Some natural beauty brands go so far as being nourishing and highly effective, but with ila spa, the connection goes a little deeper. It’s the first brand that I’ve really connected with, in terms of its history, philosophy and soul.
My love of ila spa products started slowly when I first tried the rose collection a year ago and since, I’ve become a fan and believer in the karmic element of the brand.
Founder Denise Leicester
Inspirational founder Denise Leicester is a qualified nurse, aromatherapist, yoga teacher and yogic healer, who combines her knowledge and experience of the medical, holistic and spiritual spheres. She was moved to create ila spa, as there were few natural products that were 100% organic and committed fully to the practice of healing energy.
Reflecting the harmony of spiritual and natural elements, ila spa was named after the Hindu Goddess of Truth and the sanskrit word for Earth.
The Story of ila spa
The first 12 months of ila spa’s beginnings were spent travelling the globe, researching and sourcing the finest ingredients, followed by creating a sustainable infrastructure with ethical farmers and growers. This continued support and mutual reliance on global communities has led to viable industries where traditional methods are valued.
Ingredients from Around the Globe
The high quality organic ingredients that go into ila spa products are sourced from communities in India, Pakistan, Brazil, Morocco, Tibet and Bhutan. Processing the raw materials is done traditionally by hand, without the interference of electricity or chemicals. For example, rose petals are distilled slowly and naturally, yielding a small quantity of the purest oil, which is used in the ila spa rose collection.
The finished products are then securely sealed and sent to the ila spa barn in the Cotswolds to be packaged and sent out, ready to be used and loved.
The Products
One of my favourite things about ila spa products is the vibrant, eye-catching colours and luxurious gold card-lined packaging, contrasted with simple white and gold heavy glass bottles. The visually pleasing packaging is inspired by the mounds of spices and pigment found in India, particularly during Holi Day.
At a recent Handpicked Media event hosted with ila spa, we were treated to a selection of products to take home and try.
Incense for an Aroma of Purity and Peace
These incense sticks are luxurious and calming with a more appealing scent than any I’ve tried before. Denise recommends burning the incense when meditating to help concentration and clarity of the mind.
Bath Salts for Inner Peace
These luxurious bath salts include a fragrant blend of Himalayan salt crystals, Damascena rose otto and sandalwood. After a long soak in the bath with the salts, my skin always feels incredibly soft and the aromas help clear the head and unwind tense muscles.
Body Balm for Feeding Skin and Senses
This rich, thick body cream is made from Damascena rose otto, wild-grown argan oil and bees wax. The natural rose scent is not too sweet and the body balm is a luxurious treat, especially at night when you can slather it on, cocooning your body and waking up with fresh, plump skin.
Fragrant Candle for Inner Peace
This invigorating candle features notes of tuberose and rose. The scent is slightly sweet, fresh and light but with an enveloping warmth.
Advice from Denise
Denise told us that the best way to enjoy ila spa products and to really relax is to make your evening bath a spa ritual. Before getting into the bath, make a warming drink and place it by your bedside, so you don’t have to disturb your buzz with boiling the kettle!
To boost your body’s natural defences against the winter chill and just to relax, Denise suggests slicing and crushing up some fresh ginger and mixing with freshly squeezed lime juice, honey and boiling hot water. The ginger adds a real kick and gives you a warm glow, which helps relax the body before sleep.
ila spa Express Facial
When used in massage by a professional therapist, ila spa products are incredibly potent and have surprising results. I tried an ila spa Rejuvenating Rose Indulgence massage at Grayshott Spa and I was so relaxed that I had an unusual ‘out of body experience’.
My second ila spa treatment was an express facial at the Handpicked Media event and I could feel the healing energy flowing through myself and the therapist as she placed her hands on key areas of my head and upper body.
Selected spas across the world use ila spa, including Four Seasons, Chiang Mai, Grayshott Spa and Gielly Green and all therapists are trained to perform treatments according to ila spa’s healing philosophy. I fully recommend an ila spa treatment, as you benefit not only from the therapist’s expertise but also the healing properties of the products.
ila spa is one of my favourite beauty discoveries of all time and I look forward to seeing the brand thrive and spread good karma and energy through skincare.
For more info and to buy online, visit: www.ila-spa.com
