We chat to Katharine Sibley about what it’s like to work at Rhinefield House Hotel’s health suite and how you can achieve better sleep as Hand Picked celebrate the annual awareness campaign, Sleeptember.
Katharine Sibley’s passion for beauty started from an early age, and now with over 16 years of experience in the industry, she is a credit to Hand Picked Hotels. She joined Rhinefield House three and a half years ago as a senior therapist but soon worked her way up to spa manager. We grab a few minutes of her time to discover more and, as we’re in the month of Sleeptember, grab a few tips to help get some shut eye.
What do you love most about your job?
Making people smile – every day is another chance to make someone’s day and give an amazing service and beautiful treatments.
What is your favourite thing about working in the New Forest?
The team I have in my department and throughout the hotel. We are one big family and coming to work is a joy, also the drive in through the Forest where the only traffic is horses, pigs and cows, is pretty special.
What is so unique about the health suite at Rhinefield?
The personal touches – compared to some of our other health suites we are a lot smaller, so limited to the amount of spa days we can take, which makes for a very personal service. We love our guests and have the ability to make their time here special. They really enjoy the outdoor pool and tennis courts and the fact it’s deep within the New Forest. After enjoying some ‘me’ time, our fantastic Lymington gin with pomegranate and basil is a very popular pre-dinner drink.
This month marks Sleeptember, is there one treatment that you would recommend to aid a good night’s sleep?
Of course, it has to be the ELEMIS Face and Body Couture Touch, which is a full body massage and facial, and can include hot stones for the ultimate in relaxation and to leave your skin glowing.
Is there an ELEMIS product guests could buy that can help with good sleep, too?
The ELEMIS De-Stress Massage Oil is fantastic – it uses lavender and chamomile to sooth the mind and melts away any tension. It is deeply relaxing.
Can going in the spa pool, sauna or steam room help to aid sleep?
Saunas and steam rooms are great for relaxing your muscles and relieving tension, also the heat releases endorphins – a feel good chemical that has been proven to reduce stress and aid sleep.
Do you have any other tips that may help guests to get a good night’s sleep?
Reduce blue light exposure at night, don’t consume caffeine after 6pm, limit alcohol, don’t eat late in the evening, relax and clear your mind in the evening. Also thisworks deep sleep pillow spray is a great product – containing their award-winning natural, aromatherapeutic blend of lavender, vetivert and camomile to calm both mind and body, and sooth you to sleep. As part of our Sleeptember campaign, if you book with us, you will receive a complimentary deep sleep pillow spray, so that’s one night’s guaranteed good sleep!
