From Lipstick to Luxury
Helen Flanagan reveals how a penchant for red lippy as a young girl has led to life as a luxury Spa-preneur.
Little Stephanie Shepherd had no comprehension of one day being doyenne of the Australian Luxury spa industry. Understandable, she was only 12.
Growing up in Broken Hill had its limitations however her mother’s lipstick collection appeased those irresistible urges to paint her lips red.
Determined to follow her dream she was the youngest person to be accepted at an Adelaide beauty academy, qualified, then moved back home to Brisbane. With a vision and desire to combine beauty therapies with peaceful places of harmony and balance, she opened her first spa at age 26. Coincidentally, that was 26 years ago.
Further spas, including Sofitel Brisbane Central, followed. Whilst striving to create and maintain a premium product, an opportunity was presented in 2010 to open Stephanies Ocean Spa in Noosa’s Peppers Resort on the fringe of the world famous Noosa National Park and just a leisurely stroll to famous Hastings Street.
The luxurious design of the 500m2 space with eleven spa suites, is the perfect haven for relaxation and self-care. From the open, high ceiling entry to the warm wood finishes, crisp, cool stone tiles and foliage of trees and plants throughout, you’ll enjoy that cosy, ‘hygge’ feeling with spa therapies and water treatments; specialised private treatment suites; a triple suite with a Colour Therapy Mineral Floatation pool; and two couples’ suites including a Geisha couples’ hydro bath or a hand crafted timber bath for that individual bath experience. All these double and triple signature spa spaces encompass stunning private views.
Enjoy the spa’s famous signature rain therapy rituals, which are performed in the exquisitely designed Rain Therapy Vichy suite, boasting a stunning hand-crafted Acacia Cedar timber Vichy table. Or indulge and create spa memories with friends in the Luxury Pedicure and Manicure Lounge.
On completion of any treatment experience, clients are offered more time to relax and recover in the tranquillity Lounge, while enjoying a seasonal sorbet or signature la Vie elixir Tea.
Stephanie is undeniably passionate about spa life, and her philosophy is simple: embrace new technologies, respect ancient rituals, step away from the ordinary and create breathtaking treatments.
Join Stephanies Wellness Membership
Revive and Reset for $699 (valued at $1000)
Enjoy one visit per week over six weeks and select any combination of rituals from the Wellness Menu below. All treatments include herbal tea infusions and sorbet while relaxing in the Tranquillity Lounge.
• Sole Healing & Indian Head Massage (40mins)
• Back Massage (40mins)
• Body Scrub & Rehydrate (40mins)
• Back Therapy Treatment (40mins)
• LED Facial Light Therapy, Foot & Leg Massage with Paraffin Infusion (40mins)
STEPHANIES OCEAN SPA | Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas | Phone 5473 5353
