SPA HOTSPOT: SOFITEL SPA DARLING HARBOUR

Seasonal Delights

Sydney’s newest spa destination, the Sofitel Spa Darling Harbour, offers a holistic approach to wellness centred around the four seasons. NADINE DILONG shares her experience.

Iremember being surprised when the Sofitel Sydney opened without a spa a few years ago – what a missed opportunity, I thought. Fast forward to 2023 and the French hotel has redeemed itself, adding one of the most anticipated luxury spas to its offering, Sofitel Spa Darling Harbour. I was lucky to be one of the first guests to experience a Waterlily body treatment at the spa, which is located on level four with sweeping views over Darling Harbour from many of its treatment rooms, the reception area, as well as the post-treatment lounge.

Sofitel Spa’s pre- and post-treatment lounge

The design of the spa is bright and airy, with lots of soft timbers, sandstone and marble finishes, and Australian made furnishings. With seven spacious treatment rooms including two suites beautifully designed by award-winning design firm, PikeWithers, the spa is spacious and modern. As I walk into the reception area, two things strike me: The scent of cinnamon in the air and the beautiful orange poppy floral arrangements everywhere. Spa Director Cecilia Ferreyra welcomes me and tells me that this is part of the spa’s seasonal concept, in which the treatments, scents, décor, bedding, as well as the food and drinks served will change every season. Being in Autumn, it is all about deep oranges and reds, pumpkin and cinnamon, and a feeling of coziness.

I am guided to my treatment room, which includes a stunning bathroom for me to change in (and later on, wash off the body scrub), and my therapist Samantha goes over my consultation form with me. She tells me we can make the room darker if I want to, and that the treatment bed is heated and can also be adjusted to my liking.

The 90-minute Lemongrass & Citrus wrap starts with a full body scrub Samantha applies to my arms and back first, then my legs, and after I turn over, she asks me if I would like my chest and stomach scrubbed – a fine detail I appreciated as not everyone feels comfortable being touched in those areas. I am then cocooned in several layers of sheets and towels before Samantha indulges me in a nice, long scalp massage – bliss!

I’d like to make a special mention of the luxurious towels at the Sofitel Spa, which are not only huge so you can really wrap your entire body in them, but they’re also soft AND absorbent. Wrapped in my new favourite towels, I am guided to the bathroom where a large shower invites me to wash off the scrub before making my way back to a freshly made treatment bed ready for my massage.

The Waterlily products, which were specifically created for the Sofitel, feel luxurious on the skin. The body oil used for my massage, or Autumn Body Serum, as it’s called, is a blend of Nerolina, Blue Gum Eucalyptus, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Mandarin, and Cedarwood Atlas. I am not exaggerating when I say I have never felt a product as smooth, almost like honey, but without being sticky. My therapist massages the body serum with firm strokes, alleviating some muscle tension I had and making me deeply relax.

The double treatment room offers breathtaking views over Darling Harbour

After my 90 minutes of body-bliss, a healthy snack and tea await me in the lounge area, again, Autumn themed. Pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon make up the healthy treat and, oh my goodness, it was so delicious, I considered asking for another one, but stopped myself. Seasonal food plays a big role in the Sofitel Spa’s offering, as it’s part of their four pillars: Movement, Nourishment, Care, and Rest. Guests can book a half-day wellness journey, which includes activities, such as swimming or a Peloton session, a spa treatment, a healthy meal, and meditation or mindful mandala colouring. It’s a move towards more holistic treatments and away from ‘quick fixes’, which is something I support in every way. I can’t wait to see what the Sofitel Spa Winter theme will look like – I’ll be back next season!