This week I personally visited the AWAY® Spa – W Brisbane is Brisbane’s On Trend {SPA HOTEL} by W Hotels.
I have written my blog in two version’s the short and the long depending on how much time you have – so here goes:
The Short:
I LOVED staying at the W Brisbane and visiting the Away Spa too it was such a feel good experience that I am now happy to recommend anyone to stay there or to visit the Away Spa as it made me feel so good.
All of the rooms, staff were lovely.
W Brisbane has a very funky, cool vibe and it is so different to any other Hotel in the Brisbane City.
If you are up for having some fun and feel like a cheeky cocktail at the bar whilst overlooking Brisbane Southbank at night or you want to spend the whole day at the Away Spa then W Brisbane is definitely a place for you.
Here is a Sneak Peek into the W Brisbane, Away Spa for you.
Thanks for Joining Me – press the play button below:
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The Long:
You only have to mention the word SPA and naturally I want to be there and check it out.
Hello @Spaitgirl I use to live in Brisbane and moved there straight after high school from a small country regional town in Australia and at the time the first job I landed was an admin traineeship and then it was upwards from there.
I lived in Brisbane for close to 8 years and even though I have been away for so long now I still feel at times it’s like my second home and it has a lot of great memories not to mention I have so many amazing gorgeous friends who still live there.
For me I have now lived in London for a couple of years, and travelled right across Europe and to so many different parts of the World and it I started rattling off the Countries like: Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Morocco, Ireland, Western Sahara, Denmark, China, Singapore, Fiji, Indonesian and the list goes on but the only W Hotels I have visited so far and spa was in Hong Kong at the W Hotels Hong Kong and there they have a Bliss Spa.
I was super excited to be visiting the W Brisbane as for so long now Brisbane has had the same old hotels that I can remember ever since I was was in my early changes so considering I am now 41 it was really exciting to experience a very big Spa Hotel change for Brisbane’s Capital City and I felt this was a very big sign that Brisbane is truly growing up and becoming a Big City all on it’s very own.
W Brisbane is located on the edge of the iconic Brisbane River, walking distance to the Brisbane Mall and Southbank Parklands it’s a very central location making it great for work or pleasure.
When you are arrived at the hotel you can’t miss the B Letter sign W which is a signature feature to all W Hotels and naturally you can expect to see a lot of people wanting to get a photo by the W Hotel Sign but as for me I am always more interested in visiting the Spa or having a dreamy relaxation bath.
From the Get Go all of the Staff were friendly, helpful and amazing. My Check In was one of the Most Breeziest experiences and I was greeted by the Biggest Happiest Feel Good Smile and because naturally my check in went so well I got off to a flying start.
The W Brisbane Hotel design and style is very contemporary and you will find the Hotel Reception desks not actually on the ground floor but one level on Level 1.
From there you will need to catch the lift to your floor and just when you think you are going to be taking a lift that has A4 flyers on either side marketing the Restaurant Deals think again it’s all Fluro in Colour and you are even greeted by this big bug.
From there when you make your way out of the lift you will noticed the colour scheme changes to brown and on the ceiling you will see a mixture of insects and bugs in gold and it’s the most unusual design you will ever seen and it’s a really what the W Hotels is know for being totally different, out there and unlike any other hotel in the world.
I ended up staying on Level 24 so it was quite high up and my room was around the corner which I really liked.
All I had to do was swipe with my key and the door opened and from there of course the first thing I spotted was the above bath tub and then this very funky cool interior design a big king size bed and then the funky interior design, decor and furniture it definitely felt like I was staying at one of the W Hotels that’s for sure.
My room had views of the Brisbane River Views and over to South Bank and even though W Brisbane is opposite the main roads in and out of the Brisbane City.
I didn’t feel like the traffic noise was an issue for me mind you I was up on level 24 too but when it comes to road noise if there is anyone who is going to pick it up it’s me and on my stay here I wasn’t bothered by any traffic noise at all when I went to sleep at night.
In the room you can find a W MixBar and you can even make up 8 Queensland Martinis for $100 Australian Dollars and whilst I am not much of a big drinker I did still love for those who love to drink cocktails this was perfect for them.
Some people have already asked me personally if the W Brisbane felt cold or clinical in anyway.
