“When I look back at the major trips I’ve taken in my life that have covered four continents and seventeen countries – I can now say with complete certainty: this journey to Egypt with Nelly De Vuyst has been the best trip I’ve ever taken. From September 15 through September 26, 2025, I had the honor of representing L+A and traveling alongside the Nelly De Vuyst team, led by Manon, Amir, Sara, and Joe, along with over 80 of their closest customers and their friends and family.” Barry Eichner
This wasn’t just a vacation; it was an experience that blended ancient history, modern luxury, and most importantly, a deep dive into Nelly De Vuyst’s corporate culture of care.
“Because if there’s one point I want to make clear—it’s this: spending almost two weeks with the Nelly De Vuyst team and their clients felt like going on vacation with friends. Despite the size of the group, Manon, Amir, Sara, and Joe still found the time to check in with everyone. Whether it was a quick chat over coffee or making sure travel logistics ran smoothly, their care was evident. And when I spoke with Nelly De Vuyst’s clients on this trip, one theme came through loud and clear: working with Nelly De Vuyst is a joy.” Barry Eichner
Luxury in the Details: Nelly De Vuyst’s Culture of Care
Before diving into the adventures of Egypt, it’s important to talk about the Nelly De Vuyst culture. Nelly De Vuyst is not just a skincare brand—it’s a relationship brand. Their partnerships are steeped in authenticity, care, and customization.
Take, for example, a story shared by Sara from Nelly De Vuyst Marketing. Jessica Swartley, Spa Director at The Spa at Spruce Peak, had a vision: she wanted displays in the changing rooms that allowed guests to sample skincare, body, and shaving products based on need. Jessica sent Nelly De Vuyst photos of displays she admired, and Nelly De Vuyst responded by creating custom, co-branded displays specifically for her spa. That’s the Nelly De Vuyst difference—they don’t just sell products, they create solutions.
Jessica herself shared her thoughts on the trip:
“We are proud to partner with Nelly, as their values align with ours at The Spa at Spruce Peak. Support, efficacy, and sustainability benchmarks are unparalleled. Nelly has walked hand-in-hand with us to create bespoke experiences for our members and our guests.”
— Jessica Swartley, Spa Director, The Spa at Spruce Peak
That kind of collaboration is what makes Nelly De Vuyst’s corporate culture stand out.
October 2025 L+A Report
How Long-Term Treatment Plans Produce Advanced Skincare Correction
It’s no longer about booking a single facial or even committing to a series of treatments. Clients and patients are partnering with skincare professionals for lifetime skin health strategies. Professionals aren’t just service providers; they’re trusted guides who help their clients navigate the biological changes, environmental stressors, and lifestyle shifts that impact skin health across decades.
Think of it as a shift from one-off fixes to skincare mentorship. The role of the esthetician or medical skincare professional now extends beyond the treatment room, providing holistic planning, seasonal adjustments, and support through hormonal and life stage changes.
A Trip Designed to Delight
Nelly De Vuyst didn’t leave a single detail to chance. Every aspect of this trip was orchestrated to perfection by their travel agent: airport assistance, baggage handling, hotel transfers, and even personalized tours. They hired two tour guides—a French-speaking guide and an English-speaking Egyptologist. I was lucky enough to be with the latter, and let me tell you, he was extraordinary. He wasn’t just knowledgeable; he was funny, organized, and made navigating Egyptian culture seamless. From food recommendations to tipping etiquette, he thought of everything.
Cairo: Living a Lifelong Dream
Our journey began in Cairo with visits to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. We even got an early preview of the all-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which officially opens on November 1, 2025.
Standing in front of the Pyramids was surreal. I had told Amir back in July at IECSC Las Vegas, “All I want is a photo of me in a red-and-white scarf, on a camel, in front of the Pyramids.” Amir laughed and said, “Barry, that’s Day 1.”
And he was right.
That moment—riding a camel in front of the Pyramids—was one of the greatest of my life. I’ve studied ancient Egyptian wellness practices, particularly their use of essential oils circa 3000 BC, so being there, in person, was deeply rewarding.
South to Aswan + The Magic of Isis
From Cairo, we flew south to Aswan. Highlights included the High Dam, which controls the Nile’s water flow, and the Temple of Isis—a location renowned for its magical energy and photogenic beauty.
We also visited the Elite Academy of Aromatherapy, where we learned about the extraction of essential oils. Each of us was paired with an aromatherapist to select oils for personal use.
“This visit blew my mind. To hand-select oils from Egypt, after studying them for over a decade, was beyond words.”
