Mayo native to lead team at The Spa at Ashford Castle
IRELAND’S only Forbes Five Star rated spa, The Spa at Ashford Castle, has announced spa and wellness professional Joanna Moran as its new spa manager.
With more than 23 years in both management and ownership roles, the Mayo native will lead the team at The Spa, drawing on her experience as spa manager at one of the most luxurious spa properties in India, The Royal Spa at ITC Grand Bharat. Joanna also spent time as the corporate spa trainer at the Leela Spa Academy in Mumbai, providing training and mentoring while also developing brand and operational standards and spa menus for seven luxury five-star properties.
Joanna’s international experience along with her hotel spa consultancy work in the UK and Ireland together with her extensive list of qualifications were instrumental in her securing the management role at the castle, according to the Ashford estate’s managing director, Niall Rochford.
Having earned multiple qualifications including a diploma in Spa Management from Raison D’Etre and an ITEC diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Body Massage, Joanna has worked with some of the leading beauty brands in the world.
Said Mr. Rochford: “Joanna was a stand-out candidate with her wealth of experience and expertise, together with the passion she demonstrated for the role. We are looking forward to seeing her further enhance the spa experience for our guests and overseeing the introduction of new beauty and wellness brands to The Spa.
“This year, our spa is celebrating two years of a Forbes star rating, so it is wonderful to have Joanna join our team at such an exciting time.”
Said Joanna Moran: “Leading the team at The Spa is the dream job as it’s an establishment I have admired for many years. The commitment to excellence and to providing unparalleled experiences are second to none, but I’m excited to see how we can further elevate and expand the offering at The Spa, ensuring every guest continues to feel both rejuvenated and truly pampered.”
The award-winning The Spa at Ashford Castle offers personalised treatments and spa experiences that are tailored to the needs of each guest. The approach of the highly-trained team combines ancient wisdom with modern expertise, grounded in essential holistic principles. Overlooking Lough Corrib The Spa is a centre of calm with beautifully appointed treatment rooms, relaxation pool and essence infused steam room.
The annual Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards (FTG) rates the world’s most luxurious properties and is the world’s only independent rating system. The Spa at Ashford Castle was the first and remains the only hotel spa in Ireland to receive a Five-Star ranking.