relax . refresh . renew . breathe
Feel refreshed with a botanical facial, an invigorating pedicure or a moisturizing hair masque.
Release tension and support wellness with a massage. Pamper yourself, unplug, and return home looking and feeling renewed. Find a carefully curated collection of beauty and wellness products and gifts in The Spa Shop. Take a yoga class. Sip mimosas on our porch.
This is your Island Retreat.
About Us
Our Mission
To provide a refreshing atmosphere of renewal and self-care through fitness, pampering and retail.

Our Vision
To embrace the unique environment of Bald Head Island and transfer its sanctuary feel to our clients through our services and buying experiences.

Our Story
Island Retreat Spa and Salon was founded by BHI Limited and built into the “Crew’s Quarters” building at 6 Maritime Way around 2009. After its sale to an island homeowner in 2013, the Spa was operated for 3 years before being sold to the Guthrie family in early 2016. Much of the foundation for Island Retreat was already in place, but the Guthries took a fresh approach to its overall aesthetic and vision.
In 2017, Island Retreat expanded its wellness mission to include selling cold-pressed juices and non-alcoholic health beverages, it offers fitness & yoga classes, and now energy therapies such as Reiki and Acupuncture are available to its list of regular offerings.
Island Retreat is a true destination for full mind-body-spirit self care.
Meet our Team
BEST IN THE REGION
Our team of expertly trained fitness, wellness and beauty professionals are here to guide you through your self-care journey.
All of our staff are highly-vetted, have full licensure and are up-to-date certifications in their respective areas of work.
Spa Management Team
Katie Guthrie
Owner & Spa Director
Katie and her husband Greg purchased Island Retreat in early 2016 following what she calls a "spiritual nudge" to pursue an opportunity they could not ignore. Having spent decades vacationing on BHI and working on-island in both restaurants and property management, the appeal of running one of its business drew her towards embracing the island's healing properties and pressing forward with re-thinking the spa's mission and vision. Read more...
Jori Fabanich
Assistant Spa Director, Nail Technician
Hi, I'm Jori! I've been a licensed nail tech for five years and I specialize in natural and structured gel nails. I can't wait to make you feel your prettiest! In my off time, I love hiking with my hubby and two pups or lounging at the beach! I look forward to meeting you!
Sara Murdoch
Spa Coordinator, Hairstylist
coming soon!
Laura Smith
RYT-500, Spa Coordinator
Laura began practicing yoga in her thirties as a way to cope with anxiety. She was immediately struck by the way the brain and the body were connected and thus the transformative nature of the practice of yoga. Read more...
Massage, Energy & Bodywork Therapists
From Deep Tissue and Swedish techniques to classic Thai Massage, Cranio Sacral Therapy, and Myofascial release, our practitioners are skilled in techniques to offer relaxation and maximum therapeutic benefits to our guests.
Angela Wheeler
LMBT #15636
Angela has over 23 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, joining Island Retreat Spa in 2018. She is a Carolina native, and has trained
Read more...
Leslie Blackmon
LMBT #6389
I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2006 & have attended many continuing education certificates including reflexology, hot stone therapy, healing touch level 1, Cranio sacral therapy, taut band therapy & lymphatic drainage for detox. Read more...
SaraJo Nelson
LMBT #6266
SaraJo was first licensed as a massage therapist in 2006 and has continued her education in Lomé Lomé Hawaiian massage, Integrative Reflexologgy, Thai Vedic Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Nurturing the Mother Massage, 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and Cupping. Read more...
Jessica Ramos
LMBT: 18838
NC Manicurist #79190
NC Esthetician #20954
Jessica is a multi-talented spa professional who has been a loved member of the Island Retreat team for nearly seven years. A native of Puerto Rico, Jess has been in the spa industry for over 20 years. First, as an esthetician in PR, and now as a licensed nail technician, esthetician and a massage therapist.
Rachael Crawford
LMBT #3786
YACEP, E-RYT 500
Rachael joined the Island Retreat Spa Family in 2021 following a training she offered for our staff in the art of Thai Massage. She is a beloved team member who shines light on everyone she works on.
Karen (Ren) Treinen
LMBT #19711
YACEP, E-RYT 500
After experiencing the powerful healing quality of a dedicated yoga practice Karen was inspired to complete her 500 hour teacher training in 2012.
Justin Whisonant
NC LMBT#20808
NC M#81963
Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Upstate New York, I ventured to the vibrant city of Wilmington, North Carolina, where I have called home for the past six years. My journey in the beauty and wellness industry began as a skilled nail technician Read More...
