SPA HOTESPOT: CHUAN SPA

Luxury Wellness on the Gold Coast

The new Chuan Spa at The Langham Gold Coast combines glamour with Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, says NADINE DILONG

The Gold Coast has become a favourite holiday destination for Aussies and international tourists alike and is slowly shaking the reputation of ‘schoolies central’. Instead, high end boutique hotels, cafes, and restaurants are opening up, with one of the most anticipated being The Langham, just north of Broadbeach. With its waterfront location, luxurious rooms, and incredible service, The Langham is bringing luxury to the Gold Coast, but it’s its spa, which is the jewel in the crown that makes The Langham worth a visit.

Chuan Spa opened its doors on November 23, 2022, presenting an oasis of peaceful ambience guided by the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with each treatment being customised to nurture, balance and restore, guided by the Five Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

I am meeting Chuan Spa Manager, Emma Sirett, upon my arrival at the spa to learn more about the offering and philosophy behind Chuan Spa. Emma shows me the stunning fitout of soft, neutral, calming hues, and bespoke contemporary design with marble accents comprising eight treatment rooms including two couple rooms. The rooms are very spacious and while the lighting is moody, there is still a light and airy feel to it.

Brands used in the spa include Biologique Recherche, IKOU, Qi Beauty, and AMRA Skincare – with Chuan becoming the first partner in Australia to feature the high-quality ingredients and formulas for their guests. Throughout the spa, I notice the subtle scent of Chuan signature elements oils, and when I am completing my consultation form, it turns out I am in the element of ‘Earth’ that day, so that is the oil that will be used during my treatment.

I am surprised by how tailored each treatment at Chuan is. After a quick consultation, we decide a body scrub, followed by a Harmony Massage would be best for me that day. The scrub, which is made on-site, is not just any scrub, but uses herbs including Ginger and Peppermint mixed with Salt to gently exfoliate and invigorate my body.

The customisation even goes so far as the music; I appreciated my therapist asking me if I was happy with the volume of it. Another impressive detail is the treatment bed, which is not only extremely comfortable, but a bit wider than most others, and of course, it can be heated to keep me at a comfortable temperature. The treatment beds (by Gharieni, made in Germany) as well as some other chairs and equipment at Chuan has been supplied by Spa Vision.

After I shower off my scrub, my full body massage begins, but not before my therapist guides me through a breathing exercise as well as pressing down on certain pressure points on my face, to keep my mind from wandering off, but make me more present in the moment, as she explains.

The relaxation massage uses Chuan’s Traditional Chinese Medicine sequence, combining flowing relaxation movements with therapeutic acupressure techniques. This means that my therapist uses her finger tips and knuckles to firmly press down on certain points on my body, and to be honest, some of them hurt quite a bit, but in a good way. As soon as she releases the pressure, I can feel a warm, tingling sensation in my body. And after 60 minutes of massage, my body feel relaxed, but also invigorated and energised.

Afterwards, I am guided to the relaxation pods in the shape of cocoons where herbal tea and a healthy snack await me. The rattan cocoons offer comfort and privacy – and also look very stylish – and make it quite hard to leave the spa. But after about 15 minutes of enjoying my tea, I float out of Chuan Spa and vow that I will be back at this new must-visit wellness destination on the Gold Coast.