In my personal experience no, I am very good at picking up on energy in a room and I felt that it had a warm cosy feeling and I felt that I was able to sleep as it was cosy and not like cold energy or stale or clinical in any way.
Of course you have to remember this hotel is situated in Brisbane, Queensland Australia so naturally it’s location it self gives of a warm inviting vibe already so that definitely helps and then the design and interior is very clever.
One of the things that the W Hotels is World Famous for is it – Whatever/Whenever® service and yes when you go to use your in room hotel phone you will find the button to call.
The Whatever/Whenever service allows you to ring up basically ask so me it was things like breakfast, barista coffee but you can call them for anything and they will help you out.
In the bathroom you will find a W bathrobe, Bliss® bath amenities along with the latest and greatest in technology and entertainment.
And no surprises that I couldn’t resist taking a bath in their deep metallic bathtub.
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I always love having a bath tub when staying at the Hotel it’s always something I always look forward to doing because it’s always so relaxing and therapeutic and because it’s my way of life and I now captured my life still naturally, I had to take a photo not of the bath tub but in the bath tub so I could share my @Spaitgirl #spaitgirl moment.
In hope that it inspires you to make some time to practice your own self care or when you visit the W Brisbane to soak in their wonderful bath tub too.
In the Bathroom you will also find a glass sliding door and enclosed a rain shower and just when you think you need to pack your hair dryer think again because in the bathroom you will find a GHD hairdryer too.
I must admit in all of my years visiting Brisbane I felt for the first time that I was really in a City and on a Spa Hotel Holiday it was so amazing. This seriously would be the best Staycation Destination for anyone that lives in Brisbane or South East Queensland.
Another thing you can do during your stay is have a swim in the WET® Deck but I am going to be completely honest during my stay I didn’t actually get to go for a swim as the pool was closed for maintenance but that is ok because I did get to walk right past it when I was on the way to the WET Deck bar and thought it was a very cool hotel pool.
But one of the things I did get to do is meet with Leah @fitgirlstreats and we shared a couple of glasses of Veuve Clicquot and enjoyed yes their yummy sweet potato chips.
We sat outside on the balcony in this very comfy kind of laid back lounge chair and the view over southbank and big wheel was very cool for the very first time once again I felt that Brisbane finally had a very cool hang out bar spot and it felt more like it was one city that had truly grown up thanks to the W Brisbane, W Hotels.
It was so great to also finally meet up with Leah as we have been following each other for years now and we started following each other way before Instagram even started to go off she was always in NYC sharing her vegan foodie experiences and I remember seeing her making her way to so many Yoga Classes in the NYC Snow and here we were now having a glass of champange in Brisbane.
Leah has now moved and living in Brisbane which is very exciting. Over the many years we had always said we have to catch up one day in real life.
We also use to say we so need to have a Spa Day and how cool would that be so it was rather surreal that he we both were sitting at the Wet Bar at the W Brisbane catching up not virtually on instagram but in real life.
We had so much fun and I think we could have talked all night but as Leah is a Yoga Teacher in Brisbane she needed to get up super early to teach a yoga class and let’s face it, it’s only January and whilst most people are on the biggest detox we were celebrating our instagram meet up and we both agreed that one of the best things to come out of Instagram is the people you meet.
That it’s no longer about growing your numbers, following – it’s simply a communication tool to share our passion’s and the things you love, it’s a communication tool and it’s a great way to connect with like minded people easily that’s is it – it’s not our whole life it’s only feel good snippets of our life’s and the things we love and when you put it into perspective.
But for us old school bloggers, insta girls we simply see the fun in creating content when we feel like it and when the inspiration arises and we have learnt not to try force anything and to simply go with the flow and let the Universe and our Intution Guide us.
We had the best girl chats Leah and I and sat talking about the many years and how much blogging and instagram has changed and we both agreed how great it was to finally meet each other in person and be exactly the same as our social media profile and I think thats the way if should be.
So after a wonderful night it was time in the morning to grab my morning coffee which you can do at the W Brisbane – as you will find a coffee machine in your room but if you want to grab a Barista coffee head to Level 3 and you can get one from Three Blue Ducks this is their main Restaurant and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner there once again all of the staff that attended to me were all so lovely.
