SpaFest Gives Back launches at Carden Park

SpaFest, an annual wellness event for the spa and wellness industry, held its first SpaFest Gives Back event at Carden Park on 14 June 2022.

The inaugural SpaFest Gives Back offered 20 people going through treatment for cancer – and individuals who are supporting them – to attend a nurturing, supportive wellness day at The Spa at Carden Park.

People, planet and health

Focusing on planet, health and sustainable economics, SpaFest was founded by Amanda Winwood and Made for Life Organics in 2017 with support and partnership from Sarah Camilleri, founder of European Spa magazine as media sponsor. The premise of SpaFest is to raise money to reinvest in events that give back to the community.

SpaFest Gives Back

SpaFest Gives Back featured a line-up of inspiring speakers, paired with the inspirational setting, team and vision of Carden Park. This event is a partnership between SpaFest and Carden Park, supported by the British Beauty Council, SATCC and UKSA to spearhead and innovate change.

During the day guests received a goody bag and enjoyed products and therapies from Gharieni, Made for Life Organics, Oskia, Germaine de Capuccini, Murad and Therapy Teas from Camellia’s Tea House.

Amanda Winwood, founder of SpaFest said: “We have had emails from women who attended, talking about the courage and inspiration it gave them – life changing stuff! I would like to give my sincere thanks to every single person along with the host venue, Carden Park and the team there, who helped make this wonderful wellbeing day take place. SpaFest Gives Back rocked!”

Inspiring speakers and heartfelt workshops

Iain Bell, founder of the Executive Fitness Foundation, led an integrative empowerment session to open the SpaFest Gives Back day, focusing on positive change and progress. Carden Park’s head chef, Graham Tinsley MBE also demonstrated a range of healthy eating options and prepared a delicious and nutritious lunch.

Jamie Edwards, founder of Trained Brain and Strut Camp, presented a session on empowerment and personal accountability. During the afternoon, guests heard from Laura Broady of Scented Saviours and enjoyed Mark Smith’s Kalm Horizons Meditation.

In addition, guests were able to experience a range of 20-minute taster sessions of Touch Therapy provided by Carden Park and Made for Life Touch Therapy specialists, reiki, aromatherapy and Gharieni’s new concept bed, Welnamis.

Honouring courage and positivity

To celebrate positivity and optimism, the Giving Back to Life SpaFest Awards recognised leaders in Compassion, Innovation, Courage, Leadership and Inspiration. Spa prizes were donated by Carden Park and Made for Life Organics. Guests were also able to upgrade their SpaFest Gives Back day with an Evening Twilight Spa session that included spa access, a sharing platter and glass of bubbly.

Emma Pridding, spa director at Carden Park said: “The feedback was fantastic from our lovely guests. I personally wanted to lead with a clear message that spas should welcome all, so that people on a journey with cancer can confidently come along to our spa and be able to safely have a spa treatment or experience. I am already looking forward to the next event in October.”