From Luxury Hotels to Wellness Leadership: Debrah Dhugga's Journey
Debrah Dhugga stands as a distinguished figure in both the luxury hospitality and wellness sectors, with an impressive career that has taken her from senior roles in London and Dubai to entrepreneurial ventures in the North East. Known for her leadership in high-profile hotels and award-winning initiatives, she has now founded Soni-Yoga & Wellness, marking a significant shift towards holistic health. Her latest project, in collaboration with advanced yoga instructor Christine Heslop and The Alnwick Garden team, is the Earth and Essence festival—a weekend of yoga and wellness set for February 7 and 8 at Northumberland's iconic Alnwick Garden.
Career Insights and Business Wisdom
Reflecting on her early days, Dhugga recalls her first job in retail at Plus Four, where she earned just a few pounds an hour. "It taught me the basics of customer service and the importance of showing up with energy, no matter the role," she says. This foundational experience paved the way for her rise in hospitality, where she emphasises the value of curiosity and continuous learning. "Ask questions, stay curious, and never assume you know everything. Every day is a school day," she advises, highlighting the support from leaders who encouraged her to challenge and grow.
In discussing sector changes, Dhugga notes a dramatic shift in hospitality towards personalised experiences, seamless technology, and a strong wellness focus. "The challenge is to balance rising costs and staffing pressures with the delivery of exceptional service," she explains. This insight fuels her passion for wellness, as she believes in movement and breathwork to manage stress and sharpen focus, both in business and daily life.
Embracing Wellness and Community Impact
Dhugga's dream job has evolved from a successful career in luxury hospitality to her current role in wellness. "I've always been passionate about helping people thrive through wellness and lifestyle," she shares, whether in professional settings or personal life as a mother and friend. For those starting in her sector, she offers practical advice: "Be prepared to work hard, stay humble, and learn from every role. Build resilience, stay curious, and take opportunities that stretch you."
She praises the North East as a prime location for business, citing its unique mix of warmth, loyalty, and enterprising spirit. "People genuinely support each other, and there's a strong sense of community. Having worked around the world, I genuinely believe there's no place like home," Dhugga asserts. She also stresses the importance of businesses playing a role in society, through community engagement, sustainability, and creating opportunities. "Success isn't measured only in profit; it's measured in impact," she notes, explaining why partnering with The Alnwick Garden, a charity supporting vulnerable locals, was a key decision for the festival.
Personal Passions and Inspirations
Outside of work, Dhugga excels in yoga and wellness, and she enjoys bringing people together, whether organising retreats or hosting dinners. When asked who would play her in a film, she envisions someone strong and grounded, with resilience and humour like Audrey Hepburn. For a dream dinner party, she would invite Richard Branson for his entrepreneurial leadership, along with her husband and children, cherishing family time amidst busy lives.
Through her insights, Debrah Dhugga exemplifies how blending hospitality expertise with wellness innovation can create meaningful impacts, both in business and community settings.
