Nicole Cortelletti, spa manager at Cape Of Senses (Lake Garda, Italy), has a multidisciplinary background that combines studies in aesthetics with training in management. Her professional career is distinguished by the integration of expertise in the wellness and personal care sectors, with a particular focus on the quality of the experience and the organization of services. Her approach combines aesthetic sensibility, managerial vision, and a focus on team collaboration—elements that define her professional work within the wellness and spa industry. Here, she shares her thoughts on health, wellness, and happiness.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellbeing means feeling comfortable with yourself, learning to find time to rest, reflect, and listen to your inner self. I believe that true wellbeing comes from inner balance, from the ability to recognize what we need and to take care of ourselves.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
For me, personal wellbeing comes from a balance between body and mind. I like to take time for myself, be alone with my thoughts, relax with a good glass of wine, and create moments when I can disconnect from work and my daily routine. I believe that taking care of yourself isn’t just about looking after your physical health, but also about cultivating positive relationships and maintaining a good inner balance.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Above all, I love taking long walks with my dog in the evening, but I also enjoy exercising early in the morning. It gives me a boost of energy to tackle the workday. All of this helps me stay active while also allowing me to relax mentally. Being outdoors transforms movement into a true moment of wellbeing, not just physical exercise. It helps me clear my mind, reduce stress, and reconnect with myself.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
One of my favorite healthy foods is fish, especially when it’s prepared simply. I like it grilled, raw, or baked. I prefer simple, fresh ingredients because I believe that healthy eating should also be enjoyable and full of flavor.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
My favorite drink is a refreshing herbal tea made with ginger, lemon, and mint. My tip is to use fresh ginger and mint and let the ingredients steep slowly, without using too much of either. This way, you’ll get a refreshing, fragrant, and naturally aromatic drink without needing to add sugar.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
My greatest achievement has been turning a passion into a path of personal and professional growth. I’ve been fortunate to meet people who have shared their knowledge, passion, and important values with me, teaching me above all to listen and to look beyond what’s on the surface. Today, I believe that this is the true achievement: to continue growing while maintaining curiosity, sensitivity, and respect for people and for the world of wellness.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
From the very beginning, I was fortunate enough to meet a teacher who inspired me to pursue this career and who provided me with invaluable guidance, supporting me throughout my professional growth. To this day, I deeply admire her—not only for what she taught me professionally, but above all, as a woman, for her strength, her determination, and her ability to face every challenge with great courage. She has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration to me.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
A spiritual teacher once told me, “Listen with your heart.” It’s advice I still carry with me, because it taught me not to focus solely on what we see or the words we hear, but to pay attention to emotions, feelings, and what people are truly communicating. I believe that learning to listen with your heart is essential, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with ourselves
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
After reading Next Leadership Generation: How to Ensure Young Tlent Will Thrive With Your Organizaation by Adam Kingel, I found the concept of wellness that is increasingly personalized, mindful, and focused on prevention for employees particularly interesting. I was struck by the idea that the future of wellness will not simply be tied to treatments or relaxation experiences, but to the ability to understand the person as a whole, integrating body, mind, emotions, and lifestyle. It’s a vision that resonates deeply with my own understanding of wellness and that I consider one of the most promising directions for the future of the industry.
What is your idea of balanced, healthy happiness?
For me, healthy and balanced happiness doesn’t mean always being happy, but being able to embrace all emotions—even the most difficult ones—without letting them overwhelm me. It’s about finding a balance between what we do, the people we love, the time we spend on ourselves, and the ability to appreciate the little things.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
Probably “balance” and “wellbeing” itself. They’re beautiful words, but sometimes they’re used as synonyms for a perfect, unattainable lifestyle. For me, however, wellbeing is something very personal, and above all, it shouldn’t become yet another source of pressure
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
My advice is very simple: learn to listen to yourself with your heart and your mind. We’re often so focused on our daily tasks that we forget to pause and figure out what we really need. For me, even just a few minutes a day spent breathing, slowing down, and regaining my balance can make a big difference. True wellbeing comes from consistency and small daily actions, not from the pursuit of perfection.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
My ideal wellness getaway is Sicily, specifically the area between Taormina and Catania. It’s a region I love for the extraordinary energy of Mount Etna, the sea, nature, and the Mediterranean climate. I find that this corner of Sicily has a special ability to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. I enjoy alternating between relaxing by the sea, taking walks in nature, and exploring the local cuisine. For me, true wellbeing comes precisely from this balance between nature, physical activity, good food, and quality time for oneself.
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with their efforts and why?
I really appreciate small, authentic companies that, with so much determination, passion, and expertise, manage to pass down ancient beauty secrets. I am particularly fascinated by their ability to make the most of the region’s native flora and transform it, with care and skill, into unique products. I believe these companies embody a special value: an authentic connection to the region, tradition, and the ability to transform nature into wellbeing.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
My favorite routine is taking time for myself through small, everyday gestures. I like to start or end the day with a thorough skincare routine, a moment of relaxation, and a few minutes all to myself, away from technology and my responsibilities. Even a simple walk or a body treatment helps me regain balance and wellbeing. I believe that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated: it’s mainly about learning to consistently give yourself attention.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
My favorite way to combat stress is to watch a good movie. It helps me completely disconnect from my daily routine, clear my mind, and treat myself to a few hours of relaxation. I find that immersing myself in a good story is a simple yet effective way to regain my peace of mind and recharge my energy.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
The area I’d like to work on the most is my ability to put myself first. We’re often used to taking care of others, our work, and our responsibilities, while putting ourselves last. I’m learning that listening to my needs, making time for myself, and taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s a form of self-respect.
What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?
I would recommend Cosmetology by Umberto Borellini, a book I consider an excellent foundation to always keep in mind. I find it particularly useful because it offers a solid and in-depth understanding of cosmetology, helping readers better understand the skin, ingredients, and the world of cosmetic products. For those working in the beauty and wellness industry, I believe it’s important to always keep these fundamentals in mind, because professionalism also stems from in-depth technical knowledge.
How do you celebrate small victories?
I like to celebrate them by treating myself to a special dinner with my family, friends, or my team. I think it’s important to take a moment to recognize your progress and appreciate the journey, even when the milestone may seem small. It’s precisely these moments that give meaning to everyday life.
What brings you joy?
It makes me happy to build trust and pass on what I’ve learned to the members of my team. It gives me great satisfaction to see someone gain self-confidence, grow, and achieve their goals. And, of course, being appreciated and valued for what I’m able to share is one of the things that brings me the most joy and gives meaning to what I do.
