Spa break in a beautiful coastal location? Sign us up! We spoke with spa manager Angela at The Alchemist Spa at Woolacombe Bay Hotel to talk all things treatments and relaxation. The soothing sanctuary in Devon helps calm and refresh the mind, the perfect way to spend a spa day or weekend away. Your health and wellbeing is the priority here, from the small touches to the expert therapists and the treatments, escape the hubbub of the everyday here.
1. What is the first thing a customer should feel/see/smell when they arrive at your spa?
The first thing that we want our customers to experience is relaxation. You can smell the TEMPLESPA candle all the way down the corridor before they even enter the spa, giving them the feeling of ‘spa’ before they have even walked through the doors.
Upon arrival, our guests will be greeted with friendly, smiling faces to make them feel at ease and ready to relax.
2. What is the one thing that you want your customer to remember and take away about your spa?
We want our customers to remember a great overall experience, and remember the wonderful smells, and little touches that were part of their day. We mist each robe with either SPIRITUDE or QUIETUDE spray before placing them into the lockers ready for our clients. It’s the little things that make all the difference.
3. Which is your best-selling TEMPLESPA treatment and why?
The Drift Away massage is by far our most popular treatment, most of our guests want to turn off for the day, I feel even just the name of the massage suggests relaxation. It is also a favourite of our therapists to do, the relaxing movements teamed with the DRIFT AWAY massage oil is just the perfect combination.
4. What drew you to partner with TEMPLESPA treatments and products?
I first received a box of samples from TEMPLESPA – I was having a really busy day, the first thing I did was put the AAAHHH! balm on my neck and have one of the little TEMPLESPA mint chocolates that came in the box, I thought we need to have this brand …obviously there was a little more to it than this. Gemma came down to see me and talked through the TEMPLESPA brand, their values and showed me some more of the products. The brand's values of natural ingredients and sustainable packaging aligned with ours. I loved the smells and textures of the products.
The full process from my initial contact with Gemma, the account manager for our area, to the day we opened was very well supported with many members from the TEMPLESPA team also involved.
The therapists all really wanted to work with TEMPLESPA, they all loved trying the products in the form of a Spa-rty.
5. What is the typical customer experience at your spa?
We have a range of guests in the spa, some are from the hotel, and some are Spa day guests.
Hotel guests tend to want to just pop in for some me time while on their break. Our most popular treatment choice for our hotel guest is a massage. The pool area is included in all hotel stays and spa breaks allowing them to lounge around as much as they wish, or on a sunny day enjoy our outdoor pool area.
Day spa guests normally like to pop on a robe and have a hot drink and pastry before heading into the pool and thermal suite area.
Some of our spa days include one of our thermal experiences of the copper tub or mud rasul. We usually recommend this mid-way through the day followed by lunch in our Bay brasserie before returning to the spa for their treatment, then into the relaxation room for a post-treatment drink.
6. What is your USP or biggest selling point as a spa?
We pride ourselves on having high-quality treatments, products and well-trained therapists.
We are a small and cosy spa meaning we have time to look after each guest and talk to them ensuring they have the best experience possible.
We are also located in the lovely village of Woolacombe with an award-winning beach on our doorstep, whether you come in the summer or the winter it’s a beautiful beach for a walk.
We have a stunning outdoor pool sheltered from the wind, this is a lovely place to relax, on a sunny day you could be anywhere in the world.
7. Which is your personal favourite TEMPLESPA product/TEMPLESPA Treatment and why?
I love many of the TEMPLESPA products, but I think I have to say that BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE may be my favourite product, I love the way it leaves my skin feeling so soft and nourished yet still exfoliates the skin.
8. What exciting developments do you have coming in 2024?
We had a lot of change in the spa this year welcoming two new brands changing all of our treatments, so I think for of the rest of 2024 we will relax and enjoy our new brands.
After this we will get back to planning.
9. Anything else you’d like us to know about your spa?
To celebrate our partnership with TEMPLESPA, we will be offering a limited edition TEMPLESPA break from September – December to include an overnight stay with breakfast and a choice of Drift Away massage, Work It Out massage or My Kinda Skin facial for 60 minutes.
Can you see yourself relaxing by the pool here? Make that trip to Woolacombe Bay for your spa day or weekend away, and you won’t regret it. Find out more about booking your spa break and treatments here.