Meet Ariel Barrionuevo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ariel Barrionuevo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Looking back on my career, I’m grateful for the exceptional mentors who shaped my approach to work. Their guidance taught me the value of staying composed under pressure, paying attention to the smallest details, and thinking outside the box when solving problems. One leader, in particular, made a lasting impact. They showed me that real success—whether with clients, colleagues, or customers—comes from treating people with empathy and respect. It’s about being fully present, listening carefully, and offering meaningful support. That philosophy has stuck with me over the years. No matter the task, I believe that leading with compassion, mindfulness, and a dedication to quality is what drives lasting success.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At La Coralina Island House, we’ve created more than just a luxury retreat—we’ve built a space where nature, wellness, and authentic experiences come together. As the Managing Director, my focus is on ensuring that every guest who steps onto the property feels a deep connection to the beauty of Bocas del Toro. What excites me most is how La Coralina blends rustic elegance with the raw, untouched nature of the region. Every detail has been carefully designed—from the architecture that embraces the ocean breeze to the immersive wellness experiences that go beyond relaxation to true restoration.

One of the things that make La Coralina special is our holistic approach to hospitality. Our wellness program isn’t just about traditional spa treatments; it’s about transformative experiences like sound healing, breathwork, and curated retreats that leave a lasting impact. Food is also at the heart of what we do, with locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of the region in every meal.

Beyond creating an unforgettable guest experience, we’re deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty that makes this place so special. That’s why we launched CORAL NATION, our marine conservation initiative focused on coral restoration and ocean preservation. Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us—it’s a responsibility.

As for what’s next, we’re continuously expanding our wellness offerings, with upcoming retreats designed to provide even deeper rejuvenation and connection with nature. We’re also enhancing our sustainability initiatives, working on new ways to minimize our footprint while giving back to the local environment and community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things stand out as the most important in my journey: adaptability, intuition, and a genuine appreciation for human connection.

First, adaptability—because nothing in hospitality ever goes exactly as planned. Guests change, markets shift, unexpected challenges arise. Early on, I realized that being successful in this industry isn’t about controlling every detail, but about being flexible and finding creative solutions. My advice? Stay open to change. See it as an opportunity, not an obstacle. The best experiences—both for guests and for ourselves—often come from moments where we pivot and create something unexpected.

Second, intuition. Hospitality is an industry of details, but the real magic happens when you anticipate a guest’s needs before they even voice them. It’s not just about delivering great service; it’s about reading between the lines, understanding what would make someone’s stay truly unforgettable, and making it happen. That’s a skill you develop over time by listening, observing, and really being present with your guests.

And lastly, human connection. At the end of the day, hospitality is about people. It’s about making someone feel at home, seen, and valued—whether they’re traveling across the world or just looking for a moment of peace. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned in my career haven’t come from business meetings but from conversations with guests. My advice? Be genuinely curious about people. That’s what turns a hotel stay into an experience guests want to come back to, time and time again.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The people who have helped me grow the most are the colleagues and leaders who emphasized building talent from within. At La Coralina Island House, we faced the challenge of finding skilled professionals in luxury services—a rare expertise in the region. Instead of searching externally, we chose to invest in developing our own team through thorough training programs. This approach not only strengthened our workforce but also taught me the value of patience, adaptability, and long-term thinking. It showed me that real success comes from empowering people and giving them the tools to excel.

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La Coralina Island House

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