Susan, who is 70, started out in fashion and beauty, writing for Vogue in London and New York. She opened her first salon business in Toronto before moving to France to run a thalassotherapy resort and then a health farm. From the start, she had therapists and medical professionals working side by side, a radical approach at the time but the norm now. Until the early 80s, she says; “the continual stress of modern life was something barely acknowledged. To me it was obvious that just treating the body wasn’t enough.” From there she moved into the creation of her own products, the ESPA brand.
Luxe people >>
I spend so much of my time travelling that my luxe people are my closest friends and family. My friends are an eclectic mix of designers, chefs and musicians – they’re all quite different, and tend to be a mixture of nationalities as I’ve lived all over the world.
Luxe places >>
For a weekend > Limewood, Metropole Monte Carlo, Peninsula Paris, Gleneagles.
A long holiday > Grenadines, Italy, the South of France.
Luxe relax >>
Best food > Light and clean food, so a lot of seafood and delicious veg.
Best wine > Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne, Malbec red, Montrachet white.
Favourite restaurant > Cecconi’s, Mayfair.
Perfect weekend > At home.
Downtime means > A small island in the sun – like the Maldives or the Grenadines, chilling with close friends or family, with a glass of wine or pink champagne.
Best telly > I don’t really do telly, I prefer to catch up on films when I get the chance (which isn’t often!).
Best theatre > Anything by the English National Ballet.
Best book > The Road Less Travelled by M.Scott Peck.
Best sounds > Silence.
Luxe shop >>
Best shopping city > London.
Favourite shop > Liberty.
Luxe retail treat > Steven Webster jewellery.
Best buy > Amanda Wakeley kaftans.
Luxe party >>
A memorable night out > A private gala dinner in the desert in Marrakech, with amazing food and incredible entertainment.
Perfect party > My recent 70th birthday where we took over Massimo’s in Corinthia – it was a ‘Great Gatsby’ theme and very glamorous!
Best dress > Either my Oscar de la Renta or Amanda Wakeley dresses.
Dinner date > On the beach, with the man in my life.
Your luxe thing in life >>
My Aston Martin.
