Mauritius Island

Natasha Glover Webber

Natasha Glover-Webber “Quality and personal satisfaction are what identify bespoke spas today”

Business woman in tourism area for many years, Natasha Webber, who used to work for the most famous hotels groups in Mauritius, is launching her own company in the world of luxury spas.

With Bespoke Ltd, Natasha Webber intends to represent the Italian brand Lemi, so well known for its excellent quality of goods and spa products, and also develops travel consultation and caring services directed for the most demanding travellers in the world.

Natasha agreed to have an enlightening chat with Valérie Aubert, correspondent of Finest-spa.com, she gave her information about her passion of wellness as a truly professional lady, and her opinion about luxury spa world in Mauritius.

VA: Concerning spa experiences and wellness activities, what do you enjoy the most ?

NGW: I am quite simple in my tast, I am more attracted to occidental types of massages which are generic in nature and give me a general feeling of relaxation. On the other hand I also appreciate more sophisticated treatments like hand and foot care which relieve my stress and fatigue. As a perfectionist, I think these parts of the body are just as important as the face and hair, because they reflect our femininity. Regarding a therapeutic focus I do prefer aromatherapy treatments which are so effective. Science of plants is amazing and great, and I have never found anything better to heal my backaches after a tough working day !

VA: What are your preferences from all the spa and beauty products ?

NGW: Concerning these areas, I am attracted to bio products made from natural ingredients like plants. Recently during my visit to professional showcases in Europe, I have discovered some very innovating brands. In my opinion I found this new products more effective for the skin than others from very famous marks that everybody knows. Of course it is quite difficult to get this products, especially in Mauritius, this is why I never forget to buy some when I travel aboard or ask my friends to get me some when they are travelling.

VA: You were born in Russia and have been living in Mauritius for 10 years now, what do you remember about your native culture ?

NGW: I came to Mauritius when I was very young, however I have a strong feeling of attachment to my country. My childhood was spent in Siberia which is beautiful and, like Mauritius, has some very rich cultural traditions. Nature is close to the activities and leisures of our people. Family piqueniques together on the river banks which are surrounded by trees are very popular, similar to our habit of regularly going to the sauna. There is a well known traditional massage which is called Banja, it is made by using the branches of the tree named Birch. People make brushes with the thin branches of this tree and then dip them into boiling water in order to get them fluffy. Then they put one of these brushes on the skin of your body with a light pressure which opens your pores. This treatment purifies and heals the body and it is one of mine most unforgettable memories of Russian tradition and culture.

VA: In general what is your philosophy concerning well being ?

NGW: I truly believe in balance and importance of nature in my life. I am not an obsessive person so I am not closed to different methods of wellness. I try to keep an open mind and simply enjoy what life gives me. Sharing and enjoying moments with my closes family and friends are just as important as my job. And it is this general balance which keeps me happy and beautiful. Spending quality time on the beach, listening to the ocean and feeling the caress of water on my skin bring me a deep well-being sensation and mental rebirth. Of course I do care about what I eat and I usually cook fresh vegetables that I only dress with olive oil for example. More over I treat myself with a delicate and gourmet meal, like a plate of cheese together with a glass of champagne, a great TV meal !

VA: In your point of view, what is the meaning of luxury in the spa world ?

NGW: For me luxury is a very important requirement and it should not represent outside wealth but on the contrary it should mean simple perfection. In the spa I would recommend treatment cards which could be developed to the personal needs of each client. Therefore time spent is important in luxury spa. Quality and personal satisfaction are what identify bespoke spas today. Each client has to be treated as a unique individual. Today some brands of spa products follow this trend, for example one of them has created a special oil massage which can be prepared before the treatment to suit the skin and personality of the client. Consequently the effect of this massage is more potent.

VA: As a professional woman in tourism and more recently in the spa world, what is your point of view about spa offers in Mauritius ?

NGW: I find the spa offers in Mauritius very good, and I especially appreciate natural surroundings where the spas are set most of the time. There is a sense of peace and tranquillity compared to the city spa which can hardly offer such a deep regenerative feeling, however they are designed in the best modern style. Mauritian therapists are also very efficient and I love their natural kindness and softness. But on the other hand, sometimes I have noticed that they lack some technical knowledge about other sophisticated massages because of their traditional training, compared to European therapists who have already got in their training system. I think balance should be found between the traditional massage practice and the developing of new trends. This becomes obvious when you visit international spa and wellness show cases. I truly thing that Mauritius spas surely will improve if they agree to use these modern techniques while keeping their own touch of authenticity.

VA: How do you think Mauritius spas should develop their marketing strategy ?

NGW: I think there are successful methods which apply to Mauritius spa world, in terms of infrastructure, products used and also marketing tools. The latest trend leads to the democratisation of spas with wider numbers of specials deals and spa packages. Consequently, luxury spas have to publicize what are latest and the best trends in spa world. Lemi, for which I am the exclusive representative in Mauritius, is a brand of materials and products which stands for this modern spirit. It offers new tools to improve comfort and visual attraction in spa materials. For example a steam cover, very light and easy to use, has been created for small scale spa which helps them to afford a steam treatment. More over mattresses, made of scare sacks filled with water and lighted from inside, intend to develop the aesthetic of the area and also improve chromatic treatments, so trendy today !

VA: In conclusion, can you give our Finest-spa readers your idea of the most glamorous place in Mauritius ?

NGW: I am fond of Saint Geran hotel, because of the general setting and the atmosphere. I especially love the soft white sandy beach and the exclusive services. As one of the oldest hotel in Mauritius, Saint Geran hotel has succeed to keep the traditional and the real touch of Mauritius, which in my mind goes along with the luxury life.

Port-Louis, Friday 29th October 2010

Valérie Aubert © www.finest-spa.com 2010