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
Jori has been a licensed nail tech for seven years and specializes in natural and structured gel nails. She is detailed and artistic, bringing her creative energy to life in her nail designs. In her off-time, she loves hiking with her hubby and two pups or lounging at the beach!
Jori and Sara both guide our guests with joy and a genuine desire to care and bring peace to your day.
Sara Murdoch
Hair Stylist & Wedding Coordinator
Sara and her sister Jori found their way to Island Retreat in 2023 when Jori became a member of the nail salon team. Sara was in cosmetology school and quickly became a leader at the front desk, swiftly navigating the quirky seasonal schedule. She also began her apprenticeship under our most experienced stylists and has flourished since becoming a full-time hair stylist. She continues to greet our guests with a smile and is everyone's go-to person for laughter and positivity.
Laura Smith
RYT-500, Spa Coordinator & Group Fitness Liaison
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.
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...
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...
Ren Treinen
LMBT #19711
YACEP, E-RYT 500
Ren is a licensed massage therapist specializing in Thai and Therapeutic Massage with over a decade of experience in holistic healing modalities. Her work blends deep tissue techniques, subtle energetic work, and assisted stretching to create sessions that are both therapeutic and deeply restorative. Each massage is tailored to the client’s individual needs, drawing from a wide range of tools to support the body’s natural capacity to heal and a trauma informed approach.
In addition to her massage training, Ren has been a Reiki Master for 15 years, is a certified in Thai Yoga Massage and Bodywork as well as Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Her background also includes a 500-hour yoga teacher certification completed in 2012, which continues to inform her understanding of anatomy, movement, and the mind-body connection.
Anna Huddleston
LMBT #22052
Anna has always been on the trajectory of helping people through mind/body/spirit. She graduated East Carolina University for Kinesiology (movement of the body) and later was called to her passion for spiritual health and became Reiki II certified. That rapidly followed a desire to fuse the two with massage therapy. Anna loves facilitating a safe environment for Therapeutic Massage to help people move without pain.
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...
Kylie Cole
LMBT #22722
With nearly 10 years of experience in bodywork and holistic care, I bring a deeply intuitive and personalized approach to every session. Recently relocated to the East Coast, I’m excited to connect with a new community and share the healing work I love! Past clients would say I have a naturally deep touch and a knack for deep relaxation. Whether you need to unwind, un-knot, or just escape reality for a bit.. I’ve got you!
Nicholas (Nick) Logie
NC LMBT#18970
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Nick has been practicing massage therapy for five years in NC - from Asheville, NC down to Wilmington. He has been fine-tuning his craft at Hand & Stone Spa, working with a wide range of clientele. He specializes in Deep Tissue and Sports Massage techniques. He supports his massage practice with yoga and by connecting with nature. Nick is the father of two young kids and enjoys his days off spending time with them!
Venus Schrader
NC LMBT#13844
Venus is self-described as a born and raised mid-west girl with an east-coast heart.
From Venus:
Life is amazing and I enjoy each day to the fullest with my family and friends. Always ready for a new adventure while in pursuit of an opportunity to help my fellow man.
I am honored to offer the gift of healing touch to my patients. It has been a joy and a privilege to practice in the area for the past 12 years. I look forward to meeting you and your family on your wellness journey. See you soon. Be well.
'Dear friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and are in good health, just as your whole life is going well. ' | 3 John 1:2
Elan Iles
NC LMBT #17730
Elan’s personal and professional development has been informed by over two decades of spiritual study from around the world, yoga & meditation practices, continuing studies in various bodywork therapies, health & wellness, energy modalities, and studies in the creative and visual arts. As a Healing Arts practitioner combining many years of training & experience, with the creative act of giving a massage, she continues to witness & experience the restorative & healing power of touch. Elan enjoys adventuring in nature, many forms of creative expression, healthy living, and eating wild things.
Erin Hannigan
NC LMBT#14912
NC Esthetician #16354
Erin began studying massage therapy in 1998 in Plymouth Massachusetts. In 2001 she continued her education in Burlington Vermont and then became a nationally certified massage therapist. In 2005, she extended her education in Boulder Colorado, and graduated from the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. In 2008, Erin moved to the beautiful l island of Oahu Hawaii, and fulfilled a lifelong goal of becoming an esthetician. Erin has excelled in chronic pain management, as well as providing relaxing massage therapy treatments. Over the last 20 years she has mastered the ability to customize her client’s individual needs and goals.
