5 minute read
GILLIAN ADAMS SPA
A Sanctuary of Wellness, Beauty, and Passion
By Louise May
Nestled in the heart of Turramurra, Sydney, the Gillian Adams Spa stands as a beacon of holistic beauty and wellness. Celebrating over 30 years of excellence, this unique destination offers everything from luxury spa treatments to salon services, dining, and therapeutic experiences—making it far more than just a day spa.
The vision behind this iconic location belongs to its owner and founder, Gillian Adams, a woman whose passion for beauty and wellness has driven her to create a space where clients can rejuvenate not only their outer beauty but also their inner peace.
In a recent conversation with Jarred Stedman, General Manager of Mocha Group, Gillian shared her journey, inspiration, and the continued evolution of this urban sanctuary.
What began as a modest hair salon has transformed into a sprawling wellness hub, complete with 16 beauty treatment rooms, a 30-seat restaurant, a hair salon with 12 chairs and three basins, and the centrepiece—a specialised Aqua Medical pool.
The Dream of Creating a Holistic Experience
Gillian’s journey began in the world of hairdressing, where she discovered a love for creating “total looks” that went beyond just hairstyles. Her dream was always to create a destination where clients could receive comprehensive care—an experience that rejuvenated the mind, body, and spirit.
“I wanted to create a place where people could come and be loved, nurtured, and leave feeling confident in their world,” she shared. Gillian envisioned a space where clients could receive everything from beauty treatments to wellness therapies under one roof. This holistic approach has been at the heart of the spa’s success for over three decades.
While many advised her to base the business in Sydney’s CBD, Gillian saw potential in the local community of Turramurra. After conducting a demographic study, she identified a clientele of families and executives who would appreciate a retreat that offered convenience and exceptional service. This bold decision led her to acquire a former bank building, which became the spa’s home, and over time, the business expanded to include the neighbouring Bonnie Bray House, a historical residence where advanced facials and other treatments are offered.
Crafting a Destination of Beauty and Wellness
Gillian’s attention to detail and passion for creating a luxurious yet welcoming environment is evident throughout the spa. From the Carrara marble imported from Italy to the tranquil beauty of the pool area, which was inspired by her travels to European wellness centres like Baden-Baden in Germany and the south of France, Gillian has curated an experience designed to pamper and restore.
“It’s about the experience,” Gillian emphasised. “I didn’t want it to feel like a clinic; I wanted it to be a home away from home.”
The Aqua Medical pool stands out as one of the spa’s key features, boasting magnesium and ozone therapy for optimal health benefits. Although COVID-19 forced the temporary addition of chlorine, Gillian remains committed to maintaining the pool’s therapeutic properties.
Navigating Challenges with Innovation and Support
Running such a multifaceted business presents its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing three distinct areas—spa, salon, and restaurant—all under one roof. Fortunately, Gillian has found a steadfast partner in Shortcuts Software, which she has been using for over 20 years.
“I was one of the first salons to throw away the appointment book and move to a computer system,” Gillian noted, reflecting on her long-standing relationship with Shortcuts. The software has evolved alongside the spa, handling everything from dynamic pricing to complex booking systems, and most importantly, voucher management. This has been crucial to ensuring smooth operations for the nearly 40 staff members working across multiple services.
“They’ve been amazing,” Gillian said, crediting Shortcuts with helping her navigate the challenges of running such a unique business. She’s particularly proud of how the software accommodates the spa’s distinct needs, such as managing restaurant licensing and streamlining the guest experience across all services.
Thriving Through COVID-19
Like many businesses, the spa faced significant challenges during the pandemic. With a four-month closure, Gillian used the downtime to expand the spa’s conservatory and make the restaurant more accessible. Post-lockdown, the demand for wellness and relaxation surged as clients sought an escape from the stress of isolation.
“Our busiest time was after we reopened,” Gillian revealed. “People wanted to recharge and get out of the house, and they found solace here.”
Despite these challenges, Gillian remains as passionate and driven as ever. “I’ve always been determined to keep it going through all its challenges. I wanted to create something for the industry and the community, a place where people can relax and have a great experience.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion
Gillian is always striving to improve the spa’s offerings, with a focus on integrating technology into the client experience. She’s currently working on implementing digital pads so clients can input information directly into the system, making the process more seamless for both clients and therapists. The goal is to enable therapists to update client information in real-time during treatments, further enhancing the spa’s already exceptional service.
“I’m constantly trying to make things better,” Gillian said, underscoring her commitment to innovation. This determination to evolve and adapt is what keeps the spa at the forefront of the beauty and wellness industry.
