Joanna Czech

The first indication that a Joanna Czech facial will not be your typical facial is the music: Stevie Nicks, Robert Plant, Elton John. “I can’t stand raindrops,” Joanna says, ebullient as ever on a recent morning. “Your typical spa music – that’s not what we play.” Joanna plays by none of the rote spa rules.

The Polish-born esthetician carved her own path to the upper echelons of the skincare industry, prioritizing the needs of her clients rather than the industry convention to stick with one brand of product, even if it’s not the right fit for everyone. That individualistic approach, in addition to her focus on what’s advantageous for the skin in the long run versus a quick fix, is what got her on the radar of Kathy Rivard, Blackberry Mountain’s director of spa and wellness.

“She incorporates what’s best for her guests and uses multiple product lines to give them exactly what they need,” says Kathy. “We see such a high level of travelers who are expecting to get what they have at home,” which, often, is an array of bottles from different brands. “They’re looking for results, and her method delivers that.”

Blackberry Mountain’s Nest spa recently became the first...