, I am thrilled to be joining the Group and aim to place The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona at the forefront of the Spa industry on the peninsula,” declares Ms Lara.