Robyn-lee Jantjies, Spa Manager at Amani Spa & Wellness, Radisson Port Elizabeth, is leading with heart and transforming leadership in the wellness industry. This month, we celebrate her unwavering resilience, passion, and the transformative impact she has had on both her team and the guest experience. At Amani, we believe true wellness starts with the people who create it.

A Journey That Started on the Open Seas

Robyn’s career in the spa industry wasn’t planned—it found her. What started as a gap year decision soon became a calling when she attended an open day promoting jobs for spa therapists on a cruise ship. The idea of travelling the world and honing her skills in the beauty and wellness industry appealed to her.

At just 20 years old, she found herself in Miami, stepping onto a cruise liner for a nine-month contract that would prove to be one of the most intense and formative experiences of her life.

“I was so young, and the reality of what I’d signed up for hit me the moment I landed. It was intense—long hours, back-to-back guests, high-pressure targets. But it instilled in me a work ethic and resilience that I carry with me to this day.”

With a spa team of over 30 therapists and thousands of guests onboard, Robyn learned the art of high-performance service, discipline, and adaptability. But more importantly, she also saw what not to do when it came to leadership.

“There was no softness, no warmth. It was tough love all the way. But it shaped me. I took the lessons of what I didn’t want in a workplace and used that to create the kind of culture I lead with today.”

Building a Spa Team That Thrives

Robyn joined Amani Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Port Elizabeth in 2019 as an Assistant Spa Manager and was soon promoted to Spa Manager. However, the transition wasn’t seamless as she inherited a disconnected team and a workplace lacking cohesion.

Instead of stepping back, she stepped up.

“I walked into a team that was stuck. There was no warmth, no real teamwork, and I knew that had to change. I didn’t just want to manage a spa; I wanted to build something lasting.”

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took careful hiring, intentional team-building, and a focus on personal development. Robyn introduced soft skills training, ensuring her team understood not just techniques, but people. She implemented the concept of Love Languages, recognising that understanding how people feel valued enhances both workplace culture and guest experience.

“I get to know my team deeply. If someone hits a target, I reward them in the way they feel seen—whether it’s words of affirmation, a thoughtful gift, or an act of service. When people feel valued, they give their best, and that reflects in every guest interaction.”

The results? A high-performing, engaged, and motivated team whose performance has improved consistently month by month, with December 2024 being the best to date.

“We don’t sell products and services; we offer solutions. When a guest comes in, we find out what they need and add value to their treatment. That’s the Amani way.”

What Sets Amani Apart?

In an industry where many spas focus purely on services, Amani takes a holistic approach—not just in treatments, but in guest care, product selection, and team development.

“It’s the little things that make the biggest difference. The warm welcome, the personal connection, the extra touch in every treatment. We treat every guest as if they were our own beloved grandmother—because that level of care is what sets us apart.”

Amani’s signature product range, including the popular CircuFlow, Muscle Ease, and Cooling Gel, enhances the experience further. And with Robyn at the helm, these are more than products on a shelf—they’re solutions that improve guests’ lives, backed by real results.

“We recently helped a guest struggling with fluid retention for six months—something doctors hadn’t been able to fix. After one treatment with CircuFlow, she saw a 90% reduction in swelling. That’s what we do—real wellness, real impact.”

The therapist’s expert touch, guided by advanced training in circulation-boosting massage and detoxification methods, played a key role in reducing the swelling—so much so that the guest described her hands as magical.

The Future of Spa Leadership

One of the biggest challenges in the spa industry is the assumption that great therapists automatically make great managers. Robyn challenges that notion.

“Managing a spa isn’t just about treatments. You need to understand revenue management, stock control, scheduling, guest experience, and leadership. The skill set is completely different. A great spa manager isn’t just someone who can do treatments; they’re someone who can inspire a team, manage systems, and drive business growth.”

And while Robyn isn’t planning on being a spa manager forever, she’s not done growing yet.

“I know I have more to give. I want to share my knowledge and help more teams transform, leaving behind something meaningful. That’s my next step.”

A Team That Feels Like Family

The Radisson Port Elizabeth spa team has become a family and Robyn makes sure they know it.

“After our biggest December yet, I called the team in at 8 AM. They thought they were in trouble—but instead, I had laid out a breakfast spread for them, with small gifts to thank them. We all cried. It was a moment of real connection. That’s what we are about—seeing people, valuing them, and creating spaces where wellness begins from the inside out.”

And that’s why Robyn Jantjies is our Amani Star for February—not just for the numbers, but for the heart, leadership, and unwavering belief that when you invest in people, everything else follows.

Want to experience the Amani difference?

Visit Amani Spa at Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elizabeth and see why wellness, leadership, and care come together in a way that sets you apart in a meaningful way.

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