We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariel Barrionuevo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariel below.
Hi Ariel, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
I’d attribute my self-discipline to practice and really knowing my “why.” I’m not naturally the most disciplined person, but I’ve learned that if you keep showing up and repeating something, it eventually becomes second nature. When it comes to bigger goals, I like to break them down into smaller steps—once you build some momentum, it’s much easier to keep going.
I’ve also had to be honest with myself about what distracts me and where my limits are, and then find ways to work around them. For me, it’s less about being perfect and more about being persistent. You’re bound to fail at times, but if you keep coming back to your priorities, discipline starts to feel less like a struggle and more like a habit.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As La Coralina Island House’s Managing Director, my vision is to develop a retreat that seamlessly integrates nature, wellness, and culture in its most authentic form. What excites me most is witnessing our guests experience an immediate connection with the raw beauty of Bocas del Toro, alongside curated moments that go beyond conventional luxury.
La Coralina is more than a hotel, it’s a place of transformation. Our wellness offerings range from sound healing and breathwork to carefully designed retreats, paired with cuisine rooted in fresh, local ingredients. Looking ahead to 2026, we are expanding with a new Holistic & Wellness Center that will include ancestral therapies such as temazcal ceremonies and womb healing, as well as a Gut Reset Program led by Dr. Alejandro Junger.
We are also deepening cultural ties through experiences like the ancestral cacao ceremony with the Ngäbe community, while advancing our sustainability initiatives, including CORAL NATION, dedicated to reef regeneration, and the Bocas Surf Experience youth project. What sets La Coralina apart is this unique balance of rustic elegance, authentic experiences, and meaningful impact—for our guests, our community, and the environment.
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?
In retrospect, I believe the most important thing that has worked in my favor is people skills. To me, that has meant learning how to read a room, determine what is most important to the individual I’m working with, and then ensuring I deliver on that. It’s not about sucking up, it’s about listening and being able to communicate in a manner that makes their life easier. That alone can carry you far.
The second one is just getting things done. Many people have wonderful ideas, but what ultimately sets you apart is being dependable, meeting deadlines, following through, and never letting things fall through the cracks. People trust you more and more over time, and that opens doors.
And finally, I’d say understanding that every workplace is its own little ecosystem. Each one has its quirks, unwritten rules, and shifting priorities. Being able to adapt without losing your own voice has been really valuable for me. My advice to anyone starting out is: watch closely, ask questions, and figure out the “game” before trying to change it. That balance between fitting in and bringing your own strengths is where growth really happens.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, our biggest challenge is finding the balance between growth and staying true to our core values. La Coralina has been fortunate to receive a lot of interest, and with that comes pressure to expand quickly. But we’re very mindful about not losing the intimacy, authenticity, and sense of connection that make the experience so special.
To do this, we’re emphasizing intentional expansion, introducing new programs and retreats incrementally, ensuring that each one feels consistent with our philosophy of wellness, sustainability, and community. We’re also investing in training and equipping our staff so that as we expand, the guest experience is personal and meaningful. For me, it’s about prioritizing depth over velocity, and ensuring every decision aligns with the long-term vision, not just immediate demand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lacoralinaislandhouse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacoralinaislandhouse/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacoralinaislandhouse/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-barrionuevo-21986a12/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacoralinaislandhouse
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaCoralina.IslandHouse
Image Credits
La Coralina Island House
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
