Alena Kořenková: spa as work, nature as relaxation and calming

What does the job actually entail?

As a hotel housekeeper, I'm in charge of the largest spa hotel, the Palace, as well as Moravia and two smaller guesthouses, Forst and Pilsen.

Aha. And what does that "I'm in charge of" entail?

So I'll remind you that the Palace has a capacity for over 250 beds, and the Morava only slightly less. And it's clear that there's a sea of stories unfolding. It's about people wanting to feel good and even better here. My boss has always told me I need to know the hotel from the ground up to the chimneys.

So let's be specific

Let's say it's going to leak somewhere. Paint it, find the best professionals in a flash. On a different note, I have to make sure that our people, from the doctors to the receptionists to the waiters, maids or maintenance people, are in perfect shape, that is, dressed and in the right mood. This then leads to client satisfaction and more return visits.

I would bet that dealing with people on a daily basis must be challenging. You're always asking them to do things, aren't you?

Well, sure, they're kind of my extended hands, our handy handymen handle a lot of things, I have to call in companies for the bigger repairs. The palace was built as a landmark of Luhačovice almost a hundred years ago, the last big reconstruction will be a quarter of a century old again, it's a mess. It's a living organism.

You've been working here for many years now, doesn't the hustle and bustle make your head spin?

I guess everyone can do it, I have one sure form of relaxation.

You probably load yourself up in the spa tub after work and it's like, yes..

That's a misconception. But I have gravitated towards nature since I was a kid. That's where I find my relaxation, my calm, my energy.

Where do you recharge then?

In many beautiful places. In Beskydy, Jeseníky, Krkonoše and elsewhere. My husband and I, who is much fitter than I am, also do extreme races and hikes as much as possible.

Aha, that's why you look so vital and happy.

That would be because I got married for the second time actually recently. We had our wedding at the top of Bald Mountain late last summer. That's our truly iconic and beloved place.