Erin joined the Island Retreat team in summer 2018 and has been a seasonal practitioner with our team since.
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 #28501
Stephanie Washburn is a licensed esthetician that believes in combining a holistic and scientific approach alongside healing physical touch to help navigate you towards your skincare goals. She graduated from the esthetician program at cape fear community college with honors, and routinely deepens her knowledge through continued research and education within her field. Stephanie specializes in customized facial treatments that focus on healing sun damage, treating acne, and maintaining our skin's health as we age. Steph is also a certified yoga instructor and ceramic artist.
Racheal Haynes
Esthetician
NC Esthetician #30343
Yoga and holistic skin enthusiast with over ten years of self study herbalism knowledge and a college chemistry background, Racheal blends her two passions to facilitate intentional esthetic services. Providing a deeply transformative experience beyond physical, weaving together somatic restorative practices, reflexology, facial lifting massage and sound healing. Her services provide a dynamic experience that aims at clearing internal stagnation and surrendering of emotional and physical blockages to allow your most radiant self to blossom into being, naturally.
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.
Functional Wellness
Helping you achieve your optimum wellness through dynamic alternative therapies.
Dr. Haley Crane, D.C.
Chiropractor & Acupuncturist
Dr. Crane is a Chiropractic Physcian. Dr. Crane graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. Before this she earned her degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Health at UNC at Wilmington. She quickly realized after leaving NC for school she wanted to come back to serve her community.
Throughout school at Palmer, Dr. Crane attended the Motion Palpation club on campus where she was able to hone in her adjusting skills. Some techniques Dr. Crane utilizes are flexion distraction, Thompson drop and activator.
Her goal is to help others improve their health with chiropractic care, nutrition, soft tissue massage and acupuncture. Dr. Crane, herself has always strived to find balance in her health and life and through that journey she understands the complexity and importance of finding balance and wellness. Her personal journey through her own health is what has introduced her to the health and medical field and what has inspired her to help others.
Dr. Steve Rios Rojas, D.C
Chiropractor
Dr. Steve Rios Rojas is a Chiropractic Physician. He is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL. Being raised with Mexican parents, he understands the core values of hard work and helping those in need.Growing up he played in numerous soccer leagues and has a passion for running/biking. He went on to obtain his bachelors degree of Exercise Science at Hope College in Holland, MI.
He knew he wanted to be in the health care field, so he went on to pursue more education at Palmer. Throughout his curriculum, he practiced his adjusting skills and patient care with Motion Palpation Institute. He took on electives such as Flexion Distraction, Activator, and Spinal Rehabilitation.
Dr. Steve is very passionate about helping people get better and changing their lives. He loves to work with anyone that loves to workout, which can include running, soccer, or biking. He hopes he can inspire the Hispanic/latino community to become active and learn about the amazing ways chiropractic rehabilitation can help with their individual goals. He is excited to work with anyone that walks into his door and start helping those in need.
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.
Sara Murdoch
NC Cosmetologist #130329
Sara and her sister Jori found their way to Island Retreat in 2023 when Jori became a member of the nail salon team. Sara was in cosmetology school and quickly became a leader at the front desk, swiftly navigating the quirky seasonal schedule. She also began her apprenticeship under our most experienced stylists and has flourished since becoming a full-time hair stylist. She continues to greet our guests with a smile and is everyone's go-to person for laughter and positivity.
Ryan Bridgforth
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!
April Russell
NC Cosmetologist #70500
Licensed since 2005, April is a master colorist after over 20 years in the industry. She specializes in hair repair, blonding, vivids and balayage. April was awarded Best Hairstylist title by Arizona Foothills "Best of our Valley" in 2017 & 2018 and was featured on the Fox10 morning show in 2015 as a color expert. She is a former national educator for Brazilian Blowout and regional director for VERB. She has directed and produced 3 runway shows for RAW artists and is passionate about building deep connections with her clients. April is well-known for her artistry, creativity and commitment to the integrity of her clients' hair and cruelty-free beauty. Outside the salon, April is a mom to two teenage girls and enjoys spending time with her three cats and watching true crime docs, tacos, tattoos, the beach and being an active part of her church.
