What do you think of when you think of a spa?
Most people picture one off days when you escape for a bit of pampering. If you google search spa images you’ll find pictures of smiling people having a massage with a glass of prosecco in hand.
There is nothing wrong with either of these….but….
True wellbeing is so much DEEPER.
It is not about one offs, or quick fixes….it is not about an escape from our reality. It is about changing our reality so that each day is more balanced, more wholesome and ultimately a reality that makes us happier. A reality we don’t need to escape from.
From the beginning, this is what we wanted to curate through Sanya. Real journeys towards getting healthier and happier in our own bodies and minds.
Perhaps we made a mistake even calling ourselves a spa…because really we are so much more.
We have all different kinds of people coming to Sanya, with different goals, different health issues, and different likes and dislikes. A sauna session can be bliss for some and hell for others 😉 Same with an ice bath, a float, and even a massage. Some people love massages, and for others…it makes them cry!
And this is why there is no one path to health…cheesy I know, but it is in fact a JOURNEY.
And the question we need to ask ourselves is; how can I get the support possible so that the journey is fruitful, and as smooth and enjoyable as possible?
We believe that the answer to that question lies in 3 fundamental areas.
1. Environment
2. Variety
3. Inspiration
Environment
I was shocked to read in the book, “How to do the work” the following;
“We mirror the autonomic state of those around us.” – ie when we are around people who are stressed, we feel stressed. When we are around people who are calm and present we automatically feel safe.
“This sense of safety is passed onto others in a process called co-regulation…We feel better and calmer around certain people because our nervous systems are responding to theirs.”
What this tells us is that we need to be mindful of our environment. Many spaces are extremely over stimulating and can push our nervous system into a stressed state without us actually realising or even feeling bad. Spaces and people affect our nervous system in significant ways and it is important that we learn to seek out those spaces where we can relax, rejuvenate and let our nervous system charge itself for when it actually needs to face stress.
People often tell us that when they walk into Sanya they immediately feel calm….after reading that quote I realised why on a deeper level. We put a lot of attention on the way our team feels and it’s great to know that it results in a sense of peace and safety within our space. Whether your peaceful place is Sanya or not, we want to encourage you to find that place which rejuvenates you.
Variety
As we already mentioned, we are unique individuals with our own unique needs, challenges and journeys. Experimenting with different tools is crucial and also fun.
We have always aimed to offer as much variety without compromising quality and without offering any services that we are not 100% confident about and would use ourselves. That is why we have been so excited to add our latest additions to Sanya; the Floatation tank, Ice Bath and Mineral Soaker. Adding these to our extensive range of massages, beauty treatments, yoga, retreats, programs, clinic services and events…gave us the great problem of trying to fit them all into our website menus ;)….and on a more serious note, made us feel more confident than ever that we have a tool that you will find effective to support you on your journey to increased wellbeing.
Inspiration
The final ingredient into this magic loaf of wellness is inspiration. We all get our moments when we feel we are going backwards, like all the effort we are making is not worth it or we want to shake off our discipline. It is totally normal.
The best thing to reach for when we hit the proverbial wall…is a touch of fairy dust and inspiration.
We try to bring that touch through our blackboards of inspirational quotes. Through our podcast interviews, blog, mailing list and facebook groups.
Most importantly though, we share the inspiration received from our own personal journeys and we believe that the beautiful authentic connections that we can share as human beings are the most meaningful and significant form of support. We are grateful that Sanya has given us the physical space for us to share what has worked for us and to bring people together to experience a peaceful environment, a variety of tools and a touch of inspiration.
So yes, we aim to be much more than just a spa, we hope to be your happy place, and your biggest support along this crazy, often frustrating but ultimately beautiful journey to living your best life.
