By Virginia Muzik
Bella Medispa in Kealba is just 20 minutes from Melbourne airport – ideal for one last pampering en route to your flight. Opened in December 2000, its Italianate theme lends an air of opulence. And Manager, Jennifer Deluca’s professionalism belies her youth.
Spa owner, Denis Semec has a building background so created Bella Medispa with every detail done to perfection. Formerly owning a Bakers Delight store for eight years, Semec’s background give Bella Medispa direction in terms of facts and figures, and daily accounting needs.
When Bella Medispa opened, Kealba did not have a local beauty salon or day spa, says Deluca. “We chose this location because Sunshine Avenue is a busy road with local traffic passing every day. Due to this area being urban we have been able to build a local repeat clientele rather than a destination spa that relies on its marketing to get clients through the door.”
Deluca, who has ten years beauty therapy experience, started at Bella as a beauty therapist when it opened and moved into the spa manager role after two years. Deluca’s beauty skills and Semec’s business background have created a perfect balance.
Deluca says the Bella philosophy is: “to provide quality service and skincare products that deliver results. We have created a peaceful, tranquil sanctuary to renew your strength and sense of self. At Bella Medispa it’s all about you. Exceptional service starts from the time you walk in to the time you leave.
“We decided to take more of a medical approach to the spa industry offering paramedical treatments to treat specific concerns that traditional beauty services could not provide,” she adds. “However we still wanted the word ‘spa’ as we are a day spa also offering the relaxation and pampering aspects.”
The spa’s atmosphere is that of tranquil and relaxed sanctuary. All therapy rooms have reinforced, sound-proofed walls for a tranquil environment. Every area in the spa has sound volume dials to adjust the quiet, relaxing music to the right level. Lighting is dimmable to keep the ambience and there are water features, fountains and a relaxation area.
Bella Medispa uses Pevonia and Medicalia, Eles makeup and its own label, Bella Minerals makeup. Deluca says the skincare products were chosen, “because they are more than just another product line; promoting inner improvement, not just surface changes.”
Retail sales are very important, comprising 30 per cent of the spa’s sales. “We have systems in place to allow us to upgrade in treatments that actually take no extra time but increase the dollar value per client. Every client is given a prescription which we recommended home care products and future treatments.”
Deluca and her team pride themselves on the wide variety of treatments they offer to suit all concerns, the results-oriented services and products they provide and the warm and friendly customer service from highly skilled therapists who undergo training monthly. The spa also offers a selection of complimentary spa refreshments including wine, champagne, herbal and black teas, coffee, hot chocolates – all served with assorted biscuits and chocolates.
The spa’s package treatments are most popular, with their signature treatment being the Pure Pleasure package: a one hour and fifteen minute treatment incorporating 30-minute massage, 30-minute customised facial and a “Geisha spa” bath.
Clientele are comprised of 90 per cent female locals aged 16 to 45. Bella Medispa sends monthly feedback forms to clients to rate the level of service they experienced. “We believe that value for money is about peace of mind, knowing that the service you have received has met your needs and satisfaction, and if you’re not completely satisfied you will be looked after.”
Bella Medispa is located at 28 Sunshine Avenue, Kealba, Victoria. Phone: (03) 9356 9822. Visit www.bellaspa.com.au