In the summer of 2012 Julian joined the Vita Skin Spa team full-time, managing operations, technical support and to work with Nikki in the general management and future growth of the spa, having been in the background part-time since the beginning.

Previously his career was in telecoms, and was a Sales Director of a Vodafone Platinum dealer for 15 years.

Nikki & Julian married in 2010 and have two children, Zachary (14) & Amelia (12).

Having worked at Aqua Sana within Centre Parcs Longleat for 3 years as a therapist and within Guest services, we welcomed Chelsea to Vita in 2015. Prior to Aqua Sana, Chelsea was onboard ‘Celebrity Reflection’ in the Carribean as a spa therapist.

Chelseas experience within the industry allows her to make great recommendations and advice over the phone and within the Spa, and she will make sure your visit is everything you expect it to be.

In 2016 Chelsea became Guest services manager and assists Nikki and Julian in the running of the spa.

Q & A with Chelsea:
Why did you get into the Beauty industry?
‘I always loved the thought of travelling whilst carrying out beauty treatments and pampering people. After I qualified, I worked at Center Parcs aqua sana for 2 years and decided that as I had gained experience it was time to fulfil my dream, so I did exactly that. I worked on a cruise ship for 7 months sailing around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, and it was a great experience that I won’t forget.’
What is your tip for beautiful skin?
‘Try out different brands and find the one both you and your skin love. Make sure you have a strict routine of daily cleansing, toning and moisturising, and exfoliating twice a week. Along with drinking plenty of water and wearing a daily spf.’
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
‘I’ve taken a step back from doing treatments for now. This is so that I can learn different areas of the beauty industry, rather than just carrying out the treatments, although I do still keep my hand in beauty by doing treatments here and there. My favourite treatments to perform as a therapist are facials, purely because of the fact that you can see the results yourself as well as the clients feeling them. ‘

Jo joined us at our Winchester spa in 2021 after after having her two daughters, Jo has now re-focussed on her career and in her role as the guest services manager she thrives on helping people enjoy their experience at Vita from start to finish, making sure your needs are catered for.

Q & A with Jo
What do you love above this industry?
I’ve always loved all things beauty treatment wise, and how they can make you as an individual feel, I mean what’s not to love about being pampered?
What do you do to relax?
Wax melts burning, a nice soak in the bath, and a good book.
What is your favourite treatment to have and why?
My favourite treatment to have would be a pedicure or any kind of foot massage like Thai foot/reflexology. After all we do tend to take our feet for granted.

Kara joins us in Shaftesbury as our Spa Manager. Kara has previously worked on cruise ships with OneSpaWorld, managing the spa, gym and thermal facilities and more recently the Spa manager at a holiday lodge resort. Before becoming a spa manager Kara was a therapist and Dermalogica Expert. She’s looking forward to the challenge of running our newest spa in Shaftesbury.

Kara is also a Dermalogica ‘Expert’ therapist.

Q & A with Kara
Why did you get into the industry?

From a very young age I always knew I wanted to help people feel their best. I have always had a passion for skin care and makeup, so when I left school I started my college course to become a Beauty therapist.
After being in the industry for 7 years the biggest reward is having the ultimate opportunity to make your clients feel and look incredible. Either helping them relax for a minute away from their busy lives, or boosting their confidence within how they look and feel.
Starting in the industry as a spa therapist I have had the opportunity to make my clients look amazing and feel amazing. Being able to help someone and know you have made a difference is extremely rewarding.

What is your tip for keeping skin healthy and radiant?

My top two tips for making sure your skin stays healthy, radiant and glowing is,

Making sure you start your skin care routine with a double cleanse. Using an oil based cleanser first to help remove any makeup and excess oil on the skin (Perfect product recommendation- Dermalogica Precleanse)
With the second cleanse you want to use a targeted cleanser for your skin type/concerns this will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin giving you a more advance cleanse. This will also prepare your skin, allowing the products from the rest of your skin care routine to penetrate deeper giving you more beneficial results.

