Meet Jana Watson

Guests at The Milestone Hotel & Residences who are looking for a holistic wellness experience, where every aspect is thoughtfully considered and the treatments are tailored to the unique needs of the guest, can rest easy in the knowledge that our experienced Spa Therapist, Jana Watson, is on hand. Here, we learn all about her journey and process. 

How did you become a Spa Therapist?

I started my career in education, working with children with disabilities. With a background in psychology and pedagogy, I was deeply engaged in helping others, but I also had a quiet passion for skincare and holistic wellness. That passion came into sharper focus during a trip through Europe in the early 2000s, especially in Austria. I was struck by how different cultures approached beauty and wellbeing not just as luxury, but as part of everyday health.

Soon after, I enrolled at the Aesthetics School of London. That was turning point. Over the past 20-plus years, I’ve built a career specialising in skin and body treatments, developing hands-on techniques focused on pain relief, recovery, and restoring balance. My approach blends clinical insight with holistic care. Every treatment is personal, helping people feel comfortable, confident, and pain-free in their own skin.

What are the main attributes required to be a good therapist?

Over time, I‘ve developed my own way of working, combining different face and body techniques to create tailored treatments for each person. No two bodies are the same, and I believe every client deserves a treatment that’s made just for them. Many of my clients visit regularly and feel comfortable enough to share what’s going on in their lives, whether physical concerns or emotional stress. That kind of trust is something I take seriously. Private consultations are a key part of my work – not just to keep things confidential but to understand what’s really needed to help someone feel better.

For me, the most important part of any treatment is to be as knowledgeable as possible, whilst keeping things clear and natural. Clients often feel confused by the variety of the therapies out there, so I always take time to explain what I’m doing, why it matters, and what to expect. If there are multiple issues or areas to treat, I make sure we’re both clear on what the body needs most and what the best course of action is. My goal is simple: to help people feel safe, understood, and better in their own bodies through thoughtful, informed, and completely personalised care.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part is hearing the stories clients share with me after a full course, or even just a single session. It’s unpredictable, but when someone who has been dealing with the aftermath of an accident or a genetic issue tells me they are back to everyday life with better posture or physical strength, that is when I know I have done my job right.

What’s the most popular treatments asked for by clients?

Most clients say they prefer firm pressure during treatment, but they also want to feel relaxed. That’s where I tailor each session based on a quick, but thorough, analysis of muscle tension and weakness.

I plan the treatment in my head to make the most of the scheduled time and deliver real results. If I know a client hasn’t had a treatment in a while and has a demanding schedule ahead, I focus on the postural muscle group and the connective tissue. These are often under the most stress. I combine techniques to release fascia and work on key tendons and ligaments – areas that are commonly strained by sports, long flights, or desk work. I always check if the client would like to include facial muscle and scalp work. For many, this helps relax facial tension and noticeably improves their expression and mood.

Seasonal and lifestyle factors also play a role. In summer, many women request treatments that help even out skin tone and texture, especially when wearing dresses or shorts.

We’re also living in a tech-heavy era, which means a lot of strain in the neck and shoulders. For that, I use soft tissue techniques that involve muscle contraction in opposing groups of muscle. This helps lengthen the muscles, restore balance, and improve joint mobility, so the body moves more freely and efficiently.

How do you personalise treatments for clients and their unique needs?

Personalising treatment starts with understanding the client as a whole, not just where they feel pain but how their body function across different systems. I look at their lifestyle, physical activity, stress levels, posture, and history of injuries or health conditions. From there, I design a session that supports their specific needs by working with the musculoskeletal, nervous, and lymphatic systems. Even when the main complaint is muscular, I always look at how all the systems are working together. A stiff neck could be muscular, or it could be due to poor lymph drainage, postural habits, or nervous system overload.

Are there any examples of self-care practices people can do at home to extend the benefits of a treatment?

There are a few easy things people can do at home, both for the skin and body.

For the skin, using oils or creams can help maintain that smooth, comfortable feeling. Skincare is refreshing, and a simple routine can go a long way. Personally, I like keeping a toner in the fridge during hot days – it gives an instant cooling effect and helps the skin stay hydrated when it feels unbalanced.

For the body, one of the most common mistakes I see is skipping warm-ups before intense workouts. Even just 10 minutes of light movements can boost oxygen flow, prepare the muscles, and reduce the risk of injury. It also supports better performance and recovery. I also enjoy running couples’ workshops where I teach basic techniques for the upper body, especially shoulders and neck. It’s a great way for partners to support each other, unwind, and build a stronger connection and caring environment at home. Plus, it's genuinely fun and brings people closer.

Have you noticed any new trends in spa treatments or wellness?

Lately, I’ve been combining massage therapy with infrared sauna and cold plunge sessions, and the results have been incredible. People are really looking for ways to reset their body and mind, and this combination delivers. The red infrared sauna helps loosen up muscles, gets blood flowing, and puts the body in calm, open state. By the time you’re on the massage table, you’re already halfway into deep recovery. Then, after the massage, the cold plunge kicks in to reduce inflammation, reenergise the system, and give that clear focused feeling. It’s a simple but powerful routine and it’s helping clients feel better for longer. Whether they are dealing with stress, soreness, or just want to feel more balanced, this contrast approach adds a whole new layer to the healing process.