The Spa Spies®

A Good Spa Guide Spa Spy is a committed, professional journalist at The Good Spa Guide who is passionate about all things spa. From Jacuzzis to the gym, massage to mud wraps, there is nothing they won't try to find the pinnacle of pampering perfection.

Feel free to browse the Good Spa Guide blog, to gather even more news from the world of spa, beauty and well-being –- from the everyday to the weird and wonderful.

If you've got a story you'd like to share, an idea you'd like us to consider, or a beach you'd like us to lie on, please email us at [email protected] and we'll get straight onto it.

Below is a list of our current Spa Spies, do any of them like the things you do?


Our trusted Spa Spies

Scottish_Spa_Spy_1
  • Author

    Scottish Spy

  • Age 50s
  • Skin type Normal - dry

Spa Likes

"Picturesque views; firm massages; friendly therapists who make you feel at ease; stylish interiors; attention to detail; outdoor hot tubs; infinity pools; fluffy robes and towels; a good selection of spa treatments."

Spa Dislikes

"Any attempt to hard sell; inconsiderate therapists; areas in need of a clean; rowdy guests; cheap toiletries; restaurant menus that are overly healthy; cold swimming pools; no private changing areas; paper pants."

About this spy

Scottish Spy is a globe-trotting travel writer who enjoys easing her jet lag, tired muscles and frazzled nerves in the spa. She is a nature lover who has a penchant for organic products that are kind to both her skin and the environment.

“Hot tubs, saunas and treatment rooms with scenic views are the most calming thing for me, whether it's of a Scottish loch, a tropical island or the ocean from a cruise ship!”

— Scottish Spy

Recent writing by Scottish Spy:

Spiritual_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Spiritual Spy

  • Age 40-something
  • Skin type Combination

Spa Likes

"Heated outdoor pools, yoga-based therapies, beautiful grounds to wander in, personalised treatments."

Spa Dislikes

"Crowded changing rooms, whale music, complicated booking systems, hen parties hogging the hot tub."

About this spy

A journalist for over 20 years, Spiritual Spy is a reformed stress-bunny now seeking a more balanced life through yoga, meditation and long walks in beautiful places. She relapses now and then, but finds that escaping for a few days to a spa or wellbeing retreat is the best way get back in touch with what’s really important.

‘I’ve finally wised up and realised that looking after my body is also the best way to look after my mind. When I exercise and make time for relaxation on a regular basis, I’m a much nicer person to be around.’

— Spiritual Spy

Recent writing by Spiritual Spy:

Spirited_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Spirited Spy

  • Age 20s
  • Skin type Dry/combination

Spa Likes

"Boutique boltholes with a good dose of opulence; island retreats; panoramic views; informative therapists; fluffy dressing gowns."

Spa Dislikes

"Worn towels; wet floors; tired design; bad acoustics; unruly children."

About this spy

Spirited Spy is likely to be found as far away from the city as she can possibly get. She’s so obsessed with water that she should have been born a mermaid, and when she isn't frolicking in the sea, she's usually wallowing in the closest hydrotherapy pool.

“These days, switching off is becoming less of a luxury and more of an essential component in maintaining our health. I'm a sucker for innovative treatments delivered seamlessly, but at the end of the day, spa-time for me is more about finding tranquility than anything else."

— Spirited Spy

Recent writing by Spirited Spy:

Seaside_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Seaside Spy

  • Age 30s
  • Skin type Combination

Spa Likes

"Variety, luxury, great results."

Spa Dislikes

"Over-chatty staff when it's clear you want to switch off and relax, unhygienic settings and equipment, poor results ."

About this spy

Seaside Spy thrives on expert massages, good coffee and the finer things in life. When she's not spa-ing, she's busy being mum to two little ones and blogging and vlogging about family life and style.

"My favourite spas make you feel instantly relaxed and pampered from the first greeting through to the treatment and closing experience"

— Seaside Spy

Recent writing by Seaside Spy:

The_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    The Spa Spy

  • Age 38 (going on 23!)
  • Skin type Normal/combination

Spa Likes

"Intuitive masseurs, inspired or outlandish treatments and design, posh products and celeb spotting."

Spa Dislikes

"Anyone po-faced (guests and therapists) or stupid, boring design and treatments."

Savant_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Savant Spy

  • Age 46 (and now reversing)
  • Skin type Oily/sensitive

Spa Likes

"Clever, inspiring design, sublime views, a vast, clean and empty pool, solitary relaxation areas to read, write or commune with my muse."

Spa Dislikes

"Small talk, discussions about spirituality or astrology, any products containing tea tree oil or aloe (sadly am allergic), busy pools where you can’t do laps."

