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Sylvia Sepielli | grace & guts

@spabitchguru

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A philosophy learned & lived through Spa | Soulful Connection | Spa Insights | Wellness with a Bite | ONE MUSING AT A TIME

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What makes a spa experience truly extraordinary? Sometimes, it’s knowing exactly where you are.

Meet Sylvia Sepielli, founder of Sylvia Planning And design (SPAd), creator of SPABITCHGURU, and one of the spa industry’s most influential visionaries.

Sylvia’s work has helped shape modern luxury wellness, with projects spanning more than 50 cities and 20 countries — including The Dolder Grand in Zurich, Mii amo in Sedona, The Breakers in Palm Beach, and Ojai Valley Inn.

Long before “sense of place” became an industry buzzword, Sylvia was creating destinations grounded in their surroundings. Her approach weaves together architecture, landscape, local culture, and healing traditions to create experiences that genuinely belong.

A recipient of the International Spa Association’s 2006 Visionary Award, Sylvia continues to bring decades of insight to conversations about design, leadership, and the choices shaping our industry.

We’re honored to welcome Sylvia to GSN’s upcoming webinar, Sustainability Through the Consultant’s Lens, alongside Lynn Curry and Tracy Lee.

🌿 Join us for a conversation about thoughtful design, responsible development, and the future of wellness.

See link in bio for registration to join!

@greenspanetwork @spabitchguru @ginapreziosa @lynncurryspaconsult @tleespas

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TECHIE WOES

Enough said?

I just started using Chat a few days ago.

I drank the Koolaid.
I found my own personal assistant.
And is helping me complete my website.
And never argues.
And is SUPER fast.
And doesn’t mind countless changes.
And sucks up FIVE & A HALF hours.
A temporal bandit.

Why was I shocked?
Because working in that mind/machine space is timeless.
I barely notice people coming in and out.
Time of day, temperature of the room, and sounds don’t exist.

I teach leaders how to “Protect Human Judgement”.

This Human made a poor judgement today.

Let me know if you can relate to this!

#humanjudgement
#temporalbandit
#techiewoes

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Miami was unreal. 🔥
Prepped hard, stepped up on stage at GifterX Talks, and delivered. Huge thanks to Christopher Kai and the entire Miami community for the energy!
👀 Stay locked in.
#gifterxtalks #biggamehunting #miami #keynotespeaker #entrepreneur

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Thanks, Mary @marybemisreport for having me share Breath again at your Spa & Wellness Talks within @premierebeautyshows! It’s always an honor to be part of your well curated talks that both educate and inspire. Today, it was a pleasure to connect with my fellow speakers and open minded & curious attendees.

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Please join me at the @marybemisreport Spa & Wellness Show in Orlando for “lead like a SPABITCHGURU”.

Mary has joined forces with the @premierebeautyshows & the yin & yang of this collaboration is sure to exciting.

Guaranteed it will be filled with a LOT of SPABITCHGURUS. I look forward to meeting you all!

For more information of the “Ultimate Beauty Experience” please visit premierorlandoshow.com

See you there!

cover 📸 courtesy @minglefield_v2
@spabitchguru
#spabitchguru

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“And if it’s a trend, it’s over.”

We sat down with @spabitchguru Founder & Renowned Spa Designer, Sylvia Sepielli, to talk about her journey in the spa industry, advice for new professionals, how to be a Spa Bitch Guru, and more.

Watch the full interview at the link in our bio… And it’s pretty juicy 😉

Don’t miss Sylvia’s #SpaWellnessTalks session, exclusively at #PremiereOrlando
📅 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 1:30 – 2:30 PM

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My nine week journey in Japan is over. I’ve returned to America. Thank you all for joining & supporting me. My heart is full with your love!

A special thank you to @sphere_kyoko
We met at Temple 21 Tairyuji & stayed connected throughout. We spent time together going to temples in the T80’s. She became a spiritual sister & teacher. We share many similar interests & Divine synchronicities.

Kyoko guided me through the powerful Koyasan experience, arranged every aspect of our trip, including our stay at @koyasan_hongakuin a Temple Shokubo. It was a humbling honor to be cared for by the kind, attentive priests.

Another thank you goes to dear @kumimamunia who I met the day after I arrived in Japan. What began as a Henro (pilgrim) orientation quickly developed into a friendship. Kumiko provided the literal & practical guidance for the 23 temples of Tokushima Prefecture. And, she cheerleaded me through the entire 88.

My family was the foundational support from the day I started training over a year ago. @hunterchiparmstrong was my “subject matter” expert for training, recovery, nutrition, & husbandly encouragement.

As I trained, my son, Hunter, @armstrongaskesis was going the rigors of the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Training. That, & his Kilimanjaro tips, made my trek look like a walk in the park. I was inspired.

Samaire @samaire.xoxo provided the TLC only a daughter can. A @spabitchguru from birth, Samaire & Chip went to Nagoya while I was in Shikoku for her ceremony to receive a Mokuroku, Senior Shunpukan Dojo certificate. ☯️

This will be my final post on the #88templepilgrimageshikoku

Life is now “before 88” and “after”.

“After” includes the continuation of deep engagement with SPABITCHGURUS.

HERE WE GO!

☮️💟☯️
Sylvia

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What an unexpected and beautiful surprise to receive this in the mail 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🩵 @sylvia_sepielli!

From @spabitchguru - who so powerfully champions the balance of grace and guts, a philosophy learned and lived one spa musing at a time 🤍
“ 🩵 One relentless warrior to another.”
Those words landed deeply.
I’m truly honored to have received this gift and to be resonating in the same frequency. Grateful from the heart to be part of this circle. 🩵🩷

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The early days…

Marriott vs Hyatt
Marriott you had to submit the exact number of treatments forecast. If off by one that day, you explained what happened to the lost treatment. Learned that from @janet.denyer.7
🙏 for convincing me the spa industry was me❣️

Hyatt gave me enough rope to hang myself. Ed Crovo was GM at Waikoloa in the wild Hawaiian days. Many of us managed to stay on the untamed bull for at least 8 seconds. Ed was the responsible dad and his beautiful wife, Sally, everyone’s favorite sister. Thank you Ed, & Pat Cowell, for giving me the long & free rope❣️
@ccrovo11 @gregcrove

Learned A LOT from both companies.

@marriotthotels
@hyatt

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NO SPA BLAH BLAH

Those of you who have worked with me are VERY familiar with this phrase. It refers to the overused, meaningless, stereotypical verbiage, behavior, & images.

“Re” words:
refresh, restore, rejuvenate … etc

Images:
- naked back with two hands
- naked back w salt & hands (fancy)
- face cover w product
- sauna gals laughing

We’ve all done it. 40 years ago it made sense.

Share your blah blah peeves in comments!

#savespaculture
#nospablahblah
#spabitchguru

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