Samantha Arnold’s passion for the Spa and Wellness industry was ignited as early on as her student days in 1996 where she graduated from TSI Academy of Health and Skincare with numerous achievements. Her excellence and dedication to her career was rewarded with above average marks, business management awards and outstanding international and national accreditation.

Samantha spent from 1999 until 2002 indulging herself in the world and advancing her career as the Spa Operations Manager and Senior Spa Director for four Mandara Spas onboard Silverseas Cruise lines. Here she launched the Mandara-At-Sea concept for the first time, giving Samantha the exposure, skills and worldly knowledge to set her apart from any striving individual in the ever growing spa industry.

While managing a career and building a strong team onboard, she also managed to fall in love, choosing to settle in Hong Kong in 2002, which has remained the married couple’s home ever since their humble beginnings on dry land.

2008 saw a career change for Sam when she accepted the challenge to open the Regional Asia Office for London-based Aromatherapy Associates. As Vice President her primary role is to develop the business and brand exposure throughout Asia, in particular China. Last year, Aromatherapy Associates nabbed the Best Spa Product award at the AsiaSpa Baccarat Awards held in Hong Kong.

This followed its win for Best Product at the Crystal Awards held in Singapore, and the Best Natural Spa Product award at the annual SpaChina Summit held in Sanya, China in September. The brand now partners with over 50 acclaimed properties and is a multi-million dollar business in Asia.
Sam’s ambition and passion for the Spa industry grows as her years of service extend into her second decade as an irreplaceable asset to one of the world’s fastest growing industries.

LifeAndStyle: Could you tell us a bit about Aromatherapy Associates's brand philosophy?
Aromatherapy Associates has been at the forefront of aromatherapy for over 30 years. From the beginning the Founders, Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechey, believed passionately in the healing powers of natural plant extracts, and their experience as therapists has shown us that essential oils are highly effective at enhancing the state of our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

We continue to bring knowledge and skills to the world’s finest hotel and destination spas with signature treatments to restore health and vitality. From sourcing ingredients and developing products, to blending oils and creating unique, recognisable aromas, we maintain the highest standards of quality to bring an aromatherapy experience that’s as effective as it is luxurious.

LifeAndStyle: Aromatherapy is said to elevate one's mood and general wellbeing. How does this work exactly?
We believe that essential oils can work on physical as well as emotional levels to elevate one’s mood and general state of health and wellbeing.

On a physical level, because essential oils are made up of very small molecules, they are able to penetrate into the bloodstream and can help many problems. They are used extensively in spas to help ease muscular aches and pains, improve circulation and boost the immune system.

On an emotional level, the aromas of essential oils can have a dynamic effect. The sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses and is linked to the deepest parts of the brain which govern basic instincts, memories and emotions.

Aromas can trigger emotional and even physical responses and allow vivid memory recall of people and places.

LifeAndStyle: Aromatherapy Associates products can be found in spas at some of the best hotels in the world. Is there a particular range that seems to be quite popular with these spas and their clientele or does it vary depending on location and the type of hotel?
The demand for certain product collections does vary somewhat from country to country, however the one range that is consistently sought after, is our Relax collection.

The Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil has spawned a cult following, more so now than ever, with sleep becoming more elusive. Having recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, this powerful blend of chamomile, vetivert and sandalwood, casts a magical spell over those that are sleep-derived.

LifeAndStyle: Aromatherapy Associates works with natural oils and extracts from plants and flowers. What are some of the more unique ingredients found in your products?
Our latest Anti Age Skincare collection makes use of some of the most unique botanicals. From the Amazon Rain Forest we have found Inca Inchi, which is one of the world’s richest plant sources of omega 3, 6 and 9, excellent for conditioning and nourishing the skin. From Africa we have sourced African Plum, which is also rich in fatty acids and softens the skin. And from the US we use Larch extract which has a superb instant tightening and firming effect, whilst stimulating collagen production.

W: www.aromatherapyassociates.com