All of the staff at the W Brisbane that I personally come across were all friendly and I think one of their advantages is this W Hotels is located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and we all know how friendly Queenslanders are what more can I say.
As for how to stay fit and healthy when staying at the W Brisbane you can go for a walk along Southbank, or along the Brisbane river or down to the Botanical Gardens, Yoga in your Hotel Room which is always what I like to do, or you will find a FIT® gym there also, not to mention there are so many Brisbane City Council Bikes you can actually take out for a bike ride and there is loads of walking paths very close to the W Brisbane as you are staying right on the Brisbane River
But now here is the moment we have all been waiting for and one of the real reasons why I wanted to visit the W Brisbane because it is a SPA Hotel and they have an AWAY® Spa.
AWAY® SPA is very modern, trendy and contemporary it has a very W Hotels feel.
W Brisbane is Brisbane’s Newest Spa Hotel and at the Away Spa you will find it has a very fun, funky chilled out spa modern vibe.
They have six treatment rooms, along with Vitality Pools, Relaxation Pods, and Aromatherapy Steam Rooms and a Sauna and you can also find a Hair and Beauty Studio on the same floor too.
From the Get Go I was super excited to be checking out this brand new Spa in Brisbane as it’s been some time since anything this exciting has happened in the Brisbane City.
As they say first impressions last forever and I wasn’t just greeted with this very cool trendy spa hotel W Brisbane, W Hotels – Away Spa Vibe but more importantly one of the most beautiful calming feel good souls Megumi and it was because of her that I truly wanted to book in and have a spa treatment here because sometimes when we think about Big Luxury Spa Hotels and Big Brands we can think that that personal service or care factor isn’t there but in this case for W Brisbane, W Hotels that is utterly not true.
What I found when speaking with Megumi is that she was very good in asking what it was that I needed and she did such a great explaining their spa menu plus I loved how she was all over the Sodashi Luxury Spa Brand which is one of my all time favourites and her knowledge was just so good, along with her Spa Reception and Spa Skills.
As I have had my Mother really sick and just recently she has gone down hill more than ever that watching her so unwell in age care High-Care does take an emotional toll as you only want your Mum or those you love not to be sick and to be suffering at all, one of my goals is always to help ease human suffering so for me to see so much human suffering when I visit the Age Care – High-Care ward is very confronting and especially to now know that my Mum right now can no longer bath her self is so tough as my Mum use to walk 5 kms a day and always be so active and as she is like the Rock of the family at times I feel this somewhat feeling of helplessness because a lot of the medication isn’t effective and some of these very complex health issues don’t have cures and that for me is always so confronting too.
To visit her I also have to drive 2.5 hours each way in my car so a 5 hour round trip and whilst I have had her on the age care waiting list it takes a while for beds and things to come up and then at the time we were recommended not to move her by the age care home as it could upset her or send her backwards so it becomes so confusing and when you have never had a family member sick and you can’t care for them it’s a very difficult time however I always do my best to be grateful for every moment and cherish spending time with her.
I try to do my best by keeping my self care rituals like yoga, meditation, self love Sunday in place and of course when I can I love travelling to visit the Spa staying at Spa places because it’s the biggest escape and Spa Travel to me is when I am most happiest and definitely in my element.
I think regardless each and everyone of us has our day to day stresses so it’s about finding a way to manage it.
So with all of this in mind and after sharing really how I was feeling and what was going on in my own personal life Megumi I felt that she was able to recommend the treatments that would be better suited to me and thats why opening up is so good especially when you are booking your Spa Treatment you really need to say it how it is and not to feel ashamed or embarrassed at all as that is what Spa Therapy is all about making you feel better again.
I was naturally drawn to the Balancing Act Massage Treatment and the reason being is one they use Sodashi products in it, two because it focuses on balancing out your Chakras and unblocking any Chakras which I felt I really needed.
If you have read my brand new book: It Starts With Me or followed me for some time now you will know that I am very spiritual person and yes I believe we are all an energy, and I believe in the Universe and that our Intuition always guides us to what we need but only if we take the time to listen and to receive the sign that is being given to us.
