What is your philosophy on health and wellbeing?

I believe  finding a good balance in life, love and business is how one can

achieve overall health and wellbeing. Loving what you do is also very

important. To be successful in ones field you need to be passionate and

committed. Success doesn't come overnight. It often takes years of hard work

and dedication.

You started with just a two room salon and now you have three amazing spas

under the Stephanie's brand, what is your top tip for success?

We actually have four amazing spas, all in iconic destinations of

Queensland. Stephanies Spa Retreat at Sofitel, our Urban Spa Bulimba, a

Mountain Spa at Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge and Vineyard and our Ocean Spa

at Noosa.  My top tips for success is positivity and persistence. One also

needs to remain  grounded and true to oneself.  My spa philosophy has been

the same since my humble 2 room beauty salon days.

Each of your spas has such a unique location what made you choose each one?

Each location has unique aspects and my spa philosophy's have been adapted

around the various surroundings. The spa retreat has distinct French

influences as a result of the Sofitel heritage,  our Bulimba spa is very

urban and hip, our mountain spa focuses on a lot of organic and nature based

treatments and our Noosa spa is influenced by water features, due to it¹s

Noosa location and proximity to the ocean.

You have designed a range of signature body products used in your signature

treatments, do you have plans to retail your products online?

We have plans for further development within this area. Our signature

treatments are always very popular so I¹m looking forward to creating unique

products for our clients too.

What achievement in your career are you most proud of?

I¹ve worked in the spa arena for 26 years, successfully running my own spas

for 18 years; so I am very proud of this.  I think the fact that I am still

immensely passionate about my chosen career path all these years later is my

most proud achievement ­ clearly I chose the right path. I was born to

create spa journey¹s.  I love finding ways to constantly improve and adapt

my spa offerings for our clients. Achieving steady growth  in a highly

competitive industry is also a proud achievement of mine, and a blessing.

Who inspires you in the spa and wellness industry?

Seeing our industry develop and grow within Australia is exciting.  I love

travelling overseas and exploring international spa innovations. I try to

frequent the USA each year to attend spa conferences and explore the new

treatments and product on the international market ­ I particularly love New

York. It is always very encouraging and helps me creatively. There are so

many hard working spa owners in Australia, and all of them are inspiration

to the industry.

What do you think makes a spa stand out from the crowd as being special?

Staying true to your business beliefs and following professional and ethical

standards for your guests and team.

If you could only have one spa treatment for the rest of your life what

would it be?

Foot Rituals! The exotic soul ritual offered at our spas is amazing. You

feel like you have new souls...and topping it off with a fabulous

ButterLondon polish makes you look and feel like  a million bucks.

What is your 'cannot live' without spa product?

Aromatherapy and heated towels. Simple but highly effective Œmust have¹ spa

products!

Apart from Stephanie's spas where is the most luxurious spa that you have

ever visited?

I¹ve been privileged enough to have visited some of the worlds most amazing

spas. The Willow Stream in Banff Canada, many luxury Parisian Hotel spas and

the Banyan Tree Spa in Thailand.

What's next for Stephanie's spas?

Stephanies Luxury Spa Group is always growing, adapting and creating for our

clients...stay tuned!

 

Although people flock to Thailand’s shores for the famous beaches, delicious cuisine and the hunt for a bargain, traditional Thai massages also top the list of must-dos in the Asian nation. The popularity of Asian massage styles extend beyond their countries of origin and into shopping centres, massage parlours and day spas in Australia, offering an alternative experience and technique to common Western styles.

Massage is designed to release muscle tension and promote circulation and this focus on soft tissue is the common factor across the various techniques in massage therapy. The difference in techniques used to manipulate muscles sets each massage style apart, but the history behind Asian massage is also important to its practice and place in Asian cultures.

Western massage primarily uses continuous scooping strokes to relax and manipulate muscles, whereas many Asian techniques focus on pressure points, stretching and rocking motions. Thai massage incorporates all of these techniques and also uses yoga-like positions to stretch and release tension. Shiatsu, a technique originating in Japan that translates to ‘finger pressure’, similarly uses stretching and pressure from palms and fingers to relieve stress and promote wellness. Unlike Western massage, some Asian methods also differ in their delivery, with practitioners sometimes using their elbows, forearms or even feet to massage a person who is often fully clothed and lying on a mat on the floor. However, styles of Asian massage are varied and can also be altered to include Western characteristics.

