Why it works: GAIA Affinity Facial at Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall

Having launched at the end of May this year, at the award-winning Gaia Spa within Boringdon Hall Hotel, the GAIA Affinity Face Experience is the latest addition to this luxury Devon spa hotel's wider Gaia Affinity Cancer Experience (for body), first launched in 2021.

Set on the edge of Dartmoor, the five-star retreat offers guests a peaceful getaway designed for relaxation, comfort and wellbeing, with restorative spa facilities and tranquil countryside surroundings helping guests reconnect and unwind.

Certified by CIBTAC, with GAIA recognised as approved training providers by SATCC, the Affinity Facial experience has been carefully developed to offer a safe, nurturing and highly personalised approach to spa therapy for guests who have had a cancer diagnosis. Suitable for those undergoing or recovering from cancer, as well as guests managing other medical conditions, every GAIA Affinity Facial Experience is tailored to each guest’s needs and personal circumstances.

Beginning with a grounding foot ritual, the treatment is designed to promote comfort, calm and overall wellbeing, helping individuals to relax, reconnect and feel cared for.

Diane Nettleton, Founder of Gaia Skincare & Spa, commented: “Having gone through a cancer journey with a family member, I appreciate that sometimes you just need a break from it all. A change of scenery. Permission not to think about what is happening. The opportunity to be normal and do things with your family and friends. Live your life, grasp the moment. Make that day a good day — a fantastic day.”

What does the treatment involve?     We have two treatment options to choose from:

• Nourish (45 minutes) - This is tailored for guests needing gentle yet revitalising care. After a foot ritual, sensory journey and consultation the facial includes double cleansing, light exfoliation (if suitable) and hydration. This is then complemented by a soothing rose quartz massage.
• Thrive (60 minutes) - This is a revitalising and rejuvenating treatment designed for guests who may be recovering from cancer treatments, or those who have been affected by surgery, radiation or other treatments where caution is still needed. To begin, there's a soothing foot ritual, sensory journey and consultation to ensure products are perfectly tailored to the individual. This is followed by a double cleanse, exfoliation, hydration, rose quartz massage and a nourishing face mask. This is also enhanced by a GAIA Affinity hand and arm massage and techniques to aid lymphatic drainage, improve circulation and deep relaxation.

Where does the treatment come from?

Following the success of our Affinity Body treatment we also created our Affinity Facial for those guests who are undergoing or recovering from cancer, managing medical conditions or living with conditions that may otherwise prevent access to traditional spa treatments. Our GAIA Affinity facial allows us to extend our offering to those guests who are looking to have a face treatment instead of a body treatment, or to have both.

What is it supposed to do?

Our Affinity facial is a relaxing wellbeing treatment that allows our guests the space to feel nurtured mentally, physically and on a spiritual level.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

The Affinity Facial is complimented by a rose quartz facial massage. Known as the ultimate crystal of love - on an emotional level it promotes deep self-love and helps reduce stress. Physically, it helps to calm and soothe the skin whilst also aiding lymphatic drainage to promote radiance and glow to the skin.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

Due to the relaxing nature of the treatment, it is recommended that the guests allow themselves time to relax after the treatment and avoid making too many plans for the rest of the day. It is important to ensure post-treatment that the guest keep hydrated by drinking water.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for, or people who benefit from it for particular reasons?

The Affinity Facial is particularly recommended for those guests undergoing treatment for cancer or who are in recovery from it. All therapists who are trained in the GAIA Affinity Facial are highly knowledgeable in the effects of different cancer treatments and medications on the skin and body and therefore are able to offer a personalised and adaptive approach to the guests needs.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why (any contraindications)?

No, not unless they have a contagious skin condition.