WB Spa & Retreat Planner 2019

TRAVEL & RETREAT Planner 2019 Retreats or time spent in a spa are ways of acknowledging to yourself that you matter. It is a recognition you can’t continuously give or perform without taking time to refill the reservoir from which that giving and performance derive.

It’s not indulgent to take time for a retreat; it is responsible.

In this Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner you have a broad range of retreat and spa experiences laid out before you, from the luxurious to the inspirational. Maybe more than one of them will suit you, but one thing is certain: here you will find places, people and experiences to help you reconnect. In turn, that will help you get more out of life.

Contents Spa, Travel, & Retreat Planner 2019 134 Byron Yoga Retreat Centre Nestled in a forest clearing yet so close the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers the unique choice of seclusion or exploration.

136 Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Wellness Journeys See the world in a new light and find yourself somewhere amazing on an A&K small group wellness journey to Kenya, Peru, India or South-East Asia.

140 Aurora Spa Aurora Spa, St Kilda has a wellness focused approach to spa, to create an urban, high performance spa that delivers maximum results for clients.

142 Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa Located in the Ballarat/Goldfields region, you will find this brand new, purposebuilt facility within the gardens of the Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre.

144 Bannisters Day Spa Bannisters Day Spa is located within Bannisters by the Sea, a boutique hotel located in Mollymook on the gorgeous NSW South Coast.

146 Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa A world class boutique hotel located just outside of Sydney, this is one of Australia’s most distinctive resorts, perfect for a relaxing retreat away from the demands of city life.

148 Byron Bay Detox Retreats This retreat is set among 30 acres of native bushland fronting onto the turquoise waters of Tallows Beach, just south of Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron, on the NSW North Coast.

150 Chateau Elan at the Vintage Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley NSW in Pokolbin, the Spa overlooks a prestigious golf course and is surrounded by vineyards making for a tranquil, green and luscious surrounding.

152 Gaia Retreat & Spa The multi award-winning Gaia Retreat & Spa is poised majestically amidst stunning subtropical gardens on 25 acres in the fertile hinterland of Byron Bay in northern New South Wales.

154 Gaia Retreatment Botanics Olivia Newton-John is proud to share the Retreatment Botanics range of healing spa products which bring home the experience of retreat, merging the ritual of self-nurture with high performance ingredients.

156 Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa Located in the beautiful NSW Hunter Valley, the Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa is a sanctuary from day-to-day life.

132 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

158 Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the tranquil hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast offers a complete health and wellness destination for guests to step away from their busy lives and re-focus on their health.

160 Hanmer Springs, The Spa Located in the New Zealand alpine village of Hanmer Springs, The Spa boasts a stunning mountain backdrop offering guests the opportunity to relax in the therapeutic waters before indulging in one of many spa treatments.

162 Heavenly Spa by Westin™ Located within The Westin™ Brisbane, Heavenly Spa provides authentic, memorable experiences based on unique treatments and quality products delivered with care by knowledgeable and proficient therapists.

164 Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa Located in Hepburn Springs, 90 minutes’ drive from the Melbourne CBD, this iconic bathhouse reconnects you with an array of wellness experiences and a selection of specifically designed wellness packages.

166 Hepburn Spa Retreat and Hepburn Escape Villas Perched high on the ridge overlooking the original and iconic Hepburn Bath House you will find these modern and stunning villas each with tranquil views.

168 iHealth Saunas iHealth Saunas specialise in infrared saunas with a focus on helping clients maintain a healthy lifestyle and an iHealth Sauna experience is a retreat in your own home.

172 ikatan Day Spa Located just 15 minutes from the centre of Noosa, ikatan Day Spa is a short drive from Sunshine, Peregian or Coolum beaches and only 10 minutes from the famous Eumundi Markets.

174 Journeys of the Spirit Journeys of the Spirit cultivates just that; a unique wellness holiday, spiritual journey and travel experience for individuals and small groups where reconnection is at the heart.