Lauren Davis
NC Cosmetologist #131479
Originally from New Jersey, Lauren found her way to NC in pursuit of sunshine and beach days! Her love of hair stems from her youth when she would play with her mom's hair. Being a cosmetologist allows her space for creativity and she finds joy in creating beautiful color for her guests. Lauren specializes in color and bridal services and is excited to be part of the spa team. You will also see her at our reception desk as she floats between salon services and customer service.
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!
Samantha McNeal
NC Manicurist
Sam's bio...coming soon!
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
Gillian "Gil" Grenz
RYT-200
Meet Gil! (pronounced like "Jill")
Gil has a passion for all things movement!
Her passion for yoga is deeply rooted in her collegiate and competitive dance background. In 2020, she received her 200-hour certification from the Yoga Alliance and became a certified Baptiste Educator.
Gil strives to incorporate her knowledge of anatomy into classes to optimize the body’s function.
Her practice is both strong and playful. In her classes, she strives to uplift, inspire, and guide students through a sequence that balances physical practice with mindfulness and meditation.
Alicia Linstead
Barre Instructor
Living in San Francisco nearly twenty 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...
Spencer Rubio
RYT-500
Spencer is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher who brings a grounded, hands-on approach to every class. She’s passionate about strength, functional movement, and understanding how the body works—helping students build confidence, awareness, and resilience along the way. Spencer loves finding ways to bring yoga into everyday life, believing that what we practice on the mat should support us out in the real world. Her classes are a blend of challenge and support, always aimed at helping people feel stronger, more connected, and more empowered in their bodies.
Shelley Jackson
Pilates, Barre, Personal Training
Shelley, a passionate Pilates maven with two decades of experience, has been the heartbeat behind countless transformations. With a keen eye for precision and a nurturing spirit, she's guided enthusiasts through the art of movement, honing their strength and flexibility.
Her Wilmington, NC studio PULSE Pilates & Movement is a culmination of her years of expertise and dedication. Her contagious energy and commitment to empowering others to shine, invites every participant to thrive on their fitness journey. Get ready to embark on a new chapter of fitness and self-discovery with Shelley leading the way!
Shelley will be on-island Tuesdays in the spring/summer of 2025 along with several members of her PULSE team - teaching at Island Retreat and at the BHI Club.
Gabriela Lancaster
PULSE® Pilates Instructor
Gabriela is a certified Pilates instructor who completed a comprehensive training at Appalachian State University in 2023 and now teaches full-time in Wilmington, NC. For Gabriela, Pilates is more than just a workout—it’s a way to build strength, reconnect with your body, and feel empowered in movement. She teaches both Classical and Contemporary Pilates, blending precision with creativity to make movement feel intentional, challenging, and fun. Gabriela spent her childhood summers on Bald Head Island and is thrilled to return this year as an instructor. Her classes are high energy, set to great music, and always welcoming. She loves creating a space where everyone feels supported, strong, and capable—and she can’t wait to move with you this summer.
Marisa Baker
PULSE® Pilates Instructor
My introduction to the world of Pilates came after a transformative experience during my college years. Unfortunately after years of long distance running, I experienced a knee injury that halted my running career. Determined to stay active and find a low-impact exercise form, I came across Pilates and it completely changed my life.
In 2018, I became so inspired by how Pilates had changed my life, that I started teaching reformer Pilates at a local studio. Fast forward to 2021, I completed a 500 hour comprehensive training through Club Pilates, which covered all apparatus of Pilates. In 2023, I decided to focus and perfect my skills on specifically Mat Pilates. I completed an additional 134 hour course Mat Pilates Certification through Balanced Body, which increased my knowledge of anatomy.
In my classes, I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals of all fitness levels can flourish. I have a keen eye for proper form and guide my students to slow down, paying attention to the subtleties of each movement. With my expertise, I aim to empower my clients to improve their strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
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...
Jennifer Kuzmuk
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...
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.
Next Upcoming Visit:
Summer 2025
Are you a Wellness Professional
visiting Bald Head Island soon?
Interested in hosting an event or
joining our team?
Please Send us an Email:
wellness@islandretreatspa.com
or call (910) 454-0333
