SAN ANTONIO, TX  (July 5, 2012) – Mokara Hotel & Spa, San Antonio’s only Forbes four-star hotel and spa, has appointed Gianni Rivera as spa director of Mokara Spa. In his position, Rivera will oversee all aspects of operations, team development and treatment regimens at Mokara Spa in order to ensure all services offer the continued brand promise of “exceptional included.”

Rivera’s experience in the luxury hotel industry spans more than a decade, with significant leadership in luxury spa management. Most recently, he was the Regional Spa Manager at Spa Luxury Group, a collection of properties that includes- The One Bal Harbour Resort, The JW Marriott Miami and Marenas Resort & Spa. Rivera worked closely with the individual properties to manage all spa operations including- staffing, budgets, resources, special programs and spa related public relations and marketing efforts. Prior to that, Rivera was the Spa Director at Costa Baja Resort & Spa, La Paz Baja California Sur Mexico where he was monumental in the development of the spa’s overall concept. He has also held senior-level positions at the Conrad Miami and Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne.

Throughout his luxury spa experience, Rivera has been instrumental in creating and implementing new luxury standards, developing signature treatments and handling spa operations. He has used his expertise in management and spa concept creation to facilitate superior spa experiences.

“Rivera’s experiences as a manager in the luxury spa market and throughout the hospitality field makes him as an invaluable asset to Mokara Spa,” said Rusty Wallace, general manager of Mokara Hotel & Spa. “We look forward to having him take the reins on all of our new spa programs.”

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.  For more information, call 866-605-1212 or visit mokarahotelsandspas.com.