Posted: 20.04.26
What originally inspired you to get into the spa and wellbeing sphere?
I joined The Body Shop aged 20, in the 1980s, when it was rising to prominence as a beauty industry disruptor. I was drawn to it because of its campaigning – in particular I found Anita Roddick to be inspiring beyond measure with everything she stood for in terms of her values and her vision – a true pioneer.
When they made the decision to enter the spa industry, I was seconded to head up the project, opening the first Body Shop spa in Knightsbridge.
Immediately I noticed the transition from having a nice but brief exchange with someone on the retail floor to enjoying more intimate and transformative interactions with spa guests; I loved seeing the difference to our guests from when they entered the treatment room to when they left and it was here that I fell in love with spa and wellbeing.
How would you explain what you do?
As General Manager at Wildsmith, my role is really to lead and guide an incredible group of individuals on our quest to bring an exciting, different form of science-backed, plant powered skincare and wellbeing experiences to the market.
Where do you usually find inspiration for your work?
You can trace everything we do at Wildsmith back to the profound connection between plants and humans. We take our inspiration from the fragile balance of the natural world’s growth and renewal and then weave in the very latest in scientific innovation to create products and wellbeing experiences to transform skin health.
We have a quote in our office by Albert Einstein which states ‘Look deep into nature and then you will start to understand everything better’ – I think that really sums it up.
We are proud to stock Wildsmith products in all our hotels and Spas.
You have a day away from work, what would be your ideal way to spend it?
Increasingly meaningful connection is important to me and my own sense of wellbeing, be that with friends, nature, or my community. And so, if I do have a day away from work, my ideal way to spend it is to get out of town and head into the South Downs for a fantastic walk with friends or family.
Through my years working in wellbeing and particularly with Wildsmith, I have found there is a sense of peace and freedom in nature that facilitates enjoying much deeper exchanges. Whether about something personal, or reflective, much deeper than you tend to have on a day-to-day basis. Soul soothed; I would head to a really nice pub for lunch.
Best things to do for wellbeing in Brighton?
People sometimes think of ‘wellbeing practices’ as requiring quiet times of contemplation and reflection which can feel at odds with life in a busy town. But I find the sea one of the most exhilarating ways to clear my mind.
I swim year-round along with lots of other women and find it brilliant for my mental health, for friendships, for connection with the space – I adore it. In fact, I recently swam around the Palace Pier and may have finished near the end but was delighted with the achievement.
How to create a sense of wellbeing at home?
Home for me is about cocooning and I am a great believer in the power of creating a space of warmth and welcome. One of the ways in which I do this is to regularly cook for friends and family.
I love finding a recipe in the Saturday papers and heading out to source the ingredients – I am a particular fan of the Sussex Pheasant food trucks and sourcing local ingredients when I can. Then spending the afternoon bringing something delicious together before opening our home to people in the evening – that shared experience is my idea of heaven and wellbeing.
A mid-way stop if you`re travelling Edinburgh <-> London or a destination in its own right, a stay in York is perfect for the city-wanderer, history-lover, book-reader, solo-getaway-goer... 🚊🍂
Book 7 days ahead with our Ber Month Break offer to enjoy the best rates. 15% off one night, 20% off two nights and 35% off three nights 💤
Check-in series #13
No. 42 Margate - Guest Room
Our smallest rooms in Margate have a certain warmth and cosiness to them. Sleep soundly in our double beds and re-energise or wind down with our coffee and tea. Spend your staycation enjoying your time at the hotel or have a wander around town!
Our sold-out first Seascape Sessions returns next month, 9th November
Capture one of Margate’s most iconic sea views in watercolour under the guidance of a trained artist
Your ticket includes all materials, a drink, and a slice of cake. No experience necessary!
Half-term escapes with all of the family!
There`s a record player and teas and coffees for the adults, tipis with toys, books and a @yotoplay player for the little ones and a very comfortable @ivyandduke bed and welcome pack for our four legged friends
A getaway is only fun when there`s something for everyone!
