To quote a popular saying, ‘Behind every great man there is a great woman’, but in this case, at the ‘Healing Spa by Marchesseau’, there are two great women. Sophie Arnaud and Virginie Arnaise’s healing skills complement Christophe’s expertise, thereby forming a talented trio offering holistic therapy. Coccoloba readers had the pleasure of learning about Christophe in our last issue, so now it is time to find out more about these two great women.
Can you briefly describe what you do at the Healing Spa by Marchesseau?
Sophie: I am a massage therapist and beautician, as well as Spa Manager assisting Christophe Marchesseau. Working alongside Christophe since 2014 has given me the skills and expertise to offer customized face and body massages. I interpret signals from the client’s muscular tissues, which direct me to specific areas requiring tension release, thereby helping the body find its natural equilibrium.
Virginie: I use acupuncture and massage to help heal the mind and body; this is adapted to the individual client in accordance with their needs. Each treatment begins with acupuncture therapy to regulate any energy imbalance. This preliminary preparation relaxes the mind and body to increase the effects of the subsequent massage.
What inspired you to become a Masseuse?
Sophie: My hands have always been my guide, it is how I prefer to express myself. Touch is one of the five senses and is very powerful, yet often overlooked. I believe that simply placing a hand on someone’s shoulder can be more soothing than words. My natural interest in the complexity of the human body and its great self-healing powers have brought me to my current role as a Masseuse.
Virginie: I have always had a natural yearning to heal others, notably influenced by my grandmother who was a Bonesetter. This gave me an insight into the workings of the body from a young age and prompted me to pursue a career in the wellness industry.
What training did you undergo to become a Masseuse?
Sophie: I followed a six year training programme that combined work placements with school studies. This allowed me to start working at a young age and acquire experience in massage therapy. There are many different types of training to become a Masseuse, but it is essential to fully understand how the human body works before putting it into practice. We gain experience through using our hands, which are like a precious work tool that guides and teaches us.
Virginie: I actually began my training at the St Barts Manapany Spa where I learned many techniques including traditional Chinese medicine – notably acupuncture. Through working alongside Christophe we have been able to learn his holistic approach, while also developing a good team relationship based on trust. Our quality skill-set means we can competently replace Christophe during his absence.
Who are your main type of clients?
Virginie: The Spa’s great reputation for healing therapy has naturally attracted many long-term clients, mostly American, whom we now consider more as friends.
Sophie: Aside from our loyal tourist clientele, we also treat local residents at a reduced rate. This allows us to work all year round without being affected by the low season.
How is the Healing Spa by Marchesseau different to other Spas on the island?
Sophie: Our team has an amazing foundation of expertise and experience. Christophe’s approach is unique in its understanding of the tissues of the human body. He is not only a trained Physical Therapist and Osteopath but has also been working as a Masseur for 30 years, while Virginie and I have each been in the business for 20 years. This is why we are a genuine ‘Healing Spa’.
Virginie: Elegant in its simplicity, this Spa is solely dedicated to well-being with total discretion. It is like a tranquil cocoon where an attentive team provide customised care. Our reputation goes before us to attract a loyal client base.
What brought you to St Barts and then the Healing Spa by Marchesseau?
Sophie: I initially came to the island to work at the Manapany Spa, which was supposed to be for one season but I stayed there for seven years! My desire to change and evolve led me to the Healing Spa by Marchesseau.
Virginie: I first came to St Barts about twenty years ago when I was given the great opportunity to help design and manage the Manapany Spa – where Sophie was also working. Bringing us full circle, it is now Sophie who is the Spa Manager of the Healing Spa by Marchesseau and I was invited to join the team – principally to provide natural holistic care through acupuncture, to meet the growing demand for wellness and well-being.
What message would you like to convey to Coccoloba readers?
Virginie: Live your life with an open heart!
Sophie: We are here to help you navigate your way through the challenges of life, to find your balance and be your true self.
