Cynthia Eda, spa supervisor, Body & Soul, Danat Al Ain Resort  reveals all to Hotel News Middle East…

Describe your first ever role in the hotel industry? I worked as a therapist for a health club and spa in one of the most prestigious hotels in the Philippines. I have gained a lot of experience and perfected my skills to be the best in what I do.

Who is the person who has inspired you most in your career? It would be my family because they are the source of my strength. We continuously face challenges at work but at the end of the day, I have a reason to strive for something.

How do you view the hotel scene in the region? The hotel industry is very dynamic and there’s always a room for improvement so you need to be prepared and ready to accept any challenges or trends that arise within the industry. It’s also a very competitive world so you need to excel and always work to be the best.

What is the biggest challenge of your role? There are new hotels opening so the competition is very tough. Recreational facilities are always present in hotels so with the opening of new health clubs, it will also affect our revenue. The challenge is to ensure that all guests are satisfied with the treatments and service so they will be repeat customers.

What is your favourite aspect of your role? Guest satisfaction. It’s nice to hear guests giving a nice commendation after a good and relaxing spa treatment.

If you could work in any hotel in the world where would it be? I think it will be good to work in a hotel where everything is brand new, for me to explore the latest technology, gadgets and new environment.

What tip would you share with new staff starting out in the hotel industry in the region? Be the best in what you do. Always grab that opportunity and learn.

If you could invite any three people around for dinner who would they be? I would definitely invite my close friends with whom I can sit comfortably. I’m sure it’s a rare situation as most of us are working hard and we don’t have that much time, so, if we have given the chance to see each other, then a dinner would be great.

If you had to live on a desert island for a year what would you bring with you? Patience, hard work, creativity and perseverance because these attitudes will help me survive.

Experience: I worked here for 11 years since July 2006 and didn’t change my job for the last 10 years.