Inside the Career of the Director of NYC’s Most Iconic Luxury Spa

Featured Interview: Alexis Elmurr

Introducing Alexis Elmurr, Director of Spa & Wellness at Hotel Chelsea, where she leads operations at one of New York City’s most iconic luxury wellness destinations.

Originally from the Midwest, Alexis has called NYC home for the past decade. Her career spans the intersection of hospitality and wellness—from starting at SoulCycle as a part-time front desk associate (while studying for the LSAT) to stepping into spa leadership at one of the city’s most storied hotels.

Follow Alexis on Instagram @alexis_elmurr 

Known for her people-first approach, Alexis believes exceptional guest experiences are built on strong teams and thoughtful operations, a philosophy that shapes everything from service design to team culture. When she's not at the Spa, you'll usually find her at the gym, reading on the subway, or enjoying quiet evenings at home (take-out optional).

We interviewed Alexis on her career journey: 

If you’re escaping for the weekend, what’s always in your bag? 

I am a sucker for a staycation, so I feel like I'm more than likely staying in the city or perhaps venturing upstate (The Maker hotel in Hudson is my favorite place on earth). I always pack a book (whether I get to it or not is not the point), an edited version of my skincare routine (cleanser, mist, moisturizer, SPF), and a chic pair of sunglasses — my favorite pair right now is just my plain black pair from Carla Colour. Oh, and my staple Skall jeans. 

From Soul Cycle to the Hotel Chelsea Spa, you’ve built an inspiring career journey with some incredible brands. What advice would you give to someone who wants to break into a new industry or step into a role at a company they admire?

That is very kind of you to say. I truthfully stumbled into SoulCycle as a part-time Front Desk Staff; it was my backup job as I studied for the LSAT, as I was going to go to Law School (this is all after I had worked in publishing at Penguin Random House and quit about a year in because it was so toxic). All that to say, we love a pivot. Firstly: Trust your gut - work is not always going to be easy or fun, but it shouldn't feel depressing and draining. If you are miserable, go! Leave! Secondly: Start somewhere and then work hard. Be curious and relentlessly contribute. I cannot tell you how many decks I made for my managers that they didn't ask for, proposing a new project, pitching a marketing idea, or simply mapping out how I planned to improve the business from my end. Lastly: Everyone is making everything up. There is no reason it can't be you. 

What’s been one of the biggest challenges you've had to face, and how did you push through it?

Being a people manager while struggling with being a people pleaser is a huge challenge that I still struggle with daily. While I absolutely believe it is more powerful to lead with empathy and kindness, an unwillingness to deal with confrontation or conflict because you're afraid of your team not liking you, and/or - you have a real issue with those uncomfortable conversations - can hurt your team's performance and morale. When top performers see peers getting away with below average work, that's demoralizing. I have to remind myself that clarity is actually a kindness. And it's not about me; I need to be OK with feeling uncomfortable for a 5-minute conversation so that the team and business can be what they need to be.  

What’s a productivity tool that’s helped you achieve your goals?

I love a good leadership book. I think gleaning insights from those you aspire to be similar to is so helpful, and you're able to cherry-pick what suits your style and what doesn't. It also helps broaden your perspective and can give you a north star for your goals. Unleashed is by far my favorite book and I would encourage any people leader to read it. 

Beyond books, I'm very old-school... I take 5 minutes at the start of every (work) day and write out my to-do list for the day (or, at least, what I hope to get done that day). If a task is non-negotiable or a higher priority, I put a symbol by it, so I know I have to get that done today. Taking those few minutes at the start of my day (as I down my cortado) helps streamline my brain for the day. 

Who or what inspires you most on your creative journey?

My team inspires me every single day. Beyond being talented at their current roles, almost every single person on the team is also an artist in some way or has their own side hustle(s). It's truly wonderful, and I lean on my team a lot and try to make sure the Spa feels (and is) a collaborative environment. 

Do you have a manifestation practice or mindset ritual you swear by — something that’s helped you call in the life and opportunities you want

Yes! Affirmations are so, so powerful. After a tough break-up a few years ago, I was going through it and was desperate for anything that would make me feel 1% less helpless. I downloaded an Affirmation app (I Am), and I changed my phone background to an image that says "the right things will happen," and (spoiler alert) they did! I haven't changed my background since. I really think there is something to reading/saying/writing something daily that brings it into existence; it's truly a mindset shift.

Big Ideas No Chills is an interview series spotlighting real stories of ambition and reinvention—everyday people pivoting careers, taking bold risks, starting new chapters, and chasing big dreams.