Julie Ramirez is a seasoned hospitality leader with more than two decades of experience elevating guest experiences across premier U.S. markets. As general manager of Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton, she is currently overseeing the debut of a new full-service spa and wellness destination in the heart of Napa Valley — anchored by a signature partnership with Red Flower. Guests will find aromatherapeutic Red Flower French Lavender amenities in every room and suite, a curated menu of therapeutic Red Flower treatments at The Spa at Casa Mani, and an expanded retail collection available onsite. A Hotel Management Magazine "GM to Watch," Julie leads with culture, mentorship, and service innovation at the forefront.
Red Flower with Julie to talk wellness philosophy, the rituals she swears by, and what she is most excited to bring to guests at Casa Mani.
RF: What first inspired you to pursue a career at the intersection of hospitality and wellness?
JR: I didn't set out to be a hotelier. It happened by chance when I was young, and I quickly fell in love with the industry. I started in a back-of-house role in the rooms division and gradually worked my way through nearly every department. This hands-on experience gave me a well-rounded understanding of hotel operations and how to truly care for associates and guests. I can't imagine myself anywhere other than hospitality. As general manager of Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, I am proud to foster an environment where people enjoy coming to work every day and create memorable moments for the team. With my wellness background, I'm also thrilled to lead a resort with a new full-service spa, where guests can experience something truly holistic and feel transported the moment they step through the doors. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of creating a place that feels like an escape, and it's exciting to debut a new wellness offering in downtown Napa Valley.
RF: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in hospitality and wellness?
JR: Don't let the negatives define your view of hospitality. This career has given me incredible flexibility — I was able to raise my children, take the time I needed, and enjoy amazing travel benefits along the way. Be yourself and don't feel you need to conform. While there are standards, hospitality is really about people, so let your personality shine and show up with an energy that bolsters your team and environment. Stay driven, and speak up. No one is going to hand it to you, and no one can read your mind. Stay relentless, and remember that your voice and individuality are what set you apart.
RF: How do Red Flower amenities and products enhance the guest experience at your property?
JR: We partner with Red Flower to bring a sense of Napa into each guest room through thoughtfully layered scents. Lavender is so abundant in our region and creates a calming foundation, while a touch of blood orange adds an unexpected, exploratory twist. The experience is completed with palo santo, bringing warmth and balance to the fragrance story. This sensory journey begins in the guest room and extends seamlessly into the spa experience. We are continuing to expand it in our Marketplace, where guests can discover additional elements to deepen and enhance their stay.
RF: What trends are currently exciting you at the intersection of hospitality and wellness?
JR: One of Hilton's top travel trends is the concept of "hushpitality" — the idea of seeking calm moments and using travel as a form of escape. With so many wellness gadgets out there, it's a refreshing reminder that we can always take a moment to unplug and recenter ourselves. As a destination, Napa Valley is actually right on target for this trend. It's a place where you can easily be encouraged to disconnect from your devices, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time with family and friends.
RF: How do you approach weaving wellness into the overall guest journey — beyond the spa or fitness center?
JR: This is two-fold — it is as much about our guests as it is about fostering a positive work experience for our team. For hotel guests, wellness is about personalization, such as the ability to use in-room technology to adjust lighting and sound in support of better sleep, as well as eco-conscious choices. I see these enhancements only continuing to accelerate as consumer expectations and curiosity continue to grow. For team members, I don't see wellness as an add-on or an integration — it is a priority. We actively monitor PTO banks and strongly encourage breaks. It's no longer a badge of honor to stockpile hours, which we all know can result in burnout. We have also introduced stress management strategies and safe spaces, because our teams can't deliver great service if they don't feel great themselves.
RF: What are your favorite Red Flower rituals for self-care?
JR: I adore the Illuminating Rose Collagen Renewal Serum. It has become a staple of my routine and gives such a luxurious feel — which, let's face it, is important since I'm notgetting any younger!
RF: Can you share a book, podcast, or mentor that has had a significant impact on your career?
JR: Atomic Habits by James Clear is one that truly shifted my perspective. I first read it in 2019, and it reinforced something I had always believed as a self-starter: that small actions create momentum over time. What the book did for me was bring that idea full circle and give language and structure to something I had instinctively practiced. Since then, I've found myself referencing its principles in every aspect of life, both personally and professionally. I've recommended it to just about everyone I know, and at my previous hotel, I chose it for our executive committee book club. It's one of those books that stays with you and continues to influence how you approach growth and progress.
RF: What self-care rituals do you prioritize amid the around-the-clock nature of hotel life?
JR: I try to start my day with exercise — mostly yoga these days, which keeps me humble since I'm still falling over often. I make sure to carve out time to decompress, whether that's cooking, enjoying the arts, or being outdoors. I'm relentlessly organized, probably over the top, in every aspect of my life, and that structure helps me manage the demands of the role. Taking pauses helps me step back. And at the end of the day, I try not to take myself too seriously.
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www.casamaniresortnapavalley.com to book your stay at Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley.