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Spa People
Lizzi Larbalestier

When you bring people to the sea you can see their shoulders drop and they breathe more deeply


Water is medicine. We are more liquid than solid and it’s even possible that one of the reasons we evolved onto two legs was to make it easier to find water sources,” says Lizzi Larbalestier who’s built her business around the therapeutic benefits of water.

Larbalestier specialises in Blue Health Coaching, offering business and lifestyle coaching by the sea and based on the idea that a connection with water promotes mental, physical, spiritual, psychological and social health.

“Lots of people suffer from fatigue and information overload. When you bring people to the sea you can see their shoulders drop and they breathe more deeply,” she says. “The space lends itself to deep conversations and a big horizon allows their eyes to relax, bringing in peripheral vision and a soft fascination which expands thought.”

Although there’s now abundant scientific research to show how effective bodies of water are for mental wellness, Larbalestier argues the medicinal effects of water are still underutilised and undervalued – even in resort and destination spas which have their origins in salus per aquum (health through water).

She advocates stripping out chlorine and using salt water for pools, as well as looking at the whole system of water use and designing in ways to capture and recycle grey water.

“Water should be part of the décor: it’s restorative and the light reflects well off it,” she says. “But also look for other ways to bring in water content – artwork, music and even the language used. I like to use words like flow, ripple effect and buoyancy in my work.”

In addition, they could simply offer more experiences and packages by bodies of water, employ blue health coaches or put therapists through the coaching course she’s just about to launch.

“Although I wouldn’t always advocate initiating a conversation, it would be great to train therapists to be able to respond appropriately if people do volunteer information,” she says. “Massage is all about moving liquid – lymphatic fluid – around the body and putting people into flow state, so language tools could support the process of letting go.”

Overall, Larbalestier argues that spa operators need to be mindful of water ecosystems too and the impact of not just microbeads and plastics but fats and oils which go down the drain.

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 1
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

MSpa Oslo series: a timeless bestseller
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
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Founded in 2014, Saskia Spa continues to evolve as a professional luxury skincare brand. It forms pa [more...]
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23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 
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Spa People
Lizzi Larbalestier

When you bring people to the sea you can see their shoulders drop and they breathe more deeply


Water is medicine. We are more liquid than solid and it’s even possible that one of the reasons we evolved onto two legs was to make it easier to find water sources,” says Lizzi Larbalestier who’s built her business around the therapeutic benefits of water.

Larbalestier specialises in Blue Health Coaching, offering business and lifestyle coaching by the sea and based on the idea that a connection with water promotes mental, physical, spiritual, psychological and social health.

“Lots of people suffer from fatigue and information overload. When you bring people to the sea you can see their shoulders drop and they breathe more deeply,” she says. “The space lends itself to deep conversations and a big horizon allows their eyes to relax, bringing in peripheral vision and a soft fascination which expands thought.”

Although there’s now abundant scientific research to show how effective bodies of water are for mental wellness, Larbalestier argues the medicinal effects of water are still underutilised and undervalued – even in resort and destination spas which have their origins in salus per aquum (health through water).

She advocates stripping out chlorine and using salt water for pools, as well as looking at the whole system of water use and designing in ways to capture and recycle grey water.

“Water should be part of the décor: it’s restorative and the light reflects well off it,” she says. “But also look for other ways to bring in water content – artwork, music and even the language used. I like to use words like flow, ripple effect and buoyancy in my work.”

In addition, they could simply offer more experiences and packages by bodies of water, employ blue health coaches or put therapists through the coaching course she’s just about to launch.

“Although I wouldn’t always advocate initiating a conversation, it would be great to train therapists to be able to respond appropriately if people do volunteer information,” she says. “Massage is all about moving liquid – lymphatic fluid – around the body and putting people into flow state, so language tools could support the process of letting go.”

Overall, Larbalestier argues that spa operators need to be mindful of water ecosystems too and the impact of not just microbeads and plastics but fats and oils which go down the drain.

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 1
LATEST NEWS
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HCM Invest opens applications for pitching slots
The inaugural HCM Invest event has opened applications for pitching slots ahead of its launch in London on 21 October 2026.
Synergy – The Retreat Show invites consumer and industry perspectives on retreats for research
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The Wellness Tourism Association publishes industry framework for ethical and responsible retreats
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UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Sauna advocate Becky Pelkonen drafts global public sauna-bathing charter
Becky Pelkonen, the sauna advocate and researcher, has unveiled the draft of a global public sauna-bathing charter.
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FEATURED SUPPLIERS

MSpa Oslo series: a timeless bestseller
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Saskia Spa

Founded in 2014, Saskia Spa continues to evolve as a professional luxury skincare brand. It forms pa [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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