SHEILA JOHNSON : Pioneering the Tranquil Revolution in Spa Hospitality
“ I never set out to create a legacy in whatever field I ’ m working , but I acknowledge that I have broken several glass ceilings .”
SHEILA JOHNSON : Pioneering the Tranquil Revolution in Spa Hospitality
Sheila Johnson ’ s driving force when creating the Salamander Middleburg resort was the desire to craft a spa experience that seamlessly merged with nature . Reflecting on her professional entry into the spa scene , Johnson shares , “ I had never previously been involved in either the hospitality or spa fields , but it was my interest in health and wellness that led me into both .”
Salamander Middleburg is a 340-acre resort in the heart of Virginia ’ s Blue Ridge Mountains . Only 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport , Salamander Middleburg is the D . C . area ’ s first Forbes Five-Star destination resort and spa . Boasting equestrian programs , countryside bike
tours and aerial parks , the resort is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts while also featuring gourmet dining , indulgent spa treatments and spacious , lavishlyappointed guest rooms . For Johnson , Salamander
Middleburg ’ s essence lies in its tranquility .
“ The spa ’ s carefully designed spaces draw the outdoors inside ,” she notes .
Team Salamander
From a lifetime of successful business ventures , Johnson already knew the value of good counsel and loyal team members when she embarked on her spa journey . She found invaluable guidance from key figures within her company . Prem Devadas , the company ’ s president , and Penny Kriel , the corporate director of spa and wellness , played pivotal roles . “ I learned early in my hospitality career that hiring the right people can be difficult but is an absolute priority ,” Johnson shares .
Sheila Johnson ’ s Legacy
Johnson ’ s impact on the spa community , including the iconic Salamander Spa , is substantial . She has rooted her legacy in creating spaces that transcend traditional boundaries , offering an inclusive and enriching experience for all . Johnson is attuned to industry trends , noting the evolving nature of spa-goers ’ habits . She observes a growing emphasis on self-care — and sees this trend is not confined to spa clients but extends across the entire hospitality space . She believes in the transformative power of taking personal time and treating oneself better . n
A Success in Many Fields
Sheila Johnson ’ s role as CEO of Salamander Hospitality includes leadership of internationally renowned facilities in Florida , South Carolina , Virginia , Jamaica and the British West Indies . Additionally , she sits on multiple educational and philanthropic boards and has a long history of successful leadership , including : l l l
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Global ambassador for the humanitarian organization CARE Co-founder of the BET network Owner or partner in three professional sport franchises : the Washington Capitals ( NHL ), the Washington Wizards ( NBA ) and the Washington Mystics ( WNBA ) Member of the think tank Council on Foreign Relations Executive producer of the films Kicking It and A Powerful Noise
“ I never set out to create a legacy in whatever field I ’ m working , but I acknowledge that I have broken several glass ceilings .”
— SHEILA JOHNSON
Founders is an occasional series in which Pulse profiles and celebrates individuals whose leadership elevates the spa experience and has served as an underpinning for the spa community ’ s ongoing development . Know a Founder in the spa industry whose story should be shared ? Contact the editor : scot . gillies @ ispastaff . com .
MARCH 2024 n PULSE 45