Resurfacing the skin is extremely important, with skin cells renewing on average every 28 days. When we start to age the process of renewal starts to slow down leaving the skin looking drier, dull and a change in skin texture.
Exfoliation should be done at least twice a week to help remove any dead skin cells and increase cell renewal leaving the skin looking a lot brighter, smoother and more hydrate.

What is your favourite treatment to have?

My favourite treatment to have is a Dermalogica Chemical peel. Giving a more intense and professional resurfacing of the skin. I find my skin always looks and feels incredible afterwards. Leaving it looking radiant, healthy, clean and glowing.

We welcomed Poppy into the Vita team in 2017. She had studied Beauty Therapy and a Diploma in Reflexology at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, having been inspired by her Mum to follow her path into beauty. She enjoys meeting people and providing professional client care, so you are sure to be in good hands.

Poppy loves holistic treatments and is one of our deep tissue massage specialists. She is one of our reflexologists and also loves facials and body treatments. Poppy also specialises in our advanced treatments such as microneedling.

In 2020 Poppy became a Dermalogica ‘Expert’ therapist and one of our senior therapists.

Q & A with Poppy:
Why did you get into the beauty industry?
‘I have always had an interest in beauty therapy as my Mum is in the profession. My passion developed from being surrounded by the tranquil environment beauty therapy offers. I thoroughly enjoy pampering people and find it very rewarding’.
What is your tip for keeping skin healthy and radiant?
‘I believe the most important thing is definitely keeping yourself hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, as well as a well balanced diet is essential to beautiful sin. Using good quality products and having a strict regime of cleansing, toning and moisturising will be beneficial and ensure you have enough hours of beauty sleep’.
What is your favourite treatment and why?
‘I honestly enjoy performing all treatments – which is great as you get to do such a variety and see all the benefits from these. In particular, facials are lovely to perform, just as they are to receive; so relaxing and beneficial for your skin’.

Lucy joined us in 2016 and became a trainer for us in 2020 and a senior therapist in 2021. Lucy is a holistic therapist and specialises in massage, reflexology, and our body treatments. She is also our aromatherapist, degning our in-house blended oils, so is a great choice if you love your essential oils and can help you pick which of our blends is right for you.  Lucy is also one of our deep tissue massage specialists. Lucy trained with Wellness for Cancer in 2016 and is our cancer aware specialist. She is also a Kim Lawless expert intimate waxer. She is currently studying for her Award in Education and Training. Her holistic, whole body approach and reflexology training makes her a very calming person. Lucy has recently become our head of wellbeing and is currently studying for her mental health first aider qualification.

In 2017 Lucy became one of our Dermalogica ‘Experts’ and in 2020 became our holistic trainer.

Q & A with Lucy:
Why did you get into the industry?
‘I first showed interest in the industry when I was a child and would look through my Mums ‘Mmind, body, spirit’ magazine.
Each week you would collect crystals and essential oils. I loved it and my interest just kept on growing. I went to college and studied complementary therapies and beauty with an aim to provide a range of treatments and give advice to clients on how to apply holistic and beauty treatments to benefit everyday life.’
What is your tip for relieving tired, achy muscles?
‘The best thing when you’re feeling tired or achy is taking a time out and ensuring you use this time to relax, which of course can be easier said than done. Using a combination of applying heat, stretches and appropriate massage and essentials oils, when you have the time. For example, a heatpad on your muscles whilst in bed or stretching before leaving the house or on lunch breaks are great at relieveing tight muscles. Regular meditation and yoga are great for clearing and relaxing the body and mind.’
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
‘It’s difficult to choose a favourite treatment. I love the variety I get from being both a massage and beauty therapist. The best days are when no treatment is the same as the last and I have a bit of everything.The calming treatments of facials and massage, followed by the interaction and creativity of manicures and pedicures and weight loss treatments is great!’

Olivia joined the Vita team after leaving her part-time position at Longleat Aqua Sana Spa in 2019. Olivia loves facials and is a Dermalogica expert. She also loves waxing, massage and advanced treatments. Her calm demeanour will ensure you leave feeling relaxed.

