SPA HOTSPOT: RAES SPA, BYRON BAY

A Slice Of Paradise

NADINE DILONG experiences a face and body treatment at Raes Spa in Byron Bay

Byron Bay has my heart. I have been to this slice of paradise many times and truly consider it one of my favourite places on earth. And within Byron, Wategos Beach is my go-to place to relax and unwind, so it’s kismet that it’s also home to one of Australia’s most exclusive spas at Raes, the chic boutique hotel frequented by celebs and locals alike.

I was fortunate to experience a facial and body massage at the spa recently and was particularly excited as the spa exclusively uses Rationale skincare – arguably one of Australia’s finest exports. The spa is small, but mighty, consisting of only a handful of rooms and narrow hallways that give it an exceptionally cozy feel, almost as if you entered a cave thanks to the stone clad walls.

My therapist Natalie greets me and sits down in the consultation are with me as she offers me a glass of water and shows me the changing room. She then discusses my skin concerns with me in depth, asking about my current routine, products I use, and what I would like to achieve for my skin today.

I pinch myself as I feel so lucky to have experienced a beautiful face and body treatment in a spa that is literally nestled on one of the world’s most pristine beaches with whales playing in the far distance as I exit the building.

I can see her analysing everything I say in her head to come up with my very own customised Rationale regime, using products according to the brand’s trusted ‘Essential Six Collection’ that can be tailored to any skin type and concern.

Natalie also chooses which products she will use during my facial that day, according to what she just learned about my skin. After I change, she guides me into the treatment room and explains that we will start with a pregnancy massage (I am 24 weeks pregnant at the time of treatment), using a large pregnancy pillow which actually allows me to lie on my stomach. The bed is soft and plush and oh so comfortable. Natalie focuses on the areas of the body that I feel need the kneading most and ends the massage with my scalp, which is always my favourite part.

Then, I turn around to have my facial. The familiar scent of Rationale products fills my nostrils as Natalie cleanses and once again, analyses my skin to choose the best products for me. We focus on hydration while also clarifying my slightly bumpy and congested skin (hello, pregnancy hormones!). To revitalise, Natalie uses a Cryo device to cool down my skin and promote circulation. The metal applicator feels extremely cold but so smooth and glides around my skin effortlessly, reducing my redness and calming my skin.

The massage movements Natalie uses on my face are gentle but precise, turning my head sideways every now and then and massaging my neck and shoulders as part of the treatment too. It feels relaxing, effortless, and exactly like what the doctor ordered. The facial ends with 15 minutes under LED light as my hands and arms enjoy a massage too. After about 90 minutes, my treatment comes to an end and Natalie hands me my personalised Rationale products to use at home.

I pinch myself as I feel so lucky to have experienced a beautiful face and body treatment in a spa that is literally nestled on one of the world’s most pristine beaches with whales playing in the far distance as I exit the building. What a special experience.