Whilst I know a lot about Chakras as I love to practice Yoga and Meditation and I love having Spa Treatments from time to time when I really need it that focus on balancing out the Chakras or unblocking the Chakras here is a very quick low down of what actually a Chakras is:
The Sanskrit wordChakra literally translates to wheel or disk. There are seven main chakras, which align the spine, starting from the base of the spine through to the crown of the head.
To visualize a chakra in the body, imagine a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called Prana, is vital life force, which keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.
These swirling wheels of energy correspond to massive nerve centers in the body. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being.
Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy cannot flow.
Keeping a chakra open is a bit more of a challenge, but not so difficult when you have awareness. Since mind, body, soul, and spirit are intimately connected, awareness of an imbalance in one area will help bring the others back into balance.
Blocked energy in our seven chakras is believed to lead to illness, or not feeling yourself, so in my Balancing Act – Spa Massage I was presented on a board a Selection of Crystals which are all connected to each chakra.
After I choose my spa treatment it was time to be showed to the female only change rooms which I really liked it was a bit dark in tone but I felt that it was a good way to settle down and to get ready in.
After I put my things in the locker I didn’t have to worry about taking the key out of the door and with me as it is all electronic.
I put on the Away Spa and a pair of slippers and I felt right at home and instantly so happy. I truly love visiting the Spa it seriously is my Happy Place.
Before I went back out to the main reception waiting area I poured myself a glass of water and I loved how it came out of a purifed crystal water fountain I felt that vibrant crystal energy radiating.
After that I popped back out and took a seat and filled out my client information on a clip board and then it was off with my Spa Therapist Megumi who took me to the Spa Treatment room which I have to say I really loved as it had this very funky W Hotels – Away Spa feel it was fresh, white, clean, crisp and the spa bed base was illuminated with a glowing blue light and then this very funky couch awaited me with a couple of colourful printed cushions on it and then on that white couch laid a tray of crystals all lined up – 7 in total and then underneath there was 7 Sodashi Chakra Oils.
Next my Spa Therapist Megumi went through my client card, along with the flow of the treatment, the products being used and she explained everything that I felt really comfortable and also very excited to be experiencing the Balancing Act – Spa Massage by her.
From there I had was asked me to choose one of the Crystals that I was most drawn too and for me it was of course the Rose Quartz Crystal, which is connected to your Heart Chakra; it is our source of love and connection.
It represents the ability to love yourself fully and deeply along with other too, giving love and receiving love, it is located at the centre of your chest just about the heart and by focusing on my Heart Chakra it can help with any emotional issues and to feel more love inside and out, it’s all about increasing your own self love, joy and inner peace.
I was asked then to choose a second crystal and from that I choose one that was connected to my Throat Chakra and just as the name suggests this Chakra is located in the Throat and it’s connected to our ability to communicate openly, to express ourselves fully and it’s about saying things to those you love and considering I have had my Mum really sick at times I am unsure what to say when she tells me how sick she is feeling also, at times I feel hopeless and all I can do is be with her and understand the human pain and suffering she is going for isn’t nice at all.
From there I then had to choose the oil that would be used during my Balancing Act Spa Massage – My Spa Therapist Megumi went carefully through each Sodashi Chakra essential oil and at the end I got to pick just one and then without looking at the bottle and the name on it at the end she would go through everything and explain what it all meant and means.
Before she left the room she asked me what kind of room setting I would like as some people like the curtains open, some people closed for me I love a very dark room that feels like and allows me to disconnect from the rest of the world.
Once the blinds were closed it when from a bright white spa treatment room to very moody and I loved seeing the Spa Bed Base glowing with Blue this was a very big Stand out spa feature and it definitely gave it that funky trendy spa W Hotels Vibe.
Next my Spa Therapist Megumi left the room and allowed in full privacy to get ready and to lay face down on the Spa Treatment Bed.
For my Spa Treatment I was asked to get comfortable and to lay down on the Spa Treatment bed which is actually heated.
My spa therapist Megumi asked me how the temperature was coming and as I am originally from Queensland I was quite comfortable with it turned down a bit or off for the start of my treatment however I think in Winter it will be an added bonus or if you are cold person by nature.
My Balancing Act Spa Massage was a lovely soothing, nurturing experience.
