Behind the scenes of The Grand, Brighton with spa manager Genevieve Ainsworth

Spa time

“I was working at the Raffles Hotel in Dubai when I saw a job advert for a Spa Manager at The Grand Hotel in Brighton and jumped at the chance; I love being by the sea, whether it’s working in the spa at beachside hotels or on the world’s foremost super liners – my name actually means ‘white wave’ which I think is very apt!

“The challenge of heading up a completely new spa is such a fantastic opportunity. We started with a blank canvas which has enabled us to be very creative in terms of best use of space, concept, design and the spa journey. The very second that visitors walk into the spa and start their ‘Grand Experience’ they will feel pampered and relaxed. We pride ourselves on the fact that we will be the only local spa which offers the full day spa service.

“We pride ourselves on our luxurious massages and our Carita facials”

“When our guests arrive we give them a gorgeous fluffy robe and slippers. They can then chill out in the relaxation area with a herbal tea before heading to the Thermal Suite, where we have the steam room, sauna and experience showers. It is then time for one of their chosen treatments: we pride ourselves on our luxurious, deep muscle massages –using the finest ESPA products – and our Carita facials, some of which contain diamonds and gold. We also have bespoke treatments tailored especially for us by ESPA: Brighton Rock, Marine Ritual, Sea Salt Reviver and The Brightener.

“We want everyone who visits to feel like it is a really special occasion. Even if people come in for a manicure or a wax they can change into the full robe and slippers so they can feel really spoilt; though we try to keep our prices affordable with waxing and eyelash tints from £15 and manicures and pedicures from £29. We use the best products and we have some fantastic new and completely bespoke pedicure thrones!

“Just to add a bit more luxury and indulgence, we have the Spa Café, which serves champagne, wine and herbal teas, as well as bento boxes offering samples from our seafood restaurant GB1, as well as sushi and other snacks… even chocolate cake is available. Well, why not?”

The spa opens on Friday 10 May.
The Grand, 97–99 King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 2FW,
01273 224300
www.devere-hotels.co.uk/thegrand