Episode Summary:

In this episode, Diana Stobo, a pioneering chef and advocate for wellness and healthy living, shares her transformative journey from a raw food advocate to a wellness real estate pioneer in Costa Rica. Diana discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a wellness hotel focused on healing modalities and the philosophy of "slumming it in luxury" in the hospitality industry. Joined by Ariela, they dive into the importance of staff retention, leadership in hospitality, and the personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Episode Time Stamps:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Diana Stobo and her journey in Costa Rica
• 2:09 - Building a wellness hotel with a focus on healing modalities
• 7:13 - Overcoming challenges in Costa Rica: Staffing, regulations, and growth
• 11:29 - Luxury hotels in Costa Rica and Bali: Personalized service and unique experiences
• 18:21 - The challenges of building and leading a team in the hospitality industry
• 22:25 - Self-discovery and leadership: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and finding self-worth

Episode Highlights:

• Diana's transition from a raw food advocate to a wellness real estate pioneer
• The concept of building a wellness hotel starting with food and expanding to include various healing modalities
• The decision to build in Costa Rica over Thailand and the associated challenges
• "Slumming it in luxury" and the importance of unique experiences in luxury travel
• The significance of staff retention and creating an authentic, intimate guest experience
• Ariela's insights on leadership, balancing compassion with effective management
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and the journey of self-discovery and personal growth

Episode Conclusion:

Diana and Ariela highlight the transformative power of wellness, not just in the context of a hotel or travel experience, but as a personal journey of growth, leadership, and authenticity. They stress the importance of knowing oneself, being direct, and maintaining integrity in both personal and professional life. This episode serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the hospitality industry or seeking personal transformation through wellness.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela for more insightful discussions on the boutique lifestyle lodging industry. Thank you to our sponsor, Solonis!

Keep connected with BLLA for the latest updates and explore BLLA.org for more resources. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with the pulse of boutique hospitality.