About this spy

A journalist, writer and mother of two teenagers, Savant Spy recently retrained as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, which feeds her love of knowledge, books and deep, philosophical conversation. An ideal spa day is about giving her brain space to muse creatively, while reconnecting to her body and senses.

“Perfect spas for me are samples of paradise where you can drift off into a state of bliss and come back with a genius new idea, or wander around in robes among gardens having Platonic dialogues. As someone who lives a lot in her head, I relish a full-body massage, hydrotherapy and heat treatments, and anything involving essential oils (well, almost anything…) to emerge feeling inspired, glowing and thoroughly interconnected.”

— Savant Spy

Recent writing by Savant Spy:

Summer_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Summer Spy

  • Age 30s
  • Skin type Oily/combination

Spa Likes

"Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages."

Spa Dislikes

"High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels."

About this spy

Summer Spy is most likely to be found dipping her toes into spa water facilities and trying out alternative treatments. She's so laid back she's almost horizontal... until it comes to bad customer service!

"I absolutely love trying new and interesting treatments, experience rooms and spa classes. Give me a little bit of luxury, good food and helpful, friendly staff and I'll be your fan for life"

— Summer Spy

Recent writing by Summer Spy:

Supreme_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Supreme Spy

  • Age 30s
  • Skin type Normal to dry

Spa Likes

"Picturesque views, innovative body treatments, knowledgeable therapists, results driven skincare and small touches that surprise and delight."

Spa Dislikes

"Areas in need of a deep clean, noisy guests that spoil a calm ambience, treatments that aren’t personalised and being cold."

Serene_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Serene Spy

  • Age 30s
  • Skin type Normal to oily

Spa Likes

"Soft fluffy robes, imaginative vegetarian food, products that combine luxury with strong eco credentials and spas which look after their therapists’ wellbeing too."

Spa Dislikes

"Showers that aren't spotless, snootiness and having to get dressed for lunch."

About this spy

As a busy travel writer and new mum, Serene Spy takes her rare downtime seriously. For Serene a spa day is all about reconnecting with her inner butterfly.

“I love spas that are like cocoons: secluded, warm and soothing. I appreciate gorgeous scents and oils, strong massage, robes that feel like hugs, and healthy food. Let me retreat from the world for a few hours and emerge feeling lighter and prettier.”

— Serene Spy

Recent writing by Serene Spy:

Scarlet_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Scarlet Spy

  • Age 40s
  • Skin type Normal/dry

Spa Likes

"Beautiful interiors, luxurious swimming pools, being pampered, long massages, quality food."

Spa Dislikes

"Noisy echoes, overlooking facilities, thin walls in treatment rooms, cramped spa layout."

About this spy

Scarlet Spy is our newest Spa Spy but already has strong opinions on what makes or breaks a spa. Colour, texture and beautiful architecture make her a happy Spa Spy.

“I like to enter a spa and be wowed by what I see. Architectural wonder and a splash of colour make for a day where I can escape into a different world and enjoy visually stimulating surroundings while having an indulging swim, dreaming in a hot tub, or dozing on a warm, sunny lounger. Drab design, noise or a busy spa will puncture the cosy bubble I like to float in."

— Scarlet Spy

Recent writing by Scarlet Spy:

Super_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Super Spy

  • Age Ageless (47)
  • Skin type Dry and sensitive

Spa Likes

"Length size pools; strong swan pipes; seriously deep tissue massages; beautiful views from outside thermal experiences."

Spa Dislikes

"Sniffing therapists; cold treatment rooms; hard sell on products."

About this spy

Super Spy does it all! She's our ultimate spa-ista and always knows what's hot and what's not in the world of spa.

"When entering a spa I want to leave the world outside and enter a dreamlike state of warmth and comfort. An amazingly deep massage, a beautiful view or an undisturbed swim make the experience. Feeling chilly, fighting for pool space or dirty showers break it."

— Super Spy

Recent writing by Super Spy:

Single_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Single Spy

  • Age Young at heart. Oh, alright then, 50s.
  • Skin type As therapists like to say: "mature".

Spa Likes

"Warm floors when you put your bare feet upon them; heated treatment beds; soft towels; attention to detail, so that your treatment room looks and smells beautiful when you arrive in it."

Spa Dislikes

"Cold floors when you put your bare feet upon them; therapists who use your treatment time to write up a list of product "recommendations" that they hope you will purchase."

About this spy

One of the founders of The Good Spa Guide, Single Spy is a font of spa knowledge. We all know that if we have a question, Single Spy will be on hand to help.