It started with a foot pressure point massage and then from that a one side from my legs to top of my shoulders this beautiful soft flowing massage strokes and then from there the massage was broken down to the different parts of the body but I like how this was done on both side of the body and I found this a very relaxing way to start and some what different.
After a series of different style massage strokes, rhythm and flow My Spa Therapist used the Rose Quartz Cyrstal which I loved she also placed a series of Crystals on my Chakras also which I loved.
Through the spa treatment a beautiful rose quarts mist was used to amplify the self love vibrations.
I really did feel by having this Balancing Act spa massage that it really did unblock my Chakras I could really feel the shift of energy and it felt so good and like the biggest release and my energy started to flow freely instead of it getting stuck in my throat or heart chakra.
I felt that Megumi was highly trained spa therapist but more importantly she was highly intuned with energy, and chakra blockages and because she was spiritually gifted and talented, she was also able to unblock trapped emotions but in the most gentle relaxing way.
I also felt because I was so deeply relaxed that I was able to connect to my higher self and the laying the crystals along my Chakras I felt this stirred up a lot of emotions that truly needed to be dealt with that as to now hadn’t perhaps because having a relaxation massage to a Balancing Act Spa Massage are two completely different spa experiences.
I felt that this Balancing Act – Spa Massage was so spiritual that it allowed me to even connect with my spirit guides.
I am a very spiritual person who loves to practice yoga, meditate, visit the spa for spa therapy and I have even written my own Self Help Spiritual Book: It Starts With Me.
I do think if you haven’t dabbled in any spiritual practices that as long as you are willing to be open to receive any message’s that might come up you can’t go wrong as this spa treatment is all about unblocking energy and getting your energy flowing also but if you have been practicing spirituality for some time now and open to it you might receive a lot more messages than the average person.
Unblocking your Chakras is a great way rid of any negative energy, thoughts, feelings, and tension in side, any trapped emotions that you have been holding on and thought you had dealt with but maybe not.
During my treatment I was asked to imagne Golden Light coming through the top of my head and then right down throughout my body right down and out of my toes feet and souls.
I have done a lot of these amazing energy clearing golden light meditations before but for anyone new to spirituality spa treatment’s you might think oh what is this but I truly suggest going with it as it is so lovely and for me it definitely did it’s thing.
All in All it was one of the most spiritual spa massage experiences and whilst I could rave on and on about it and also of the things that come up for me.
I know that if you choose to have this Balancing Act – Spa Message at the AWAY® Spa at W Brisbane that your experience will be completely different to mine as we all have our own things going on.
But it is really good to make the time to process any emotional stress of pain. To heal, to let go, to clear any negative energy, other people’s energy, trapped emotions and to get the energy free flowing and to open and align and balance all of the chakras out.
At the end of my Balancing Act Spa Massage I felt so balanced, grounded, rooted centred and calm it was so amazing I felt spiritual connected and strong.
All of that stress and worry that I had been holding on to had left my body, mind and soul and it had shifted and I felt so good from within it was the biggest transformation to the point that I didn’t feel like I had a concern or a care in the world which was the complete opposite feeling when I walked up to the Away Spa spa reception area.
It was the biggest transformation shift – I couldn’t believe it, but I felt so good and when I say Spa Therapy is a form of therapy and a real gift right once again I truly felt and experienced this for myself.
Because when I turned up to the Spa I had felt so teary eye just thinking about my Mum and the possibility that she was going down hill and we could loose her one day soon.
But after I had my Balancing Act Spa Massage I felt like all of the worry and negative energy and emotional stress had left and I was smiling from the inside out again.
I honestly felt like I could take on the world and the thought of my Mum being so unwell, and juggling my work, blog, being a creative, my self care rituals and life and fitting it all in didn’t at all seem or feeling overwhelming any more. I felt like I can do this.
I felt refreshed, renewed and just so grateful that I loved visiting the Spa and that no matter what was going on in my life I could always transform the way I felt by visiting the Spa.
I have always believed that we are more then our Body, Shape or Size and that feeling good from within is everything, I also feel that we all need to make time to de-stress before it all gets to much and by doing so we can be way more pro-active then re-active when it comes to our own health and wellbeing.
