Spas of America, recently had the pleasure to sit down with Tracy Harper, Spa Director of The Spa at Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Who are you?
My roots are in Utah, I’m a wife, mom, and spa director at The Spa at Sun Valley Resort.
What was your first job in the industry?
I started my career in Park City, Utah when an opportunity to become a Spa Director was offered to me. At the time I was going through paramedic firefighting school, so it was quite a big change for me, but it has been one of the best decisions I have made.
Why do you love your job?
I love the spa & wellness industry. It has taken me to places and given me opportunities to learn and grow professionally and personally. I love business development and the opportunities to grown and work with owners who understand the business and how it is essential to the Resort industry. Sun Valley is a gem with a lot of heart and history throughout the Resort bringing it alive which is what I love to be a part of! Before Sun Valley, Texas was our home for nine years at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort where I was given an amazing opportunity to learn and grow in my career as Spa & Recreation Director with an exceptional leadership team. There are endless opportunities to grow and learn new things in this industry and I love everything about it!
What keeps your guests returning to The Spa at Sun Valley Resort?
Sun Valley is a pretty great place. It’s one of the largest recreation resorts in the United States. When guests ask us what to do, there are endless opportunities to explore. Sun Valley is a family-oriented resort and that philosophy translates not just for guests, but for employees as well.
How do you integrate wellness into your life?
I had to learn this very early in my career … but balance is key. You’ve got to make sure you have balance in your life both personally and professionally to keep a healthy and strong mind.
You can’t take care of other people, or you can’t show love or kindness unless you see that within yourself. As far as wellness goes, I make sure I’m healthy, not only a strong body, but a strong mind – spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Finding that balance is important to me.
What’s the best advice you’ve given or received?
I have to remind myself, don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t hold on to things. Let things go. When you direct your focus on other people, things start to happen.
Where was your favorite spa experience?
My most memorable one was a day spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Manoma Spa & Wellness. The reason why the experience was transition and level of care was incredible between services. With every stroke and every touch, they were mindful and present. My experience was a reminder that we’re in this industry to provide care and healing, and it’s important for us always to be present.
What spa in the world would you like to visit?
Honestly, any true spa experience out of the country interests me. I’m very intrigued by Nordic spas that tap into the culture of ‘spa’ and not just pampering.
What is next for The Spa at Sun Valley Resort?
Our focus is our brand and culture here at Sun Valley. We continue to work on what makes us different from other resorts.
Why is taking time for spa and wellness important?
I always thought it was important to incorporate wellness into your life, and the events of the past year and a half have only reinforced it. We’ve been told to stay away from each other and not to touch. Now we have guests coming back, and it’s amazing to see how important and powerful touch is to them and our team. It’s what our industry is all about – mindful touch and healing. When it comes to the spa and wellness industry, we have an opportunity to educate people and it’s important for us to focus on why we’re here, and what we’re here to do. We’re not here to sell lotions and potions, we’re here to heal through our work.
