End Of An Era

End of an era. 

As I look at this photo it’s hard to believe that the beginning of my Reef journey is coming up to 14 years. Starting up The Reef when I was just 24, the time has just flown. It’s been one hell of a journey; an incredible journey that has brought about many highs and lows, mistakes, lessons, and wins - but with all that there has been so much growth, understanding, and experience. All of these aspects are what has lead me further into the mindset work I do of recent years, and given me such a passion for us as individuals to get to know our hearts and minds more, to trust in our ability and believe in our worth.

This isn’t the easiest post to write, as… whilst I am excited for where the future is going to go, it is the end of an era. It is the end of a place that has brought so many people such lovely memories. It’s the end of something that was my life for many years. It’s the end of a place where I’ve got to meet and connect with so many incredible and lovely people – you as our clients, and team members along the way.

I am sorry to share that The Reef will not be re-opening on 2nd December. As I’m sure you can imagine this isn’t a decision that has been taken lightly, but one that feels right just now. Our lease at the location on Gabriel’s Hill came to an end and it seemed the right time for this change and step in a new direction. I mean, if you can’t change things up in 2020, I’m not sure when you can! 

We have decided that we are going to keep the cosy and peaceful room we have within the beautiful setting at Barham Court, and are going to continue to offer our treatments from there. We will be re-branding as ‘Kukui’. It felt right to have a change and a name that fits our new location and venture. 

Although, this treatment room will of course be hugely different to what we currently have and how we’ve always been, we trust that it will continue to be a stunning offering of treatments in a lovely location. We wanted to continue to offer treatments in the lovely industry we’re in and have dedicated many years to. We also wanted to continue to offer you treatments and welcome you through our door, as that’s always been a pleasure and the best part of our job. 

Kukui will be our new venture, just a very short drive from our previous location in the town centre, opening on Wednesday the 2nd of December. Many of the treatments we have offered at The Reef over the years will still be available for you to enjoy, parking there is free, and it boasts stunning views from the beautiful manor house it’s located within. We truly hope you will love the new space as much as we do. 

Many of you have been clients of ours for many years, and for that I am so incredibly and  eternally grateful. We had nearly 14 amazing years at The Reef, and that wouldn’t have been so without you. We would love nothing more than for you to continue this journey with us; and appreciate the kindness, love and support you have given. 

Lastly, I would like to thank my current team, who have been amazing. This year has been challenging for everyone, but they have taken everything in their stride. From waiting for a reopen after the first lockdown, to the PPE and so many new rules and regulations, plus the fear of this current lockdown looming. Stepping into this unknown, they have been brave, supportive, caring, understanding, and completely selfless. I honestly have so much love and immense gratitude for them right now. There are also many previous team members who have been a part of this journey, who I’m very thankful for.

We will be in contact with everyone on the waiting list regarding appointments in December. If you would also like to book an appointment with Alex, Maddie, or myself then please to contact us. We look forward to pampering you ready for the festive period ahead.

If you have valid voucher for The Reef you are wishing to redeem, please email us on info@thereefspa.com, and we will get back to you in due course.

Thank you again. Sending lots of love your way for now and the remainder of 2020. 

The meaning of Kukui: ‘Kukui is the Hawaiian word for enlightened. The Kukui nut tree is a symbol of enlightenment, wisdom, protection, and peace. It is said to contain subtle energy known in Hawaii as “Ki” (Chi). The oil of the nut is used for Hawaiian healing and is said to be a powerful amplifier for sending love and light’. 

Kukui is born. 

‘Your Skin is Glowing’

Good morning, and happy Tuesday! 
I've had quite a few people commenting on my skin recently, so I thought I would share my routine and some skincare tips.

Firstly, I wanted to share that although my skin is happy and healthy these days, I've had to deal with various skin concerns in the past - constant nasty breakouts, sensitivity, and eczema, and learned the best routine to keep it balanced.

Now the Elemis products I use won't be suited to everyone (we have a range of cleaners, toners and moisturisers for all skin types within the range). You may also prefer different consistencies and aromas. But the basic routine is perfect for anyone to keep the skin well looked after, healthy, and glowing.

Every morning and evening I cleanse with Elemis Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser and rinse of with warm water and a face cloth. I then tone with Ginseng Toner on a cotton pad. Then I gently dab Pro Collagen Eye Renewel under my eyes and around the outer edges with my ring fingers, followed by applying Pro Collagen Marine Cream on my face in gentle upwards motions and Pro Collagen Neck and Bust the same way on the décolleté and neck.

