My days are divided between Auckland and Bali – we have Spring Spas in both locations, two in Auckland (St Helier’s and Ponsonby), one in Wellington and three in Bali. And I travel a lot, as we look to expand the Spring offering into new territories,” says Ina Bajaj. ”I am incredibly, deeply blessed in what I do – the wellness industry is a very special one, and I get to work with my best friends every day. It is hard work – we have more than 250 staff and every day has its challenges – but I am mindful, always, of how fortunate I am.”
7AM
If I’m in Auckland, I’ll wake and take my dogs for a walk and stop at Brown’s in Remuera for a coffee. I had a pretty serious health scare last year, and as a result I have made some changes in my life. Part of this involves me making a conscious effort to leave my phone at home and re-learn how to just sit and be still in my thoughts. Not as easy as it sounds!
9AM
I like to be at work by 9am, no matter where I am. We do all our planning from Auckland, for both Spring and East Day Spas. Right now a lot of it is focused on the opening of our bravest, biggest, most spectacular Spring Spa to date, on a little island called Nusa Lembongan, just off the coast of Bali. We open in July and there’s a lot to do!
4PM
One of the most special, and important parts of what I do is ‘trade-testing’ our staff, which I often do in the afternoons. This means getting a (literally) hands-on service, like massage, from a potential employee. It is crucial to me that I can experience each new staff member’s talents – I truly believe that the best therapists are instinctual givers, and I have to be able to feel that love in their hands. It’s not something that can be communicated in a CV or any other way, and it’s what sets our business apart.
6PM
In Bali, sunset is a time of celebration and reconnection, every day of the week. It’s a beautiful thing. People enjoy sundowner drinks, reflect on their days and take a moment to be grateful. If I’m in Bali, I don’t miss it.
7PM
I try and get another walk in, or a swim, and either my husband cooks or we head out for dinner with friends. If there’s one thing I have learnt in the last 12 months, it’s that it doesn’t matter how hard we work or how much money we make, the only thing that matters is our health and each other, so I like to make the most of what I have around me.
