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Recreation Experience Expert

Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

POSITION SUMMARY

Serve as a key resource for all recreation activities facilitated on the property. Provide information to guests about available recreation facilities, including pools, beach, fitness center, and other wellness and activity spaces. Encourage, recruit, register, and schedule guests to participate in recreation and wellness activities, promoting a fun, engaging, and relaxing atmosphere. Design, coordinate, and deliver wellness and movement experiences that enhance the guest journey, including group fitness classes offered as part of the Resort Fee and personalized wellness sessions. Promote and support the sale of private sessions, contributing to the overall wellness offering of the resort. Ensure all experiences are executed with exceptional service standards aligned with Forbes Travel Guide and Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), while maintaining recreation and fitness facilities in optimal operational condition.

Report accidents, injuries, and unsafe work conditions to management and complete required safety training and certifications. Follow company policies and procedures; ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional; maintain confidentiality of proprietary information; and protect company assets. Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards; anticipate and address guest needs; assist individuals with disabilities; and thank guests with genuine appreciation. Communicate clearly and professionally, including answering telephones using appropriate etiquette, and develop positive working relationships to support team success. Process payments for recreation activities, equipment rentals, or retail sales as applicable, and comply with all quality assurance expectations and standards. Perform operational and physical tasks required for the role, including handling equipment, maintaining work areas, and working in varied environments, while completing other reasonable duties as assigned.

Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by Supervisors.

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.

Recognized certification in Fitness, Personal Training, Exercise Science, or a related field is preferred.

Valid CPR and First Aid certification required.

Additional certifications in Yoga, Pilates, Functional Training, Mobility, Meditation, or similar disciplines are highly desirable.

 

Related Work Experience

Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Fitness Instructor, Wellness Coach, or in a related role preferred.

Experience in luxury hospitality environments, resorts, or wellness centers is strongly preferred.

Proven experience delivering both group fitness classes and personalized wellness or training sessions.

Experience in luxury hospitality environments (e.g., Forbes Travel Guide or LQA standards) is an advantage.

 

Supervisory Experience

No supervisory experience required.

 

English Language Proficiency
Intermediate to advanced level of English proficiency required, with the ability to communicate clearly with guests and team members.

 

 

CRITICAL TASKS

 

Recreation Communication & Coordination

  • Promote a fun, engaging, and welcoming atmosphere across all recreation and wellness areas by maintaining an enthusiastic and professional presence.
  • Provide accurate, personalized, and inspiring information about recreation and wellness facilities, activities, and services, including fitness classes, outdoor experiences, and holistic wellbeing offerings. 
  • Encourage, recruit, register, and schedule guest participation in recreation and wellness activities using appropriate systems (e.g., Concierge Assistant, PMS), ensuring a seamless guest experience. 
  • Deliver daily group wellness and fitness classes included as part of the Resort Fee (e.g., yoga, mobility, stretching, functional training, meditation, and related activities), ensuring high levels of guest engagement and satisfaction.
  • Facilitate and deliver personalized wellness and fitness sessions, tailoring experiences to individual guest preferences, needs, and goals, creating memorable and meaningful experiences.
  • Maintain an active and visible presence in wellness and recreation areas, engaging with guests, anticipating their needs, and creating a warm, approachable, and luxury service environment.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance guest satisfaction through thoughtful recommendations of activities and complementary wellness and spa services, supporting a holistic guest journey.
  • Support the development and continuous enhancement of wellness and recreation programming by staying informed on global wellness trends and guest preferences, contributing ideas for innovative experiences aligned with the resort identity and local culture.
  • Collaborate with Spa, Experiences, and other departments to support the execution of special events, wellness programs, and curated guest experiences.
  • Maintain awareness of the wellness activity schedule and support updates to ensure offerings remain relevant and aligned with guest demand.
  • Promote and support the sale of private wellness and fitness sessions, as well as personalized programs, in alignment with guest preferences and business objectives.
  • Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling wellness, recreation, and spa services in a natural and service-driven manner.
  • Maintain accurate records of guest participation, reservations, and scheduled activities using established systems. 

 

Recreation Facilities Safety

  • Promote and enforce the rules and regulations of all recreation and wellness facilities (fitness center, pool, beach, and activity areas) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and members. 
  • Observe activity within recreation and wellness areas and respond appropriately in accordance with local operating procedures in the event of an emergency. 
  • Identify situations where guests may not be able to participate safely in activities and proactively inform a supervisor or manager. 
  • Provide immediate assistance to injured guests until the arrival of emergency medical services. 
  • Ensure proper use of recreation and fitness equipment by providing guidance and supervision when required, supporting a safe and controlled environment. 
  • Follow company policies and procedures related to working with children and guest safety (e.g., waiver forms and participation guidelines). 
  • Complete and maintain all required certifications and training, including CPR, First Aid, and any additional qualifications required to support fitness and wellness activities. 
  • Conduct routine checks of recreation and fitness areas to ensure safe conditions, cleanliness, and compliance with operational standards.
  • Support the consistent execution of safety and service standards aligned with Forbes Travel Guide and Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), ensuring a secure and high-quality environment for all wellness and recreation experiences.