176 Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa and Parklands Country Garden & Lodges These spa sanctuaries in the Blue Mountains allow you to refresh and de-stress, each being an individual haven for relaxation.

178 Maruia Hot Springs This thermal wellness destination is located in the beautiful Lewis Pass National Reserve, which is a two-hour drive from Christchurch and one-hour drive from Hanmer Springs.

180 Noosa Whether your idea of restoration and wellness is luxurious pampering, a decadent getaway, living organically, getting in shape, a new challenge or simply slowing down Noosa, Australia’s wellness capital, has something to offer.

182 One Spa — Cape Schanck Located at the southern edge of the Mornington Peninsula, the new RACV Cape Schanck Resort is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, a beautiful resort shaped by the landscape around it.

184 One Spa — RACV Royal Pines One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort is surrounded by manicured gardens and a world-class golf course, just a short distance from the white sandy beaches of Surfers Paradise and the lush beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland.

188 Pretty Beach House and Spa Pretty Beach House is a beautiful high-end wilderness lodge, set within Darkinjung country, and the Bouddi National Park on the Southern peninsula of the NSW Central Coast, just 90 minutes’ drive north of Sydney Harbour.

190 Shizuka Ryokan - Japanese Country Spa and Wellness Retreat Located in Hepburn Springs, voted one of the top wellness destinations in the world, Shizuka Ryokan is a little slice of Japan nestled in native bushland.

192 Stephanies Luxury Spas Each Stephanies Spa is a luxury retreat where clients indulge in decadent worldclass treatments or the simple pleasures of the monthly maintenance manicure.

194 The Spa Beechworth The Spa Beechworth is a premium Victorian wellbeing destination, located in historic Beechworth, North East Victoria surrounded by award winning wineries, Lake Mulwala’s water sports, endless cycling routes and in winter, the beauty of the snow only a short detour away.

196 Villa Thalgo Day Spa Villa Thalgo Day Spa is situated in the historic town of Windsor, positioned to catch the gentle breeze and breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury Valley and foothills of the Blue Mountains, it is a sensory space for men and women to escape from the stress and pressures of everyday life.

198 White Spa and Onsen Retreat The White Spa is the ideal mountain retreat, set in Victoria’s alpine region. Off the mountain, unwind at the Japanese-inspired Onsen Retreat + Spa in nearby Dinner Plain.

200 Yarra Valley Living Centre This purpose-built retreat centre is situated on 40 acres of picturesque native bushland and nestled between rolling hills at the foot of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley.

Photography Getty Images

Your spa and retreat destinations in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.

NSW | Byron Yoga Retreat Centre

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre With its amazing location, nestled in a forest clearing yet so close to the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers the unique choice of seclusion or exploration. You can choose to relax at the Eco Sanctuary, enjoying the mineral-salt pool and lush gardens, jump on a bicycle and head into Byron Bay or take a road trip into the rainforest hinterland.

The experience Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers guests affordable wellness programs with accommodation to suit your budget. While this is not a luxury resort, the rooms are clean and comfortable. The simplicity and focus on the natural surrounds fosters a deep sense of peace and tranquillity, allowing guests to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature — and with themselves.

Byron Bay has long been synonymous with healing and wellbeing. The iconic destination has become home to many amazing yoga teachers, wellness experts and treatment therapists. Byron Yoga Retreat Centre has carefully selected its retreat hosts, teachers and bodyworkers so that guests benefit from the exceptional quality of this vibrant community.

This affordable retreat centre is truly unique. You are offered an authentic retreat experience, surrounded by trees and totally secluded, yet it’s just a 20-minute walk to the centre of Byron Bay. The hub, or the heart, of the eco Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is the indoor/outdoor dining area. The communal tables and delicious food serve to bring guests together and create a congenial atmosphere. The other major drawcard of the site is the 20-metre mineral-salt swimming pool.

134 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

It’s refreshing in summer, solar heated in winter and a welcome aid to soothing yogastretched muscles year-round.