I find these moisturisers perfect for my skin as they are light and silky in consistency, so they hydrate my face to the ideal amount. The cleanser I use is great for all skin types and again, I find it nourishes and hydrates my skin giving it a glowing boost without being too rich.

Prior to applying makeup in the morning, I then apply Pro Radiance Flash Balm which gives a lovely glow and brightening effect and holds makeup in place well.

Once a week I use the Papaya Enzyme Peel exfoliator. Exfoliation is soooo important. This exfoliator is gorgeous and one of my favourites. It goes on like a mask and is left for 8 minutes as the fruit enzymes gently exfoliate leaving the skin super bright and smooth. This is perfect pre-date night or before a special occasion. It smells divine! I also use the Skin Buff exfoliator once or twice a week (I generally exfoliate every 2-3 days), which is like a grittier scrub and is massaged in all over the face and then rinsed off. Again, this leaves the skin smooth and invigorated. Exfoliating helps to get rid of dead skin cells which means you get better results from your moisturising products and they skin into the skin a lot better. It also increase blood circulation to her achieve healthy glowing skin, minimises pores and reduces breakouts. It also promotes cell renewal which helps to give a more youthful appearance! Whoop whoop!

A couple of times a week I will use a face mask after exfoliating. At the moment I am use Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask which is super nourishing for the skin. Again, helps give that hydrated and healthy glow, and keeps skin soft and supple.

So that's my skincare routine which I know helps promote super healthy glowing skin. Along with my skincare routine, I have been drinking plenty of water, eating good amounts of fruit and veg in my diet, and have been taking supplements to support skin and body.

I am currently taking Vitamin C (heals skin, boosts collagen, fights ageing), Folic Acid (produces and maintains new cells), Vitamin E (protects the skin's cells, antioxidant, supports the immune system), Evening Primrose (soothes and supports the skin, promotes overall skin health), and Turmeric (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant). These supplements also offer many other benefits to the body and immune system.

I think chilling out with daily meditations, occasional walks out in the countryside, and the gym also help me to bring about calm and therefore try to keep stresses away from affecting the skin.

So, there you have it. This is how I look after my skin and why I've noticed a few people commenting on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Or, if you'd like to visit myself or one of the team for a complimentary skincare consultation and skin analysis, then just give us a call on 01622753183 we'll be more than happy to help you with your skincare routine too.

We look forward to pampering you soon,

Clare

Launching Guided Group Meditations

The benefits of meditation are HUGE. Meditation has been scientifically proven to improve our well-being in so many ways. It has been shown to grow grey matter in the brain, which is where concentration increase and is the area of the brain involved in learning and memory, regulating emotions, sense of self, and having perspective. 
Check out the list of benefits below:

Benefits of regular meditation:

• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep
• Decrease blood pressure
• Helps control anxiety
• Improves concentration
• Benefits cardiovascular and boosts the immune system
• Enhances self-awareness 
• Boosts confidence 
• Helps with decision making
• Supports memory
• Helps control pain
• Increases happiness
• Can generate kindness and empathy
• Generally supports a healthy body and mind

This is why we wanted to start offering group guided meditation. Helping others relax and improve well-being is a big part of what we're all about.

We've already seen first hand the results that can be achieved through one guided meditation session, let alone regular meditation. Those that joined our guided meditation on our mini retreat day left us feeling so calm within and completely relaxed. We could see breathing literally change and relax, and we've had such fabulous feedback from it, some have mentioned how they've been continuing to use an exercise that worked for them whenever they have felt a little stressed. Amazing!

During the mini retreat day, we had many ask if we were going to continue and offer this as a regular thing, hence the launch of our weekly guided meditations!

Our group meditation is suitable if you have never tried meditation before, or if you regularly meditate.

Never meditated before?

You may wonder what to expect and have concerns over what will happen? You may have seen beautiful images of people meditating before - sitting peacefully under a waterfall looking almost model-like? Sitting cross legged on the floor? And so on. This isn't how your every day meditation is. Meditation is suitable for literally ANYONE and you can simply sit comfortably in a chair to meditate.

Our group sessions are very relaxed and welcoming. Everyone is in the same boat, and I can assure you that you will be made to feel comfortable and leave feeling relaxed.

We would LOVE for you to come and join us and try it out. See the benefits you can achieve.

There are limited spaces on the group meditation, so please book as soon as possible. You can either call us on 01622753183, or purchase your session easily online http://www.thereefspa.com/wellbeing/ to secure your spot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Please note: Guided group meditations will be on Thursday evenings 7-8pm, excluding Thursday 28th June and Thursday 12th July. Apologies for any inconvenience here.
 