In 2020 Olivia became one of our Dermalogica ‘Expert’ therapists.

Q & A with Olivia
Why did you get into the industry?
I love how much a treatment can impact someone’s mental and physical well being. Knowing my clients are leaving more relaxed than what they did before coming is such a lovely feeling.There is always something new to learn within the beauty industry, which keeps me up to date and extends my knowledge massively – it also keeps it more exciting learning new things!
What is your tip for a good homecare routine?
Make use of face masks every now and again, even if it’s once a week. They give you the chance to relax and unwind, whilst treating your skin and giving it the nourishment it needs. Also a massive must is wearing an SPF EVERYDAY!! Not only does a face suncream protect your skin from those harmful UVA & UVB rays, but it prevents premature aging, pigmentation and gives you an overall healthy skin complexion.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
I love treatments where you can see an instant difference such as waxing, lash lifts and spray tans – I find this so satisfying! I also really enjoy facials, they are such a relaxing treatment to perform and lovely for the client. They can be tailored to each individual client, everyone’s skin is so different, it’s amazing to help people through their skin concerns if they need it.

In 2023 Olivia became one of our CACI Synergy Experts.

Pippa started at our salisbury spa at the end of 2021 after studying for her level 2 and 3 at Wiltshire college, and completing work experience with us. Pippa especially loves doing facials and is studying to become one of our dermalogica experts.

Q&A with Pippa
Why did you get into the beauty industry?
I have always had a interest in the industry and enjoy having treatments done myself. I love making people feel better in themselves after they have had a treatment.
What is your tip for keeping skin healthy and radiant?
My tip for healthy and radiant skin is getting enough sleep and keeping hydrated throughout the day, also having a good skincare routine.
What is your favourite treatment and why?
Personally my favourite treatment is facials because of the relaxing atmosphere and at the same time helping client’s with any skin concerns.

Melanie was with us at Vita a few years ago and left when she had a family. We are really excited for Melanie to join us again in early 2023. Melanie loves massage and body treatments but is trained in all aspects of beauty. We are sure that many of you who have been coming for years, will be really pleased to see Melanie back with us.

Q & A with Melanie
Why did you get into the industry?
I got into the industry because I loved the idea of being able to provide a treatment for someone,that could make them feel better about themself. I also love the versatility that the industry brings. From skincare to a wax, you’re doing something different everyday or every few hours.
What’s your tip for healthy skin?
I think my top tip for helping to keep skin as healthy and radiant as possible is to look after yourself from the inside out. From drinking plenty of water to eating lots of fresh fruit and veg. I also like to do a facial massage in the evenings to help kick start the skin’s rejuvenation process before sleeping.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
My favourite treatments to perform are the body ones. I love the thought of being able to help someone who’s in pain or discomfort through massage and stretches. I think it’s important to look after ourselves, even more so with age.

Alisha became a Vita therapist in March 2023. Having worked in Hotel Spas and local salons she brings a passion for making people feel good about themselves. She has a love for advanced skincare and facials.

Q&A with Alisha
Why did you get into the industry?
Since a young age I’ve always had a passion for beauty wether it was applying eyeshadow on myself horribly or painting my nails in the pinkest of pinks it’s something I’ve always had a love for.
What is your tip for keeping skin healthy and radiant?
Consistency is key. So having a good skincare routine that you can stick with will help keep your skin looking it’s best along with products that work for you. My favourite skincare products include exfoliating acids and retinol which is something I will always recommend. Please be mindful to stop using retinol a week before any facials or facial waxing treatments and always make sure you are wearing SPF daily no matter what products you use.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
My favourite treatment to perform is facials. I love all things skincare and how good it makes you feel on the inside and out. I think taking care of your skin is so important and I love being able to do that for others.

Joining the Salisbury team in March 2023, Kate brings many years of experience from working for herself, with a passion for massage and making clients feel great she will fit into the team here perfectly.