The accommodation is basic, clean and comfortable and most rooms have views of the glistening pool or lush tropical grounds and organic vegie garden. You can choose options to suit your preference and budget, with quad-share cabins, twin-share cabins with shared bathrooms or private and ensuite. There are several yoga spaces to accommodate both the retreat and the teacher-training groups as well as plenty of comfortable spaces to relax and read a book.

meaning integrated or complete in Sanskrit, represents Byron Yoga Retreat Centre’s holistic approach to yoga — integrating the physical asana postures with yoga philosophy, meditation and pranayama.

Retreat programs offer the option of up to three yoga classes each day, with a morning flow, a mid-morning alignmentbased class and an afternoon restorative or yin session. These nourishing afternoon classes help to deeply relax the body, balance the nervous system, release fascia, improve joint mobility and flexibility and calm the mind.

The yoga

Retreat programs

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is celebrated for its accessible style of yoga and highquality yoga teachers. As Australia’s leading teacher-training academy and retreat centre, it has attracted (and taught) an incredible array of national and international yogis. The experienced teachers are adept at making their yoga classes suitable for all levels. Those new, or fairly new, to yoga will find they gain a solid foundation and quickly grow in confidence.

The style of yoga taught was developed by the retreat’s founder John Ogilvie, who began teaching more than 30 years ago. Purna yoga is a classical alignment-focused hatha style of yoga with intelligent sequencing. Purna,

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre hosts an abundance of retreats, so you can choose exactly the dates that work for you. During most weeks of the year, there is a choice of three-, five- or eight-day programs, plus some special retreats such as the Women’s Weekend Retreat and New Year Retreat.

The programs are flexible so you can opt out of sessions if you prefer more relaxation or exploration time.

To experience the full spectrum of workshops, including the popular cooking demonstration and garden tour, the eight-day retreat is the smart choice.

This also allows enough time to fully unwind and recharge as well as time

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

to add some of the additional activities offered such as a surf lesson or kayak trip.

Best of all, the eight-day retreat includes three complimentary treatments. The five-day program features the key workshops that will help you refocus on your wellbeing and includes two massages. Meanwhile, the three-day weekend retreat offers the program highlights and one relaxing treatment.

Each retreat also includes a walk up to the world-famous lighthouse, where you will often see dolphins and whales (during their migration season). The main workshops covering wellness, yogic philosophy, nutrition and meditation are held after breakfast and after dinner. The afternoons are kept free for you to relax by the pool, read, journal or head to the beach or further afield. This is also the best time to schedule your complimentary treatments. The specialty Women’s Retreats follow a similar program, with a focus on workshops and sacred rituals to honour the feminine. All of the programs are designed to allow you to slow down, rest, recharge and develop healthy habits to take home.

The food Feedback from guests rates the food as a major highlight of staying at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre.

The organic vegetarian food is not only delicious, but also nutritious. Prepared using the freshest ingredients, either from the on-site permaculture gardens or from local suppliers (organic where possible), Byron Yoga Retreat Centre follows the principles of SLOW food: Seasonal, Local, Organic and Without processed foods of any kind.

All meals are vegetarian, following the Ayurvedic principles of sattvic cooking, with lots of digestive herbs and spices that promote detoxification and healing and lighten the body, mind and spirit. Vegan-, gluten- and dairy-free options are available and allergies can be catered for. Retreat guests are offered a fresh coldpressed juice during the morning break, while coffee, hot drinks and healthy sweet treats are available for purchase.

Getting there Byron Bay is just a 20-minute drive from Ballina airport, 45 minutes from Gold Coast airport and two hours from Brisbane. All three airports are serviced by frequent shuttle buses that can be booked in advance and will drop you off at (and pick you up from) Byron Yoga Retreat Centre. If you are coming from town, the retreat is a fiveminute taxi ride.

