Creating a loving and accepting community within her spa staff is the ultimate goal of Shawnda Brooks, director of spa for The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. The spa pro has had the pleasure of working in luxury spa properties over the years, and it has shaped the leader she is today. Through these positions, she has gained insight into the importance of connection, and why it's vital for spa management to experience the spa from the guests' eyes. In her current position she has created a sanctuary for spa-goers to enjoy the healing power of intentional services. She sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss why sound therapy is the most exciting spa trend, how yoga helps her be a present leader and so much more!
Creating a loving and accepting community within her spa staff is the ultimate goal of Shawnda Brooks, director of spa for The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. The spa pro has had the pleasure of working in luxury spa properties over the years, and it has shaped the leader she is today. Through these positions, she has gained insight into the importance of connection, and why it's vital for spa management to experience the spa from the guests' eyes. In her current position she has created a sanctuary for spa-goers to enjoy the healing power of intentional services. She sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss why sound therapy is the most exciting spa trend, how yoga helps her be a present leader and so much more!
1. What was your first job in the spa/wellness industry?
My first introduction to the spa industry was in luxury. I was fortunate enough to be offered a part-time position as a massage therapist at The Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove, Florida, which was a wonderful learning experience, and taught me about establishing a focus on the treatment of every guest and client. I have continued to utilize these principles throughout my career.
2. What is your favorite memory of your time working in this industry?
There have been many wonderful memories, as I have had the pleasure of working with great guests and terrific team members throughout the years. However, the time I massaged a world famous singer. I became really nervous about what music to play during the treatment. I asked what music was preferred, my music or their music, and they simply said, "No music!"
3. What do you love about spa and wellness?
Creating a sanctuary where individuals can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life brings me immense joy, as each treatment—whether a soothing facial, a relaxation massage, or deep sleep aromatherapy session—offers a unique opportunity for healing and renewal. I value the sense of community in the St. Regis Spa itself, with all of us striving to uplift others and celebrate the beauty of all skin and body types.
4. What new wellness trends do you find most exciting?
The healing power of sound to promote relaxation, balance and overall well-being. The vibrational frequencies resonate with the body, helping to release tension, and it offers a unique and transformative way for individuals to unwind, rejuvenate, and tap into their own healing potential.
5. What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
Listen to music from the 80's while preparing a healthy dinner, because I often unintentionally work through lunch.
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6. What’s your favorite wellness treatment to receive and why?
A facial is my favorite treatment, because facial massage relaxes me, and I am able to wear little to no make-up if the products used are effective on my skin. For example, the St. Regis Spa offers a variety of facials and if asked, we will make a recommendation based on a guest's skin type and their current needs. I enjoy undergoing our Instant Soothe Facial because it has thermal water that is both hydrating and healing. I alternate between that and our oxygen facial to breathe new life into my skin during this time of year when it is often cold and windy.
7. What’s your greatest accomplishment?
I have received awards for my time in the military, media, massage and management. But my new role as spa director feels like the greatest so far. I have found a team who makes me feel respected, appreciated and allow me to be my authentic self.
8. What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the industry?
Learn everything you can and keep an open mind. Don't chase the title or the salary, choose your mentors carefully, and experience the Spa from the guest's perspective- that is so important!
9. What’s one thing you can’t leave the house without?
I don't leave the house without my lemon and petitgrain lotion from Sothys Paris and my Biokiss from Biologique Recherche. I love the invigorating scent of the lemon and petitgrain and the lasting hydration from the lotion throughout the day. The Biokiss is perfect for my dry lips specially during the colder months.
10. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Tacos; I grew up in Southern California, and I have an unhealthy attachment to any and all kind of tacos.
11. Who or what inspires you?
My adult son Steven inspires me to be my best. I attended graduate school because he enrolled first- what an inspiration for a mother.
12. How do you practice self-care?
I enjoy playing sound bowls such as our Crystal Alchemy Bowls to calm my mind. I try to at least stretch and do yoga with my team when time permits because it gives us time to connect, and time for me to be more present as a leader.
13. What is on your bucket list?
I have a long list of luxury spas around the world that I want to enjoy someday soon.
14. What's on the horizon for The Spa at St. Regis Deer Valley?
Greatness is on the horizon for us. We want every guest to receive a truly bespoke treatment and nuances are important. We have an amazing team, and we all work well together. We are offering more of a sense of place for our guests by offering a local Utah CBD brand Acrely Farms and a Sound Therapy add-on using locally made alchemy bowls by Crystal Tones.