"My two favourite treatments are top and toe: scalp massage or a little reflexology soothe stresses, soften shoulders and make the sun shine. I like to be warm at all times (well, apart from in an ice cave). From cold floors to flimsy coverings on massage tables, being chilly doesn't make for a relaxing experience."

— Single Spy

Recent writing by Single Spy:

Shy_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Shy Spy

  • Age 37
  • Skin type Combination

Spa Likes

"Instant results; jasmine and frangipani scents; hot steam rooms; a good selection of magazines; modernist decor."

Spa Dislikes

"Whale noises (on CD, not in the pool hopefully); hard massage beds; tiny toilet cubicles; being spoken to like a child; lukewarm pools."

Suave_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Suave Spy

  • Age 30s
  • Skin type Sensitive

Spa Likes

"Tepedariums (heated seats make my spa day); pools you can actually swim in; eucalyptus steams rooms; deep tissue massages."

Spa Dislikes

"Anything to do with ice or cold plunge pools; having to go outside mid-spa day; other people talking loudly; hot tubs with the bubbles on!"

About this spy

Our singular male spy, Suave Spy ensures we don't neglect all things male. Suave is always on hand to try whatever treatment, product or experience is reserved as "Just for Men" (although his hair colour is all his own, you understand.)

"When it comes to the world of spa, I like truly great treatments and flawless customer service. To top it all off, I like to be greeted well and seen off in style. If I miss out on the proper theatrics of a spa experience, I leave disappointed."

— Suave Spy

Recent writing by Suave Spy:

Student_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Student Spy

  • Age 18
  • Skin type Combination

Spa Likes

"Good food; friendly therapists; decent music to listen to during a treatment; therapists who understand that exams make you feel really stressed."

Spa Dislikes

"Robes that are too big for people who are only five foot tall; swimming pools with no room to swim; too much healthy food."

About this spy

Here to ensure we stay down-with-the-kids, hip, cool and ever-so-trendy, Student Spy is our youngest member.

"Fitting in a spa day or stay around my studies gives me the perfect opportunity to relax and take my mind off essays! I love a friendly therapist, and having some decent music to listen to during a treatment. When it comes to spa dislikes, it has to be robes that are too big for someone who is five foot nothing!"

— Student Spy

Recent writing by Student Spy:

Sybaritic_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Sybaritic Spy

  • Age 50s
  • Skin type Dry

Spa Likes

"Warm treatment beds; fragrant steam rooms; therapists who listen to what you say; unexpected treats such as back massages that start with hot towels on your feet."

Spa Dislikes

"Small towels; crowded changing rooms; black mould in the showers; therapists who sniff; anyone who doesn't take my lavender allergy seriously - until I'm actually sick on them!"

About this spy

Luxury, luxury, luxury. As the other founding member of The Good Spa Guide, Sybaritic Spy has had more spa experiences in the last few years than most people have in a lifetime. If you want to know about spa, she is the woman to talk to.

"Spa to me is synonymous with sensuality. I want to hear, smell, feel and experience everything. Fragrances to intoxicate, warm treatment beds and unexpected treats make me happy. Black mould, sniffing therapists and people who do not take my lavender allergy seriously do not!"

— Sybaritic Spy

Recent writing by Sybaritic Spy:

Sassy_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Sassy Spy

  • Age early 20s
  • Skin type Normal/combination skin

Spa Likes

"Luxurious scented candles; hot massage oil; being warm; unusual treatments; fluffy towels; natural light; firm pressure."

Spa Dislikes

"Mould; slamming doors; being walked in on while treatment in progress; therapists with cigarette-laced breath."

About this spy

You can always rely on Sassy Spy to cut to the chase. When it comes to spa, there's no sugar coating. No stone is unturned in her mission to find the perfect spa experience.

"I'm all about the luxury! I love fluffy towels, decadent candles and natural light. A therapist with cigarette-breath, and being walked in on during a treatment are definitely my spa-hates!"

— Sassy Spy

Recent writing by Sassy Spy:

Stateside_Spa_Spy
  • Author

    Stateside Spy

  • Age 40s
  • Skin type Combination

Spa Likes

"Authenticity; happy staff; mineral waters."

Spa Dislikes

"Treatments that are showy and lacking in substance; uncleanliness; poorly thought out spa aesthetics; badly trained therapists."

About this spy

Stateside Spy thrives on hydrotherapy, expertly executed spa treatments and delicious cuisine. When she's not spa-ing, she's likely to be found somewhere in nature studying the stars.

"My favorite spas have a focus on green practices, integrate local products and hire top quality therapists"

— Stateside Spy

Recent writing by Stateside Spy: