An Insider's Field Guide

By Leah Crump

Every year, Forbes Travel Guide announces its highly anticipated Star Ratings, recognizing the hotels and spas that set the gold standard for luxury and service. Earning a 4- or 5-star rating isn’t just an accolade—it’s the result of meticulous planning, a commitment to excellence, and a guest experience that feels truly seamless.

So first, a big congratulations to the properties that just received their stars! Your hard work shows, and this is a moment worth celebrating.

But le...

By Leah Crump

In a world where almost everything can be tailored to your taste—from Spotify playlists to custom skincare—it’s only natural that wellness would follow suit. Forget the cookie-cutter workouts and “one-size-fits-all” spa treatments of the past. Today, it’s all about hyper-personalized experiences that don’t just consider what you do but who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going.

This growing trend of hyper-personalized wellness is changing how we approach health, beau...

By Leah Crump Consulting

As a high-level professional woman, attending conferences can be an exhilarating and enriching part of your career. They’re an opportunity to learn, network, and solidify your position as a thought leader in your field. But let’s be honest: the travel, packed schedules, and juggling acts with family and personal commitments can take a toll if not handled thoughtfully.

In 2025, I’m challenging us to do conferences differently—gracefully balancing the demands of work, re...

 By Leah Crump, Principal Consultant at Leah Crump Consulting

Renovating a luxury hotel spa is a complex process that combines strategic vision, precise planning, and seamless coordination. Here, we cover five key elements essential to a successful project—though many more factors contribute to a flawless transformation. From aligning stakeholder interests to crafting an exceptional guest experience, each step brings the spa closer to an elevated reopening.

1. Aligning Stakeholder Vision...

By Leah Crump, Principal Consultant at Leah Crump Consulting

Recently, Leah Crump sat down with Staci Flores, Spa Director at The Plaza San Antonio and a close friend, to discuss the value of working with a specialized consultant as a business owner. 

Staci Flores: Leah, as the founder of Leah Crump Consulting, you’ve earned a reputation for helping hospitality professionals and creatives build thriving consulting businesses. But you also work with a business consultant yourself. What led you ...

By Leah Crump, Principal Consultant at Leah Crump Consulting

Running a boutique business often means wearing many hats, but trying to do everything alone can be a recipe for burnout rather than success. At a certain point, taking strategic risks and outsourcing key responsibilities can be the game-changer that propels a company to the next level. Recently, I made such a move by partnering with a Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO). The decision to bring in a seasoned professional to handle...