Tea, the 5000-year old remedy for wellbeing and an unexpected cure to the toils of modern life. Sophia Wang spoke to three spa experts on the wonders of this ancient potion and how it could leave your customers beaming with delight.
For the body and the mind
As well as an elegant activity that saturates Instagram and Pinterest feeds worldwide, tea is also a great doctor for mental and physical wellbeing. Tea leaves contain high amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants that work to fight free radicals. There are six main types of tea: white, yellow, green, oolong, black and post-fermented. Green tea is known for its diet and detox properties; black tea stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood flow, and white tea helps to calm and restore.
Tea works by eliminating toxins from the body so “the skin will look clearer and fresher, and the body will feel lighter and firmer,” according to Kristy Hines, owner of Aveda Mineral Lifestyle Hair Spa in Paddington.
The moment we sit down with a cup of tea, our body begins to relax as we enjoy the soothing aroma and warming taste cupped between our hands. “The act of drinking tea provides a pause in our day,” said Catherine Ruffels, Endota Spa’s resident aesthetician and trainer. “It’s a chance to breathe, reflect – this contributes to a sense of relaxation, happiness and fulfilment,” she added. Herbal teas can take us to a place of serenity where we can calm our mind in order to be refreshed and tackle the day ahead.
“Black, white and green tea all contain an amino acid called L-Theanine, a natural constituent that helps to reduce mental and physical stress. It improves your mood,” explained Suyin Ginn, director of spa operations at East Day Spa, “we offer tea to our clients before and after treatments, not only as a symbolic gesture of harmony like in Eastern cultures, but also to help clients to relax and aid in the overall healing process.”
A soothing atmosphere
The offering of tea sends a calming aroma around the room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A cup of hot tea can change the way a client feels towards the spa – “the gesture has a ‘home-like’ feel and welcomes the guest,” Kristy said. The type of crockery tea is served in can also help set the mood and express your spa’s personality. Vintage and girly crockery characterises the atmosphere as elegant and feminine. White, geometric and minimalist pots and cups feel modern and chic. Mismatched and multi-coloured crockery translates as alternative, homely, and warm. At Aveda Mineral Lifestyle Hair Spa, Kristy and her team serve tea in rustic earthy cups for customers who indulge in a long spa experience and sleek, smaller glasses for guests on the run, “your tea service should suit the décor of your spa and be consistent with the customer’s complete experience,” she said.
Retailing tea
Endota Spa offers their own range of tea to guests as an add-on service or take-home product. As a retail product, it is affordable and presents an alternative to clients who do not want to purchase products, ensuring no one walks out empty-handed.
“Endota has built its name around relaxation and ‘me time’…we offer our blends as part of all treatments in-spa; selling it as a retail product is a natural extension of that. The feedback we get is always positive and not only do clients enjoy drinking it themselves at home, they also love purchasing it as a gift,” Catherine said. Customers love services that exceed their expectations; walking out from a facial with the next two gift-giving occasions sorted makes the experience much more memorable. It’s also a great marketing tool that means brand extension outside of the spa; “retailing Endota tea is a great marketing tool as it easily gets the Endota brand into the everyday lives of our customers,” Catherine added.
As an extension to any spa experience, offering tea as a retail product not only enhances their stay, but reminds them of the experience every time the aroma hits them. “We carefully curate our retail selection so clients can extend the East Day Spa experience into their daily routines,” Suyin from East Day Spa said.
Tea and tea culture are creative ways to enhance any spa or salon, whether it’s the type of tea or how it is offered – it is an add-on services that appeals to the senses, enhancing the time clients set apart for luxury and self-indulgence.
For more information visit eastdayspa.com, www.minerallifestyle.com.au or www.endotadayspa.com.au/home