Uniquely Organic Eco Spa A Review
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Mahatma Gandhi
Harmonising the mind, body and soul can be challenging in today’s chaotic world.
With never ending to-do lists, stresses and worries it is no wonder so many people suffer from sleepless nights, mental and physical ailments. However acknowledging the connection between the three is key to improved health on all levels.
Great strides have been made by society with regard to embracing total well-being as an integral part of health and happiness and what better way to stop and focus on your emotional and mental health than taking time out for you! A short visit to a spa can help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and recharged ready to face the world and find that balance that we all desire.
In Brighton & Hove and only a stones throw from the glorious ocean is an award-winning holistic haven. Here lies a perfect escape for city dwellers to step inside a ‘peace of utopia’. Uniquely Organic Eco Spa was recently awarded Best Spa in the South East at the TMP awards – a huge achievement for this divine business that was launched eight years ago by the truly inspirational Kirsty Kianifard. The team are now competing in the national finals. With their individually tailored treatments, certified-organic products and commitment to both holistic well-being and a minimal impact on the environment, this Sussex gem is set to shine bright against the competition.
Located in the heart of Hove, this heavenly haven is a sanctuary for healing and harmonising the body and mind and the perfect escape for me. I contacted Kirsty and explained that I was feeling out of balance, a little stressed and I was looking to experience a treatment designed to not only relax my physical body, but also calm my mind and connect with my soul. I have always been open to alternative therapies and over the past year meditation has become a part of my daily routine.
Kirsty suggested the Full Moon Ritual, a unique treatment that can only take place four days prior or after a full moon. This is ‘a super special ritual treatment that encourages what the moon intends, which is ridding and releasing ourselves of what no longer serves us’ through an intuitive body massage, crystal healing and energy work.
I booked my treatment late on a Friday afternoon and the first thing that I noticed was the immediate feeling of Zen as you walk through the door. Soothing music and scented oils fill the tranquil space and unlike your usual clinical feel, this eco spa feels warm and welcoming with homely touches such as shelves filled with wholesome books on well being, crystals, candles and delightful organic products.
Uniquely Organic offers an array of treatments to pamper you from top to toe including manicures, waxing, reflexology and body wraps to a glowing organic tan and, the pièce de résistance, their signature Chakrosanct treatments designed by founder and Reiki master Kirsty.
In the centre of this space is the superb Eco-Snug; a pocket of relaxation that fits ‘snuggly’ into those busy days. A log burner creates the feeling of a dreamy cabin in the Swiss alps and the sheer white drape can be pulled across allowing you to fully immerse in your flight of fantasy and warm magical secluded chalet. The bed is pure luxury with a thick white fluffy blanket to wrap around yourself. This unique concept is perfect for city slickers as they can pop in for as little as fifteen minutes to enjoy a mini treatment or just hit the pause button on the outside world in a calming space. Pure rest and relaxation.
I was looking for something more in-depth and after intently looking at the treatments on offer, I was incredibly excited to experience both body and energy work through the full moon ritual.
Natasha, a senior therapist, introduced herself and with a warm smile and soothing voice she led me away from the hustle and bustle outside and into the calm and serene world below the reception.
The first stage was very unusual as I was first taken to one of the three Pods where small hollows were filled with cushions and blue lighting. These relaxation pods are used as areas to reflect, meditate or rest after a treatment. This is where my treatment commenced, with my fifteen minute time to think about my intention and the things that I wanted to let go of and those I wanted to harness and bring into my life.
At first I felt a little awkward and still knotted from the world outside, yet as the meditation continued to play I found myself scribbling down a list of things that had been on my mind and causing tension. It was cathartic to reflect on my daily stress and allow myself to acknowledge these niggles. Natasha let me know that it was time for my massage and placed my note in a sealed envelope for no one to read, but me, myself and I. At this point I was ready to let go of my tension and fully immerse myself in this treatment.
The room was inviting with low lighting, delightful scents, candles and a floor to ceiling painting of one of the Chakra symbols. The decor radiated cosy minimalism and made it incredibly easy to let go of all that was in my mind. We started with a grounding foot ritual. Soaking and exfoliating my feet before I was invited to climb into the heavenly warmed bed. Natasha explained how the seven energetic centres of the chakra play an integral part of this spa with each room representing one of the elements of the seven major chakras of the body. We spoke of energy work and techniques for daily rebalancing and it was not long before I briefly drifted off into possibly the deepest sleep I have had in years.
An intuitive massage is designed to release energy blockages and uses techniques to restore and rebalance your energy flow using deep, circular strokes that relax your muscles and in my case sent me into a trance like state. A singing bowl was used to restore normal vibrational frequencies and my treatment ended with placing stones on points of my body that correspond to the chakras, or energy centres. The intention of this is to transform the negative energies into positive energies which lead to good health and emotional release.
When my treatment was finished I was aware of my deep breathing and floaty feeling unlike any massage I have had in the past. I was given a cup of green tea and little gift of my personal oil and chakra stones. Natasha also informed me I should burn my intentions, thus sending my thoughts into the universe.