The Reef's founder, Clare Cockell, will host the guided group meditations. Clare is often told she has a calm energy and generally a relaxed outlook to life, trying to step back and see things from a positive perspective. Clare first meditated properly about 4 years ago, testing out various practices, and was amazed at the results it gave alongside having a focus on mindset and personal development, the journey of which extends over 5 years now. More recently, she decided to take this practice further by training in guided meditation with an experienced and well respected trainer.

Clare brings this experience into her group sessions to promote calm, well-being, and relaxation in the sessions and going forwards.

6 Step Process to an at Home Facial for Bright, Healthy, and Happy Skin

It's great to visit a salon and have a facial. A nice boost for the skin, which targets concerns discussed with your therapist. However, a one-off facial is obviously not going to give miracles and needs at home care to keep up results and a long term skincare regime to keep the skin in a good condition. It can all be overwhelming, so what's the process for giving yourself a regular facial at home and how often should you do so?

It is recommended that if you have oily/combination skin you should give yourself a facial at home twice a week. For dry skins this would be just once a week. 

Get ready

You may wish to tie or hold your hair back with a headband. You will need some cotton pads, a clean wash cloth and the products recommended for your skin type.

1. Cleanse

Using cotton pads, apply your eye make up remover and gently wipe over the eye area. Then, using your hands, gently massage the cleanser into the face, covering all areas, excluding the eyes. Remove the cleanser with warm water and you clean wash cloth. You may want to cleanse the face twice if you have had heavier make up on.

2. Tone

Using the appropriate toner for your skin type, apply to a cotton pad and wipe gently over the face. This removes any excess cleanser, dirt and grime, and closes the pores after cleansing. 

3. Exfoliate

Apply a little exfoliator (be sure to check which is recommended for your skin type) on your fingertips, then massage it gently int the face all over in circular movements. Do this for a couple of minutes. Don't forget around the nostrils and also have a good focus on the chin and forehead.  Some gentle exfoliators are instead applied like a mask and then removed, so do check application with your product instructions. Remove the exfoliator with warm water on your wash cloth. Quickly tone with a cotton pad again.

4. Mask

If you have an eye mask, apply this first with the ring fingers and gently dab it under the eyes and over the top of the eye socket near the eyebrows. Then for the facial mask. Again, ensure the mask you are going to use is suitable for your skin and going to give the results you are looking for. Some masks are great for hydration, some for balancing oiliness, drawing out impurities, smoothing and deep cleansing,and others for brightening or plumping the skin. Apply the mask in a thin layer over the face, avoiding the eye area. Leave this on for about 10 minutes. If you are busy, then you can apply this whilst doing other household chores, otherwise we recommend it's a great moment for relaxation or meditation. After the recommended time, remove with warm water and your wash cloth. Again, tone with a cotton pad.

5. Eye Cream/Serum

Don't forget the eyes! The eyes are an area of the face which show ageing the quickest, so an eye cream is important. Remember to apply your eye cream gently with the ring fingers and dab under the eyes and around the top of the eye socket. This is also the perfect time to apply a serum to the face if needed. Serums are great if your skin needs an extra boost of hydration, or attention.

6. Moisturise

You will already start to notice how much brighter and happier your skin looks, but it can take time to see dramatic results for skin with certain concerns. Over time though, skin will become easier to manage, more balanced, and in a healthier and happy condition on a day to day basis.

If you have any further questions, or would like to know the ideal products for you, then please don't hesitate to contact us and we can help find the right products for you.

Clare Cockell, The Reef

Reflection and Resolutions

So, January has arrived. A time when we all look back and think over the past year and reflect. A time where our energy is renewed, and we feel a fresh new start, with new goals and aspirations. 

2017 for us was one of change. It wasn't necessarily an easy one, but a good one nonetheless. Change is generally an uncomfortable place to be, but change allows growth.

March saw us step on our Sevenoaks branch, allowing us to focus just on Maidstone. Although a tough decision, it was hard to say goodbye to so many lovely clients, see the salon move on, and change what began as a big dream. But life is all about change, moving, and growing. We needed to do what was best for the business and ourselves. For us, it was the right decision; it's allowed us to already make improvements and have further plans for Maidstone, it's given a better work/life balance, allowed me to launch my Moment Gratitude Journal (available through us and Amazon), and best of all is that we have seen some of our lovely Sevenoaks clients come and find us for a treat - that's meant the World to us.

So, what's on our radar for 2018?

In December, our 'Enchantment at The Reef' ritual was hugely popular. Along with the Winter Warmer, it was the one that most people chose in our limited edition Winter treats, and it was a huge hit, with great feedback on how it was such a blissful top to toe treat. This demand led on to a launch at the very beginning of this year, of our luxury rituals. Indulgent rituals that take into account a whole mind, body, and soul experience, allowing you to completely switch off and balance the mind.

