We visited the Six Senses Douro Valley recently and met up with Cristiana, the Alchemy Bar expert. If you're interested in the Alchemy Bar and its concept read on!
Tell us a little bit about you, Cristiana.
I started my career as a therapist when I was 17 years old. As my journey continued, I always worked as a therapist while I studied. For three years, I worked in schools and taught wellness techniques, body and mind performance, treatments and much more. Five years ago, I started my beautiful journey with Six Senses Douro Valley, where I am now. I am their Spa Supervisor, sound healer and an alchemist in this beautiful place.
What is the Alchemy Bar?
For me, the Alchemy Bar is the awareness of wellbeing. It is what connects us with nature and all things around us, focusing mostly on what our needs are. It is a place where guests can learn how to produce wellness cosmetics and an invitation to explore nature and help us understand how to live a healthier lifestyle. It connects the mind and body. The products created at the Alchemy Bar are organic and are personalised for each individual’s specific needs.
Is this included in the stay? How long is the class?
At our hotel, we offer a complimentary group workshop of 30 minutes twice a week and this is where you learn two recipes. There is also a second workshop where we do a 75-minute experience in which you will be doing three recipes. The guest has a choice of products and will learn how to make them during the workshop.
Who would you recommend the workshop for?
The workshop is for anyone who wants to learn how to produce their own wellness products or anyone that desires to reconnect with nature and revitalise their mind and body. It is for the curious and for those who want to learn more about the local products and the Six Senses philosophies. During each workshop we will stimulate our five senses, only then can we proceed to connect with our sixth sense. All the products we create in our Alchemy Bar Workshop will be filled with positive intentions. This will aid our health and help us find our balance in life.
Why is the Alchemy Bar a core activity of Six Senses Resort?
When a guest books an Alchemy Bar Workshop, they embark on a self-journey. This is when the Six Senses team has the opportunity to share our values and visions with the guest: Emotional Hospitality, Fun & Quirky, Local Sensitivities/Global Sensitives, Crafted Experience, Responsible & Caring and lastly, Pioneering Wellness. Here is when the tie between Portuguese tradition and nature happens.
Why is it interesting for you to do this workshop?
In my opinion, the most fascinating aspect is the variety. Between all the products we can make there is such a wide choice. It makes it possible for each individual to find what they are looking for, whether it's to help you sleep better, improve your energy, help muscle pain relief and potentially even help liberate you from taking supplements. On some occasions, we also tend to speak about nutrition because, within the workshop, we have connections with certain plants. Something we value is the bio individuality, which is something that every person has. This means that there is no right or wrong when it comes to us, we just have to find what makes sense for us.
What is specific to Douro Valley in this workshop? Do you use any locally sourced ingredients?
Yes we do! We try to utilise as many local ingredients possible. One of our favourite is grape, rich in resveratrol, the strongest antioxidant in the plant world.
What is your favourite natural cosmetic recipe?
I have two. One of which is the candle making, I truly love candles. The other is our Douro Valley remedy balm that we recommend for muscle or joint pain.
Do you have any advice for anyone who would like to start making their own natural cosmetics?
I would advise this person to reconnect with their inner self. Doing this, they will better know what their needs are and be able to create a product accordingly. I also advise this person to gain knowledge within their body and with nature’s many benefits. Lastly, create a product that you can incorporate into your daily routine. This could even be a candle to light while you have your evening reading!
Do you have a simple recipe to share with us?
Yes, of course!
- 2 spoons of Epsom salt, which has a big concentration of magnesium which helps relax your muscles
- 5 spoons of thick salt
- 2 spoons of powder milk in dust, which is rich in lactic acid and leaves your skin smooth and silky, as well as giving a shine to it
- 7 drops of an essential oil you like
You may also add dry plants or fresh plants to your recipe. Mix everything in and you have your bath salts ready!
You can experience The Alchemy Bar for yourself — click here to read more about Six Senses Douro Valley and the wellness programmes on offer.
