"My passion is to help people switch off from everyday stresses, somewhere luxurious but comfortable where you can feel soothed and well looked after by our team of caring therapists", Dr Maxine Stead
Alexandra House was established in 2007 by wellness expert Dr Maxine Stead, a former nationally recognised clinical researcher within the NHS, academia and pharmaceutical industry.
For 14 years Maxine worked in cancer research. In 2001 she obtained a PhD for her research into the quality of life of women with cancer and has always been interested in improving people’s quality of life.
Her dramatic change in career was prompted by increasing stress levels and blood pressure coupled with feeling less and less rewarded in her work.
She took the decision to establish her own business, helping people with busy jobs and lifestyles like her own to take time out and to develop a different approach to life.
Since then, Maxine has built the Spa into one of the best-known retreats for emotional and physical wellbeing in the north of England. She is qualified in Indian Head Massage and is a Reiki Master and has practised yoga and meditation for decades.
Maxine has a keen interest in understanding the underlying science, physiology and psychology of health and wellness at an energetic level and has a deep belief that many illnesses and dis-eases are caused by an imbalance in the body’s emotional state. Maxine’s knowledge and interest in science, quantum physics, spirituality and holistic wellness underpin the Spa’s ethos and offering.