Josie Feria 370

Josie Feria, Director of Spa Operations at Fontainebleau’s Lapis Spa, draws from her 30 years of beauty industry experience to create a sanctuary within the iconic Miami Beach hotel. Having worked for some of the most exclusive and luxurious spas throughout the country including Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa in New York, NY, Doral Saturnia International Resort in Miami, FL, The Spa Palazoo at Boca Raton Resort and Club, Boca Raton, FL, and The Phoenician Centre for Well-Being in Scottsdale, AZ, Feria’s ability to forecast and implement industry trends, hand-pick the most talented staff and create an overall relaxing and revitalizing experience has made Lapis one of the premiere spa destinations in Miami Beach.

After graduating from Drew University with a Bachelors in Spanish, Feria took a summer internship with Saks 5th Avenue, and shortly after joined the department store’s prestigious Executive Training Program in NYC. Her attention to detail, impressive work ethic and exceptional customer service skills caught the attention of her supervisor, who upon leaving Saks, brought Feria along with her to join the Lancôme team as training manager. Feria was soon recruited by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa to be the spa services and retail manager. She found immense gratification in finding new ways to help clients de-stress and success as they would emerge from spa treatments refreshed and relaxed. In the years to follow, Feria continued her career in the resort industry working to not only create relaxing environments, but also improve clients’ overall health by forming partnerships with hospitals, working with alterative medicines, creating two nutritional cookbooks and even running a dining room for 92 diners. Before her time at the Fontainebleau, Feria also helped to design and launch the spa at the Doral Saturnia International Resort, Miami, FL, as well as the spa at the La Quinta Resort, Palm Springs, CA.

In 2007, Feria was tapped to open Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which was currently undergoing a $1 billion renovation. Designed by renowned architecture and design firm Richardson Sadeki, and inspired by the world’s earliest traditional thermal spas, the 40,000 square foot, two level oasis offers guests the design and service amenities of a destination spa within a luxury resort. With Feria’s direction, Lapis evolved the age-old concept of using natural thermal and mineral water therapies to enhance health and well-being. Mineral-rich water in many forms – including mist, rain and steam – are offered throughout the spa’s communal spaces. Lapis encourages guests to take part in different “water journeys,” designed by Feria, and utilize the unique water features of the spa. These innovative therapies include the elements rain tunnel, the eucalyptus infusion steam room, the energy deluge shower, the bleau rain room, and the mineral co-ed pool. In combining these ancient modalities with cutting-edge technologies, all Lapis treatments confer a range of benefits to stimulate energy, promote anti-aging, provide stress-relief and enhance wellness.

Following the launch, Feria’s primary role is overseeing program development as well as marketing and sales for the spa. In October 2011, to ensure Lapis is offering clients the most current and innovative spa services on the market, Feria added more than 15 new treatments to the current spa menu. These new programs are tailored to time-pressed patrons and male clientele, along with expanded anti-aging services and unique body treatments. Guided by Feria’s expertise the new menu not only incorporates the latest industry trends, but also appeals to the needs of today’s spa-goer in a unique way.

Feria currently lives in Miami Lakes, where she finds relaxation through her two dogs, reading and gardening.