Uniquely Organic Eco Spa also offers a new concept developed by Kirsty which combines seven chakra treatments with seven individually developed oils to create the ultimate in holistic healing. The treatment is designed to nourish and balance the chakras of the body tapping into physical, energetically, mindful and spiritual aspects. This is total health and well-being, but if you would rather something a little more mainstream, this spa caters for all and you can unwind with a hot stone massage or a firming facial. The one thing you can guarantee is that all products will be organic and environmentally friendly as this is the heart of Uniquely Organic Eco Spa.
Kirsty Kianifard demonstrates passion through and through for a holistic lifestyle and clearly loves sharing her gift with others. Kirsty, a women’s empowerment coach, has been public speaking and working with women for years and most recently she launched Uniquely Organic’s sister business The Bodymind School, a holistic training centre where you are taught everything from reiki to purpose focused manifestation. This is a way of transitioning into a more aligned way of living either for personal growth or to build your own well being empire.
I highly recommend you take some time out and pay Uniquely Organic a visit. The treatments are incredible and the ambience unrivalled. It’s over a week since my full moon ritual treatment and I can honestly say I am still floating on air.
Before I stepped out into the world I decided to take the opportunity to ask the woman herself Kirsty Kianifard a few questions to inspire us all.
What inspired you to launch Uniquely Organic Eco Spa?
I initially trained as a beauty and holistic therapist. Following this I developed my skills working for a High Street beauty salon. However I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to have my own business, yet at this point my vision was not clear as to exactly what I wanted to offer.
I discovered that the London College of fashion offered a degree in cosmetic science. On successful application this is where I formulated my business mindset. My initial focus was on the environment, however as a part of our course we had to take well-known products within the UK market and dissect them in order to gain a greater understanding of the ingredients. I was horrified to discover the amount of chemicals that were not only bad for the planet but also for our bodies.
As I had already set up a small sideline business offering beauty treatments, I was keen to see how my clients would react to the use of organic products. My clients loved the idea and so this was the start of the eco-spa. A space with a collective mission to offer a high standard treatments that replicate or improve upon the synthetic Products and treatments that on the market.
Any advice for today’s modern women?
Prioritise yourself!
My advice would be to get to know yourself again. It is important to be able to listen to yourself and what your body needs to support your emotions and your mind. We really need to connect with ourselves. We all have an internal guidance system, but we must learn to listen and connect. Self-care is more than just eating healthily, exercising or having a massage. It is really knowing yourself.
Many of my clients have simply forgotten how they can bring joy into their lives. We must be clear in what we want to achieve, prioritising self-care. Not what we are told that we need, but getting to know yourself and understanding exactly what is right for you.
Do you have any plans for business expansion?
I have just recently launched The Bodymind School, a holistic training centre to run alongside Uniquely organic Eco Spa .In the next five years my aim is to replicate the spa and the school.
I would also like to travel and continue to speak with women, encouraging them to step into their greatness, to push boundaries and achieve whatever it is that they would like to offer the world.
I would like to inspire women to step into the world of purpose driven business which is connected to their soul and heart. Teaching that it is possible to create a flexible working world and that you do not have to sacrifice anything if you are focused.
How do you maintain work life balance?
This is a question that I am asked a lot. In the eight years since I launched my first business I have worked incredibly hard and I have achieved a lot, but no more than I am doing now that I am running three businesses and have three young children. This is because I have learnt to focus. Focus is key you must not get distracted by other people, competition and social media. It is important that I am the best version of me, and that means keeping on track, knowing my mission, having goals.
I always knew that I wanted to set up a training & development school to run alongside my spa. I am passionate about healing work the beauty and holistic world and of course using organic products. Given my many years of experience, I know that I have some amazing skills to pass on to future practitioners.
In the past I used to get stuck in the ‘how is it going to happen’. Then I decided to start taking small steps towards what I wanted. I was very clear with my vision and I knew exactly how I wanted to be different. I think procrastination stops people achieving their dreams. As for work life balance, I now delegate more. I have learnt to be more focused on what I need to achieve and balance my time with the spa, school and my coaching. I also believe that you achieve the best results when you feel good inside and being a mum is so incredibly beautiful and naturally comes first and fills me with more drive and ambition.
Any advice for future entrepreneurs and business owners?
I am a female empowerment coach and I work with many entrepreneurs. The key concept that I coach is that we all have unique gift to share with the world. My advice to future business owners is to not be afraid of being different. Uniquely Organic was the first eco-spa in Sussex and possibly the south. It may be scary but it is important that you have a passion for what you are doing and show the real you. Be your brand and show your customer exactly what you are trying to achieve. Communication is key.
At Uniquely Organic we keep up-to-date with what is going on in the synthetic beauty world and we ask ourselves if we can do this organically and in a more natural way. Whilst maintaining the highest of standards and providing our clients with treatments that not only rival, but potentially are superior to others on the market.
Uniquely Organic is exactly that – unique. The passion, experience and commitment to offering sustainable, earth friendly organic products and treatments is awe inspiring. The team are forging forward and leading the way for other spas and beauty salons across the nation. I truly adore this business and all that it stands for and I look forward to working my way through all of the treatments on offer.