Connect with Byron Yoga Retreat Centre W: byronyoga.com E: info@byronyoga.com P: 02 6685 8327 A: 50 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 135

GLOBAL | Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Wellness Journeys

Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Wellness Journeys Born on safari in East Africa in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has been reinventing luxury travel for more than half a century. With 55 offices and more than 2500 travel experts on the ground around the world, A&K takes the world’s most discerning travellers to the ends of the earth on unforgettable adventures. Every journey includes unparalleled insider- access experiences, courtesy of A&K’s longstanding local connections. This is luxury travel redefined — exquisite, creative, courageous and enriching journeys — taking travellers out of their comfort zones, in comfort, to more than 100 countries and all seven continents. See the world in a new light and find yourself somewhere amazing on an A&K smal-group journey.

Wellness-inspired luxury smallgroup journeys At the heart of A&K’s new wellness-inspired luxury small-group journeys is a mission to reveal the world’s most inspiring traditions and places in a way that authentically speaks to wellbeing. That means a perfect balance of deeply cultural and expertly led experiences in luxurious A&K style that also enrich the mind, body and spirit.

These new journeys meaningfully combine culture and wellness as only A&K can. Travel to iconic destinations — Southeast Asia, India, Kenya and Peru — with a renowned A&K tour director and no more than 18 guests, all while immersing in activities and ancient practices that promote mindfulness and wellbeing, as well as unhurried stays in accommodation noted for their wellness offerings.

There are many reasons to join A&K on a new and unique path to wellness.

Uniquely cultural and expertly designed A&K’s wellness-inspired journeys combine the company’s signature travel experience with rich opportunities to engage the mind, body and spirit in meaningful ways.

136 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

That means enjoying intimate, culturally immersive and luxurious journeys alongside wellness-focused experiences and deliberately relaxed stays that speak authentically to the places visited.

Immersing the mind and spirit in ancient traditions From a guided meditation by a waterfall with a local expert in Luang Prabang to a shaman-led ritual honouring Mother Earth Pachamama in Peru’s Sacred Valley and an ancestor ceremony on India’s Ganges River, experience the beautiful and timeless traditions that have shaped the cultures A&K explores. Inspiring private talks with local experts, such as on Indian Ayurvedic healing properties, provide further opportunities for an in-depth understanding of the timeless wisdom of each place.

Designed to relax and replenish Relish at least one included spa treatment during your journey as well as a half day free of activities at each destination, offering you ample opportunities to relax and reflect. You’ll also enjoy nourishing meals at your rooms that incorporate locally sourced, organic ingredients.

As active as you wish Every journey comes with frequent opportunities to be active, all of which are always included and always optional.

Choose gentle sunrise yoga, a refreshing bike ride through the temples of Siem Reap or Udaipur’s countryside, a thrilling run with members of Kenya’s Maasai tribe, or a hike to a towering peak rising over Machu Picchu.

Inspiring transformations Experience the benefits of giving back when you visit the special communities that A&K partners with to empower lasting change.

Look for the leaf symbol to identify the Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy-supported projects you’ll discover on your journey.

Authentic local experts at your side Your wellness-inspired luxury small-group journey is led from start to finish by a resident tour director, a year-round resident with the kind of insight into local culture that only a true local can bring.

Adding additional colour to your journey are local experts on your destination’s cultural and spiritual heritage, who help you to connect personally with every place you visit.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Adding the personal touch with design your day On a select day of every itinerary, look forward to making your experience that much more personal when you Design Your Day, choosing from three diverse activities ranging from spa treatments to active excursions.

An ideal group size for a rejuvenating journey Every journey features a small-group size of no more than 18 guests, opening up a world of inspiring opportunities for couples and solo travellers to authentically connect with people and places off limits to large groups, and to reflect on your experiences among an intimate group of like-minded travellers.

Enjoy more one-on-one interaction with your resident tour director, as well as access to off-the-beaten-path sites and luxurious accommodations only open to a small group.

Thoughtful luxuries from start to finish With A&K’s exclusive Travelling Bell Boy service, simply leave your packed bags behind in your room as you walk out the door, and find them waiting inside your room at your next accommodation. Every journey also includes Traveller’s Valet®, the exclusive, complimentary laundry service provided once per journey. Stay in touch with friends and family at home with complimentary internet access during hotel stays (subject to availability). And twice during your journey, enjoy the opportunity to have continental breakfast served to you in the comfort of your hotel room. Private arrival and departure transfers are always included with your journey, regardless of when you choose to arrive or depart.

