Posted by Gabi Thomas
on September 01, 2026
Get to know the people shaping spa + wellness. A little personal. A little professional. Always worth knowing.
Meet Jill Haidler, Spa Director at The Waldorf Astoria Spa inside the Roosevelt Hotel
"I think we should be talking more about nervous system wellness and how it connects to overall health and well-being. We spend so much time talking about skincare, fitness, and treatments, but learning how to regulate stress and help the body truly relax is just as important. I think this is going to become a much bigger part of the spa experience."
What’s one unexpected career turn that led you to where you are today?
One unexpected career turn was deciding to drive the 24-mile Causeway Bridge each day to come work in the city. That decision led me to become a Spa Supervisor, which eventually opened the door to my promotion to Spa Director. Looking back, taking that chance and making that commute completely changed the direction of my career.
What’s your personal wellness non-negotiable?
Walking every single day. No matter how busy I am, I make time for it—it’s the best way for me to clear my head and reset.
What’s the thing people always seem to come to you for?
Making things happen. People tend to come to me when they have a problem, an idea, or something that needs to get done, and they know I’ll figure out a way to make it happen.
What’s one wellness trend you think is here to stay, or one you see coming next?
I think vagus nerve stimulation is a wellness trend that’s here to stay. I recently purchased a vagus nerve stimulator and have been really impressed with it. As more people become interested in nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and overall well-being, I think this is something spas could incorporate and even offer as a retail product.
What are you loving right now and telling everyone about?
Anything that helps me slow down and reset! Right now, I’m especially loving my vagus nerve stimulator. I’m fascinated by the growing focus on nervous system wellness and think this is an area that is going to become a much bigger part of the spa experience
If you could wake up at any spa in the world tomorrow, where would you be, and what would you book first?
SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. I’d book a full-body wellness assessment and then let the experts design my ultimate day of treatments. I’d want to experience the newest and most innovative approaches to wellness—especially anything focused on nervous system regulation, recovery, and longevity
What does your perfect day off look like?
A slow morning, a long walk, good coffee, a little shopping, a great lunch or dinner, and spending time with the people I love. No schedule and nowhere I have to be.
If you had five minutes with another spa professional, what would you teach them?
I would teach them that people are the heart of the spa business. Take care of your team, listen to your guests, and never stop looking for ways to make the experience better. The little details matter, and when your team feels valued, that translates directly into how they take care of your guests.
What’s something you think the spa + wellness industry should be talking about more?
I think we should be talking more about nervous system wellness and how it connects to overall health and well-being. We spend so much time talking about skincare, fitness, and treatments, but learning how to regulate stress and help the body truly relax is just as important. I think this is going to become a much bigger part of the spa experience.
What’s something you could use a little help with right now?
Finding the balance between being a Spa Director and actually taking my own wellness advice! I’m pretty good at telling everyone else to slow down, recharge, and take care of themselves—I could use a little more of that myself .
If you see Jill at SPARK, come talk to her about new wellness trends, cool spa technology, and ideas that are actually making a difference.
IN 3 WORDS
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Passionate,Resourceful, Supportive
How would your friends describe you personally in three words?
Loyal, Fun, Caring
QUICK PICKS
- 🎨 Favorite color: Yellow
- 🍽️ Favorite food: Anything Italian
- 🌎 Favorite destination: Fiji
- 🐾 Favorite animal: Dog
- ✨ Astrological sign:Taurus
- 🎵 Favorite song: American Pie
- 😈 Guilty pleasure: Ice cream…..
FAVORITE QUOTE
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself
ONE LAST THING
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m much more adventurous and competitive than people might expect!
Love hearing what Jill is all about? Say hi to her at SPARK 2026, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
