Her Story
About Movita
Movita Sanchez is a distinguished hospitality executive and luxury spa management professional whose career spans more than two decades with some of the world's most prestigious four-star and five-diamond hotels and resorts. Her journey is rooted in a profound commitment to service, exemplified by her volunteer work as a New York State EMT during the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Just weeks after volunteering at Ground Zero, she began her luxury hospitality career at The Peninsula New York, where she quickly rose from evening Manager on Duty for the spa to Director of Hospitality within her first year. This early success launched a career defined by operational excellence, leadership, and the ability to elevate guest experiences at world-class destinations.
Throughout her career, Movita has led luxury spa operations for iconic properties across the United States. She served as the opening Spa Director for the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., overseeing the launch of the property's first spa and the first spa-branded InterContinental hotel in the portfolio. She later managed award-winning spa operations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, and the renowned Mokara Spa in San Antonio. Her expertise expanded further in Miami, where she directed one of the nation's largest residential-commercial spa operations at Icon Brickell, overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget, more than 140 employees, and wellness services supporting thousands of residents and hotel guests. Across every role, she has built a reputation for opening and transforming luxury spa operations, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Today, Movita is leveraging her extensive hospitality and operational expertise as she expands into real estate development, management, and investment while continuing her work as a luxury spa and business consultant. Passionate about leadership development, she is currently writing a book and developing educational programs designed to help emerging professionals build confidence, master leadership skills, and advance their careers through practical mentorship. She believes that true leadership is rooted in service, guidance, and a willingness to invest in others' success. Through her commitment to paying it forward, Movita continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders while creating lasting impact across the industries she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Movita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a blend of rigorous independent study, persistent on-the-job training, and a deeply rooted foundation of service. My early experiences serving as a New York State EMT and volunteering in the aftermath of 9/11 instilled in me a profound sense of purpose that I have carried throughout my career. By combining that spirit of service with a sharp, consistent focus on brand-level development within luxury hotel operations, I have been able to effectively drive high-impact results and elevate standard practices within the industry.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Success comes from never quitting. Be an advocate for yourself, stand tall and proud-know your worth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to actively provide and seek out hands-on mentorship. It is not enough to simply open doors; we must create clear developmental steps and teach people exactly how to leverage their unique skills within their existing roles. I strongly encourage you to pay it forward by offering practical, actionable guidance to those coming up behind you, ensuring they have the real-world tools necessary to thrive rather than just a seat at the table.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, a notable challenge in our field is the gap between mere title-holders and true leaders, as many managers currently lack structured mentorship skills. However, this gap presents a massive opportunity to design books, e-courses, and formal programs that teach authentic leadership and operational excellence. Furthermore, there are incredible avenues for growth in adjacent areas, such as luxury real estate development and residential-commercial spa management, which allow us to expand our traditional operational footprint.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, guiding every decision in both my professional career and personal life, are service, mentorship, paying it forward, and leadership development. I believe that true success is measured by the positive impact we leave on others and our ability to cultivate the next generation of talent. For me, investing in people and uplifting communities will always be the ultimate standard of achievement.
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