📸 - 1-4 @katie_sapegina, 5-7 @wearethelesueurs
In one month’s time York will look like this... ✨
Wake up to the tide. Unwind with the horizon 🌊
Just steps away from the beach…
Help yourself pantry…take your pick!
Slow sunset evenings
Golden hour magic in your room ✨
A cocktail at the bar. And another…
Views from your bed 🌊
A good seat, a perfectly shaken drink, and nowhere else you need to be.
Settle into the evening with us in Bath, York, Brighton, or Margate 🍸✨
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll book a spa day ‘once things calm down’ — you’re the exact person The Spa at No. 1 York was designed for...
The Virginia Creeper has been signalling Autumn in York...🍁
If you want to make the most of your weekday getaway to this city there`s The `Ber month break offer
Stay 1 night = 15% off, 2 nights = 20% off, 3 nights = 35% off - book 3 weeks ahead
For stays Sunday-Thursday, room only until 11th November
Check-in series #12
No. 124 Brighton - Guest Room
Looking over the spa and city, these rooms make for the perfect cosy getaway for two or a very lovely solo staycation. All the usual GuestHouse goodies, walk-in shower and king-size bed. Found on the first, second, third and fourth floors
The best beach getaways don’t follow a season 🌊
Every Lookout Suite comes with its own @spikeball set— because a little friendly competition is always in style
Autumn in Brighton looks like this...
What’s on in October?
The Story Trail - until 8th November. More than 30 beautiful hand-painted BookBench sculptures by a local artist are dotted across Brighton’s streets, parks and seafront inspired by the stories that shape our city
@brighton_dome Comedy Festival - 16th - 25th October. Stand-up, podcasts, family shows and more
Photoworks / Brighton Photo Biennial - 2nd October - 1st November. Photography exhibitions, installations and talks
Brighton Food Story - 2nd - 4th October. Explore how to build a food culture that is good for the city, for its people and the planet in a day of talks and a network of supper clubs over the weekend
Mutations Festival - multi-venue alternative music festival on 23 & 24 October
Concerts including Westlife and Soul II Soul at the Brighton Centre, plus shows at Brighton Dome, Concorde 2, CHALK and smaller venues.
Professor Brian Cox will also be performing his new tour Emergence at The Brighton Centre on 21 & 22 October, just five minutes from us
Photo credits - Emma Bailey and Brighton Dome
Charlotte and Matt turning heads at York 💍
📸 @ellieniamhphotos
Whisky & Vinyl Nights at Margate 🥃 🎶
Each month, we will explore one bourbon, one Scotch and one world whisky, all while spinning a mix of new and classic vinyl
13th October | 7 - 9pm
17th November | 7 - 9pm
15th December | 7 - 9pm
Tickets are £20 per person, secure your place now at @pearlycowmargate
10 days, 3 drinks, 1 bar not to be missed
@brightoncocktailfestival is back with ten days of the city’s best bars shaking, stirring and showing off their skills, 18th-27th September
Tickets are £20 which gives you access to £6 cocktails and £4 mocktails at No. 124 and over 50 other bars across the city.
Find us at the bar for a sip of Don’t Beet Around The Bush, Notorious F.I.G and Citrus Got Real (non-alc)🍸🍹 🥃
Get your ticket
The longer you stay, the more you save
With the `Ber month break, save 15% on one night stays, 20% on 2 night stays and 35% on 3 night stays.
Book at least three weeks ahead and stay Sunday-Thursday from 27th September to enjoy our happiest rates
Last of the summer escapes in Bath...
Ready to step into Autumn?
Deep sigh relaxation post summer madness
From releasing the tension in your back to getting your glow back on with a tailored facial, find what you`re looking for in The Spa at Bath, York, Margate and Brighton
Soaking up the last of the summer sun in Brighton ☀️🌊