     

Recreation Equipment & Facilities

  • Clean and maintain all recreation, fitness, and wellness facilities, equipment, and supplies, ensuring functionality, organization, and readiness at all times. 
  • Supervise the daily cleanliness, presentation, and organization of the fitness center and all recreation areas, maintaining a luxury environment aligned with brand standards.
  • Ensure all equipment is in proper working condition, performing regular inspections and promptly reporting maintenance needs or malfunctions. 
  • Coordinate with Engineering or external vendors for corrective and preventive maintenance of fitness and recreation equipment to ensure continuous operation.
  • Verify the availability and proper presentation of guest supplies, including towels, water stations, amenities, and wellness-related materials, ensuring a seamless guest experience. 
  • Obtain, transport, and organize towels and supplies from Laundry based on operational needs, maintaining adequate stock throughout the day. 
  • Support the setup and breakdown of recreation and wellness areas, ensuring all equipment and materials are stored, handled, and presented according to standards. 
  • Conduct periodic inspections of fitness and recreation facilities to ensure compliance with safety, cleanliness, and quality standards.
  • Maintain all wellness and recreation spaces in impeccable condition at all times, ensuring a consistent luxury presentation.
  • Support the consistent implementation of Forbes Travel Guide and Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) standards across all fitness and recreation areas.
  • Identify opportunities to improve facility presentation, functionality, and overall guest experience within recreation and wellness spaces.

 

Guest Relations

  • Welcome and acknowledge each guest with a warm, genuine, and personalized approach, using the guest's name whenever possible and creating meaningful first impressions. 
  • Engage guests in thoughtful and authentic conversations about their stay, wellbeing, and available experiences, fostering connection and trust. 
  • Anticipate guest needs by actively listening and observing preferences, providing personalized recommendations that enhance their overall wellness and recreation journey. 
  • Actively listen and respond positively to guest questions, concerns, and requests, using established service recovery processes (e.g., LEARN, PLEASED, LEAP) to resolve issues and create exceptional outcomes. 
  • Address all guest needs in a professional, timely, and thoughtful manner, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience at every interaction. 
  • Assist other Ladies and Gentlemen to ensure proper coverage and prompt, efficient guest service across all recreation and wellness areas. 
  • Provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, ensuring access, comfort, and dignity in alignment with company standards and guidelines. 
  • Thank guests with genuine appreciation and provide a warm farewell, leaving a lasting positive impression of the experience. 
  • Build personalized connections with guests by understanding their preferences, wellness goals, and expectations, adapting interactions to create memorable, curated experiences.
  • Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and a proactive service mindset, consistently exceeding guest expectations in alignment with Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards.

 

Communication

  • Speak to guests and fellow Ladies and Gentlemen using clear, professional, and respectful language at all times. 
  • Answer telephones using appropriate etiquette, including timely response, proper greeting, tone of voice, and accurate message handling. 
  • Communicate work-related information effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to ensure seamless operations. 
  • Discuss work topics, guest situations, or operational updates discreetly and professionally, maintaining privacy and confidentiality standards. 

 

Working with Others

  • Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with all Ladies and Gentlemen across departments. 
  • Partner with Spa, Recreation, Experiences, and other operational teams to ensure the successful execution of wellness, fitness, and guest activities.
  • Support team members to ensure proper coverage, efficiency, and consistent delivery of exceptional guest service. 
  • Treat all colleagues with dignity and respect, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. 
  • Handle sensitive situations involving guests or fellow employees with tact, professionalism, and confidentiality. 
  • Collaborate proactively to ensure wellness, recreation, and guest experience initiatives are well-coordinated and aligned with overall resort programming.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in supporting operational needs across recreation, wellness, and guest experience areas.

 

Physical Tasks

  • Visually inspect tools, equipment, and machines to identify defects or maintenance needs. 
  • Stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time or for an entire work shift, while actively engaging with guests across recreation and wellness areas. 
  • Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance, and objects weighing in excess of 25 pounds with assistance. 
  • Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 
  • Move through narrow, confined, elevated, or outdoor spaces, including uneven or slippery surfaces, pool decks, beach areas, and wellness environments. 
  • Move up and down stairs and/or service ramps as required for daily operations. 
  • Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping during operational and setup activities. 
  • Perform tasks requiring physical stamina and agility, including supporting setup of recreation and wellness activities and maintaining operational readiness of facilities.

 

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates.  We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law. Law No. 8968

At more than 100 award-winning properties worldwide, The Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen create experiences so exceptional that long after a guest stays with us, the experience stays with them. Attracting the world’s top hospitality professionals who curate lifelong memories, we believe that everyone succeeds when they are empowered to be creative, thoughtful and compassionate.

 
Every day, we set the standard for rare and special luxury service the world over and pride ourselves on delivering excellence in the care and comfort of our guests.
 
Your role will be to ensure that the “Gold Standards” of The Ritz-Carlton are delivered graciously and thoughtfully every day. The Gold Standards are the foundation of The Ritz-Carlton and are what guides us each day to be better than the next. It is this foundation and our belief that our culture drives success by which The Ritz Carlton has earned the reputation as a global brand leader in luxury hospitality. As part of our team, you will learn and exemplify the Gold Standards, such as our Employee Promise, Credo and our Service Values. And our promise to you is that we offer the chance to be proud of the work you do and who you work with.
 
In joining The Ritz-Carlton, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.