The Spa at L'Horizon underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2014, which saw an injection of over £800,000; we talk to the man responsible for running it all.
Matt Riley, Health Club and Spa Manager at two of Hand Picked Hotels’ signature spas reveals why he loves the beachside hotel’s spa, the favourite part of his job and the best treatments and products for a winter warm-up.
How did you get into the spa industry?
After studying sport and exercise science at Arden Sports College, I pursued a leisure career, progressing from lifeguarding to fitness instructor and then management positions. I moved to Jersey for a new challenge.
When did you join Hand Picked Hotels and what is your favourite aspect of the job?
I started at Hand Picked Hotels at Grand Jersey in St Helier in September 2012 where I staffed the hotel’s spa reception. I was then offered the opportunity to manage the health club side of the spa and over the years learnt more about the spa industry. The main reason why I love my job is the people – my colleagues, our guests and members. It is such a relaxed and sociable environment and that is what gets me up in the morning! In 2016, I moved to L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa as Spa and Health Club Manager and in December 2017 took over the running of both Jersey spas.
What is your favourite thing about working in Jersey and at L’Horizon?
My favourite thing is the lifestyle. Coming from Rugby in Warwickshire, which is a very busy town environment, Jersey is so much more relaxed, clean, crime free and the people you meet are just brilliant and always have great stories to tell! L’Horizon is a lovely hotel and we have a lot repeat guests who come year after year so it is great to be able to build relationships with them.
What is so unique about the spa at L'Horizon?
The panoramic sea views across St Brelade’s Bay while sitting in our spa pool and being able to relax in our cosy sleep room post treatment. Jersey is one of the sunniest parts if the British Isles so it is great for a bit of winter sun, in fact many of our guests come for a spa break to help get them through winter. It is a rejuvenating spa and when most people are in their daily routine, breaking that and visiting us for just even a day can really help you to relax and recharge – and Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself.
What can you recommend for guests in the run up to Christmas?
Something to relax you before the mayhem hits like the Elemis Deeper than Deep Hot Stone Massage. The combination of the heat from the volcanic stones to melt away muscle tension and the lavender from the warmed oil will help you slip into a rejuvenating deep sleep. Just remember to set your alarm!
Is there one treatment that you would recommend over winter?
The Elemis Thousand Flower Detox Wrap – this nutrient-rich detox wrap uses the deeply nourishing green tea balm to encourage super skin health and powerful detoxification. It helps stimulate the elimination process and restore equilibrium to leave you feeling completely reinvigorated for the winter weather.
During this time of year, it is important to look after the ‘thermal cycle’ - keeping warm. Do you agree with this?
Absolutely – and we can help you do this. The sauna and steam room helps your body to store heat, dilates your pores, flushes out your toxins and stimulates your immune system. Sweat also helps to remove toxins and cleanses the body. In terms of reaping the benefits for your skin, the sauna is better for muscle relaxation and lowering blood pressure whereas the steam room will help with overall detoxification of the body, the preference is yours.
Is there one Elemis product you would buy for a special someone as a Christmas present?
Frangipanni Treasures – it is the complete, luxury frangipani experience, with the body oil, shower and body cream, candle and hand cream. It is a beautifully nourishing collection.
