Founding Story
VOYA is a leading global lifestyle brand which promotes sustainable organic luxury.
Grounded in science but inspired by the Atlantic Ocean and the ancient Irish tradition of seaweed bathing, wellbeing has always been at the heart of everything we do.
CORE VALUES
Organic / Tradition / Family / Innovation / Challenging / Curious
This is a story of innovation, heritage and a belief that there must be a better way.
VOYA has set new standards for luxury skincare on a global scale. From ethically sourcing our ingredients, through to our drive towards sustainable packaging and formulation processes. We set the bar as the world’s first certified organic seaweed-based skincare brand when created in 2006. Our rigorous independent scientific research also means that our products are not only environmentally kind, they also deliver best in class results. VOYA products can now be found in over 42 countries around the globe, in the most luxurious spas, hotels and retail outlets in the world.
This is science backed, organic luxury skincare with a conscience.
The Founders
In 2006, Mark and Kira Walton decided to trade in their hectic corporate careers in Dublin for the quieter pace of life in Sligo on the West Coast of Ireland. Initially they joined the family business, which is a traditional seaweed bathing house owned by Mark’s brother Neil Walton.
They realised that many of the customers wanted to replicate the soothing effects of the seaweed bathing experience at home. Mark and Kira seized this opportunity and created the VOYA products brand. Their first, and still hero product, was a retail seaweed bath called Lazy Days. It proved to be so popular that it inspired them to delve into the world of skincare. In conjunction with independent scientists and researchers they created a full suite of face and body skincare products. This has since evolved into a range of over 50 products which are available as Retail, Professional and Amenities. The products range from advanced facial creams for specific skin concerns through to home fragrances and organic teas, thus giving clients the power to enjoy a full spa experience either at a luxury property or whilst at home. Although the company has since developed into a thriving global luxury organic lifestyle brand, with teams based across the globe, Mark and Kira remain at its core, always looking to the future and ensuring that VOYA remains true to its founding principles.
The Heritage
VOYA, derived from the word Voyage, is a concept that began in 1912, when the first seaweed baths opened in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, on the wild Atlantic West Coast of Ireland. Seaweed bathing is a 300-year-old tradition and Ireland's only indigenous therapy. The last of these original bathhouses was destroyed in September 1961 by the worst hurricane to ever reach Ireland's shores, Hurricane Debbie.
Mark’s father, the late Michael Walton, known to his friends and family as Mick, was one of the original forces behind the organic farming movement in Ireland. Mick sought the harvesting license for the wild seaweed on the west of coast of Ireland, as he used the seaweed on the land to fertilise his award-winning crops. His respect for sustainability and the power of seaweed was instilled in his children and sparked passion and innovation within them. They continue to honour his memory to this day by continuing with a tradition that he began and by retaining his respect and love for the environment.
'There has to be a better way’
Mark and Kira Walton
