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About us

Therapists and practitioners at à la Natura have 100% commitment to client care and well being. All therapists associated with `a la Natura are fully qualified and insured in the treatment they specialise in. Each therapist works on a freelance only basis which we have found brings about a greater commitment from the therapist and a very positive energy to all that visit us.

Former air stewardess Jo-Hanna Donald’s feet have hardly touched the ground since she landed back in her home town Cheltenham to set up a new health and beauty business as Folio found out.

Good grooming and excellent customer service are part and parcel of being an air stewardess.

And with almost 20 years of flying around the world for leading US air line United Airways Jo-Hanna is well qualified and practiced in both.

With her years of experience also came the awareness that it was essential to look after her body naturally to combat hours of demanding air travel.

As a result 42-year-old Jo-Hanna always sought out and experienced well-being centres around the world when ever she could.

Now having landed back in her hometown she has brought this valuable experience to Cheltenham and opened a new health and beauty venture, à la Natura.

à la Natura is a haven for both therapists and clients. Four practice rooms are available and currently used on set days by two acupuncturists, two beauticians and two massage therapists.

The well-being centre is the heart of the town, but away from the bustle of the busy shopping area. It offers tranquillity and convenience for therapists and clients.

Jo-Hanna says: “Opening this new centre has been a long-term aim for me. I stopped flying a couple of years ago after finding myself based in Cyprus with my husband Rob who was stationed there with the RAF.

“Before we left for Cyprus we were living near Wolverhampton. It was during that spell away from my home town which made me realise I wanted to come back to Cheltenham and start my own business.”

The couple discovered Bath House, in Bath Road, in a semi-derelict state and set about restoring the Grade II listed building.

Downstairs was a spacious flat which Jo-Hanna knew would be ideal for her future business.

Four years later, and just six months since returning from Cyprus, the centre has opened its doors.

Therapists based there offer a range of treatments from beauty, including manicures and pedicures, to massage and acupuncture.

Unique to à la Natura is the Karin Herzog Facial Treatments which include a wonderful rejuvenating Co-Co2 Chocolate Facial.

Jo-Hanna said: “When it comes to experiencing beauty treatments and holistic health treatments I’ve pretty much tried them all, all over the world.

“As an air stewardess spending at least 12 hours a day flying really takes its toll. For me it was just as important to relax and look after my mind as my body.

“Being well-groomed goes with the territory, as does looking after passengers and making sure they have a pleasant trip. But if you aren’t in the right frame of mind yourself or you are too tired then it shows.

“It’s the same for all of us. We all need to take a little time out and look after ourselves.

“Here à la Natura we have created a haven where like-minded therapists can practice a range of treatments.

“We already have two wonderful acupuncturists and we are the only well-being centre to offer the Karin Herzog facial treatment range. The range uses high quality natural ingredients, including chocolate, to get remarkable results making you look and feel healthy and happy.”

While Jo-Hanna provides manicures and pedicures, she also manages the centre and makes it her aim to look after the therapists who provide the treatments.

“I want therapists who base themselves here to be just as well looked after so they can give their best to clients,” she says, “I hope they see it as somewhere they can put their roots down and establish themselves.”

As well as her Bath Road business Jo-Hanna also has a satellite à la Natura base at Toni and Guy in town.

She said: “I’ve been all over the world but Cheltenham is such a special town where I hope à la Natura will flourish. I’d like to think people walk into this centre and after a treatment float out feeling genuinely healthier and happier.”

To book for a treatment or to enquire about joining à la Natura as a therapist call Jo-Hanna on 01242 520553.