The Spa Receptionist is the first point of contact for guests visiting the lodge spa and is responsible for creating a warm, professional and luxurious experience from booking through to departure. The role combines spa reception, guest relations, administration, scheduling and retail sales, while maintaining the high service standards expected of a 5-star safari lodge. Current luxury-lodge spa vacancies similarly emphasise guest hosting, booking management, therapist coordination, administration, computer literacy and exceptional presentation.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Spa Reception & Guest Experience
- Welcome guests warmly and professionally upon arrival at the spa.
- Create a calm, luxurious and personalised guest experience.
- Explain spa facilities, treatments, packages and wellness offerings.
- Escort guests to treatment areas where required.
- Attend to guest enquiries, requests and special requirements.
- Build positive relationships with guests and anticipate their needs.
- Handle guest complaints and service recovery professionally.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding guest information.
Bookings & Scheduling
- Manage spa bookings via telephone, email and lodge communication channels.
- Schedule treatments according to therapist availability and guest preferences.
- Coordinate therapist diaries and daily treatment schedules.
- Confirm appointments with guests and therapists.
- Manage cancellations, amendments and no-shows.
- Coordinate spa bookings with the lodge's Front Office and Reservations teams.
- Ensure VIPs, honeymooners and special occasions receive appropriate attention.
Administration
- Maintain accurate guest profiles and treatment records.
- Capture bookings and guest information accurately on the spa/PMS system.
- Complete daily reports and relevant administrative documentation.
- Maintain accurate records of treatments, payments and retail sales.
- Assist with stock counts and monitoring of spa products.
- Ensure the reception desk and guest areas remain neat and presentable.
Payments & Financial Administration
- Process guest payments accurately.
- Handle cash and credit-card transactions where applicable.
- Perform daily cash-ups and reconciliations.
- Ensure all treatments and retail purchases are correctly charged.
- Follow lodge financial procedures and controls.
Retail Sales & Upselling
- Promote spa treatments, packages and wellness experiences.
- Recommend suitable retail products to guests.
- Identify opportunities to upsell treatments and products without compromising the guest experience.
- Maintain attractive and well-stocked retail displays.
- Assist with achieving spa revenue and retail targets.
Communication & Coordination
- Liaise closely with the Spa Manager and therapists.
- Communicate guest preferences and special requests to therapists.
- Coordinate with Front Office, Reservations, Housekeeping and Food & Beverage where necessary.
- Ensure guest information is communicated accurately between departments.
- Assist with organising special spa experiences for VIP guests.
Standards, Hygiene & Safety
- Maintain 5-star standards of grooming, presentation and guest service.
- Ensure spa reception and guest areas are clean, organised and welcoming.
- Follow all lodge health, safety and hygiene procedures.
- Report maintenance, safety or equipment issues immediately.
- Maintain professional knowledge of spa treatments and products.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Grade 12 / Matric.
- Previous experience in spa reception, hotel reception, guest relations or luxury hospitality.
- Excellent verbal and written English communication.
- Strong computer literacy.
- Experience with spa booking systems, PMS or POS systems.
- Excellent customer-service and administration skills.
- Professional, well-groomed and polished appearance.
Advantageous:
- Diploma or Certificate in Hospitality Management, Tourism, Spa Management, Beauty Therapy or Somatology.
- Previous experience in a 4- or 5-star hotel, luxury lodge or high-end spa.
- Previous experience working with international or VIP guests.
- Knowledge of spa treatments, products and wellness services.
- Previous retail sales or upselling experience.