Q & A with Kate
Why did you get into the industry?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work work with the public after being a Saturday girl in my Uncle’s hairdressers from the age of 13yrs. I’ve always loved making people feel happy.
What do you do to relax?
I find the best way to relax is to go for a lovely long walk with my family. Spending time outdoors in the middle of nature is extremely calming and really clears the mind.
What is your favourite treatment to perform
My most favourite treatment is massage. I love to help people to feel relaxed and find it very satisfying to release all the tension from my clients muscles.

Ellie joined our team originally in 2021, and after a short break from the industry re-joined us in 2024. Ellie loves all aspects of beauty, particularly pedicures, facials and massage. She’s looking forward to seeing all her old regular clients again.

Q & A with Ellie
Why did you get into the industry?
Sadly, I was picked on for how dark my leg hair was in school, as I was young I didn’t understand shaving or waxing. So, that weekend my mum took me to a salon and I got them waxed for the first time and I felt more confident the next time I had PE. So, making people feel good about themselves, and knowing I’m helping them achieve that feeling is very rewarding for me.

What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
It’s a tricky one to answer as I enjoy doing all treatments but I’d say a pedicure which might sound strange, but it goes back to making people feel good. Keeping your feet in good condition is very important as feet tend to get neglected in the colder months.

What’s your tip for healthy skin?

I’d say my tip for healthy skin would be to keep it hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Drinking as much of water as you can keeps your skin looking radiant, naturally. Having plenty of sleep can restore your sunlight exposure.

Hetty joined Vita in 2024.

Q & A with Hetty
Why did you get into the industry?
I’ve always been passionate about beauty since a young age. Growing up I loved experimenting with makeup and painting my nails. As I’ve grown up I still love everything about beauty and I have realised how much of an impact I can have on people from providing beauty treatments.

What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
It’s hard to choose just one as I love them all, but I think I’d have to say Gel polish manicures. I think it’s a great way to be creative and I find it therapeutic. Gel polish always has a flawless finish that looks amazing.

What’s your tip for radiant skin?

For radiant skin, my top tip is to stick to a good skincare routine that works for you and your skin. Products that are great for radiant skin are any that contain glycolic acid or vitamin C, these can come in many forms such as toners, serums, etc…
I would also recommend regular facials, as they can be tailored to your skins needs!

Christy joined our Salisbury team in 2021 to become one of our receptionists. She is with us part time, working alongside her own art business.

Why did you get into the industry?
From a younger age I have been interested in the beauty industry. My mum is a trained beautician and during her training in my teens I volunteered myself to experience all the treatments as she learnt them. I believe beauty and wellness is important and helps so many feel good about themselves. I enjoy interacting with clients and being the friendly face they see when they arrive.

What is your favourite treatment to have?
I enjoy facials, I have found they have so many benefits for my skin and of course are very relaxing and enjoyable.

What do you do to relax?
I enjoy painting, I find it calming. As a creative person it helps me to relax.

Rosy joined us in 2022 with an abundance of knowledge and experience from both local salons and on cruise ships. With a beauty background and specialising in some of our advanced facials, as well as a passion for nails and massage.

Q&A with Rosy
Why did you get into the industry?
I’ve been obsessed everything and anything beauty since I was very young and remember very vividly playing around with my mums perfumes and potions in our bathroom and putting lipstick on! I knew straightaway from being in primary school this is what I wanted to do from the very start and I had my mind set on what my career path would be.

I absolutely love how a beauty treatment makes a client feel, physically and mentally and the positive impact that shines through to them. Whether that’s a massage, facial, or a simple file and polish it’s incredibly rewarding as a therapist. I find it so interesting how the beauty and wellness industry changes with treatments so you never stop learning even after being in the industry 10 years, every day is like a school day!

What is your tip for good skin?
My biggest tip is removing makeup thoroughly every day and the simple 3s, cleanse tone moisturize! I also love a sheet mask, It’s a great way of hydrating your skin and how it makes your skin glow afterwards. And drinking plenty of water!

