James Rodriguez
Spa therapist
Madinat Jumeirah
Dubai, UAE

Goa-born James Rodriguez first entered the industry as a spa therapist working at the Hotel Oberoi in Goa in the year 1984. During this time, he met a business man who resided in Dubai and who was so impressed with his level of service he decided to help James to pursue a future in the emirate. Since then, Rodriquez has worked for Hilton before joining the Jumeriah Group when the company launched.

Roles have included massage therapist at the Mina A Salam Quay Health Club — where he was promoted to supervisor but chose to remain as a therapist because of his passion for the job — and therapist at the Al Qasr hotel and Six Senses Spa, now Talise spa.

“This opportunity sparked James to better his educational level and knowledge,” says Alida Brynard, operations manager at Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah, who nominated Rodriguez for the award.

“In 2005 he enrolled in a CIBTAC Anatomy and Physiology course which provides him with an international qualification as a body therapist professional. James truly excelled in the course and graduated with honours by achieving a 92 % pass rate.

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“Within this same year, Six Senses Spa at Madinat Jumeirah was selected as one of the top Spas of the world and this is something James was an integral part of and of which he is very proud,” says Brynard.

“In February of 2007, Six Senses spa was changed to our very first and own Talise Spa. This was the first and only operating branded spa of Jumeirah. Day after day James remains a true winner and a key part within the success of Talise. He is truly one of the most requested staff we have ever had,” she adds.

Commenting on his career to date, Rodriguez says: “I am proud to be a part and parcel of the success of the Jumeirah Group. I am honoured and extremely satisfied, having contributed and nursed this spa from the day one of its existence.”