Island Rituals ‘will take you from two to 2022’

After nearly four decades in Jamaica’s spa industry, Island Rituals Spa is navigating another transition as founder Janice McLeod works to rebuild its Kingston clientele following a move from Devon House to Summit, while preparing to reopen its Ocho Rios location by December.

McLeod, who founded the business in 1985, has spent much of that time adapting Island Rituals to changes in Jamaica’s spa and tourism industries, from operating in hotels and manufacturing spa products to establishing a standalone Kingston location. The latest chapter of Island Rituals, however, is part of a much longer journey that began almost by accident after its founder left Kingston, got married, and moved to Ocho Rios.

“I had to find an occupation that was doable, and spa was one of them. Spas were just taking over; every hotel was putting in a spa,” she told the Jamaica Observer in an interview.