SPA HOTSPOT - Holistic Wellness Haven

Brisbane’s new place-to-be, the Calile Hotel, has a secret weapon: Introducing Kailo Wellness Medispa. Nadine Dilong shares her experience.

As a Sydney local, it’s hard for me to admit this, but Brisbane is slowly becoming a major beauty and wellness hub of Australia, not least because of the recent opening of Kailo Medispa inside the brand new Calile Hotel on picture perfect James St. The luxury hotel complex evokes serious California vibes with its palm tree lined pool surrounded by mint green and white furniture and adjacent to the always-crowded Hellenika restaurant.

Tucked away from the action is beautiful Kailo Wellness Medispa, founded by Meaghan South, a pioneer in the medispa industry, who has teamed up with renowned medical aesthetic practitioner Dr Edwina Morgan to offer tailored modern beauty and health treatments in a relaxed, stylish and nurturing environment. The two industry experts were joined by Brisbane businesswoman Kath Merlo, wife of coffee company owner Dean Merlo, and human resources specialist Kristy Park, and together they have developed unprecedented customer service protocols to ensure Kailo sets a new benchmark for luxury and excellence in Queensland’s spa sector.

Kailo’s Medical Director and Co-Founder Dr Edwina Morgan

The space is clad out in terracotta hued tiles, wooden furniture, and round shapes everywhere including archways topped by skylights letting in an abundance of natural light. There are two waiting areas, one in front of the reception desk and the other one hidden around the corner, reserved for clients coming for medical treatments such as injectables who wish to experience a bit more privacy.

The spa takes a holistic approach to beauty, which is clear from the moment I walk in and am offered a cup of herbal tea and a protein ball as well as a hot towel next to a rose quartz crystal on a gold tray – this place is visually stunning down to the smallest details.

The Calile Hotel opened in September 2018

The emphasis on holistic wellness and deep spiritual healing continues as their indulgent, 2-hour ‘Sacred Nourish & Nurture Ritual’ begins. The full body treatment includes an Australian desert seasonal salt scrub and body wrap, which is infused through a hot stone massage using locally sourced volcanic river stones. Signature essential oil rituals and chakra rebalancing are also incorporated throughout. After getting comfortable amongst luxe white linen, the treatment begins with a cleansing of the room with a burning of Paolo Santo, a sacred timber that translates to ‘Holy Wood’ and provides uplifting notes of pine and citrus. This is accompanied by a small meditation session designed to soothe, centre and connect the senses, focusing more on the present moment and less on events that led me here. I’m greeted with an instant sense of harmony as my therapist suggests the salt scrub symbolising the sloughing away of the day’s worries as it also buffs away my dull skin. The unique oil body wrap melts away the salt scrub upon impact without the need for removal, allowing for a peaceful and smooth transition to massage and hot stones.

Co-Founders Kristy Park and Dr Edwina Morgan in the Wellness Pod room

After the back and front of the body is complete, I’m cocooned in an ultra-plush duvet to allow the body wrap to work its magic, and to facilitate another short meditation and positive affirmation session, focused on taking the time to soothe the soul, letting go of past negatives and becoming aware of your senses and surrounds as I awaken. The treatment is completed with some deep breathing exercises, accompanied by Kailo’s signature sacred essential oil spritzes over the face and body to re-awaken and energise, providing refreshing floral and citrus fragrances to break through residual sluggishness.

Kailo, meaning ‘wholeness’ and ‘good omen’, is so much more than just another spa offering a bit of pampering.

“Kailo’s anti-ageing programs combine internal and external treatments,” explains South. “We use nutrient therapies to restore balance to the body and enhance cellular renewal, as well as cosmetic injectables to correct volume loss, restore symmetry and enhance facial features.”

Kailo offers a range of wellness programs from weight loss and detoxification to intravenous vitamin therapy, which can be enjoyed under supervision by Dr Edwina Morgan in the spa’s so-called ‘Wellness Pods’, a room with comfortable beds surrounded by blush linen curtains to offer ultimate relaxation.

“These pods give guests the flexibility to have a treatment during their lunch hour or to receive a revitalising vitamin infusion in a beautiful, tranquil space before they tackle the rest of their busy day. We work closely with our clients to provide personalised treatments and programs which focus on long-lasting, natural rejuvenation and boosting confidence and wellbeing inside and out,” Dr Edwina says.

It’s that open communication and education of Kailo’s clients that differentiates the spa from its competitors. Every Wednesday, Kailo offers free, informative and practical workshops on a range of topics and treatments, and the spa’s latest initiative, a membership package further stresses the importance of building a mutually beneficial relationship between clinician and client. Members of Kailo receive free beauty, skin, and wellness consultations, and discounts on several treatments tailored to each individual.

“It’s exciting to welcome new and existing guests to this gorgeous new space, which is designed to ensure all our guests feel rejuvenated and revitalised,” Dr Edwina says, and we can only attest to that feeling.