ALL ABOUT
SARAH TESTER
I have been involved in the spa and hotel industry for over 12 years now. At age 16 my careers officer told me that I should be a hotel manager. Of course, I ignored them and then spent the next
20 years working within customer service roles. Finally, I saw sense on a career change and joined Lifehouse spa and hotel, as part of the pre-opening team, back in 2010. I originally started as a night receptionist and then worked my way through the company and learnt every role within the business. I switched to the financial side of the business in 2013 and after some intensive training ended up in the Finance Director position. In 2019 I then took on the operational side of the business and currently sit in the role of Finance and Operations Director. With both the operational and financial experience, this has given me a holistic 360 approach and understanding to running the spa, as well as a never-ending To-Do list.
Alongside work I have also studied for Leadership and Management qualifications and am currently studying Chartered Management Accountancy with CIMA.
Since being at Lifehouse I have been lucky to have been given so many opportunities to progress, so am a firm believer in paying that back and giving people opportunities to succeed by empowering and developing my team through mentorship. Equality and diversity in society and the workplace is really important to me, along with and mental health awareness and support. I think it is so important to try and make the spa industry inclusive to everyone.
My interest in wellness first began in 1999 when I began studying Kung Fu, both internal and external styles. I qualified as an instructor in both styles, learning meditation, qi gong and acupressure amongst other things. I have held British titles in Tui Shou, a method of Tai Chi fighting and have two silver medals from the European Tai Chi Championships. Although I am not actively practising any more, it is something that will always stay with me and influence my life.
Outside of work I can be found paddle boarding or spending time with my Wife and three dogs. Long beach walks are a favourite with us all.
I have a Macedonian rescue dog called Richard, who loves to come to work with me and is regularly found in my office at Lifehouse distracting the team.
