With 10 years of experience in wellness and customer service, Erika Peralta, district spa director New York at Exhale Spa, specializes in delivering personalized, high-quality experiences that support both mind and body wellness. With a passion for helping people feel their best, she leads with thoughtful care, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to service that truly makes an impact. Here, Peralta shares the ways she maintains her own wellbeing.
What does wellness mean to you?
As someone in the wellness industry, I believe wellness is about empowerment for both me and others. It’s about showing up in a way that nurtures growth, healing, and authentic connection. To me, wellness means creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported. It’s grounded in daily self-care, whether that’s moving my body through fitness, receiving a massage or facial, or simply taking a moment to breathe. Wellness is an ongoing journey of self-awareness and intentional living.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
My favorite ways to maintain my wellbeing are staying active through fitness and practicing daily self-care—both help me feel balanced, energized, and grounded.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
I love doing full-body workouts and hot yoga because they challenge me both physically and mentally.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
My favorite healthy food is salad, and I love how versatile it is. I can mix and match different proteins, veggies, and toppings to keep it fresh and satisfying.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
Kombucha is my favorite healthy beverage. I enjoy the natural fizz, and I love that it’s both refreshing and rich in health benefits.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
It is hitting my fitness goals and personal self-care.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
Kelly Isaac, my hot yoga instructor. She always pushes me to be my best both on and off the mat.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
My fitness coach always reminds me: “You can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first.”
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
Personalized health testing. Getting to better understand your health with personalized data is extremely valuable and allows you to work towards your goals more effectively.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
My idea of balanced health and happiness is feeling at peace in my own body and mind and creating healthy habits that always support my energy and goals.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
Detox
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
Practicing mindfulness, even in the smallest moments. It truly helps to keep you grounded and handle stress more easily.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
Exhale Spa at the Ocean Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, NJ
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with their efforts and why?
A wellness company that truly impresses me is Exhale Spa. Not just because I work there, but because of their commitment to total body wellness. Blending fitness with recovery and spa treatments allows you to achieve total wellbeing in one place.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
My go-to routine always starts with my skincare routine, then a full-body workout followed by a hot yoga session.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
Breathwork
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Finding more consistent time for rest and recovery.
What brings you joy?
Focusing
