As leaders in the luxury wellness and spa industry, our credibility hinges on authenticity. It's not enough to simply preach luxurious wellness; we must embody it in our own lives. Guests seek transformation, and genuine inspiration comes from those who have walked the path themselves.

After a challenging schedule in 2024, my journey began with a crucial realization: to effectively give back to the wellness industry, one must first be well. A demanding schedule often made a balanced lifestyle challenging, leading to a mindset shift towards prioritizing personal well-being.

My 8-Month Wellness Quest

My personal quest involved a 8-month deep dive into various wellness practices, from DNA tests and sound baths to yoga, Pilates, cold plunges, forest bathing, and retreats, including a transformative Smiling Soul retreat in Bali.

Through this ongoing exploration, I discovered several "underrated wellness luxuries" that are essential for daily well-being and enable me to

By Jacoline Wentzel, Managing Director of The Spa Warehouse

support others effectively. This is a personal list, and I encourage you to find what resonates with your own lifestyle.

My Underrated Wellness Luxuries

Quiet Mornings

As my profession as spa consultant, I travel extensively. Appreciating the sunrise in quiet silence and meditation has become a soothing ritual, a time for calm, and often, where the best ideas are born. I often say “ I need space to create” and it seems it is often at dawn when my mind is ready to create.

Practicing My Faith

With regular rush of adrenalin and my body in regular fight or flight mode, stress is very taxing to my body. Leaning into faith through prayer and journaling provides the best antidote to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, especially during demanding times.

Reciprocated Love

Spending quality time with friends and family, celebrating small occasions, and showing care to everyone around me, without phone interruptions, truly makes my soul smile. I challenged myself to practice a Sabbath, at least one day a week. 24 hours of no work and no technology, while being present when spending time with love ones. The word of God says “what you sow you will reap”, so watch the reciprocated love you receive when showing it to others around you.

Intentional Movement

Finding movement linked to fun - from yoga and Pilates to snorkelling and hiking - ensures it not only feeds the body but also releases stress and encourages consistency. They key to consistent exercise is to do something fun and combine it with adventure.

Guiltless Rest

Rest does not come easy to me, especially rest to my brain. My brain thinks, create and processes all day long. I often find myself feeling guilty when I sit and do nothing. Realizing that guiltless rest is as vital as movement for detoxification and recovery, and that spa treatments or personal holidays for relaxation are essential. Not just a luxury that is

suited for our clients, but also for ourselves to restore our balance, between work and home.

Self-Expression

Embracing true nature and expressing who you are, free from others' expectations, is crucial for genuine happiness and a smiling soul. During my exploration in Bali, I realised my true nature is that of an island girl, who loves wearing flowers in my hair, surrounded by beautiful oceans, regular swimming in warm sea water and living on fresh fruit and seafood. Only exploration to various places in the world, made me realised that it is true nature.

Ability to explore

When you open to exploration, you increase the chances of unexpected connections, new ideas and inspirations and personal growth. Whether it's a grand adventure abroad or a simple stroll through a new part of your town, embracing exploration truly does set the stage for those magical, lifealtering encounters. It's about being present, being open, and trusting that the journey itself holds incredible gifts.

Grounding in Nature

Limiting tech time and scheduling intentional time outdoors is imperative for mental health, as nature is a proven healer. In a demanding schedule like mine, I intentionally make time for time outdoors, even if it means sitting on my porch, enjoying the winter sunlight while answering emails or hiking in our nearby mountains on the weekend.

Space to Expand Knowledge

Learning new things, trying new hobbies, or meeting new people expands horizons, keeping the brain engaged and life exciting, combating monotony. I would like to challenge you to try new things. During the last few months, it was the experiences I had during the tasting of Luwak Coffee (one of the most expensive coffees in the world), an ancient ritual sound bath at Pyramids of Chi or my first cold plunge in the mountains of Stanford that excited my spirit and made for unforgettable memories.

Freedom

to choose

The beauty of life is that we have the freedom to choose. Setting boundaries between work and play is imperative. Making time for your own wellness

will not only stand you in good stead immediately but will be the answer to longevity. You have the freedom to choose your own life. A well-balanced life that allows you to restore so that you can carry on giving.

As my wellness journey continues, I hope it inspires you and your team, to explore your own path and discover what truly suits you and your wellbeing.

Follow my full Bali Journey on Our Blog: www.thespawarehouse.co.za/journal.

About: THE SPA WAREHOUSE

The Spa Warehouse is one of the leading spa & wellness design, consulting and supply companies based in South Africa. They have been offering a personalized and bespoke spa consulting service to the spa and wellness industry in Africa & Mauritius since 2005.

For more information: www.thespawarehouse.co.za info@thespawarehouse.co.za