Likewise, all of your gratuities are included, except one for your residenttour director, which is at your sole discretion.

Exceptional hotels with wellness in mind A&K’s local experts start by selecting the best hotels in every region, always synonymous with five-star style, and often a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List or Travel + Leisure World’s Best property. They go a step further wherever possible to choose

accommodation options with ideal locations and exceptional amenities that promote rejuvenation, mindfulness and tranquility.

Ideal locations for reflection and connection Imagine waking in your own private casita enveloped by the Sacred Valley on the Wellness Peru journey, or in a former palace overlooking the holy Ganges River, where locals partake in spiritual practice daily on Wellness India, or amid the faraway pathways of the Masai Mara in a luxury lodge offering prime views of the resident wildlife on Wellness Kenya. On every wellness-inspired journey, expect stays in extraordinary and often intimate accommodation like these, always set in inspiring locales that are closest to the places you most dream of seeing.

Beautiful spas honouring local traditions Just as important as the setting and surrounds of your hotel are the offerings within. With relaxation and rejuvenation top of mind, A&K experts zero in on accommodation options boasting the very best holistic spas, such as what you’ll find at Six Senses Krabey Island off the coast of Cambodia on Wellness Southeast Asia, where you can look forward to indulging in your choice of locally inspired treatments.

Harmonious spaces and wellness amenities A&K prioritises accommodation that brings a truly holistic dimension to your stay with an abundance of wellness amenities. Find everything from modern fitness centres and hammams, swimming pools and restaurants sourcing their menus from an on-site organic garden to putting greens, croquet lawns and scenic outdoor spaces, where you may take part in sunrise yoga or evening stargazing. With balance in mind, A&K wellness-inspired journeys also offer ample time on your own to enjoy these amenities at your leisure.

Choose your wellness-inspired smallgroup journey with A&K from these remarkable destinations.

Kenya: Cultures & Wildlife Discover cultural traditions and inspiring conservation efforts on a wellness-inspired safari through the vast Masai Mara and Tsavo National Park.

Experiences include game drives with A&K driver guides, sunrise yoga, a rejuvenating spa treatment, a conservationfocused visit to an elephant orphanage, a guided hike in the Chylulu Hills, the chance to run with members of the Maasai and a visit to an A&K Philanthropy-supported school.

Journey highlights Connect with primal nature on unforgettable safari game drives with A&K’s expert driverguides, as well as on a guided hike through the untamed forests of the lush Chylulu Hills.

Learn the time-honoured ways of the Maasai tribe with an immersive village visit, including the opportunity to practice warrior skills.

Discover moving and beautifully harmonious conservation efforts, from raising and integrating young elephants back into the wild to transforming common recyclables into vibrant sculptures.

Refresh and replenish with a restorative spa treatment as well as sunrise and sunset yoga.

Gain a new perspective when you learn about an A&K Philanthropy-supported project providing clean water to local villages, and enjoy giving back with an optional visit to an AKP-supported school.

Customise your experience when you Design Your Day in the Masai Mara, with options ranging from a sustainable wetlands tour and cooking class to the opportunity to run with members of the Maasai.

Kenya journey details Nine days, from AU$17,485 Departures: 20 October 2019 to 28 October 2019 29 October 2019 to 6 November 2019 Maximum 18 Guests See full itinerary abercrombiekent.com. au/journeys/wellness-kenya-luxury-smallgroup-journey-2019

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 137

GLOBAL | Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Wellness Journeys

Peru: Spirit of the Incas Experience the mystical beauty, harmony and sacred rituals of the Incas on a wellness-inspired cultural journey to Peru. Experiences include guided hiking in Machu Picchu, a shaman-led payment to the earth ceremony in the Sacred Valley, an afternoon farmstead visit, kayaking Huaypo Lagoon, a restorative spa treatment, traditional medicine talks with local experts and a visit to an A&K Philanthropy-supported school.

