SAN ANTONIO, April, 2011 – Mokara Hotel & Spa, San Antonio’s only Forbes four-star hotel and spa, has appointed Movita Hernandez as spa director of Mokara Spa. In her position, Hernandez will oversee all aspects of operations, staff management and treatment protocol at Mokara Spa and will ensure all services offer the continued brand promise of “exceptional included.”

Hernandez’s wellness career has spanned more than a decade. Most recently, she was the Spa Director at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, where she oversaw all spa operations, which included management of a 35-member team consisting of license therapists, aestheticians and personal trainers. Prior to that, Hernandez was the Spa Director at the Grand Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa, where she oversaw spa operations of over 140 employees and coordinated the re-opening of the second property spa.  She also held senior-level positions at New York’s Peninsula Hotel and Spa and the I-Spa at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington D.C. 

A native of Belize, Hernandez brings extensive luxury spa experience to Mokara Spa and has studied several fields including biology, finance and merchandising. Through her extensive experience in the luxury field, she has been instrumental in the openings of spas as well as creating and implementing new luxury standards and signature treatments.

“Ms. Hernandez’s extensive experience as a manager in the luxury spa market will be an invaluable asset to our newly re-branded Mokara Spa,” said Rusty Wallace, general manager of Mokara Hotel & Spa. “This is an exciting time at the Mokara Spa, as we have just introduced our new couple’s treatment room, and we look forward to having Ms. Hernandez take the reins on our new ventures.”

A sophisticated sanctuary in the heart of San Antonio, Mokara Hotel & Spa offers highly personalized service with the promise of “exceptional included.” The Mokara Spa is a 17,000-square-foot oasis that re-defines spa luxury with its exquisite treatments, stylish décor and experienced therapists that combine to bring a spa experience where the exceptional is always included. The Spa houses 18 sumptuous treatment rooms, a new couples’ treatment room, private sanctuary lounges, whirlpool, steam and sauna, Vichy showers, plus an outdoor poolside café with rooftop views of the city.  A full-service hair and nail salon is also on site.  Private label products, using ingredients indigenous to Texas and San Antonio, include shampoo, conditioner, bath soaps and body treatments.  Spa services, for both men and women, include facials, massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, body wraps, manicures, pedicures and a range of spa therapies.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call (866) 605-1212 or visit www.mokarahotels.com.

About Mokara Hotels & Spas
The Mokara Hotel & Spa, formerly known as the Watermark Hotel & Spa, is the companion property to the illustrious Omni La Mansión del Rio, both of which have been owned and operated by Omni Hotels & Resorts since 2006.  With its stunning views of the tranquil River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Mokara blends a serene setting with relaxed sophistication to bring a guest experience where the exceptional is always included.  In addition to the acclaimed 17,000-square-foot Mokara Spa, the property features 99 elegantly appointed guest rooms and Ostra, an unrivaled seafood epicurean experience.  A second Mokara Hotel & Spa is planned for Banderas Bay, Mexico.  For more information, call 866-605-1212 or visit mokarahotelsandspas.com.