Mackay’s Ultra Medi Spa nominated for World Luxury Spa Awards

A boutique beauty salon nestled in a Mackay suburb has earned nominations for three international spa awards.

A boutique beauty salon based in Central Queensland has earned a major gong with an international nomination.

Ultra Medi Spa owner Karen Formosa said she got the email from the World Luxury Spa Awards just two weeks ago.

“This is a new one for us, we’ve never been nominated before,” Karen said.

“So (to be) on a world stage is a bit scary, but exciting.”

Sisters Lisa Hartwig and Karen Formosa run Ultra Medi Spa in South Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

On a quiet South Mackay street, Ultra Med Spa is a two-time winner of ABIA’s Queensland Spa of the Year and hosts 2022 Australian Beauty Therapist of the Year, Jess Turner.

Now it’s nominated for three World Luxury Spa Awards; Best Luxury Day Spa, Salon of the Year, and Team of the Year.

Karen said she started the business in 2009 after several years working as a beauty therapist, learning under the wing of mentors experienced in beauty and business.

Ultra Medi Spa is a two-time Queensland Salon of the Year. Photo: Zoe Devenport

After her sister’s “begging and pleading”, Lisa Hartwig moved to Mackay a few years later to help “co-ordinate everything” and become a beauty therapist herself.

“I’m a qualified vet nurse, so I’ve basically learned on the job and done all the training,” Lisa said.

“My passion started basically right away.”

Offering a detailed menu of advanced skincare and beauty treatments, a team of nine can do everything from eyebrow tints to LED facials to microdermabrasion.

Beauty therapist Karen Formosa, with her sister Lisa Hartwig, started Ultra Medi Spa about 15 years ago. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Karen said Ultra Medi Spa was “really results driven” to make “incredible changes within the skin”.

But she said the secret to luxury is all in the details.

“It’s about the sensory,” she said.

“The touch points, the little extra we provide that really gives a luxury relaxation experience.

“(When you arrive,) you get a tea and a hot towel compress or in summer, excuse me, we do a cold towel compress.

“And remind the guests to this is for you to just have a moment (after) you’re rushing to get to an appointment.

“Switch off, you‘re here for you.”