Alicia joined us in April 2023 in Winchester. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for the delicate art of facials, skincare, and the meticulous precision of Manicures & Pedicures, her journey into beauty therapy became a natural calling. The joy of creating radiant transformations and promoting skin health has become the heartbeat of her career.

Laxmi came to Vita in September 2023, Laxmi is guided by an intense passion for unlocking the healing potential within, her career was born from a love for massage. The intricate dance of pressure points and the art of stretching became her chosen tools to not just heal, but to bring about a profound sense of balance and well-being.

Q & A with Laxmi
What do you love above this industry?
I love to meet lots of different people from all walks of life and help them.
What is your tip for releiving tired, achy muscles?
Exercise, stretching and of course lots of massage!
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
My favourite treatment is our Signature Body Massage. I love to do massages which include pressure points & stretching.

Sumi came to Vita in March 2024, an experienced therapist, having worked around the world she brings a wealth of experience to your treatments.

Q & A with Sumi
What do you love above this industry?
I love to meet lots of different people from all walks of life and help them.
What is your tip for releiving tired, achy muscles?
Exercise, stretching and of course lots of massage!
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
My favourite treatment is our Signature Body Massage.

Mia has joined us in Winchester as a Beauty Therapist from a local salon.

Q & A with Mia
What do you love above this industry?
I have a passion for the beauty industry and performing all the different treatments.
What is your tip for great skin?
A tip for radiant skin is to always use a moisturiser rich in both moisture and vitamin C giving the skin the hydration it needs to create a radiant glow.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
Facials, not everyone has the time in their hands to do a full facial routine on themselves, and all they have to do is relax and then enjoy the results

Mariana has joined us in Winchester as a Beauty Therapist.

Q & A with Mariana
What do you love above this industry?
It’s my passion. I want to make people more beautiful and more happy.
What is your tip for great skin?
1) Eat healthy ( less fast food)
2) Sport
3) Every day take care of your skin (cleanse the skin, tone, moisturise and always put SPF in the morning ; in the evening – cleanse the skin, tone and put night cream). Please try to use the right product which suits to your type of skin . If you can’t understand your skin type, ask for advice from your therapist.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
I like eyelash tint and lift, facials, gel nails, tanning.

Rita joined Vita in Winchester in 2024

Q & A with Rita
Why did you get into the industry?
I’ve always been surrounded by people in the beauty industry. Growing up, my mum would try out new beauty products and gadgets, and she’d often gift me makeup, skincare, and nail goodies. Taking care of my skin has always been important to me, and I get compliments on it all the time! Beauty has always been a big part of my life, and I truly love everything about it!
What is your tip for a good homeware routine?
Wash your makeup off at the end of the day. Use a retinol at night and vitamin C and SPF during the day.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
Facial, lash lifts and brows. Facials because this is the most exposed part of the body along with the hands so it’s nice to give these areas extra attention. Lash lifts help give the appearance of more open eyes and the eyes are the window to the soul. Brows frame your face.

Lucy joined Vita in Winchester in 2024

Q & A with Lucy
Why did you get into the industry?
I was looking for a new challenge and direction.
What is your tip for tired, achy muscles?
A long soak in the bath with some Epsom salts.
What is your favourite treatment to have?
A back, neck and shoulder signature massage!

Lily joins the Shaftesbury team from Aqua Sana at Longleat Centre Parcs. Lily loves to provide rewarding and relaxing treatments, with her favourite being a Dermalogica Facial, where she loves seeing changes in the clients skin, along with boosting their confidence.

Q & A with Lily
Why did you get into the industry?
Following sixth form I studied biology and sport to pursue a career in sports science as I have a love for human anatomy and physiology, however I I did not fall in love with it as I was hoping. I then went into beauty therapy as I can impact someone’s physical and mental well-being from a different aspect. Seeing people relaxed, helping sport injury, improving people’s confidence with skincare makes Beauty Therapy a rewarding profession. I was given the opportunity to join Aqua Sana center parcs which was an amazing experience and allowed me to gain my level 3. Since joining vita skin spa I have learnt new treatments, widened my breadth of knowledge, and gained a true passion for the industry.