Journey highlights Thrill at the grandeur of ancient Machu Picchu during afternoon and early morning

India: Ancient Traditions & inspiring Icons Embrace the soul of intoxicating India on a wellness-inspired cultural journey connecting you to the unique spirit and cultures of the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan and Varanasi. Experiences include guided meditation and bicycling in Udaipur, a private consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and a spa treatment in Rajasthan, an A&K-Philanthropy-supported visit to a residential school and partaking in an ancestor’s ceremony on the sacred Ganges River.

Journey Highlights Discover extraordinary monuments spanning India’s rich spiritual heritage, from

138 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

walks through the citadel, revelling in its mysteries.

Partake in traditional rituals that include a payment to the earth ceremony honouring Mother Earth goddess Pachamama and an optional coca leaf reading by a local shaman.

Learn about healing plants, such as ayahuasca, and traditional medicines during privately led talks with local experts.

Bask in the rolling vistas of the Sacred Valley as you explore the remote Andean lagoon of Huaypo by kayak.

Discover how an A&K Philanthropysupported local school provides education, nutrition, medical care and hope to

underprivileged children in the Sacred Valley.

Experience life at a modern Peruvian farmstead alongside the owners, joining them for a tour of the fields, followed by a true farm-to-table lunch showcasing fresh Peruvian fare.

Peru journey details Ten days, from AU$11,605 Departures: 4 November 2019 to 13 November 2019 3 December 2019 to 12 December 2019 Maximum 18 Guests See full itinerary abercrombiekent.com.au/ journeys/wellness-peru-luxury-small-groupjourney-2019

the temples of Delhi and Udaipur to the breathtaking Taj Mahal, which you visit at both sunrise and sunset.

Enjoy three rejuvenating nights in Udaipur complete with a guided meditation, bike ride through the countryside and a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.

Privately consult with an ayurvedic doctor and learn about the importance of one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems during a stay at Amanbagh, a retreat in the heart of Rajasthan.

Design Your Day in the magical countryside of Rajasthan, with options that include visiting local artisans in their workshops or setting off on a photogenic tour of rural village life at dusk.

Experience an inspired visit to an A&KPhilanthropy-supported, residential school for young girls.

Spend two awe-inspiring nights in Varanasi, a city sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, where you stay along the banks of the Ganges in a former palace and partake in an evening aarti ceremony.

India journey details 13 days, from AU$15,720 Departures: 5 October 2019 to 17 October 2019 9 November 2019 to 21 November 2019 Maximum 18 Guests See full itinerary at https://www. abercrombiekent.com.au/journeys/wellnessindia-luxury-small-group-journey-2019

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Southeast Asia: Timeless Rituals of Indochina Immerse yourself in a wellness-inspired cultural journey to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, discovering enduring traditions and activities that promote wellbeing. Experiences include Siem Reap by bicycle, a Laotian-inspired spa treatment, alms giving and waterfall meditation in Luang Prabang, an A&K Philanthropy-supported visit to a local village and a luxurious stay on private Krabey Island.

Journey highlights Take part in beautiful ceremonies that connect you to the ancient traditions of Southeast Asia, including a Laotian baci ceremony and alms offering.

Practice meditation in Luang Prabang alongside a scenic waterfall with a local teacher before enjoying a walk.

Explore cinematic Siem Reap, venturing to its awe-inspiring temples on a tuk-tuk or bicycle.

Luxuriate on a private tropical island with a threenight stay on turquoise-water-fringed Krabey Island in southern Cambodia.

Choose from a selection of Laotian-inspired treatments delivered by skilled practitioners at Rosewood Luang Prabang’s luxurious spa.

Enjoy a meaningful visit to a rural village partnering with A&K Philanthropy to source clean water in Siem Reap.

