Our Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2026 winners series sees us chatting to our trophy recipients about their business, and what it takes to thrive in the industry.
The Spa at The Kingsley won Salon/Spa Team of the Year, sponsored by the Irish Hairdressing Council, and newly appointed manager Anna O’Leary answers our questions.
When did The Spa at the Kingsley open and how has it evolved to where it is now?
It opened as part of the hotel’s relaunch in July 2014, when The Kingsley Hotel reopened after being closed for almost five years due to the devastating 2009 floods. From day one, the spa was positioned as a key feature of the new hotel, rather than simply an add-on wellness facility.
During those initial years, the spa quickly established itself as one of Cork’ s leading hotel spas. Some milestones include becoming known for its riverside hydrotherapy pool, a feature that distinguished it from many Irish hotel spas; and expanding its treatment partnerships with premium wellness brands such as Kerstin Florian and NEOM Organics.
A significant figure in the spa’s development has been Melissa Jones, who helped launch the spa in 2015 before becoming spa development manager. Having previously managed operations at Fota Island Spa, she played a major role in shaping the guest experience and commercial development. In 2023 she was appointed General Manager of the Irish Spa Association while continuing her role at The Kingsley. Amy Brady had a big part of the Spa operation as a Spa manager.
How important is the team to the running of the spa?
The team is fundamental to the success of The Spa at The Kingsley. While the spa’s facilities attract guests, it is the staff who create the personalised, high-quality experience that encourages repeat visits, positive reviews and award recognition.
The team delivers exceptional guest experiences, as therapists, receptionists and attendants work together to ensure each guest feels welcomed, relaxed and cared for from arrival to departure; maintain luxury service standards, helped by continuous staff training and leadership development; support smooth operations; build on the spa’s reputation; and create guest loyalty.
Overall, while luxurious facilities provide the setting, it is the team’s professionalism, technical expertise and commitment to personalised care that underpin The Spa at The Kingsley’s reputation as one of Cork’s leading wellness destinations. Their ability to consistently deliver high-quality service has been central to the spa’s growth, customer loyalty and industry recognition.
What traits do you think are most important in order to thrive in the industry?
I believe the most important traits are empathy, leadership, adaptability and resilience. The spa industry is all about people – both the guests and the team. Guests come to us to relax and feel cared for, so being able to understand their needs and create an exceptional experience is essential. At the same time, as a manager, it’s important to support, motivate and develop your team so they feel valued and can perform at their best. These qualities are consistently highlighted as key to successful spa leadership.
Adaptability is crucial. The industry is constantly evolving with new wellness trends, products and guest expectations, so you need to be open to change and committed to continuous learning while maintaining high standards.
Finally, resilience and attention to detail are incredibly important. Every day can bring different challenges, from managing busy operations and supporting the team to resolving guest concerns. Remaining calm, positive and solution-focused helps ensure guests always receive the high standard of service they expect.
Personally, I feel my years of experience have taught me that great leadership is about leading by example. I want to create an environment where the team feels supported, guests feel genuinely cared for and everyone is working towards the same goal of delivering an exceptional luxury spa experience.
For us, the award isn’t the end of the journey, it’s a recognition of what we’ve achieved so far and a motivation to continue developing, innovating and delivering the exceptional experience our guests expect from The Spa at The Kingsley
Were you and the team surprised to win a Beauty, Hair & Spa Award, and what does winning mean to you all?
We were absolutely delighted to win, and I think there was a real sense of pride and excitement across the whole team. The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards are particularly meaningful because they are judged by professionals within the industry, so to be recognised as Salon/Spa Team of the Year was a huge achievement for everyone at The Spa at The Kingsley.
For me personally, coming into the role as a new manager with many years of experience in the spa industry, it was very important to recognise the success and hard work that the team had already achieved. My role is to continue that success, support the team and help us keep moving forward
I think what makes the award particularly special is that it isn’t about one individuall – it’s about the entire team. From our therapists and reception team to everyone working behind the scenes, every person contributes to the guest experience. The judges recognised our high standards, guest satisfaction and strong team culture, which is something we should all be extremely proud of.
Winning has also given the team a real sense of motivation. It reminds us that the small things we do every day matter — the welcome we give a guest, the care we take during a treatment, supporting each other during a busy day and constantly looking for ways to improve.
For us, the award isn’t the end of the journey, it’s a recognition of what we’ve achieved so far and a motivation to continue developing, innovating and delivering the exceptional experience our guests expect from The Spa at The Kingsley.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking about entering next year’s Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards?
My advice would be don’t be afraid to enter, and don’t underestimate what your team is achieving every day. Awards like these are a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your business, your team and the journey you have been on.
The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards are judged by industry professionals, so I would encourage anyone entering to be genuine and tell your story in your own words. I would also say don’t just talk about what you do – demonstrate the difference you make. Think about your guest feedback, your team’s achievements, training and development, new initiatives, community involvement and any improvements you have made. These are the things that show the judges what makes you different.
Most importantly, involve your team. For us, winning Salon/Spa Team of the Year was a recognition of everyone’s hard work, and I think the strongest entries are the ones that genuinely reflect the people behind the business.
And finally, believe in your team and be proud of your achievements. Even completing an entry gives you a chance to stop, look back and recognise how far you’ve come. If you are passionate about what you do, that will come through in your entry.
The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2027 are now open for entries. For more information on the categories and to enter, visit here.
