Village Botanical Spa and Wellness Centre: New life to a historical building

St Julien Village, a small locality in the East, is known for its greenery but since two years, this village has gained popularity because of Village Botanical Spa and Wellness Centre. Launched by Geeta Reetoo, the spa and wellness centre has attained success in no time. Let us discover this real gem in a rural setting… Geeta Reetoo is the director of Village Botanical Spa and Wellness Centre. She confides her adventure in turning her dream into reality. The building she chose to locate her business in is around 100 years old. “It is a historical building which belongs to the Reetoo family and it has played a key role in helping the village. Some years ago, the village school was destroyed during a storm and this building temporarily accommodated the students. In order to prevent this building from becoming a ruin, I tried to enhance its value by making this a one-stop-shop for ladies,” she reveals. Why choose to set up a well equipped and modern spa in a rural setting? When anyone refers to a spa, she explains, they usually imagine a luxurious and opulent setting which would mostly be unaffordable for them. “Hotel spas are indeed expensive. That’s why I set up a spa which can provide all the services and facilities to women at an affordable price. All the products used are bio and natural. We target mostly working ladies and students,” she says.

Upcoming projects

The Wellness Spa is all set become an established fitness centre providing gym facilities, classes like yoga, aqua aerobics, aqua zumba, jacuzzi, among others. This is being expected for this year. Another project is the resorts stay. “The resort is not for this year but it will see that day soon. It will have different classes like wellbeing, meditation and detox programmes all along the stay of residents.”

Geeta possesses over ten years experience in cosmetics. She never thought she would have her own spa and once it was operational, things were beyond her expectations. Despite the spa being found in a remote village, Geeta has been able to attract clients from all over the island. “I have clients from North, South and West. My client portfolio has increased thanks to mouth-to-mouth marketing. People who came here have recommended it to their friends, thus setting up a chain reaction.” Geeta argues that in today’s hectic schedule, it is important for ladies to spare some time for themselves. “Ladies need to break away from their routine and dedicate some time towards their wellbeing. In the spa, they get to spend some quiet time and pamper themselves.” With the help of a physiotherapist, Geeta has put much emphasis on helping women who face difficulties in accessing professional help. “Ladies who have problems can get consultation by our physiotherapist and according to the advices of the latter, treatments are provided. It is a service that we believe is very important and we stress on this.”

Services offered

The Village Botanical Spa offers a full range of massage treatments that make the ladies feel relaxed. “Our massages are designed to provide clients with an experience that best suits their individual mood using high quality products, 100% bio and essential oils.”

Challenges

Geeta always believed in her business venture. However, she faced some challenges which she overcame with commitment and perseverance. “I had to invest a lot. I wanted to preserve the antique aspect of the building but at the same time, give it a modern touch. It was indeed a big challenge to accomplish. But finally, we achieve a great blend. So this business is very symbolical and it means a lot. In addition, I have the support of my husband.” Besides, Geeta fully trusts the services she offers. “All my employees are qualified and being qualified as spa managers, I have trained them to attend to the needs of each and every client.” The various services include:

• Body compresses Hot herbal compresses are well known for treating chronic nuisances such as muscle, back and joint pains.
• Facials Village Botanical Spa has developed a range of face rituals to revitalise, revive and regenerate your skin.
• Hair Rituals
• Hair removal rituals
• Reflexology
• Spa pool party The wellness centre has innovated in its approach. It organises private spa pool party for birthdays, girls’ parties, graduation, surprise party among others. Parties can accommodate minimum four persons and maximum eight persons. The sessions include aqua exercises, breathing and relaxing sessions.
• Slimming Massage
• Special offers for Mother’s Day and Valentine Day.