What is your tip for keeping skin healthy and radiant?
Firstly exfoliating is the main thing I would recommend to a client when wanting to maintain healthy skin as it helps to even out skin texture, provide a beautiful glow and encourage nutrients and blood flow to the skins surface.
Secondly applying an SPF everyday is super important to prevent any premature aging and sun damage to the skin, keeping the skin glowing and youthful.

What is your favourite treatment to have?
My favourite treatment to perform is a facial, as from the first treatment you can already see a difference in the skin and tailor it specifically to someone’s skin concerns. Its also super relaxing.

Sophia joined us in August 2023. Embracing a passion for enhancing natural beauty, she chose a career in beauty therapy to empower individuals, fostering confidence and radiance through the transformative artistry of skincare and massage.

Q & A with Sophia
Why did you get into the industry?
I’ve been been in the beauty industry for almost two years. Being a beauty therapist was my chosen career because I really enjoy providing treatments that make people feel amazing about and can feel results instantly.  I enjoy being able to meet new people every day how every day is different.
What is your tip for a good homeware routine?
My tips for a good home care routine is to do what fits with your life style and what works for you. Doing feel like because one person is doing something you need to do it to everybody is different. Small things can make such a difference maybe waking up early and going for a walk for 15 minutes reading journalling taking that time for yourself before a busy day can be so important.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
My favourite treatment to perform is our vita ritual I love this treatment because as the guest you get the benefits for an amazing facial while also having the benefits of a massage like hot stones which is great for anyone that has muscle tension as the heat of the stones increase blood flow to that spot which improves healing.

Cassie has been with Vita since August 2023, driven by a heartfelt desire to uplift spirits and boost self-esteem, Cassie embarked on a journey in beauty therapy. Her joy lies in the ability to make people feel better about themselves, embracing the transformative power of beauty treatments to enhance not only their outer radiance but also the inner confidence that comes with it.

Q & A with Cassie
Why did you get into the industry?
My mum is the reason I got into the industry as I have grown up watching her carry out hair appointments. I loved how making someone feel better on the outside can be reflect on the inside too. Even for a simple lip wax, you give a client that extra 5 minutes to themselves which they needed, and that’s lovely to be a part of.
What is your tip for a good homeware routine?
Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be as mad as your day-to-day life is! Even just a simple routine can work wonders for the skin on days you don’t have a lot of time. As long as you are cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day as well as making sure you’re using a good SPF, even if it’s grey out side. It will help keep your skin feeling looked after and keep it protected.
What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
The Signature massage and the Pro skin facial would be my favourite treatments. I pick two because one treatment is never enough! I love the Signature massage that we can help the achy muscles without it having to be a deep tissue especially if deep pressure is something you struggle with. And the Pro skin facial is great at making your skin feel and look amazing afterwards. And it’s lovely relaxing treatment for the therapist to perform too.

In December 2023, Chloe joined Vita Hair Spa in Shaftesbury after working for herself in Glastonbury. Previously to that she was a stylist at a Davines hair spa in Castle Cary. With her love for Davines from her previous role she was the perfect fit for Vita. Please check out our instagram to see her recent work.

Q & A with Chloe
Why did you get into the industry?
I got into the industry through my passion of acting. During shows I was always the one wanting to do all of the cast members hair. This soon turned into a career opportunity before I completely fell in love with the art of hairdressing.
What is your tip for healthy hair?
My top tip for healthy hair is to shampoo your hair correctly. This includes washing your hair once every 2-3 days, Always do two shampoos, and apply conditioner every time to only the ends of your hair.
What is your favourite hair treatment to perform and why?
I love to work with Daviness because they are a beautifully organic, family run brand from Italy. They make a huge effort to remain carbon neutral which I deem to be very important in todays world. Also, there colour doesn’t contain any PPDs which is the chemical that a lot of us can be allergic to with normal colours. Instead their colour has similar natural ingredients as the textile dyes we find in our clothes. This also means the colour doesn’t fade just our clothes don’t.