Hotel Cateys 2024: Spa Professional of the Year – Teresa O’Farrell, Coworth Park

Teresa O’Farrell, spa director for Coworth Park in Ascot and global head of spa and wellness at the Dorchester Collection, has more than 30 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness sector. Since joining Coworth Park in 2018, she has transformed the business, enthusing and inspiring her team of 25 spa professionals. Guests can choose from a wide-ranging ‘Spatisserie’ menu, which offers everything from anti-ageing facials to Hebridean salt scrub and seaweed body wraps. There is even the option to have touch therapy spa treatments, which are suitable for people recovering from cancer.

O’Farrell is known for supporting and developing her staff, having worked closely with Diane Hey at the Armonia Health & Wellbeing Training Academy to upskill the existing level 3 therapists at the hotel. She is also always on the look-out for new talent, having introduced a Dorchester Collection-wide spa graduate scheme that was previously only available to the F&B and rooms division teams. She also expanded this to include apprenticeships, the first of which was successfully completed in July this year. 

Moreover, following her recent promotion to global head of spa and wellness at the hotel collection, she now collaborates with a 200-plus spa team based in properties across the world. She has already made an impact, having introduced bespoke candles within three UK properties, as well as an in-room wellness menu that is popular among guests. This includes immunity-strengthening foods such as steamed Culoiselle chicken, artichokes and salmon, as well as brain-boosting dishes such as tuna tartare with sesame and poppy seeds.

O’Farrell has also committed to putting together the DC Global Spa Standards following her visits to all 10 of the hotel group’s spas and is now working with the global people and culture team at the hotel group to launch “Wellness For All” for all staff.

As part of her global role, she will also be leading on the design and concept for the spa in Tokyo, due to open in 2028, and has already guided the launch of the Lana in Dubai, the group’s newest spa to date and the United Arab Emirates’ first Dior Spa.

It comes as no surprise, then, that judges were quick to applaud her steadfast dedication to the industry, as well as her ability to lead with grace and gentle charisma.

What the judges said

“Teresa is a true spa leader and a clear winner. Her focus on the development of her team as well as her constant drive to look for new ways to grow the business were impressive.”

Charlene Phipp

“Teresa is a very accomplished leader with
a strong vision, who also manages to find the time to hold Cancer Touch events for charity. This award is well deserved and I am so delighted that she was entered this year –
it is her time.”

Sally Pedder

“A dedicated and worthy winner who is passionate about the spa industry. Teresa helps promote the spa sector from all angles and is respected amongst her peers.”

Kerry Hudson