An Icon Returns – Grand Hotel Locarno on Lake Maggiore

Located in the heart of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore and just a few steps from the lakeshore, the Grand Hotel Locarno returns as a stylish oasis of elegance, well-being, and new discoveries. Since its opening in 1876, the hotel has been closely linked to the history of the town and of Europe-as the host of the 1925 European Peace Conference and the venue for the first Locarno Film Festival in 1946. In the spring of 2027, the legendary Grand Hotel will celebrate its reopening, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of its Belle Epoque heritage. Timeless grandeur blends with modern luxury; time slows down and becomes a way of life. Nestled in alpine landscapes, surrounded by sweeping views of the lake and the hotel's expansive grounds, the hotel offers a rare balance of refined tranquility and restorative relaxation. The 110 elegantly designed rooms and suites combine historic character with contemporary comfort; many feature private terraces or balconies overlooking Lake Maggiore. Wellness is an integral part of the experience-with an indoor pool in historic vaulted ceilings, an outdoor pool, areas for yoga and fitness, and rooms for relaxation. Culinary offerings range from Mediterranean cuisine to refined Asian dishes, complemented by a lobby bar set beneath historic frescoes. With elegant event spaces and a spectacular event area that opens onto the 4,000-square-meter park, the Grand Hotel Locarno is both a retreat and a stage.

Your responsibilities

• Lead the Spa operation through pre-opening, launch and ongoing daily business, ensuring a seamless, tranquil and high-quality guest experience across reception, treatment areas, wellness facilities and all touchpoints of the spa journey. 

• Monitor performance, guest feedback, cost awareness and service quality while contributing actively to the successful opening, positioning and long-term excellence of the hotel’s wellness offering. 
• Drive spa revenue through effective treatment and retail strategies, team training, quality guest consultation and a thoughtful approach to upselling that aligns with a luxury service culture. 
• Work closely with Front Office, Housekeeping and other departments to ensure seamless coordination, integrated guest experiences and smooth operational flow. 
• Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, ambiance, product presentation and maintenance throughout the spa, creating a consistently serene and immaculate environment. 
• Oversee scheduling, treatment coordination, therapist productivity, guest preferences and service personalization with meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of luxury expectations. 
• Recruit, onboard, train and inspire the Spa team, fostering a culture of professionalism, warmth, discretion, well-being and genuine guest care. 
• Develop and implement elevated spa service standards, operational procedures, treatment protocols and guest rituals in line with the positioning of Grand Hotel Locarno as a five-star luxury destination. 

Your Profile

• Several years of progressive Spa experience in luxury hospitality, including proven leadership experience in a Spa management role within an upscale or five-star environment. 

• A strong understanding of luxury wellness operations, guest expectations, treatment coordination and the importance of atmosphere, discretion and personalization in the spa experience. 

• Pre-opening experience is highly desirable, together with the ability to build structures, standards and team culture from the ground up in a quality-driven environment. 

• An inspiring, hands-on and commercially minded leader with strong organizational skills and the ability to balance guest experience, team development and business performance. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage naturally with discerning international guests and to lead teams with clarity, empathy and professionalism. 

• Good business understanding in relation to scheduling efficiency, retail and treatment sales, service standards and departmental profitability. 

• Experience with spa booking systems and common hotel technologies is expected. Fluent English is required; German and/or Italian are highly desirable. 

We offer

• An exciting role and varied responsibilities within a forward-thinking and long-established company with a unique portfolio of hotels 

• Participation in the Arabella Hospitality Commercial Bonus Scheme 

• Flat hierarchy and a collegial team spirit 

• Permanent contract 

• Attractive benefits, including supplementary company health insurance, discounted hotel rates with our partner Marriott International, and contributions towards staff meals 

• An open and appreciative corporate culture in which we actively promote personal development 

Contact

Have we piqued your interest? Then please send your detailed application materials