Fatos Dulger
Director Of Spa & Wellness
Istanbul
Summary
With an extensive career spanning 33 years in the dynamic tourism and hospitality industry, this highly accomplished leader is renowned for exceptional expertise in luxury spa management and wellness services. Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, with a strong background in economics, they have cultivated a distinguished career, leading diverse teams and optimizing operations at some of the world's most renowned hotels and resorts. Celebrated for their ability to drive excellence in wellness and hotel operations, opening new resorts, improving team performance, and elevating guest experiences. Passionate about innovation and maintaining high standards, whether in spa management or strategic hotel development. Outside of professional accomplishments, they are an avid traveler, enjoying the opportunity to meet new people, explore the outdoors, and spend quality time with their daughter, two grandchildren, and beloved dog. Their leadership style is characterized by strength, motivation, and an innate ability to inspire others, leaving a lasting impact on both their teams and the hospitality industry.
Work History
Spa Consultant / Director of Spa & Recreation
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Canouan Island Caribbean
11.2024 - Current
- Led the restoration and revitalization of the spa and recreation departments following a post-hurricane recovery phase, ensuring a swift return to full operational capacity
- Spearheaded the renovation and redesign of spa services, implementing innovative solutions to elevate the guest experience and reinforce the luxury standards of the resort
- Directed the recruitment, training, and development of a highly skilled team, enhancing service delivery and optimizing guest satisfaction
- Collaborated closely with senior management to refine and strengthen the resort’s brand presence, positioning it as a top-tier destination in the Caribbean luxury market
Spa Consultant / Director of Spa & Wellness
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
11.2023 - 04.2024
- As a Spa Consultant, I played a pivotal role in elevating spa operations and creating innovative concepts
- Collaborating with stakeholders to develop a compelling spa concept and menu tailored to guest preferences
- Conducting thorough operational analysis and staff training to improve efficiency and enhance guest satisfaction
- Managing financials, including budgeting, cost control, and revenue maximization, while ensuring high-quality service standards
- Working with marketing to elevate the spa's visibility and brand presence through strategic campaigns
Executive Committee Member | Director of Spa & Recreation
Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Doha , Qatar
02.2022 - 05.2023
- As part of the senior executive team, I led the strategic direction of the resort’s spa and recreational offerings
- Developed and implemented long-term growth strategies for the resort
- Managed the financial health of the spa, overseeing budgeting, performance, and cost-saving initiatives
- Led a team of senior leaders, guiding and mentoring them for peak performance
- Ensured operational excellence and guest satisfaction across both wellness and recreational facilities
Task Force Consultant
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Istanbul , Turkey
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Assisted with the pre-opening phase of the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Spa, providing critical support in team training and operational setup according to Mandarin Oriental standards
- I played a key role in integrating the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group philosophy across all areas of spa and wellness operations
Director of Spa & Wellness
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Bodrum , Turkey
03.2019 - 02.2022
- I led and managed the spa and wellness operations, ensuring operational excellence and superior guest service
- My key achievements include overseeing the recruitment, training, and leadership of a dedicated team of 36 associates
- Successfully launched new spa facilities and wellness programs, contributing to a high level of guest satisfaction and operational success
- Driving significant increases in controllable profit and spa revenue through strategic planning and team performance management
Spa Director
The St. Regis
Istanbul , Turkey
12.2017 - 03.2019
- In this role, I was responsible for managing all aspects of spa operations, ensuring profitability and business objectives were met, and leading retail operations
- Led the development of membership programs and enhanced customer engagement to drive growth
- Achieved the highest revenue since the hotel's opening by focusing on strategic sales and operational efficiency
Assistant General Manager
Mardan Palace
Antalya, Turkey
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Promoted from Spa Director to Assistant General Manager, I supported hotel-wide operations, driving excellence across departments, and ensuring the resort's operational success
Director of Spa
Mardan Palace
02.2011 - 08.2017
- Managed one of the world's largest spas, with a diverse team of 75 employees
- Directed a wide range of luxury wellness services, including Thalasso Therapy, Beauty and Esthetic Centers, Kids Spa, Aromatherapy, and Medical SPA services
- Led the resort to achieve multiple industry accolades, including World Travel Awards and Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards
Business Owner
Talia Tourism Ltd.
Istanbul , Turkey
01.2005 - 12.2008
- Founded and managed a successful business overseeing merchandise and concept stores for two leading hotel chains in Turkey
- Developed and produced custom merchandise lines that aligned perfectly with the luxury branding of the hotel chains
- Managed day-to-day store operations, including inventory and staff coordination, ensuring smooth operations and quality customer service
Financial Managing Partner | Owner
Fantazi Tourism Ltd.
Antalya, Turkey
01.1992 - 04.2005
- Managed the financial operations of a family-run business, building motor yachts and distributing high-end yacht parts
- Led a team across multiple departments and managed financial reporting for the company’s operations
- Oversaw the coordination of services, staff management, and daily operations, maintaining the highest standards of safety and guest satisfaction
Financial Controller
AEG
Istanbul , Turkey
03.1985 - 03.1989
- In my first professional role, I gained invaluable experience managing financial operations and reporting for AEG, applying theoretical knowledge from my studies in business administration
Education
Graduate - Business Administration and Management
01.1984 - 01.1986
High School Graduate - undefined
01.1974 - 01.1983
Skills
Hotel & Resort Management
Certification
Beauty Esthetician & Massage Therapist – Ministry of National Education, Turkey
First Aid Responder – German Red Cross
Mesoesthetic – Medical Cosmetic Certificate – Mesoestetic Pharma Group
Basic Occupational Health & Safety Training – İŞ-SA Occupational Health and Safety Unit, Turkey
Master Mariner Certificate – Maritime Qualification – Ministry of National Education, Turkey
Honors And Awards
- World’s Leading Hotel Spa – World Travel Awards (2012)
- Turkey’s Leading Spa Resort – World Travel Awards (2013)
- Best Resort Spa in Europe – Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards (2019)
- Best Luxury Spa in Turkey – Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards (2021)
- Best Spa Manager in Turkey – Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards (2021)
- Qatar’s Best Resort Spa – Global Spa Awards (2022)
Personal Information
Place of Birth: Wiesbaden, Germany
Timeline
Spa Consultant / Director of Spa & Recreation - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
11.2024 - Current
Spa Consultant / Director of Spa & Wellness - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
11.2023 - 04.2024
Executive Committee Member | Director of Spa & Recreation - Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
02.2022 - 05.2023
Task Force Consultant - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
10.2021 - 02.2022
Director of Spa & Wellness - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
03.2019 - 02.2022
Spa Director - The St. Regis
12.2017 - 03.2019
Assistant General Manager - Mardan Palace
09.2017 - 12.2017
Director of Spa - Mardan Palace
02.2011 - 08.2017
Business Owner - Talia Tourism Ltd.
01.2005 - 12.2008
Financial Managing Partner | Owner - Fantazi Tourism Ltd.
01.1992 - 04.2005
Financial Controller - AEG
03.1985 - 03.1989
Fach Hochschule Wiesbaden - Graduate, Business Administration and Management
01.1984 - 01.1986
Hermann Ehlers Haupt & Real Schule - High School Graduate,
01.1974 - 01.1983
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