Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a flagship luxury brand under the Accor group, has announced the appointment of Emma Darby as its new Global Vice President of Spa & Wellness. Based in Dubai, Darby will oversee spa and wellness operations across Fairmont’s extensive global portfolio, which includes 92 properties in some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Darby’s role will encompass the strategic direction and operational management of flagship wellness destinations such as Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada, Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico, and Fairmont Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Her appointment underscores Fairmont’s commitment to delivering elevated, holistic wellness experiences that reflect the brand’s guest-centric philosophy.
A respected leader with over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Darby brings a wealth of expertise from senior roles at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Resense Spas, where she successfully led the global expansion of the brand’s high-end spa portfolio, driving new openings, renovations, and consistently high wellness standards.
“Emma’s deep belief in the transformative power of wellness aligns perfectly with our mission to care for our guests in meaningful, personalized ways,” said a spokesperson for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping our global wellness strategy and ensuring excellence across all touchpoints.”
Darby joins Fairmont at a pivotal time as the brand accelerates its international growth, with 29 new hotels in the development pipeline, including landmark projects like Fairmont Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and Fairmont Hanoi in Vietnam. Her immediate focus will be on evaluating existing wellness offerings, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing innovative strategies to enhance the guest experience while driving business performance.
Known for her values-driven leadership style, Darby emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and a guest-first mindset. She aims to foster a strong team culture grounded in integrity, inclusivity, and continuous learning, providing teams with a clear sense of purpose and the support needed to succeed.
As Fairmont’s Global Vice President of Spa & Wellness, Darby is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of wellness across one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hospitality brands.
