Award-winning South West-based natural skincare and spa brand GAIA Skincare launches the GAIA Affinity Experience at Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel; a unique spa journey suitable for anyone living with a medical condition such as cancer, MS, Parkinson’s psoriasis, rosacea, anxiety and burns.

Focusing on natural wellness, the experience has been designed to last 40, 60 or 90 minutes, comprising a nurturing foot ritual and individually curated full body massage as well as homecare and wellness advice. 

Specially trained GAIA therapists conduct an intuitive consultation with each guest, adapting the experience based on a guest’s personal needs and preferences at that time, meaning each visit may offer a different experience. Duration, positioning, pressure and direction of flow are some of the considerations that will differ from individual to individual.

Massage therapy and focus on wellbeing has been found to have a wide range of physical and mental benefits, including reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, lymphatic stimulation, skin nourishment, reduction of stress hormones and increased joint mobility – each of which can have a profound effect on a person’s wellbeing.

“Everyone who visits a spa does so because they want to spend some time taking care of their physical and emotional wellbeing. None need it more so than those experiencing emotional distress and physical discomfort,” explains Diane Nettleton, Founder of GAIA Skincare.

“Conditions like cancer affect one in two people in the UK and MS and Parkinson’s affect one in 500 people. We wanted to create a wholly inclusive experience for those who are affected by mild, long term or life changing concerns – whether visible or not – without alienation.

“It’s about focusing on wellness, rather than illness and providing a safe space to escape and feel looked after.”

The Affinity Experience is divided into three categories: NurtureNourish & Thrive, which are then each tailored to allow for individual adjustments, such as positioning, duration, pressure and direction of flow.

Nurture being the gentlest, for guests that are fatigued, anxious or who may be too sensitive for extensive touch or firm pressure. Over the towel compressions, static holds and light product applications are gentle and slow, lasting no more than 60 minutes to prevent overstimulation.

Nourish allows for medium pressure, working on tension in the body and pressure point massage – lasting between 40 – 90 minutes, depending on the individual guest.

Thrive allows for medium to deeper pressure, with appropriate adjustments to direction of flow – lasting up to 90 minutes.

The new GAIA Affinity Experience is available to book at www.gaiaboringdon.co.uk. Prices start from£90 for 40 minutes. For more information about GAIA Skincare, visit www.gaiaskincare.com.