By February we will be introducing the inclusion of skin analysis lamps to our facials. These ultraviolet lamps allow you to see the current situation of the skin - any areas of dehydration, oiliness, and so on. We can then assess how your skincare routine is working, and the best facial treatment for your visit and products to use. 

We are also soon to be announcing the launch of mindfulness meditation sessions and workshops. Mindfulness and meditation is proven to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and combat stress. It brings us appreciation, clarity, and a clearer mind. There is no judgement with mindfulness and meditation, it is available for anyone to practice and do. 

For 2018, we are also looking in particular at adding more advanced facials and skincare to our current offering. However, you can trust that, as always, we will be constantly striving to improve what we do and how we do it. We will never sit still. We love our industry and what we do. 

Looking back over the year I would like to extend thanks to our team. It's been a pleasure to be based back in the Maidstone office with our team, which is built of individuals who are each kind, thoughtful, funny, and have been hugely supportive towards the business and I in the changes we've had and the focus we have going forwards. I know they each are passionate about what they do, and love seeing you visit. Thanks girls! Much love!

I would also like to thank you for being part of The Reef, meaning we can enjoy what we do and have the opportunity to grow. As a team, we always love hearing your feedback and, of course, pampering you with our treatments, spa days, and luxury gifts. Thank you for the bottom of our hearts for supporting us and allowing us to continue. Without you, we are nothing.

We have enjoyed looking back and planning ahead, and hope you've managed to gain as much inspiration and appreciation by doing the same yourself at the change of year. We look forward to updating you further in due course about upcoming 2018 ventures.

Enjoy your weekend and we look forward to pampering you soon. Feel free to drop us a comment below sharing any thoughts you had or your own goals and reflection.

With love & gratitude,

Clare

Reef Well-Being: The Back Issue

The Reef's Well-being focus this month is the back. Most of us suffer with back aches and tensions at some point in our lives, so we thought we'd have a focus sharing top tips and recommendations to help improve, ease and heal back problems.

10 stretches to help with sciatica, hip and lower back pain via Curious Mind Magazine
Read more

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Yoga is amazing for the body and well-Being. Giving flexibility to muscles and improved posture. Our favourite yoga pose for back aches and tension is the Half Lord of the Fishes Pose. Click here to read more and find other useful poses perfect to ease the back via Yoga Journal

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Massage is hugely beneficial and offers great results if suffering from back tensions, aches and pains. The deep tissue massage can help target key areas, break down lactic acid, whilst soothing the muscles with the pressure and increased heat to the area.

ELEMIS Freestyle Deep Tissue Massage
A relaxing, tension-easing massage to ease achy muscles, detoxify and improve circulation. Designed to suit your needs, you can choose the perfect oil blend and style; between Stress-a-Way, Spirit Reviver, Muscle Melt and Chakra Balancing. Perfect if you like a firmer pressure, our therapists use a variety of techniques to really target specific tension areas, including the use of elbows and forearms
Full Body 55 minutes  60.00   |   Back 40 minutes  45.00   |   Back 25 minutes  35.00

Book online 24/7
Body 55m: book here.  Back 40m: book here.  Back 25m: book here.

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Wheat bags are ideal to ease ashiness. Simply pop it in the microwave, then place around the neck or against tension areas on the back.

Heat helps the blood vessels dilate which then increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to the specific area. This also really helps with healing and acts as a pain reliever by stimulating pain receptors within the skin, which decreases the frequency of pain messages that are sent to the brain. Heat therapy also helps  to relax and loosen the tissue surrounding the area.  Ligaments, tendons and muscles can then move more easily. 

Perfect to easily use when watching TV, doing housework, etc. These can be found in most supermarkets/pharmacies with an RRP of approx. £10

10 years at The Reef!

Wow! Where has 10 years gone?

We can't quite believe we've been here 10 years this spring! It has flown by. Looking back over photos, it's amazing how much has happened and changed. Has it been easy? Not on your nelly! But, I wouldn't change it. I always think everything happens for a reason and all the experiences have made me the person, and business owner I am today. One thing, is that I have always had such a huge passion for the beauty and spa industry, and for well-being. That passion is as strong today as it was back in 2007, when we first started.

