Morphing treatments into wellness journeys

Incorporating subtle wellness elements into your guest’s treatment session can make their experience all the more memorable and meaningful, writes Ellen Cummings

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I also like to ASSESS AND TREAT THE CLIENT for what THEY NEED, and not always entirely WHAT THEY

HAVE BOOKED.

From specially selected herbal teas to soothing aromatherapy scents, these extra touches can help to create a wellness journey that leaves clients refreshed, relaxed and excited to return.

Sarah Johnson, head of spa at Rudding Park, Harrogate, provides some examples: “Try completing your massage or facial therapy by sweeping a light dusting of magnesium powder to your guest’s feet, absorbing excess oil and boosting mineral levels.

“Utilise your thermal suite to offer new experiences. Aufguss, yoga, and herbal salt sessions are a great way to engage guests and create memorable experiences.”

Ashley Ashton, spa director, Rockliffe Hall, Darlington adds: “We find that including finishing touches to a guest’s journey is paramount to creating memorable moments and adding surprise and delight to any experience.

“Using our relationship with our brand partner Comfort Zone, we create a welcome experience of a fabric bracelet with drops of their signature Tranquillity fragranced essential oil to start guests’ spa journey. The guest will then become familiar with this aroma when using our showers because the shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are also Tranquillity, and when having their spa treatment, we begin the treatment touch with three deep breaths of Tranquillity.

“Partnering with Camellia’s Tea House, we provide a warmed tea at the end of all treatments, but also as an iced version if the guest wants to enjoy a poolside refreshment. We ensure that essential oils and wellbeing teas are available for the guest throughout their journey.”

Katrina Sutherland, owner of The Country Spa, Caithness,encourages all of her guests to arrive early or to stay after their appointment so that they can relax with a complimentary, refreshing herbal tea and enjoy some precious time to truly unwind and recharge.

She continues: “I also like to assess and treat the client for what they need, and not always entirely what they have booked. As therapists, we have access to wonderful products and treatments that clients are not always aware of, so if a client needs special attention in a particular area, then I will adapt what they have booked so that I can offer that service even if they haven’t requested it because I know it will enhance the feeling of wellness. This can be implemented for any treatment.

“For example, a client booked for a facial, but her hands were so sore that I added a warm hand treatment with Repêchage’s Hydra Dew Pure Elixir Balm while I performed her facial. This improved her overall wellbeing because she left the spa with a glowing complexion and comfortable hands.”

Gemma Barratt, group spa director at Daniel Thwaites suggests providing infused waters and herbal teas. “Don’t take the good stuff away – everyone enjoys a latte – but make this the welcome drink and then let the guest go on their wellness journey with other refreshments throughout the day; find the balance.

“Quiet zones and relaxation rooms should be just that.Encourage guests to switch off and control noise levels. Asking someone to not go on their phone can actually be quite stressful for people these days because they struggle to just sit and let their mind rest, but you can encourage meditation, reading, sleep or listening to music on headphones. You could allow phones on silent, but no social media.

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HAVE SOMEONE within the spa who is AVAILABLE to TALK TO THE GUESTS – sometimes this is WHAT A GUEST NEEDS more than anything.

“We have opening and closing rituals for treatments and adding a personal recommendation at the end of treatment – not just a product recommendation – is a great idea.

“Have someone within the spa who is available to talk to the guests – sometimes this is what a guest needs more than anything. A genuine farewell and desire to welcome guests back is key. Training for the team is essential but they should also feel that they can be themselves and let their natural personality shine through, allowing for real hospitality.”

Phil Murphy, managing director at Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire: “On arrival, our guests can enjoy an immune-boosting ginger and pineapple shot which provides powerful wellness support to soothe everyday digestive distress. At our refreshment stations we have infused water, including energy-boosting lemon and ginger, and balancing mango and passionfruit which is packed with antiinflammatories and antioxidants.

“Treatments begin with heated mitts which encompass the shape of the feet with pressure points that release tension, followed by foot rocking which opens the hips in order to balance, relax and ground the body.”

Source: https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/newsdetails/how-turn-spa-treatments-intowellness-experiences