Temple Spa’s Liz Warom talks Inspirational Women…

To help us celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke to Spa Queen Liz Warom, who along with husband Mark created one of our favourite luxury spa brands, Temple Spa. We love Liz’s vision, her integrity and brand ethos. Thanks to Temple Spa, we can have a decadent champagne and truffles treatment, and know ten per cent of the brand’s profits go to charity, that all employees are treated with generosity and respect and ingredients are ethically sourced.

“Our mission as a brand is to encourage women (or indeed anyone) to love who they are, first and foremost.” LW

Who are the most inspiring women in your life and why?

I have two spiritual mentors who are both women in their eighties - they are the most perfect blend of being powerful and strong, yet tender and sweet, a heady mix. I also have three individual friends who either founded or head up incredible charities, and they do this whilst juggling families and busy lives, yet manage to do it with ease and joy.

What about iconic figures that inspired you growing up?

Out and out, this was my precious Aunt Rose -- she was the absolute love of my life. She was a head teacher and was hugely glamorous and travelled the world, always gathering amazing stories. She's not with us anymore, but she's on my shoulder all the time.

How do you think attitudes to female beauty have changed in the spa world?

I think there is definitely a shift from the pursuit of perfectly "air-brushed" faces and bodies to a true and deep celebration and gratitude for life. I can only really speak for Temple Spa, but our mission as a brand is to encourage women (or indeed anyone) to "love who they are" first and foremost. Our products and treatments are tools for self-esteem and we want everyone who uses Temple Spa to feel touched by it in positive way. It is important to have goals for your physical and emotional health, but female beauty is probably better expressed these days in an older woman with a zest for life that speaks louder than her white hair, and lines that reflect a well-lived life.

What skincare and wellbeing advice would you give to your younger self?

I have always been very committed to a skin care regime, so I don't have any complaints there. When I had oily skin as a teenager, my Aunt Rose told me I'd be grateful when I'm older as it ages more slowly! It's taken me a very long time to learn to relax. I've worked hard ever since I was 14 and my mental chatter has always been loud and I've not much liked being on my own. I would like to have learned to be a human being not a human doing a bit earlier on, but I have no regrets.

What Temple Spa treatment would you have to celebrate International Women's Day and why?

It would have to be Champagne & Truffles facial. We introduced Skin Truffle as a celebration of our tenth anniversary and it's been a game changer for our brand and business. This luxurious facial is the most divine 90-minutes you will ever have!

How is it running a business with someone you are married to?

I adore it. I am fortunately married to an amazing man who is an incredible life and business partner. The spirit of the age is to ensure female equality, and Mark has always honoured and revered women. He is such a positive and supportive person I love being around him. He's also very good at the things I'm not, so we’re a good balance!

Is there anything you would like to change in the spa industry?

The physical and emotional demand on a therapist is enormous. I would like to see more spas treating them with the love and care they in turn will pass on to clients. So many people rise through the ranks from therapist to spa management -- if colleges can pass this aspiration onto students, it may inspire more talented people to join the industry.

The spa pictured in the header is the Verbena Spa in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. The picture above is of the spa boutique at Weaver's House Spa in Lavenham, Suffolk.