Southeast Asia journey details Thirteen days, from AU$14,920 Departures: 9 October 2019 to 21 October 2019 30 October 2019 to 11 November 2019 Maximum 18 Guests See full itinerary abercrombiekent.com.au/journeys/ wellness-southeast-asia-luxury-small-groupjourney-2019

Connect with Abercrombie & Kent W: abercrombiekent.com.au E: contact@abercrombiekent.com.au P: 03 9536 1805 New Zealand: 0800 441 638 Asia: 800 4747 7700

A: Level 3, 290 Coventry Street, South Melbourne Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 139

VIC | Aurora Spa

Aurora Spa Aurora Spa is located in the heart of St Kilda in Melbourne on the first level of The Prince of Hotel, a boutique five-star hotel. Established by Lyndall Mitchell 20 years ago, the vision for Aurora Spa was wellness focused, to create an urban, high-performance spa that delivers maximum results for clients.

Aurora Spa is a retreat for you to truly relax and unwind.

The facilities

Treatments

Aurora Spa in St Kilda is spread over two levels. The first is the reception and ASPAR boutique, with a pristine water wall to create an instant calming space on arrival.

A curved staircase then leads you to the heart of the spa. Here, you have a spacious and separate female and male change and shower room area, where a white robe and slippers await. Before your treatment begins, a Relax Spa tea is offered and there are inspirational books to browse through. Before and after your treatment, you can enjoy gazing at the Melbourne skyline while in the sanctuary of the chillout room. Located in The Prince Hotel, accommodation can be arranged for the ultimate relaxation escape.

All treatments at Aurora Spa are a combination of results-focused techniques, age-old wisdom and spa expertise using powerful and effective botanically active formulations that address skin, body and lifestyle concerns and allow you to relax and revive. The treatment menu offers body massage, hands and feet treatments, advanced facials using the exclusive results-driven Kerstin Florian facial range and the award-winning Kitya Karnu signature steam-room treatment Kitya Karnu is a deeply relaxing, total-body experience in your own private steam room. Aromatic body oils and pure mineral salts are applied for a full-body exfoliation, followed by a massaging

140 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

application of a rich and creamy walnut and wattleseed exfoliant. A nourishing hair treatment is applied along with a hydrating facial cleanse and masque.

A cool river stone ritual that helps to clear and revive energy centres completes the treatment.

Choose from: Detox — detoxifying grapefruit and sweet orange salts with reviving body oils.

Bliss — relaxing lavender and patchouli salts with calming body oils.

When you emerge from this experience, you’ll feel nourished from head to toe and be amazed by the softness of your skin.

The deluxe Correcting and Essentials range from Kerstin Florian allows the luxurious facials on offer to create

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

a balance of resolution and relaxation for clients.

The range is designed for every skin type. From the high-quality ingredients to the earthy scent, it creates a unique sensory journey from the first cleanse, exfoliation, masque, facial massage and serum application.

Aurora Spa prides itself on valuing health and wellbeing and it is important that the treatments reflect this, which is why Aurora has placed such a strong emphasis on finding a skincare range that is in line with its values and beliefs. It is for that reason that Aurora Spa management and staff choose to work with the Kerstin Florian range, as it facilitates what they want to achieve and exceeds those expectations every time.

In addition to Aurora’s intensive treatment menu, it also offers spa retreat packages of two hours or more. You also receive a 30 per cent discount if you book in for two hours or more Monday through to Thursday. All treatments use the ASPAR body range of botanically active products that work in harmony with your body and allow you to relax and unwind.

The Food In the comfort of an Aurora Spa luxurious robe, clients can order from the Mediterranean-inspired menu at the Prince Hotel. Your lovely spa host will take your order and deliver it to you whilst you rejuvenate and unwind in the relaxation lounge.

Getting there Aurora Spa is a 15-minute drive from downtown Melbourne and is located on the first floor of The Prince Hotel in St Kilda, Victoria. Tram numbers 3, 16 and 96 are a short 100-metre walk away on Fitzroy Street. Entry is via The Prince Hotel reception or from the second level of The Prince Hotel car park.