Rebecca (Becky) Beverly
NC LMBT#20949
Massage is Becky’s true calling! After dual careers of more than 20 years, Becky decided her next chapter in life would need to be as rewarding and beneficial to others as herself. Read more...
Victoria Squazzo
Reiki Master, Ayurveda Practitioner
Group Fitness Instructor
Victoria joined the Island Retreat Spa Family as a fitness and meditation instructor and Reiki Master Practitioner in 2022.
Skincare Experts
Our estheticians are passionate about healthy skin and promote wellness from the inside-out. Utilizing advanced training and professional regimens, our expert team works with each guest to customize their experience.
Melissa Rumsey
Lead Esthetician
NC Esthetician #15677
A coastal NC native, Melissa has been practicing esthetics since 2015. Her calming presence radiates her love for natural beauty and self-care. She strives to offer her clients the results they are seeking while promoting deep relaxation throughout her treatments. Read more...
Stephanie Washburn
Esthetician
NC Esthetician #
Grace McLamb is a licensed esthetician and lash tech who is passionate about healthy skin and proper skin care. She first became interested in skin care in 2017 when she was a competitive ballroom dancer ... Read more...
Jessica Ramos
LMBT: 18838
NC Manicurist #79190
NC Esthetician #20954
Jessica is a multi-talented spa professional who has been a loved member of the Island Retreat team for nearly seven years. A native of Puerto Rico, Jess has been in the spa industry for over 20 years. First, as an esthetician in PR, and now as a licensed nail technician, esthetician and a massage therapist.
Whitney Smith, NP
Owner, Wave Aesthetics
Whitney is a licensed Nurse Practitioner with a combined 9+ years of ICU nursing experience & a Master’s degree as an acute care nurse practitioner.
Whitney spent the majority of her nursing career in the cardiovascular surgical ICU and continued on with her nurse practitioner degree transitioning into a Neurocritical ICU practitioner role. Whitney further advanced her practitioner skills by completing her initial Neurotoxin and Filler certification with Med Aesthetics training in Raleigh, NC along with multiple additional advanced trainings in neurotoxin and filler injections.
Outside of work, you can find Whitney spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, & mini golden doodle. She enjoys golfing, staying active with outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Hair & Makeup
Our team of licensed stylists have had expert training in color application methods and in cutting techniques that follow the latest trends. Nourishing Kevin.Murphy color and widely-used Redken allow for detailed formulations to help our guests achieve their desired looks with thoughtful quality and care. Children ages 5+ are welcome to receive services with adult supervision.
For Wedding Parties, our team often expands to bring in additional wedding stylists so we can accommodate any group size!
For Bridal hair and makeup inquiries, please contact our Wedding Team Coordinator at weddings@islandretreatspa.com.
Daniella Murray
Master Stylist
NC Cosmetologist #67157
My name is Daniella Murray. I am a passionate hair stylist with 20+ years' experience. In 2004 I graduated from Vance-Granville Community College. Followed with years of continuing education in the field of cosmetology, read more...
Jessica Cocker
Master Stylist
NC Cosmetologist #63351
Hair has been a passion of mine for 20 years now. I take pride in my work, as well as continuing education. I am always eager to expand my knowledge in the industry that I adore. Read more...
Ryan Bridgforth
Master Stylist
NC Cosmetologist #120501
I love being in the business of making others feel beautiful! I believe if you look good you feel good! It’s always a pleasure meeting new people behind the chair! I am originally from Connecticut where I worked as a stylist for 15 years but I am loving every minute of becoming apart of North Carolina! I specialize in dimensional, creative colors and trendy haircuts, as well as keratin treatments! I look forward to each new day and the opportunity to style my next guest!
Georgia Taylor
Stylist
NC Cosmetologist #79702
Georgia joined the Island Retreat team in spring 2024 and has over 15 years experience as a hairstylist. She enjoys doing dynamic color, Keratin smoothing treatments and offering Bridal hair services!
Haley Avant
Stylist
NC Cosmetologist #116566
Haley's bio...coming soon!
Sara Murdoch
NC Cosmetology Apprentice
(will be fully licensed July '24)
Sara's bio...coming soon!
Nail Care Technicians
Our fully licensed, caring and professional team of manicurists are here to provide expert nail care and incredibly relaxing service!
Ann Arroyo
NC Manicurist #1519
Ann is a Long Island native and now 26 year Southern infused nail technician. A trade professional for over 25 years, owning and operating many salons, Read more...