Finding ways to manage our emotional and mental stress is so important and for anyone who has a sick parent, partner, loved one or child then I really hope you get to take some much needed time out for your own self and that you get to be a #Spaitgirl or #Spaitboy and visit the Spa really soon to receive your own Spa Therapy gift of healing too.
A very big thanks to my gorgeous and amazing Spa Therapist Megumi she was an absolute Spa Therapist Star, so professional and she honestly really cared about my own personal needs which I loved.
She had the nicest positive radiant energy and I knew from the get go that she was a lovely person and soul, her energy was glowing with so much love and kindness.
When I first met her instantly, I really hoped that she was going to be my Spa Therapist because I just got such a good gut feeling when talking to her and I think when it comes to life that when I go by my gut feeling most of the time it’s been pretty right.
At the end of my Spa Treatment I was so intrigued about Megumi Spa and Beauty Training as that is another area I am so interested in when in it comes to Spa Therapy. I am also a trained Spa Therapist in Massage and Facials naturally to of the areas I personally love.
Both Megumi and I had this really interesting discussion about Spa Therapy and it turns out that she is also trained in Reiki and was also into other things like readings so it all made sense why she was able to unblock my Chakras so well, and why she was able to unblock so many trapped emotions.
She was also able to get me to fully relax and I was in such a relaxed state that I was then able to connect with my Higher Self and Spirit Guides.
And this is something that doesn’t happen in ever spa treatment it’s a real gift plus this spa treatment was a very spiritual one that I also chose.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit Brisbane then I highly recommended staying at the W Brisbane as all of the staff were lovely so lovely to me. It’s very cute trendy spot if you want to catch up with a friend and just hang out at the spa or by night at the bar.
I also recommend having a Spa Day at Away Spa too as you get to use all of the facilities also like the Vitality Pools, Steam Room, Sauna and after my Spa Treatment I was taken to one of their relaxation pod areas that had the best views over the Brisbane River and South Bank.
I also want to give a big shout and the biggest thanks to Paulina who is also a Spa Therapist at Away Spa who also helped me through out my Away Spa Visit.
Paulina was so gorgeous and I found out that she was originally from Poland but now living in Brisbane and Brisbane is her home to her and her three children and husband.
So she is a very busy Go-Getter Spa Therapist Mum which I loved.
After my Treatment Paulina surprised me with the best Spa Relaxation area set up and a fresh pot of tea waiting for me, a coconut chi latte, a glass of champagne, a little platter of fruit, nuts, fruit, macaroons and it was so wonderful.
I also finally got to have that Spa Day with Leah @fitgirlstreat the Spa Day we had always talked and dreamed about so it was a OMG #Spaitgirl pinch me moment as we were both in Brisbane, Queensland Australia at the Spa and I couldn’t help think once again The Universe does a wonderful job listening to what you have to say and this was another real life example of that it was so great hanging out with Leah and we can now finally tick off that Spa Day we finally did it Instagram goal.
I truly loved my Away Spa experience because of all of the Spa Therapist from Megumi, Paulina and I even spotted Helen who now works there too and I remember Helen as she has been a Spa Therapist on the Brisbane scene for some time now so it was so lovely to see her beautiful smiling face again.
The Away Spa at W Hotels is definitely one of Brisbane’s Coolest Funky Spa Hotel – I can really see this Spa Hotel going off because sometimes people want FUN and they want colourful they want that edging modern look, feel or twist and whilst being Young at Heart isn’t for everyone I turned 41 and I think we can all do with a bit of Modern New Age Spa Fun.
I should also mention if you live in Brisbane of course you can book in for a Spa Treatment at Away Spa and then before or after your treatment you can make use of their gorgeous spa facilities and I would definitely recommend spending the whole day there.
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If you are hotel guest then you will find the away spa on Level 5.
To Make a Spa Appointment Phone: +61 7 3556 8890
W BRISBANE
81 North Quay
Brisbane Qld
Australia
(07) 3556 8888
Thanks for being part of our @Spaitgirl & @Spaitboy Community
Hashtag #spaitgirl or #spaitboy to share your own SPA experience
Have you read It Starts With Me Yet by #Spaitgirl founder – Yvette Le Blowitz?
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