Tara Poulakis, owner of The Hampton Maid — a family-run hotel and restaurant with 67 years of history in the Hamptons — joined Red Flower for a conversation about the intersection of hospitality and wellness. Guided by the lessons of her grandparents and a deep commitment to authentic, restorative experiences, Tara has made it her mission to weave wellness into every corner of her property, from Red Flower Ocean amenities to dinner at R.AIRE and the smallest sensory details that make a guest feel truly cared for. We explored what that looks like in practice, and what drives her passion for creating spaces where people can genuinely slow down.
RF: What first inspired you to pursue a career at the intersection of hospitality and wellness?
TP: My inspiration grew out of my deep appreciation for how powerful a simple stay can be for someone's well-being. Hospitality isn't just about providing a place to sleep—it's about creating an environment where people can slow down, reconnect, and feel cared for. At The Hampton Maid, I see firsthand how thoughtful food, a peaceful setting, and genuine service could change someone's day or even their outlook. That realization sparked my passion for weaving wellness into the hospitality experience.
RF: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to guest well-being?
TP: One moment that stands out was when a guest told me that their stay with us was the first time in months they had truly relaxed. They spoke about how the quiet atmosphere, nourishing food, and warm service allowed them to reset during a very stressful period in their life. Hearing that reinforced the idea that what we create here goes beyond hospitality—it's restorative. Since then, I've approached every detail, from the food we serve to the way we welcome guests, with the intention of supporting their overall well-being.
RF: How has your philosophy on wellness within the hospitality experience evolved over the years?
TP: Early on, I thought of wellness mainly in terms of healthy food and a tranquil environment. Over time, my understanding has broadened. Wellness in hospitality is about the full sensory and emotional experience: the quality of ingredients, the beauty of the surroundings, the kindness of the service, and the feeling of being truly seen and cared for as a guest. It's about creating spaces that feel authentic, grounded, and nurturing—places where people can disconnect from stress and reconnect with themselves.
RF: What challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how have you overcome them?
TP: Like many women in hospitality and business ownership, I've had moments where I needed to assert my voice and trust my instincts, especially in spaces that historically haven't always been female-led. Balancing leadership, creativity, and the operational demands of running a property can also be challenging. What helped me most was staying confident in my vision, surrounding myself with supportive collaborators, and remembering that authenticity and empathy—qualities often undervalued in traditional leadership—are actually strengths in hospitality.
RF: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in hospitality and wellness?
TP: Trust your perspective and don't underestimate the value of your intuition. Hospitality and wellness are deeply human industries, and empathy, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence are powerful leadership tools. Be willing to learn every aspect of the business, build strong relationships, and stay connected to your purpose. Most importantly, lead in a way that reflects who you are—authenticity is what ultimately creates meaningful experiences for guests and lasting success.
RF: What are your favorite Red Flower rituals for self-care?
TP: One of my favorite Red Flower self-care rituals is using the Lymphatic Phytopower Sea Cleanser and Masque as part of my facial cleansing routine. At the end of the day, I take a few quiet moments to gently massage it into my face, using slow, upward movements that follow the natural lymphatic pathways. It turns a simple step like washing my face into a calming ritual that helps release tension from the day. I love how the mineral-rich ingredients and ocean-inspired elements leave my skin feeling refreshed and balanced, while the gentle massage encourages circulation and relaxation. It's a small moment of mindfulness that helps me reset, and it reminds me how powerful a thoughtful skincare ritual can be for both the skin and overall well-being.
RF: Is there a particular Red Flower product, scent, or ritual that resonates with you most? If so, why?
TP: The ocean scent and products from Red Flower resonate with me the most. Being in the Hamptons, we're surrounded by the beauty and energy of the sea, so that fragrance feels incredibly natural and connected to our environment. The fresh, mineral quality of the scent instantly evokes the feeling of being near the water—it's calming, cleansing, and grounding all at once. I'm especially drawn to the ocean-inspired products because they bring that same sense of renewal into everyday rituals. Whether it's a shower or a moment of skincare, the scent creates a small escape that feels restorative and peaceful. It captures the essence of the coastal setting we're lucky to be part of, and it aligns beautifully with the kind of relaxed, nature-connected wellness experience we hope guests feel during their stay.
RF: How do Red Flower amenities and products enhance the guest experience at your property?
TP: At our property, we're very intentional about every detail that contributes to a guest's sense of comfort and well-being. Red Flower amenities fit beautifully into that philosophy. Their products bring a sense of calm, quality, and thoughtfulness to everyday moments like washing your hands or taking a shower. The ocean-inspired scents and natural ingredients feel especially connected to our coastal surroundings here in the Hamptons. They subtly reinforce the feeling of being near the sea and help create a sensory experience that is both relaxing and restorative. Guests often notice these touches, and it elevates their stay in a quiet but meaningful way. It's those small, thoughtful details that help transform a simple overnight stay into something more memorable and nurturing.
RF: What trends are currently exciting you at the intersection of hospitality and wellness?
