With nearly two decades of experience in the spa and wellness industry, Robin Harrington is a seasoned leader with expertise in spa management, product formulation, and holistic wellness. Prior to joining Amara Resort and Spa (Sedona, AZ), Harrington served as spa director at The Wilde Haven Spa, where she successfully led the launch of an eight-room resort spa following a rebranding and renovation. Under her leadership, the spa experienced a significant increase in revenue. She also curated an innovative spa menu, introduced new skincare lines, and launched a wellness program that further enhanced the guest experience. Harrington spent more than 15 years at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, where she played an instrumental role in spa marketing, menu design, budgeting, and operations. With experience extending beyond management, she has hands-on expertise in product formulation, having founded Green Soul Botanicals, a line of handcrafted herbal spa products.
Harrington holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston, where she specialized in Cultural Anthropology. She also completed 500 hours of certification in Western Herbal Medicine at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, reinforcing her commitment to natural healing. Throughout her career, she has combined her passion for herbology, wellness, and hospitality to create spa experiences that honor the healing power of nature. She currently resides in Cornville, AZ, with her daughter, her mother, and two winsome dogs. Here, Harrington shares how she stays healthy.
Is there a specific fitness activity you love and why?
My favorite fitness activity is river walking. The intense Arizona summer heat curtails outdoor fitness. To beat the heat, I literally get in the cool Verde River and go walking. Walking in water is great exercise, and I get the chance to enjoy the meditative sounds of the river and watch the dragonflies and hummingbirds dip and dive—beautiful!
What is your favorite healthy beverage, and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
I learned in Western Herbalism classes that stinging nettle tea is packed with nutrients that a strong infusion is a natural replacement for Miracle Gro for feeding plants. I figure what is good for my garden works for me. I make a strong infusion of nettles urtica dioica (one heaping handful of dried leaves infused in a half gallon of steaming water overnight, strained, and refrigerated). It’s great as iced tea, tasty, and it gives me energy.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
When I had my herbal spa products business, I formulated a potent pain balm with herbs including Sacred Datura. I had an extremely ill client who used the topical balm tell me that the balm eased their intense pain enough that they could sleep well. I was honored that the formulation was able to improve their life, even in a simple way.
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with their efforts and why?
Eminence Organic Skin Care impresses me. I am interested in biodynamic farming and philosophy. Eminence offers a line of biodynamic products and supports the farmers in their intention to view the farm as an intricate, breathing organism in harmony with the cosmos and the whole of creation. Biodynamic ingredients make powerful, highly energetic skincare products.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Balance! It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day spa world and forget to find a good work/life balance. I think in the long run that taking time for myself and complementary interests will make me a more effective spa director and healthier overall.
How do you celebrate small victories?
Honestly, I take my family to lunch and drink a bloody Mary (with bacon garnish—lol).
What brings you joy?
Sycamores and red rocks that look like they are hiding ancient portals, tending my fruit trees, playing with my puppies, nature walks with my family in dappled sunlight, creating mesmerizing spa treatments, and of course, watching anime with my daughter while laughing at silly memes.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
As an amateur photographer, I take my master cosplayer daughter on costume photoshoots. I de-stress by getting lost in the artist’s world of light, composition, character, and story viewed through my camera.
