Shelley Hepburn has been appointed as new spa director at the Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall hotel in Devon, UK.

During her 20-year career, Hepburn has opened and developed some of the UK’s leading luxury hotel spas – including The Grove, Pennyhill Park, and most recently The Ned at Soho House, London.

Having worked in London and its surrounding areas for most of her career, Hepburn is now returning to her native Devon to take over all spa and wellness operations at Gaia.

Boringdon Hall is privately owned by the Devon-based Nettleton family of entrepreneurs.

“It's an amazing opportunity to be appointed group spa director at Gaia,” said Hepburn. “I have admired the Nettleton family’s work in spa and hospitality since I met them more than 10 years ago.

“Sharing the same ethos and goals in wellness as I do, I'm looking forward to being a part of something special at Gaia and embracing the spirit of all the south west has to offer the spa industry with the growth of this exciting brand”

Diane Nettleton, director at Gaia Spa added: “I am excited to welcome Shelley to Gaia particularly as I have known her over the years and seen her amazing achievements.

“She brings a wealth of experience and a warmth and energy to nurture Gaia, to build on what we have already created, to continue our vision as a wellness destination and continue growing the Gaia Brand”

Gaia Spa opened at Boringdon Hall in 2016 and has since been voted The Sunday Times Best British Spa Hotel in the UK.

One of the largest spa in the Southwest UK, facilities at the 1,800sq m (19,375sq ft) spa include 12 treatment rooms, an infinity pool, hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, crystal salt steam room, aromatherapy steam room, herbal sauna, shower experiences, relaxation room, gym, beauty salon with champagne service, and outdoor area for relaxation and meditation.