TP: One of the most exciting trends right now is the idea that wellness is no longer confined to the spa—it's becoming woven into the entire hospitality experience. The goal is to create environments that naturally support relaxation and restoration, rather than offering wellness as a separate activity. Another trend I love is the deeper connection to nature and place. Guests are increasingly drawn to experiences that feel authentic and grounded in the local environment—whether that's farm-to-table dining, gardens, or partnerships with local producers. Wellness today is about simplicity and authenticity, and bringing the outdoors and natural ingredients into the guest experience plays a big role in that. For me, the most exciting part is seeing hospitality return to its roots: creating spaces where people can truly slow down, reconnect with themselves, and leave feeling better than when they arrived.
RF: How do you approach weaving wellness into the overall guest journey — beyond the spa or fitness center?
TP: For me, wellness in hospitality is most meaningful when it's thoughtfully integrated into every touchpoint of the guest experience rather than limited to a spa treatment or a fitness class. It starts with creating an environment that naturally encourages guests to slow down—from the calm, welcoming atmosphere when they arrive to the way the spaces feel light, comfortable, and connected to nature. Food plays a big role in that journey as well. Our dinner service at R.AIRE is designed to be an experience that feels both nourishing and enjoyable, with thoughtfully prepared dishes from scratch using the finest ingredients and an atmosphere that invites guests to relax, linger, and connect. In the morning, breakfast service is another important moment of care. It's often the first experience of the day for our guests, and we focus on fresh, quality ingredients and a warm, welcoming setting that allows them to start their day feeling energized and well cared for. The smaller details matter just as much. Things like beautiful, natural bath amenities, soft lighting, peaceful outdoor spaces, and moments of quiet throughout the property all contribute to how a guest feels during their stay. Those sensory touches—scent, texture, sound, and atmosphere—help create an experience that feels restorative without needing to label it as "wellness." Ultimately, my approach is to make wellness feel effortless and natural. When every part of the stay supports relaxation, comfort, and a connection to place, guests leave feeling refreshed without necessarily realizing that every detail was intentionally designed to support their well-being.
RF: What is one wellness touchpoint you believe every hotel should offer its guests?
TP: One wellness touchpoint I believe every hotel should offer is the opportunity for guests to experience truly restorative rest. In today's fast-paced world, many travelers arrive feeling overstimulated and exhausted, so creating an environment that supports deep relaxation and quality sleep can make an incredible difference in their overall well-being. This can be achieved through thoughtful details—comfortable bedding, calming lighting, quiet spaces, and natural, beautifully scented bath amenities that help guests unwind at the end of the day. Even simple rituals, like a relaxing shower or a few quiet moments in a peaceful room, can help signal to the body that it's time to slow down. When hotels prioritize rest and relaxation in this way, they offer guests something truly valuable: the chance to reset, recharge, and wake up feeling better than when they arrived. For me, that's one of the most meaningful forms of wellness hospitality can provide.
RF: How do you personally recharge and maintain balance in a demanding hospitality environment?
TP: In hospitality, the pace is fast and the demands can feel constant, so I've learned that intentionally carving out moments for myself is essential. I personally recharge through small daily rituals that center both body and mind—like using the Red Flower Lymphatic Sea Cleanser and Masque as part of a calming facial routine, enjoying quiet walks along the coast, or simply taking a few minutes to pause and breathe before the day begins. I also find that connecting with nature—whether it's the ocean, gardens, or even just natural light indoors—helps me reset and gain perspective. Sharing meals with friends and family also grounds me, reminding me that wellness isn't just personal—it's about connection and community as well. Finally, I stay intentional about boundaries and self-reflection. Even in a high-energy environment, taking time to assess priorities, celebrate small wins, and nurture myself ensures that I can show up fully for guests, staff, and the business. Balance, for me, is a combination of mindful rituals, connection, and conscious pacing—small but consistent practices that keep me energized and centered.
RF: Can you share a book, podcast, or mentor that has had a significant impact on your career?
TP: The people who have had the most significant impact on my career are my grandparents. They taught me everything I know about hard work, integrity, and caring for others, and they always encouraged me to dream big. From them, I learned the value of hospitality as a way to make people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. Their guidance wasn't just about business—it was about mindset, resilience, and approaching life with curiosity and generosity. They instilled in me the confidence to pursue my vision with passion and to create experiences for guests that feel personal, thoughtful, and meaningful. Even today, their lessons continue to guide how I lead The Hampton Maid and how I approach every aspect of hospitality and wellness.
RF: What self-care rituals do you prioritize amid the around-the-clock nature of hotel life?
TP: In the fast-paced world of hospitality, it's essential to create intentional pockets of self-care throughout the day. I prioritize rituals that help me slow down and reconnect with myself, even during busy periods. Daily quiet reading time is a ritual I cherish—it allows me to step away from screens and responsibilities, giving my mind space to relax and recharge. Beyond daily practices, I schedule monthly massages to release tension and reset both physically and mentally. Spending quality time with my family and going horseback riding are also essential ways I recharge—they provide joy, connection, and a chance to step away from the demands of hotel life. Sharing meals becomes another form of nourishment, not just for the body but for the mind and spirit. These intentional moments—big and small—help me stay balanced, grounded, and fully present for guests, my team, and the business.
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