BEAUTY therapy students recently had the opportunity to step into the client’s shoes during a visit to Aqua Sana Forest Spa in Warminster – gaining a valuable new perspective on their future careers.
Instead of focusing solely on delivering treatments, students experienced the spa from the other side, using the facilities and spending time in the relaxation areas. This gave them first-hand insight into how treatments feel and what clients expect from a high-quality spa experience.
Students had only positive things to say about the experience, with many highlighting how seeing treatments from the client’s point of view will help them improve their own practice.
Experiencing this perspective is an important part of their training, helping students refine their approach and better understand the smaller details that make a big difference to client comfort and satisfaction.
Alongside this, students built on their professional knowledge by observing how a high-end spa operates. They gained insight into the standards of cleanliness, organisation and customer care expected in a premium setting, as well as how the environment contributes to the overall client experience.
A highlight of the day was a discovery session with industry professionals, where students explored a range of products used in treatments. They were able to test products themselves, ask questions and learn more about how and why they are used in a professional setting.
Lecturer Laura Lawrence said the visit gave students a deeper understanding of their future careers.
“Experiencing the spa as clients gave students a completely new understanding of treatments and expectations. The discovery session was a real highlight, allowing them to try products first-hand and learn directly from professionals. Seeing a high-end spa environment in action really helped bring their learning to life.”
Students responded very positively to the experience, particularly valuing the opportunity to see the industry from both perspectives. Many said that understanding the client experience will help them improve their own practical work and better meet expectations.
The visit also reflects the growing opportunities within the beauty and wellness sector, with continued demand for skilled therapists as more people invest in wellbeing and self-care.
Interested in a career in beauty therapy?
We offer a range of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the beauty and wellness industry. You’ll learn and work in the Aspire Academy of Hair and Beauty – the College’s own salon located at our Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury campuses. Here, you can experience a realistic working environment while learning all you need to know for a glowing career in the beauty industry.
