SPA HOTSPOT: THE LANGHAM

ART DECO & AROMATHERAPY

Nadine Dilong experiences a deeply relaxing massage at The Langham.

There are few hotels in Sydney as iconic as The Langham. Tucked away in a quiet corner of The Rocks district overlooking Barangaroo, The Langham offers understated luxury, a bit of European flair, and modern, but classic design.

Whenever I talk to someone about The Langham, two things come up: High Tea and 'that pool'. It is fair to say that the Langham’s spa, The Day Spa By Chuan, offers one of the most beautiful and recognisable pools in the country. With pale stone columns and a star-dappled sky ceiling, the 20-metre indoor heated pool is perfect for a few energising laps and one or two sneaky Instagram shots.

The art deco inspired design make you feel like you’re at Jay Gatsby’s mansion, so coming for a swim and a steam room session alone would be worth a trip to the Langham, but today, I am here for an Aromatherapy massage.

The Day Spa by Chuan uses the essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates for its spa treatments, and after filling out my consultation form, my therapist Mina guides me through the candle lit hallway to my treatment room and asks me how stressed I am feeling at the moment.

After admitting that my stress levels are at an all-time high (blame the busy pre- Christmas period), she shows me two oils that have deeply relaxing properties. I choose the ‘De-Stress Mind’ oil as it has a more subtle smell of Chamomile, Petitgrain and Frankincense.

The interior of the the spa is very dark and moody – perfect for a massage and to immerse myself in the treatment. I will try my hardest to forget about the world outside, I tell myself.

Mina explains that this massage uses light to medium pressure, which is best to relax the body. I couldn’t agree more, having had hard pressure, deep tissue massages before, which are anything but relaxing (although you feel amazing afterwards).

Mina starts the massage on my legs, then my back with particular attention to my neck and shoulders, like I asked her during my consultation, and then my arms and hands. Before she asks me to turn around, my favourite part of any massage starts: the scalp massage.

There is something so soothing about having someone run their fingers through your hair and apply pressure to certain points on the head; I find it makes it almost impossible to think about anything else while a masseuse’s hands touch your scalp – it’s bliss!

Then, after I’ve almost fallen asleep, I turn onto my back and and enjoy more pressure along my neck and shoulders. A small towel covers my eyes, which is a little detail that makes any massage treatment more enjoyable.

After 60 minutes, Mina wakes me from my deeply relaxed state and puts my slippers on my feet so I don’t slip due to the essential oils all over my body. Too short, I think, if only she could keep going.

After I am guided back to the relaxation lounge, Mina brings me a cucumber juice and herbal tea to nourish my body. Spa guests are allowed to use the Gatsby-esque pool and gym, and so I can’t help myself but sit by the sparkling aquamarine pool water for a while, trying to prolong the relaxed state I am in.