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.

#myislandretreat

Whether you are longing for a solitary escape or a pampered afternoon with friends, find the perfect place to unwind on Bald Head at Island Retreat Spa and Salon.

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.

Read our Reviews

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...

Jorilee Fabanich

Assistant Spa Director &Licensed Nail Technician

NC M#85874

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.

Gillian "Gil" Grenz, RYT-200

Marketing & Group Fitness Liaison

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.

Laura Smith, RYT-500

Yoga Instructor & 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.

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...

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!

Karen (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.

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.

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.

Melissa Rumsey

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...

Sophie Clark

Esthetician

NC Esthetician#26944

Sophie Clark is from Wilmington, NC, and a graduate of CFCC’s Esthetics program. She specializes in Hydrafacial and acne treatments and was most recently certified to perform CoolPeel resurfacing laser treatments. With a passion for skincare, Sophie is dedicated to helping people feel confident in their skin.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, boating, fishing, reading, and traveling. She enjoys training for a half marathon, loves visiting Vietnam (her favorite travel destination) and comes from a large family as the youngest of 17 grandchildren.

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.

Whitney leads our medical esthetics program and visits the island approximately once monthly during off-season and up to weekly during the summer season. Please inquire in advance if you desire medical esthetic services and do not see availability online.

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.

Sara specializes in haircuts, blonde and lived-in color and also performs our HeadSpa treatments.

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!

Peyton Crane

NC Cosmetologist #132504

Hi! I'm Peyton and I have been in the salon industry for about four years! I am originally from Greensboro, NC and have now lived in Wilmington for about six years. I specialize in blowouts, hair maintenance, grey coverage, lived-in color and haircutting! I love to educate my clients on hair care and maintenance, and always strive to make my clients feel beautiful and themselves! I deep-dove into hair science and hair care after I had my hair severely damaged from highlights when I was younger, which led me to wanting to share and educate others to prevent damage and care for their hair for longevity! I can't wait to meet all of my future clients and make you feel like yourself again!

Outside of doing hair, I work with animals, by helping stray colonies, fostering and animal advocacy. I spend time with my three pets, love to relax and get outside!

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!

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!

Yoga & Fitness Instructors

Gillian "Gil" Grenz

Yoga & Barre Instructor, RYT-200

Meet Gil! (pronounced like "Jill")

Gil has a passion for all things movement!

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

Yoga Instructor, 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.

Laura Smith

Yoga Instructor, RYT-500

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

or click here for our Class Schedule.