Spa Therapist jobs

As a yacht Spa Therapist, you are required to do various massage styles and beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures and facials. For someone passionate about luxury spas and providing a 7* service, this is the place to be; with access to the best products and unmatched facilities to create a spa haven. 

On larger yachts, there is likely to be a dedicated team of Spa Therapists. These yachts typically employ a Spa Manager to oversee a team of Spa Therapists and ensure the smooth running of the spa onboard.

The role of a Spa Therapist on board is divided between the spa duties and Stew duties, namely housekeeping and laundry.

What does a yacht Spa Therapist do? | Spa Therapist Job Description

The day-to-day responsibilities of a yacht Spa Therapist include providing spa treatments or massages to yacht owners and their guests on request. This could be anywhere from 12 treatments per day to three treatments per month, depending on demand and the size of the yacht. Additionally, you may also be required to assist with stock control and the overall seamless running of the spa.

It's important to note that, when the spa is not in use, you will also generally assist the interior team in their housekeeping duties, laundry and potentially service. It is a nice balance though, as it will allow you to become a more integrated part of the crew and the team, instead of being isolated.

The responsibilities of a Spa Therapist include:

• Providing treatments to guests and owners on request 

• Informing guests of spa treatments and customizing them to suit guests’ needs

• Performing various massage techniques 

• Performing various skin treatments according to clients’ needs, such as peels, facials, and skin rejuvenation treatments

• Providing manicures and pedicures

• Offering clients advice on cosmetic and skincare products.

• Overseeing the spa’s inventory and ordering new products as needed 

• Cleaning and sanitizing work areas and sterilizing all instruments and equipment before each use

• Continuous learning to stay on top of all the latest beauty, health and spa trends

• Assisting the Interior Department team in their housekeeping, laundry or service duties as needed

Soft and hard skills required to be a Spa Therapist on board a yacht

It goes without saying that no matter their level, Spa Therapists have great communication and people skills, and have the ability to deliver exemplary service. The ideal person for this job has an outgoing and energetic personality, the ability to stay calm in stressful situations, along with a great team spirit mentality.

To work as a Spa Therapist onboard a superyacht, you will need a recognised spa qualification, land-based experience working in a high-end spa and, ideally, some yachting experience.

The skills of a good yacht Spa Therapist include:

• Sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and different massage techniques.

• Knowledge of skin biology, skin physiology, and cosmetic chemistry.

• Skills concerning beauty treatments such as facials, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, etc.

• Excellent physical stamina

• The ability to work flexible hours

• Excellent communication skills

• Sociable and confident

• Good sense of hygiene

• Sensitivity and understanding toward the guest’s needs

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. 

For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide.

Are you ready to secure a Chief Stew position onboard a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.