AN URBAN
oasis When Gillian Adams creates something, she doesn’t do it by halves. So it makes sense that her namesake salon on Sydney’s North Shore has been wowing its clients with its unexpected offerings for almost 30 years. By Kerrie Simon-Lawrence STEPPING INTO the building of the stunning retreat off the busy Pacific Highway in Turramurra on Sydney’s leafy North Shore is an experience in itself. The moment the door closes behind you, the trucks and semi-trailers of the multi-lane highway outside may as well be a world away. While the art deco building was built in the 1930s and originally housed a bank, Gillian says she wanted to create an oasis, and that’s exactly what she did with her namesake space. “Around 30 years ago, the industry was going through a lot of change,” says Gillian. “I wanted to create a place that set the standard for a true urban space; an oasis, where guests received the very best.” Most treatments, Gillian says, kick off with a visit to the Aquamedic pool. And it’s one amazing experience. With its arched ceiling and etched sandstone walls, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were floating around in an ancient Roman bath - but with way more benefits. “Our pool is Ozoned while other pools add chlorine,” says Gillian. “The pool oxygenates the skin to detoxify, rejuvenate and invigorate without the use
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of chemicals, there’s really nothing like it!” A 60-minute treatment in the Aquamedic pool includes a circuit of gently invigorating needle-point massage and reflexology jets, toning the skin, relaxing the muscles and promoting blood circulation. Once in the plush treatment rooms, therapists make use of BABOR products. “It’s a very environmentally aware brand, and they’ve recently changed their packaging to recycled cardboard, with no more cellophane wrapped products,” Gillian adds. In keeping with a water theme, Gillian Adams also boasts a Vichy shower treatment room. Earthy-coloured floor-toceiling tiles create a Moroccan feel, which is fitting, given the Hammam-style scrubdown clients received inside, followed by a massage that combines warmed coconut oil and pulsating water jets. But let’s get back to exactly what the establishment is. It houses all the beauty benefits but it’s also a hair salon and - wait for it - a restaurant. We’re not talking a piddly cucumber salad after your treatment
- no, no. How does a Goldband snapper fillet with sweet potato puree, Autumn greens and a citrus butter sauce float your boat? Or pan-fried pumpkin gnocchi with truffle pecorino? Now you’re getting the picture. When Gillian set up the business back in 1994, she wanted a point of difference. But she also wanted a place that clients could feel at home, without the need to dash off after their treatment was finished. “It was a dream of mine to have hair, beauty, body and cuisine all in one place, that would provide an awesome experience for guests and to introduce, in particular, the then-ground breaking concept of wellness.” We’ve all been there before: Our treatment has wrapped up, we’ve changed out of the plush gown and pulled our jeans back on, and then we’re ushered back into