In Western cultures, massage is often seen as a luxury. Although some believe it is gradually being regarded as a form of treatment for many illness and ailments, its practice is not entrenched in our lives as it is in many Asian countries. The history of massage throughout Asia dates back over 2500 years, with Thai massage in particular linked to a doctor close to the Buddha. The importance of the practice is obvious – ancient instructional texts were carved in stone to preserve the tradition and still remain in Bangkok’s Wat Pho temple. But it is the more common method of passing the techniques on that say the most about massage’s place in Thai culture. Parents teach their children massage skills taught to them by their own parents and the practice becomes as much about community and relationships as it is about muscle tension. Through its place in everyday life, massage is truly part of Thai culture.

The next time your muscles are aching and you’re feeling stressed, leave the West behind for an Eastern massage that is tailored to your needs and focused on a holistic outlook for your body and mind, with a bit of history for good measure.

Summerfy your skincare routine

Summer is knocking on the door, the temperatures are rising and with the shift in seasons its time to shake up your skincare routine. Make sure your skin will look its best all through the summer by following our simple tips.

1. Exfoliate

Shed that dead skin and let the sunshine in. Sunscreen and sweat can increase the dead skin cells which can make your skin look dull and drab. Exfoliate your face and body once a week to uncover clean and fresh skin that glows without a scrap of makeup.

2. Moisturise

Even though your skin doesn’t feel as dry over the summer its still really important to keep your skin hydrated. All that air conditioning and swimming make keep you cool but it can also dry out your skin. Use a lighter moisturiser during the summer months on both your face and body to keep your skin soft and clear.

3. Use Sun Protection EVERY DAY

Use a daily sunscreen to prevent age spots, ageing and of course skin cancer. Apply every 2 hours when you are playing out in the sun and if you are a water baby during summer make sure you reapply after swimming. Don’t let that cloud cover fool you, the sun is just as dangerous when you can’t see it so make sure  you slap on the sunscreen even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds. Top tip - make sure those bottles sunscreen hanging around at the back of your cupboard isn’t past its use by date.

4. Lighten up on the makeup

Try using a tinted moisturiser with SPF to help your skin to breathe instead of covering up your natural beauty in a heavy foundation more suited to cooler months.

5. Fake tan

Want a healthy summer glow without damaging your skin? Use a DIY fake tan or make an appointment for a spray tan. Try one of the many body moisturisers out there with a gradual tan

6. Don’t forget your feet!

Keep your feet in tip top shape so you can be confident whether you are barefoot in the sand or wearing gorgeous summer sandals or thongs. Book yourself in for a relaxing spa pedicure or try an at-home pedicure. Check out our great home made foot scrub recipe. (link)

7. Lip Balm

Its easy to neglect your lips in the sunshine but make sure that they stay kissably soft for all that mistletoe action by using a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect them from the sun and to nourish them. To keep them even softer try gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush before you apply your lipbalm.

8. Hair Removal

One thing you can be sure of in summer is that you will want to be fuzz free. You can ensure you are beach ready by using one of the many hair removal options available both in spas and at home. Whether you shave, wax, use delipatory cream or get lasered have a read of our guide to hair removal to ensure you know all the ins and outs of hair removal.

9. Shine Control

Does the summer heat leave your skin shiny? Use a face mask once a week containing either clay or saylic acid to reduce your skin’s oil production. Exfoliating, using a face mask regularly and using a lighter moisturiser will all help control the shine too and you can help keep your skin looking matt by using blotting paper to soak up any excess oil.

10. Sunburnt

Even when we have the best of intentions and cover up from the sun it can be all too easy to find yourself with sunburn. Plain yoghurt contains lactic acid which sounds scary but can actually be really great for soothing and calming sunburnt skin. Apply directly to the affected skin and leave on for 30minutes before showering off. Keep applying aloe vera gel to the area two or three times a day especially after showering to help the skin heal.