Jori Fabanich
NC Manicurist #85874
Hi, I'm Jori! I've been a licensed nail tech for five years and I specialize in natural and structured gel nails. I can't wait to make you feel your prettiest! In my off time, I love hiking with my hubby and two pups or lounging at the beach! I look forward to meeting you!
Gabrielle Kruchek
NC Manicurist #91562
Meet Gabrielle! Specializing in Spa Pedicures with gentle technique and precision. Aspires to have all of her clients feeling new and refreshed with beautiful hands and feet. In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her significant other and son, cooking/baking and being outdoors.
Brooke Fogle
NC Manicurist #88403
Hi! My name is Brooke Fogle and I’m a nail tech. I’m originally from California, and have been living in North Carolina for 2 years. My husband and I have twins who we just adore! Aside from nails, I love sitting by the pool, cooking, and doing crafts! I’ve been doing nails in North Carolina for 2 years and I love it! My favorite service to provide is a structured gel manicure. I have loved serving those who come to Bald Head, and hope that their time is made more enjoyable by coming to the spa!
Justin Whisonant
NC LMBT#20808
NC M#81963
Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Upstate New York, I ventured to the vibrant city of Wilmington, North Carolina, where I have called home for the past six years. My journey in the beauty and wellness industry began as a skilled nail technician Read More...
Yoga & Fitness Instructors
Victoria Squazzo
Reiki Master, Ayurveda Practitioner
Group Fitness Instructor
RYT-200
Victoria joined the Island Retreat Spa Family as a fitness and meditation instructor and Reiki Master Practitioner in 2022.
Alicia Linstead
Barre Instructor
Living in San Francisco fifteen years ago and on a quest to recover from a back injury, Alicia found and immediately loved The Bar Method. During the process of healing her back and became a dedicated Bar Method read more...
Rachael Crawford
Yoga Instructor
E-RYT 500
Rachael joined the Island Retreat Spa Family in 2020 following a training she offered for our staff in the art of Thai Massage. She is a beloved team member who shines light on everyone she works on.
Stephanie Washburn
Yoga Instructor
RYT-200
Stephanie is a RYT-200 having completed her training through Yoga Salt in Wilmington, NC. On the mat, Steph focuses on breath work, and offering modification for yogis of all experience levels. Incorporating gentle hands-on assists and relaxing touch as well as uplifting meditation is a passion of hers, read more...
Jennifer Kuzmuk
Yoga & Mat Pilates Instructor
E-RYT-500
Jenn has been a yoga student for more than 20 years, practicing different lineages such as Iyengar, Vinyasa, Baptiste, Yin and Ashtanga. Jenn’s classes are filled with her passion for the power and peace a yoga practice brings and demonstrate how yoga is a beautiful way to express yourself from the inside out. Read more...
Laura Smith
Yoga Instructor
RYT-500
Laura began practicing yoga in her thirties as a way to cope with anxiety. She was immediately struck by the way the brain and the body were connected and thus the transformative nature of the practice of yoga. Read more...
Health & Wellness Practitioners
Health Coaching, Integrative Nutrition and Personal Training to help you achieve your optimum wellness.
Victoria Squazzo
Reiki Master, Ayurveda Practitioner
Group Fitness Instructor
RYT-200
Victoria joined the Island Retreat Spa Family as a fitness and meditation instructor and Reiki Master Practitioner in 2022.
Greg Guthrie
Certified Health Coach
Experienced Hiking Guide
Greg’s first passion is in feeding people. Utilizing his long career as a professional chef as the foundation of his Health Coaching program, Greg works with clients to not only inform, but to teach them how to rebuild their habits by way of finding what foods, exercises and passions inspire them to live a healthy lifestyle. Read more...
Visiting Wellness Practitioners
Island Retreat will host visiting wellness professionals with various backgrounds in the health and wellness sphere. From breath work to feng shui, acupuncture and more, we look forward to featuring new ways to practice self-care on-island and at home through the exceptional offerings by our visiting pros!
For a full list of upcoming workshops, courses and other opportunities to grow on your self-care journey, please view the Courses tab on our Mindbody page
Ryanna Battiste, NBCHC
Pause® Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator
www.ryannabattiste.com
Alison Born, LaC, FABORM
Licensed Acupuncturist
Owner of Cape Fear Acupuncture in Wilmington, NC, Alison will be hosting monthly Community Acupuncture Clinics at Island Retreat.
Summer 2024 Clinic Dates
Wednesday, May 29
Wednesday, June 12th
Wednesday, June 26th
Are you a Wellness Professional
visiting Bald Head Island soon?
Interested in hosting an event or
joining our team?
Please Send us an Email:
info@islandretreatspa.com
or call (910) 454-0333
