BEAUTY ESCAPE: PALM COVE

PALM COVE PARADISE

Hidden along the coast between Cairns and Port Douglas is Palm Cove – a sleepy town boasting a palm treelined beachfront that is Queensland’s answer to LA’s Sunset Boulevard.

A trip to the holiday spot wouldn’t be complete without a treatment at one of numerous, highly rated beauty spaces for a little R+R. Away from the hustle-and-bustle on the main strip is Via Spa by Accor – a luxurious day retreat offering a treatment menu fit for holiday-goers seeking either performance-powered skincare or a relaxing full-body reset. Hannah Gay visited the venue and spoke to Spa and Boutique Retail Manager, Karli Phillips on what sets the space apart.

Karli, tell us a little about yourself - where did you get your start in the beauty space, and how long have you worked with Vie Spa?

“I started in the spa space from day one where I conducted my training in Auckland, NZ. We also had a student day spa, so I was definitely immersed and drawn to everything that lives and breathes spa. I was fortunate enough to gain a position back in 2011 when I relocated to Cairns at what is now Vie Spa, and have been with them ever since!”

How long has Vie Spa been in operation?

“The spa itself has been operating for 14 years, and was rebranded into the Vie Spa we know today in 2013.”

What is the ethos behind the space?

“[For the client], their overall state of wellness is nurtured, where treatments are designed to respond to their internal and external needs. By connecting to each individual guest, we can create a bespoke experience ensuring each guest’s expectations are exceeded.”

Describe the look and feel of the space.

“Vie Spa is light, comforting and uplifting, washing a sense of calm over you as soon as you enter our sanctuary.”

Who makes up the business’ typical clientele? Do you have regular clients, or mostly tourists?

"We get a mix of both. Our main demographic are domestic guests from VIC and NSW, and we have many return visitors. I have built up our local clientele quite nicely too, so we get to enjoy the balance. As with any tourism-based space, peak periods come in waves, so our locals tend to come in the quieter times, when we aren’t flooded with visitors.”

Briefly, can you note the pros and cons of managing a business in relationship with Accor, as opposed to an independent space?

“I honestly cannot think of any cons! I feel like I get to run the spa as if it was my own, without having to add in other aspects of actually being an independent owner. As with any larger company, we have the support of other departments such as talent and culture (Human Resources). I do feel lucky in the fact that I have other supporters with different expertise in order to successfully run the spa.”

On visiting the space, we spoke about how QLD managed to operate while other states were in lockdown over the last couple of years. What have the last two years looked like for the business?

“We have been quite strong over the past two years; our usual quiet periods have not been quiet at all! We have lost that predictability of business demands, however I do see this settling down more now that international travel has re-opened, and our usual predictable peaks and troughs of business will return.”

Why work with iKOU and Pevonia?

“Both ranges offer a bespoke experience, with iKOU being a pioneer in the industry since 2007, leading the way in creating products that incorporate wellness and beauty for a ‘mind, body and skin’ approach. Pevonia offers a scientific approach with their patented delivery technologies continuously developed over 30 years.”

You mentioned your staff recently received renewed training from iKOU. What was the focus of that training?

“The training iKOU provides in-person is beautiful. The girls get to meet and chat with Naomi (founder and CEO of iKOU) about the story of iKOU, and experience treatments we offer from start-to-finish as they conduct these on each other. You can then encapsulate just how an iKOU ritual should feel and as a therapist, this is just divine!”

What sets Vie Spa apart from other luxury beauty spaces in the area?

“Ultimately it comes down to our amazing, experienced therapists. We keep all of our guests at the centre of everything we do by connecting with every single person that walks through the door or contacts us via email or phone; this definitely shines through! We ensure we are delivering all treatments at a high standard; it’s all in the detail!”

As a spa manager, what advice would you pass onto those interested in taking on a role like yours?

“When the opportunity comes up, just go for it! It is such a great experience in which you can operate a spa as if it was your own business with great support, before branching out on your own if you choose to do so.”

HANNAH’S PALM COVE ITINERARY:

♦ Stayed at a stylish AirBnB hidden in Palm Cove’s ‘Ocean Edge’. The homes here are stunning.

♦ Grabbed coffee at Espresso & Co Cafe. There’s always a line out the door, so I knew it’d be good!

♦ Strolled down Palm Cove’s sunny beachfront, taking note of the cocktail menus at every passing restaurant.

♦ Met with my beauty therapist, Carly at Vie Spa for my 2-hour treatment. I booked in for the iKOU Earth & Ocean Signature Ritual. Designed to de-stress the mind and body, my treatment included a native aromatic back scrub, body and scalp massage, hydrating radiance facial, lemon myrtle and cucumber foot and lower leg mask, and organic body souffle. Talk about heavenly!