The Exhale Spa has found a way to keep the relaxing facials coming, despite pandemic restrictions.

Last month the spa at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Hamilton took their facials online, offering skincare guidance through Zoom.

“During the pandemic self-care and well being have become very important,” said director of spa and fitness Menique De La Rosa. “We are trying to help our clients maintain their skincare regimen. Regular clients usually get a facial in the salon, once a month.”

But current pandemic regulations forbid any service that requires the client to remove their mask.

So Exhale Spa is offering guided virtual facials for individuals or virtual spa parties for up to six people.

They offer two different facial kits that can be picked up at the door of the hotel on Pitts Bay Road. One is a signature brightening kit, focused on skin nourishment. The other is a surfacing kit for people who have thicker or oilier skin.

“All the kits are anti-ageing and come in this cute little bag,” Ms De La Rosa said.

When clients order a virtual facial they first receive a consultation with a beauty therapist to figure out their needs and concerns.

One client, Maya Beckles, activities director at the hotel, signed up for a virtual facial because she needed a little pampering.

“I don’t usually have time to go to the salon a lot, but I use their products,” she said.

She told Exhale beauty therapist Molly Ubisi she was concerned about a minor break out of bumps she had around her hair line.

“I think it is caused by my helmet,” she said.

In addition to helping Ms Beckles to cleanse her skin, Ms Ubisi also led her through some gentle massage exercises on her face.

Ms Ubisi told The Royal Gazette that before launching the virtual facials, staff went through some training, mostly centred on effectively communicating the facial process to clients.

“Other than that, it is the same facial I would do when someone comes in my treatment room,” Ms Ubisi said. “Virtually, you have to make sure you are interacting with the person and can see what they are doing.”

Client Ms Beckles said she could do the facial completely on her own, but having Ms Ubisi guide her through made the process more relaxing.

“It is easier not to think about it,” she said. “You still have that therapeutic soothing of someone else guiding you as opposed to feeling like you have to read the instructions again and again.

“I have Molly available to make sure I am doing it properly and I am not doing it too much or too little.”

For Ms Ubisi, the hardest thing about it is not being able to touch clients as she works with them.

“I love being hands-on,” she said. “Other than that, as long as you don’t have any wi-fi issues, it is perfect.”

Exhale’s virtual spa parties are $40 per guest. Their maintenance facials are $49. Rejuvenating and resurfacing peel facials are $89.

To book an appointment e-mail exhalebermuda@fairmont.com.