What started as a one-season adventure quickly became a passion. Yachting offered me the opportunity to explore the world in a way I never imagined. One of my favourite aspects of yachting is visiting destinations off the beaten track. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience long crossings from Antarctica to Mexico and from Dubai to the South of France.These once-in-a-lifetime journeys have been nothing short of magical. I will never forget gazing at the stars in the middle of the ocean, far from any light pollution. It’s an experience that stays with you forever.

I absolutely love having access to the best products in the market for treatments and being part of a healthy interior team where we can have fun and support each other. However, one of the most challenging aspects is the lack of empathy and collaboration in some interior teams. It’s disheartening to see stronger or more experienced crew members picking on juniors, newcomers, or those who are simply kind-hearted. This is something I believe we need to change in the industry.

Throughout my yachting career, I’ve encountered several challenges that have fuelled my activism within the industry. I remember the struggles I faced in finding a job due to my visible tattoos. Even more shocking was witnessing a talented stew being fired on her first day simply because she was a size XL. She had more experience than anyone on that boat, yet she was dismissed because she didn’t fit the industry’s normative image.

This experience made me realise how crucial it is to advocate for inclusivity. I am committed to helping those who may not fit the traditional mold—whether they have visible tattoos, are over 40, are of a larger size, or anything else that may set them apart.

While I’ve transitioned to a shore-based life, living in a fairy-tale town in the north of Spain, I’m not entirely done with yachting. I plan to continue taking on freelance and temporary roles as long as I can because I still love being part of the industry. However, my days of holding a permanent role are likely behind me while I focus more on growing my business and helping other spa stewardess’s, something I’m very passionate about.

My business, Solstice, is dedicated to offering support and advanced training for spa stews. One of my major achievements is developing the Deep Release massage technique, a variation of deep tissue massage tailored for the yachting environment. This October, I’m excited to host a seven-day intensive massage course and retreat in Tenerife. This retreat is exclusive to spa stews and wellness professionals, offering 100-hour training accredited by the World Spa Organisation. It includes daily yoga sessions, workshops, and a group reiki session to ensure a holistic approach to wellness.

I’m passionate about creating a supportive community where spa stews can thrive. I regularly share free content on social media and my blog to help spa stews join yachting and succeed in their careers. Empowering others and promoting a more inclusive and supportive industry drives everything I do.

In the next few years, I aim to expand my business and offer more training programs and retreats worldwide. I envision a future where wellness professionals in the yachting industry have access to the best training and support, allowing them to excel in their roles without compromising their well-being.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. If you’re a spa stew or wellness professional looking for support or advanced training, I invite you to join our Solstice WhatsApp group. Let’s connect and thrive together!

Love,
Laura

Follow me on social media for more tips, training, and support:

https://www.instagram.com/thespaste

http://www.thespastew.com