SINGAPORE — Susan Harmsworth, the chief executive officer and founder of ESPA, may be celebrating her 70th birthday next week, but she has no intention of slowing down.

Harmsworth was in Singapore recently to promote the Ultimate Wellness Journey packages at ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa. There are now more than 365 ESPA spas in 56 countries and counting.

“We just opened ESPA at The Peninsula Paris and The Leela Palace in Chennai,” she said. “We have six more openings lined up over the next couple of months including those at Morgans Doha and Ritz Carlton Macau and there are 30 projects under construction.”

Harmsworth said the contributing factors to the success of her spa empire included having the right partners. “We have long term relationships with our partners who are willing to invest in people — what’s the point of having a spa in the most fabulous resort if there’s not a good team behind it providing the service?”

Q: You travel so much to oversee your spas. How do you prevent jet lag and stay healthy on the road?

A: Jet lag is a state of mind. I try to stop myself from getting too worried or stressed. I was introduced to leggings that prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and they’re amazing. I stay hydrated both inside and out by drinking water and using ESPA Hydrating Floral Spafresh Spritzer, which contains essential oils. And when you land, if possible, get active as soon as you can. Go for a swim or to the gym to get your circulation going again. I also use a skin brush to exfoliate my skin and stimulate the lymphatic system to release toxins.

Q: How about tips on coping with unexpected changes during travelling?

A: I’m a control freak so I had to learn to go with the flow when I travel. Recently, my flight was delayed for 22 hours and I was the keynote speaker for a conference I was going to attend. There was nothing I could do so I decided to enjoy the time since I rarely have 22 hours to myself.

Q: Do you have any advice for travellers who can’t relax on the plane or fall asleep in unfamiliar surroundings?

A: Sleep deprivation is a big problem in today’s society. I use soothing, sleep-inducing oils and apply them to my chest and throat. Do deep breathing exercises, visualise yourself in your favourite place and think positive thoughts.

Q: Since your work already revolves around travelling and relaxation, where do you head to for a getaway?

A: My best vacation is to be at home. I have six grandchildren and the entire family goes to the Caribbean twice a year. I love it there as the weather is not too hot. The west coast of Scotland is lovely — it’s close to home (Harmsworth is based in London). The air is fresh and crisp and it has the best seafood in the world where the trawlers come in every day bearing oysters and lobsters from the lochs. Serene Lim