So, back in 2007 we initially took on a beauty clinic that was on the top two floors of the building here on Gabriels Hill. I remember I had given my notice in to my employer at the time as the completion date was getting close, then we heard there had been a fire at the premises, and I had to go and ask if I could take my notice back. Thankfully, my manager at the time just laughed and asked why. I was there another 6 months due to the extent of the damage. When we finally took over it was obviously nice having newly painted walls, but having been closed for so long, many clients had found elsewhere else to go. We had to start from scratch.

Many of you may know; being is business can be tough at times. There are many things I have learnt over the years, such as starting as you mean to go on, and being more cautious when employing friends/family. I am thankful for the tougher times as it gave me the experience on how to deal with various situations, how to generally be a better manager and currently support my team the way I now do.

I had grown up with business around me, so I understood the implications and how demanding it could be, yet I loved what I did and would generally be working, even when I wasn't 'working'. It could be hard to switch off at times. I've had notices of termination of employment from team members given to me whilst away on holiday and even the evening of Christmas Eve, whilst at a party. Over the years I have realised that it's very important to take that time out and switch off, but also have a good team structure, which means that can happen. I am blessed these days to have a team and manager in place who are confident and pro-active. For example, it meant that I could be away almost the whole of January this year, when a family holiday coincided with a salon conference in Dublin and a spa visit to Massachusetts to be their visitor for the World Spa and Wellness Awards.

When we first started; we introduced new treatments, some that were not offered at the time in Maidstone, and they were a big hit. Customer service was always important to us, and we found we quickly started to see some regular faces. Many whom still visit today, which is lovely. 

We were lucky to have the opportunity a year on to expand into the ground floor of the premises, and haven't looked back. This allowed us the space to offer a manicure, pedicure and makeup area, plus more spacious seating. It means that now, we can offer those beauty salon treatments (waxing, tinting, nails and makeup) on the ground floor, and as soon as you start to head upstairs the rooms are dimly lit for the peaceful massages, facials, and body treatments. 

Since then, we have been blessed to help out at many events (with OK! magazine, Louboutin shoes, and more), help out various charities, such as when we travelled Land's End to John O'Groats visiting selected charities, raising over £2.5K, and pampered their teams, as well as raising over £2K for Pilgrims Hospice and Cancer Research UK in memory of a friend (who thought £500 was too big a target to set). Plus, be presented with many awards, and have the recognition of Theo Paphitis. I have also had the pleasure of judging within the industry's leading awards - the Professional Beauty and World Spa and Wellness Awards, plus the Kent Health and Beauty Awards.

So, we look back on those 10 years with fond memories and are thankful that we have grown over time and that we still love what we do as much as day one. I wanted to create The Reef to offer a peaceful atmosphere, a place to enjoy an experienced and relaxing treatment with a team who really cares, and no need to rush out afterwards. We are so happy to still see the 5 star reviews that come through to show this is how the visit was experienced.

We are also blessed to have truly amazing clients; we would like to thank you for being a part of our journey and for the support you have given us. We wouldn't be here without you, so it means such a lot. 

Any comments, feedback, memories, please feel free to share below or on our Facebook page. We'd love to hear them!

Clare Cockell, Founder & CEO

Has it been a while? Wander into a calm treatment room and unwind body and mind

There's that niggling feeling in your back... You keep trying to stretch it out, hoping that will help. It may give a temporary release, but soon enough, there it is again.!

We know many people like this and hear often how someone has been meaning to visit and should've done much sooner. We agree, for your general wellbeing, happiness, and comfort, it is best to visit us to ease the tension and aches, rather than suffering and experiencing more discomfort.

Imagine walking into a calm and dimly lit treatment room.... Your therapist discusses where your concerns and aches are and invites you to smell a couple of massage oils to help find the best for your needs.

Your therapist leaves you to get ready and you melt onto the couch. It's a blissful moment even just then; nothing but the peaceful music can be heard, the flickering candle lights are in the corner of the room, and the bed is cosy. 

You therapist returns to the room and checks you're warm and comfortable enough. Perfect.

Hot mitts are covering your feet followed by relaxing stretches and pressure points. Your mind is already unwinding.

Your back is then uncovered and the warm oil applied. You're asked if the pressure is ok... Would you like it any firmer? You can feel the massage releasing the aches in the muscles. Bliss!

After your massage, your therapist ensures you have a glass of water and recommends some aftercare advice just for you. Perhaps it's a stretch to keep your back under control after your treatment. 

So worth it! Finally, your shoulders feel lower, you can move easier, and that niggling feeling has been released.

Massage is one of the most popular treatments we offer at The Reef, this is due to our therapists skills and the relaxed environment. For men and women; Deep tissue massage starts from just £35. You can book easily online (through our website or download the app) or call us on 01622 753183.

We look forward to making you feel super spritely soon...