Meet Ronit Raphael
How did L.Raphael begin
As a teenager I suffered from the most terrible acne. I went to have a skin-peel and ended up in hospital with second-degree burns. They told me my skin would never ever be normal. I wasn't taking that as an answer and began researching and studying cosmetology. Subsequently I met scientist Professor Meir Shinitsky who worked for years researching cell membranes at The Weitzman Institute of Science with remarkable results. And Doctor Raphael Gumenar, the plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon. Together with my husband Jonathan Leitersdorf, an architect and businessman, we launched our flagship Temple of Beauty on Geneva's rue de Rhone in? and a Chalet of Beauty in Verbier in?.
Why is the brand so successful
Look there's no miracles, but there is science that can aid the anti-aging battle. L-Raphael's “haute couture” skincare owes its' success mainly to its investments in scientific research, on breakthrough technologies and the many years of research on cell membranes by Professor Shinizky.
Why did you give The Four Seasons George V exclusivity for two years
Because I only want the best and The Four Seasons wins all the awards for best hotel, restaurant, spa. Also there is a personal reason, my husband Jonathan proposed to me in the hotel and a friend gave us two nights in the Royale Suite as a wedding gift. I adore the Four Seasons philosophy, “there is no such word as no.” Treatments take place in a quiet and elegant atmosphere, by a team trained by L-Raphael, in the Spa's luxurious suites, designed in the spirit of Marie Antoinette's boudoir.
Talk us through the concept of treatments
There's a diverse menu of body, face and slimming treatments for men and women which address skin concerns ranging from loss of firmness and shape, stretch marks, cellulite, hair-loss and, of course, acne. The Oxy-Tech machine incorporates jet aviation principles and engineering. A jet stream pen accelerated to supersonic speeds exfoliates dead cells from the surface of the skin, while momentarily creating miniscule openings between the cells allowing the delivery of the enriched microscopic droplets into the inner layers of the skin, a precise, effective and painless process. Of course treatments differ according to areas treated, the skin's condition and the client's needs. Each treatment uses its own special complex, because everyone is different, it's the science of beauty.
And the Chalet in Verbier
It has seven suites (with architectural and interior design by my husband Jonathan). Each suite has a balcony and the chalet can welcome 18 guests. Families often hire the whole place and bring their own staff or we supply chefs, personal and ski-trainers, butlers, concierge. There's a heated pool, hamman, restaurant, sushi bar, fitness room, cinema, disco. The Chalet is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and we offer health, beauty, anti-aging and slimming packages for which we're famous. There's also a comprehensive range of L-Raphael products to complement the treatments.
You're 44 and in terrific shape, what's the secret
I drink a lot of water, do a lot of sport and think of my body as a machine that must be worked. You know how you take care of your favourite leather handbags? Well that's how you must cherish your skin. I love boxing and, wherever I am in the world, work out with a personal trainer for motivation a few times a week, then I'm on my own. At present I'm preparing for a Triathlon in Austria. 40 kms biking: 10 kms running and 1 km swimming.
Your favourite film
Pretty Woman and The Sound of Music.
Your influences
My husband, the team I work with, my three children and pioneers in the beauty business like Estee Lauder and Coco Chanel. I wear Chanel No. 5, that is until L-Raphael create our own fragrance in the future.
A way of dealing with everyday life
Respect yourself and others will
Margaret Kemp