— Barry Eichner
Sailing the Nile: Culture and Celebration
Another lifelong bucket-list moment was boarding the JAZ Elite Regent for a Nile River Cruise. Nelly De Vuyst made sure every evening was memorable. Our first night featured Nubian dancers—whose performance was so engaging, many of us ended up dancing right alongside them.
We explored the Temple of Kom Ombo, followed by a traditional Gallabia night, where everyone dressed in customary robes and head wraps.
“It was so fun to explore a culture different from my own, to learn more about the world and how other people live.”
— Barry Eichner
Valley of the Kings + A Sunrise to Remember
In Luxor, we visited the Valley of the Kings and even stepped inside the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The magnitude of the moment is hard to describe. Nearby, we also toured the Temple of Medinet Habu.
The next morning, a small group of us joined a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Nile. Picture this: floating in silence, temples on one side, the lush green Nile River on the other, and the sky dotted with 30 vibrantly colored hot air balloons. It was cinematic—like something out of a dream.
Spiritual Grandeur + The Red Sea
We also explored the vast Karnak Temple—the largest spiritual site in the world. Built over centuries, each Pharaoh added their own touch, making it a living timeline of ancient Egypt.
From there, we crossed the Sahara to Soma Bay on the Red Sea. Here, relaxation met wellness. Some of us swam and snorkeled in the Red Sea (yes, another bucket list item!), while others experienced thalassotherapy, the therapeutic use of seawater. Imagine a massive jacuzzi-like room, jets massaging you from head to toe, plus float tanks—it was otherworldly.
Stories That Define Nelly De Vuyst
Our return to Cairo included heartfelt conversations about what Nelly De Vuyst means to spa leaders. Here are just a few of the “Nelly Nuggets” shared:
- Dr Sidney B. Smith, MD, FAAD, DermaCare TriCities Medical Spa
“I’m impressed with Nelly De Vuyst’s focus on sustainable organic medical-grade skincare.”
NOTE: Dr Smith was the Selfie King on our Egypt Trip – I snagged one with him.
- Angela Lawary, Solo Esthetician + Owner of Chic Skincare Studio:
“Nelly De Vuyst is affordable luxury.” - Benjamin Donat, Spa Director, Eau Resort and Spa:
“Don’t be afraid to work on special projects with Nelly, they will go above and beyond to create something custom for you.” - Amy Snider, Owner + Esthetician, Spa Cascada:
“Nelly De Vuyst embodies luxury—delivering clinical results with unmatched support, education, and a community that truly inspires.” - Camille Delgado, Director of Spa Operations, Iberostar Resort Rose Hall Beach + Spa Resort:
“Nelly is truly sustainable and shows remarkable results.”
These testimonials all speak to Nelly De Vuyst’s culture: sustainable luxury, customization, results, and authentic partnerships.
Building Relationships That Last
Perhaps the most poignant reflection came from Kim Carmichael, Spa Director at The Fairmont Spa, Pacific Rim in Vancouver:
“From the basis of everything we do—it’s about relationships. It’s a testament to Manon and Amir, because I’ve met incredible people on this trip, and that stays with you.”
Kim shared how Nelly De Vuyst made it easy for her team to switch product lines by providing seamless solutions and education. That ability to meet clients where they are is at the heart of Nelly De Vuyst’s philosophy.
Looking Ahead: Education + Connection
Before the trip ended, Nelly De Vuyst shared updates about upcoming education, including their highly anticipated VIP Event in Montreal on November 2–3, 2025. This two-day event will feature in-depth classes, lectures, and a glamorous VIP Holiday Gala. L+A is honored to have been invited to cover the event live, continuing to bring Nelly De Vuyst’s innovations and culture to our community.
Shopping the Bazaars + Final Reflections
Our last day was pure magic. We toured Cairo’s religious sites—a mosque, synagogue, and church—before diving into the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Shopping here is an art form. You don’t browse, you negotiate. Over cups of tea, shopkeepers guided us in selecting gifts, and then came the fun part: haggling!
“I had an absolute blast shopping for myself and finding the perfect gifts for friends and family back home. It was a joy to share a little piece of Egypt with them.”
— Barry Eichner
Final Thoughts
Traveling with Nelly De Vuyst was more than just an adventure; it was a masterclass in what makes this brand so beloved. Their corporate culture thrives on connection, customization, and care. Whether through co-branded displays, seamless brand transitions, or simply making sure every client feels heard and valued, Nelly De Vuyst proves that luxury is about more than products—it’s about people.
Both Jenni and I are thrilled that Nelly De Vuyst is a Platinum Sponsor for 2025 and 2026. Because if this trip taught me anything, it’s that Nelly De Vuyst doesn’t just create skincare. They create lifelong relationships—and unforgettable experiences.