This week, Emirates Woman speaks to Maria Marques, Director of Wellness at One&Only The Palm.

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.

Talking to us in detail about the world renowned Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm, Marques reveals the inspiration behind the space, what it stands for and what’s in the pipeline for the spa.

Tell us a little bit about your educational background.

I hold a degree in hospitality management with a specialization in wellness and spa operations.

What was your favorite subject at school?

I was always fascinated by how the human body works. That curiosity sparked an early passion for health, healing, and the power of self-care, long before I formally entered the wellness world.

What was your first job?

I began as a receptionist at a luxury resort. It was there I discovered the true value of attention to detail, genuine connection, and authentic hospitality principles that continue to guide me today.

What brought you to Dubai?

Love, in every form, love for adventure, love for new beginnings, and yes, a personal love that brought me from my beloved Spanish island. Then I discovered Dubai itself, with its rare balance of ambition and serenity, offering the perfect backdrop to pioneer new wellness concepts.

What inspired you to enter the wellness space and join the One&Only team?

My journey began in hospitality, but wellness found me unexpectedly, it wasn’t something I set out to pursue. From the moment I stepped into this world, everything changed. My vision for both my personal and professional life transformed, leading me naturally to One&Only. Seventeen years later, I’m proud to still call this family my home.

Talk us through the concept of wellness at One&Only The Palm?

At One&Only The Palm’s Guerlain Spa, wellness is more than a ritual, it is a philosophy. Each experience begins with a personalized consultation, allowing every treatment to be tailored to the guest’s physical and emotional needs. Blending the ancient traditions of Arabia with the timeless expertise of Maison Guerlain, the spa embraces the power of nature through rare orchids and regenerative bee products, symbols of longevity and renewal. The result is a bespoke journey that restores balance, revitalizes energy, and awakens the senses. Housed within Moorish- and Andalusian-inspired architecture, the sanctuary extends beyond the treatment room with tranquil gardens, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and dedicated spaces for yoga, Pilates, and private training. Guests may also discover exclusive hand and foot therapies by renowned podiatrist Bastien González, elevating beauty and wellness with clinical precision.
Here, excellence lies in the details where tradition and innovation unite to create a sanctuary devoted to holistic well-being.

What are the key elements of your role?

My role combines strategy with heart. I oversee spa operations, but more importantly, I design transformative journeys, mentor and empower the team, and ensure our wellness philosophy is felt in every touchpoint.

Talk us through your daily routine.

I begin each morning with ten minutes of deep breathing to reconnect with myself before the day’s pace takes over. My schedule includes team meetings, guest interactions, operational reviews, and strategy sessions, balanced with time spent on the floor with my team. No matter how busy, I always end the day enjoying a small gastronomic pleasure, my way of staying grounded.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow the same footsteps?

Keep your heart open, stay curious, and let empathy guide you. Wellness isn’t just about treatments, it’s about deeply understanding people’s needs and helping them reconnect with themselves.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

My grandfather told me: “Life is the greatest adventure. Get ready to be surprised.”

And what is the worst?

Fortunately, I can’t say I’ve received bad advice, only guidance that sometimes didn’t fit my path, but always given with good intentions.

What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?

Balancing innovation with authenticity, ensuring every new idea or practice remains true to what matters most: the well-being of our guests.

What’s the future of the brand?

The future of Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm is bold, integrative, and transformative. We are redefining wellness by blending cutting-edge innovation with ancient traditions, combining the elegance of luxury with a deep emotional connection. It’s not only about treatments or facilities, but about curating a sanctuary where every detail from design to service, nurtures the holistic essence of being. Wellness here is not a fleeting moment but a way of life, lived fully and mindfully. We envision beauty and wellbeing as a personalized, sustainable journey. Through pioneering therapies and meaningful rituals, our aim is to create experiences that restore, inspire, and leave every guest with a renewed sense of vitality and harmony.

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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied