Meet the leaders & wellness professionals shaping the future of Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
Arnaud Dieutegard
Senior Wellness, Spa & Retail Director
My journey into the spa and wellness industry began in my childhood in France, where my parents ran a physical therapy practice. Wellness was a way of life in our family – we ate organic food, meditated together, and embraced holistic practices like hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, numerology, homeopathy, and emotional decoding. I was exposed to various healing modalities, including the Vodder method for lymphatic drainage, Ayurveda, Reiki, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Shiatsu.
Working alongside my parents, I saw patients recover physically but still struggle with deeper emotional or energetic issues. This taught me that true healing goes beyond the physical, inspiring me to broaden my approach and help people earlier in their wellness journey and to shape spa and wellness programs that address mind, body, and spirit together.
Maintaining personal wellness relies on simplicity and sustainability. My wife is both my anchor and sounding board, and together we have created a haven at home where we unplug and reset. My wellness routine follows the same principle: I focus on a few habits I can maintain for decades.
One project I’m especially proud of is the creation of our Wellness Shala at Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. We built this dedicated, open-air pavilion as a true mind-body sanctuary for our guests, and it’s a clear reflection of my personal values. In many ways, it was a bold, disruptive move because it challenges the conventional model of what a hotel wellness offering can be.
Melissa Umaña
Spa Therapist & Energy Work
My choice to enter the wonderful world of spa and wellness was inspired by the power of physical therapy and rehabilitation for people suffering from injuries, conditions, or ailments on a physical, emotional, or spiritual level.
Today, wellness means finding myself, seeking out the most beautiful ways to be happy, spending quality time with my family, and taking care of my health as much as possible. I deeply enjoy moments of connection with nature through hiking, visiting breathtaking waterfalls, and going to the beach with my family and our dogs. It’s the simple details in life that fill and nourish us with positive energy, motivation, enthusiasm, and love.
One project that reflects these values is the Rain Forest Massage. This treatment represents the first interaction and connection we therapists experience when beginning this beautiful career at Four Seasons. Prioritizing a holistic approach to the human being and providing timely care on all levels is, without a doubt, the key to success in the spa and wellness industry.
Mainor Corella
Yogi
When I began my yoga journey, I was deeply devoted to ashtanga and its philosophical foundations. I even forced myself to act and be in ways that didn’t feel natural. Eventually, I realized that I am a human being with my own personality and samskāras (mental impressions), and understood that there is a very thin line between respecting the tradition and recognizing that yoga also has evolved. Every constructive intention that someone brings into the practice is valid, and we must recognize that the philosophy was created in a very different time and context than today.
To maintain balance, I practice observing without judgment, and staying as present as possible, remembering that I am the ‘seer of this movie we call life’. Life itself can be a constant meditation. Alongside this awareness, conscious breathing (prāṇāyāma) is essential, as is being mindful about everything I allow into my mind and body – whether it is food, content, thoughts, or words.
The most rewarding moments are the interactions with guests. When someone tells me it was the best session of its kind they have ever experienced, asks me for a hug or a photo, or shares tears and personal reflections, I am reminded why I do this work. I am here to be of service and support transformative spaces in the same way yoga has been deeply transformative for me.
Luna Sosa
Astrologist & Yogi
What inspires me most is the work itself. Every session is a reminder of how fortunate I am to connect with people who are genuinely curious about their inner world – their gifts, their shadows, their light, and their path to healing. Being trusted as a channel for these transformative experiences fills me with gratitude.
Since joining the resort, my path as a yogi and astrologer has deepened in ways I hadn’t imagined. One of the most beautiful transformations has been in my communication. I’ve learned to translate profound, often mystical concepts into language that feels both accessible and nourishing. Bringing the depth of what I once expressed only in Spanish into English has helped me create conversations that are not only informative but also transformative.
I have become more attuned to the subtle needs of our guests. Each encounter is now an opportunity to offer a truly personalized experience: anticipating their needs, offering comfort, and guiding them creatively toward their wellness goals. No matter how busy the day is, I always take a few moments to connect with myself before a class or a reading. It’s a quiet ritual – just a few deep breaths, grounding into my roots, and bringing in a sense of gratitude for being exactly where I am. But my favorite moment is when I smile to myself. That simple gesture holds so much power, it reminds me to enjoy what I do and to honor the presence of each guest.
