Founding partners Ilana Alberico and Christina Stratton continue the growth of ISM Spa with the addition of two iconic properties in Florida and Texas. ISM is the management firm of record at the Spa at Orlando World Center Marriott, owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, and the new Desert Spirit Spa at Hotel Paso Del Norte in El Paso, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Hotel Paso Del Norte, originally built in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is owned by Meyers Group and managed by Greenwood Hospitality. ISM currently manages 15 spas across 6 states.
“We are thrilled these iconic properties have entrusted us to operate their spa,” says Stratton, founding partner and chief creative officer. “ISM is not the biggest management company, but we are known for our innovation and a corporate culture that attracts the industry’s biggest talent. ISM manages multiple Marriott-affiliated spas around the country, and these properties are huge ‘feathers in our cap.’ Orlando World Center is the largest property in the Marriott portfolio, and spa is one of the many amazing amenities attracting their guests year after year. In El Paso, we were blessed to be involved in every step of the process from concept to opening Desert Spirit Spa. It was special to pay tribute to Hotel Paso Del Norte’s rich history.”
Desert Spirit Spa is located on the hotel’s exclusive 10th floor, featuring customized treatments alongside breathtaking views. ISM provided the ownership with spa design and brand consulting at the inception of Desert Spirit Spa and pre-opening services to the management company and hotel leadership. The customized treatment selection is powered by ISM’s partner Spa Space App, which matches therapists directly with guests whose needs and preferences will benefit from their service.
“Landing these exciting new properties is proof that ISM’s model is working for our hotel and resort partners, spa therapists, and guests. The key to our long-standing relationships is trust and flexibility. We have a proven track record to execute a spa operation that is profitable, sustainable, and on-brand, and we are also known for ‘pushing the envelope’ with innovation,” says ISM’s vice president of operations Raye Vogler, who opened Desert Spirit Spa and oversees many of the spas in the ISM portfolio.
