Salty Kisses Day Spa: A Story of Heart and Community

By Louise May

Salty Kisses Day Spa was truly created from the heart. In 2009, Danielle Spalding and her family arrived in Gympie, seeking a temporary home during the financial crisis, but the welcoming spirit and warmth of the people soon turned our stay into something permanent. Gympie became more than just a place to live; it became their home.

When Danielle found a charming old Queenslander in the heart of the medical precinct, she felt an immediate connection. Without a set plan, but with a strong desire to make a difference for others, Salty Kisses took shape. What started as a simple salt room and a heartfelt dream, has blossomed into a sanctuary where people go to relax, restore, and feel truly cared for.

Now, more than a decade later, they are deeply grateful to the Gympie community for embracing them. Salty Kisses stands as more than a spa; it is a space built with love and where every treatment is given with the care and kindness that began their journey.

Their Inspiration

The inspiration for Salty Kisses comes from personal experience with both love and loss. After their family lost a loved one who struggled with mental health, asthma, and skin conditions, they found comfort in Gympie’s supportive community. This kindness clarified their vision: to create a sanctuary for others facing similar challenges. From an initial salt room and a simple idea, Salty Kisses has evolved into a place of healing and connection, built in memory of their loved one. It is not only a day spa, but a legacy of compassion and care, inspired by the Gympie community and created for its people.

What Makes Salty Kisses Unique

Salty Kisses is a true retreat for anyone needing a break, healing, or a sense of belonging. Their goal has always been to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every guest is seen and cared for. Beyond traditional beauty and spa treatments, they offer something rarer: genuine human connection.

From the moment you enter, you are welcomed with warmth. Danielle and the team at reception are ready to listen and make sure your visit is special from the very start. At Salty Kisses, the experience is not just about services – it’s about the heart behind every gesture.

The Salt Room Experience

The salt room features a medical-grade halo generator, dispersing pure salt into the air for guests to breathe. These fine salt particles cleanse and open the respiratory system, supporting clearer breathing, deeper sleep, and a stronger immune system.

Salt therapy also benefits the skin by balancing its natural pH and protecting against the environment. The salt room itself is a peaceful haven, a place to unwind, find calm, and support your mental well-being. This natural therapy soothes both body and mind.

Adding a Café to the Spa

From the start, our café has played a central role, bringing people together and fostering conversation and healing. Danielle believed –and still believes – that a warm chat over coffee or tea is essential to building those much-needed connections, at the core of Salty Kisses’ ethos.

After a year living in Europe, their family opened a café in Noosa. With years of coffee experience, it felt natural to combine their passion for wellness with their love of coffee. They also serve healthy, raw cakes –the perfect treat for relaxation. The café brings an extra layer of comfort to the Salty Kisses experience.

Partnership and Support

Building Salty Kisses alongside her, is husband, Noel, and he has been invaluable. When they first bought the building, he commuted from Brisbane to help with renovations and the planning needed to bring their dream to life. Salty Kisses wouldn’t exist without his dedication. Today, even while working full-time, Noel remains the business’s backbone, caring for the gardens, managing the courtyard, and even helping with spa washing, a four-to-five-hour job each night. His ongoing support keeps everything running smoothly.

Team Culture

The staff are their greatest asset, with many team members staying for over three years, a testament to the positive, supportive culture they nurture. They value ongoing learning, growth, and training for every team member.

They focus on creating a friendly, welcoming workplace where everyone enjoys going to work. Loving what you do matters, and at Salty Kisses, they encourage passion, enjoyment, and growth for all.

Their Choice: Circadia

Circadia was chosen for its strong support, educational focus, and strategic marketing. This partnership has helped Salty Kisses become Gympie’s leading skin spa. From first facials to memberships, their clients have benefitted greatly.

The team values the ongoing training and guidance, and their BDM, Nicola, has played a key role. Circadia has supported both client results and the spa’s growth.

Favourite Circadia Products

• Amandola Milk Cleanser – Creamy, beautifully scented, and versatile. Doubles as a mask and suits all skin types.

• Cyto-comm Serum – Remarkable cell communication, repair & restructuring.

• Bright White Serum – Excellent for treating pigmentation; has made a visible difference with sun damage.

Salty Kisses Proudest Moment

Their biggest milestone was opening their doors after more than a year of navigating local council processes and overcoming scepticism. With the help of supportive councillors and the town planner, they made their dream a reality. That opening day remains unforgettable for them.

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