Luxury with a Conscience
Studio One – The Spa that’s putting the BVI first
Photography by David Thomas and aLookingGlass
The British Virgin Islands are a veritable paradise, pampered by a vast choice of spas and salons.
Arguably, the reason for the abundance of luxurious stop-ins is to pre-empt the anticipation of lavish lifestyle that visitors and residents expect of a tropical destination.
Studio One Salon & Spa has been a leading example in this industry ever since its grand opening on the January 17, 2014. One of the allures for their clientele, is the uniqueness in a joint salon/spa experience, that incorporates a distinguished level of professionalism.
Interviewing owners Eileen Bourke, Nicoleta Bongarth, and Che Pemberton, it is clear that to thrive in this competitive industry, proficiency in a number of skills is necessary.
All three owners possess an impressive wealth of information about their expertise in the salon/spa field, educating anyone that enters Studio One about the significance of bodily care.
Nicoleta, who is the face of the company, relayed a successful aspect of her vision for the salon/spa, saying, “We have a very clean look. Very neat. Everything is top quality,” with regard to Studio’s physical appearance, products, and services offered.
Eileen further explained their principal concept: “We’re trying to create a European flavoured service in the British Virgin Islands, whilst incorporating the product and service that people here are looking for.”
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]
Promoted as an operation for both men and women, co-owner Che is the exemplary male convert to this lifestyle, who recognises that men need to take care of themselves too.
Another aim of the owners is to evoke a spa-like feeling in a salon with their awareness that it can be challenging to find a place where you are able to have your hair treated in tranquillity – this element presents an innovative service here in the BVI.
Following suit of attentive customer care, immense investment is placed in staff training so that each stylist breeds client appreciation and loyalty.
Nicoleta came from Romania where she taught as an instructor at a 5* training centre. She has European spa qualification in manicure and pedicure from globally renowned OPI –Hand Spa.
[one_half]
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Iulia Rusu, also from Romania has a background in television makeup, cosmetology and hair – truly unique attributes of a stylist here in the BVI.
Suelyn Parkinson, who has trained in deep tissue and hot stone treatments, completes their accumulation of expertise, or as better described by Eileen: “The BVI is a fusion of cultures and we feel we need to trend with our services likewise,” elaborating on the diversity of talent that Studio One possesses.
“You must be on the cusp of change,” she continued in defining the constant evolution of Cosmetology, facials, manicure, pedicure, haircuts, and treating hair colour. “It is necessary to understand the chemicals being used on the hair.”
Eileen and Nicoleta relayed that there is a vigilant training discipline – Nicoleta has travelled across the world, encompassing Europe and the States, learning skills from a variety of different professional schools including famed Paul Mitchell; she continues to do so.
[/one_half_last]
Utilising high end products and keeping current with the consistent development of hair and skin cosmetics, Eileen emphasised the importance of having an exclusive product line to grant her business distinction. “Paul Mitchell is a well-known professional brand that has been popular in Tortola,” she said. Schwarzkopf is a brand you don’t find in the Caribbean apart from Trinidad and we have the exclusive rights for the Schwarzkopf line,” she continued.
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]
“We have a line from Sothys – it’s number one in France,” added Nicoleta who described that it’s a French line with natural aromatherapy oils for the skin; one must be a qualified aesthetician to understand how to utilise these products correctly.
With such an endearing reception from the BVI community at inception and throughout, Studio One owners have graciously reciprocated in charitable acts.
“We tend to forget our old people who set the tone of where we live today,” said Eileen with respect to the Adina Donovan Home where she donates contributions from their company – currently, they are seeking to raise $2500 to repair upstairs that requires retiling. Nicoleta commits to free haircuts and treatments for people at Adina Donovan and Bougainvillaea, also giving the nurses at Adina, Studio One gift certificates for their challenging work.
Concluding, Eileen said, “At Studio One, we stress a healthy, educated approach to skin care.”
Offering this vast range of salon/spa services and products to suit all preferences—male or female—to accompany their profound ethos, it is clear that the revolutionary salon/spa combo of Studio One will open up a new routine to anyone interested in maintaining good health.
[wc_divider style=”solid” line=”double” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=””]
More about Studio One
- Studio One offers flexible late hours and appointments – walk-ins are welcome if there is a specialist available
- December raffle – $5.00 to enter with funds going to the Adina Donovan – chance to win a spa package
- December and January – special with the Sothys launch. Reflexotherapy – a head to toe treatment with two therapists treating you
- Special Offer – Buy a pedicure – free hot stone massage on your feet during the spa pedicure
- January 17 2015 is Studio One’s anniversary where a champagne celebration can be anticipated alongside special offers and packages
[wc_divider style=”solid” line=”double” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=””]
[one_third]
Contact:
Studio One Spa and Salon
130 Main Street
Road Town
Tortola
+1 284 494-9988
+1 284 346-5622
[email protected]
Facebook: Studio One Salon Spa Tortola – Special offers emerge all throughout the year
[/one_third]
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]
[ts_fab]