The Prince Hotel car park charges a $5 flat rate fee. There is some free, all-day street parking available in the neighbouring streets, but be sure to arrive with plenty of time before your appointment and check the parking signs carefully.

Things to remember All guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their treatment commencing. This is to allow time to slip into a robe and enjoy an Aurora Spa signature tea. If late, treatment time may be shortened.

Connect with Aurora Spa W: auroraspa.com.au or theprince.com.au E: info@auroraspa.com.au P: 03 9536 1130 Instagram: @auroraspas A: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 141

VIC | Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa

Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa A 75-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, located in the Ballarat/Goldfields region, you will find this brand-new, purpose-built facility located within the serene three-and-a-half hectares of gardens of the Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre.

The experience Take a few deep breaths as you step inside the grand entrance. Leave life’s stresses at the door and allow the attentive team of skilled therapists to take you on a decadent journey to promote wellbeing, vitality and radiance from within.

Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa features six luxury treatment rooms including two dual suites, private bathing, a floating pedicure lounge, relaxation lounge with open fireplace and The Sanctuary with sauna and heated hydrotherapy pool.

The heated hydrotherapy pool was custom made with built-in armrests, foot massages and six individually controlled jets per person.

It can seat 11 people comfortably.

The treatments Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa offers all the traditional treatments you would expect from

142 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

a day spa, with an extensive menu of “shared spa therapies”. Treatments and packages can be shared with a friend, or loved one, in dual-treatment suites with catering options including local produce platters.

Sumptuous treatments to choose from include: Couples Spa Ritual Two 60-minute Wellness Massages in the couples suite followed by private bathing with your choice of bathing additive, DIY scrubs and masks, a glass of sparkling wine and fresh strawberries.

Ladies that Lunch Get together with a few ladies (or gents) at Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa. Commencing with access to The Sanctuary before your choice of a 60-minute treatment, finishing with lunch and glass of wine.

Wellness Massage Designed to relax your mind and body, ease nervous tension and stimulate blood flow, this full-body massage combines gentle rhythmic motions with an aromatic hot-oil infusion to encourage a heightened state of relaxation.

Thermal Muscle Relief Alleviate muscular aches and pains and enhance detoxification with firmer massage strokes and a warming blend of red pepper, camphor and menthol, this is an Ideal pre- and post-physical-activity treatment or for those who like a deeper style of massage. Remedial therapists are available upon request.

Signature Spa Journeys All Signature Spa Journeys offered at Ballarat Day Spa are two hours in duration and can

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

be performed in the dual-treatment room for friends and couples. They also include 60-minute access to The Sanctuary beforehand and conclude with refreshments in the relaxation lounge. Some of the Signature Spa Journeys include: Detox Grounding Foot Bath, Dry Body Brush, Mud-Mask Wrap, Scalp Massage and Hot-Stone Massage.

Nurture Grounding Foot Bath, Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Petite Sensory Facial and Hair and Scalp Treatment.

Invigorate Sensory Journey, Body Exfoliation, Hair and Scalp Treatment, Bathing Ritual, Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.

Renew Welcome Ritual, Full Body Massage and Sensory Facial. (Suitable for pregnancy) Power Facials The spa also has a focus on skin with modalities such as LED, microdermabrasion, oxygen and peels for advanced results.

Favoured among the healing products used at Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa are the Thalgo and Linda Meredith ranges. The spa chooses Thalgo as it is wellrecognised and trusted by regular clientele as they have been exposed to the range in Ballarat for 16 years.

Thalgo also offers an extensive selection of treatments and home-care products, which can be used to treat many different skin concerns.

The Ballarat Day Spa also uses luxury brand Linda Meredith as they are drawn to the brand’s different approach to treating the skin. The Linda Meredith brand offers a more nurturing approach to skincare, whilst still achieving the results our clients desire — making this brand a perfect fit.

The food Complimentary refreshments include Tea Tonic herbal teas and fruit and nut mix served in the lounge post treatment. Additional refreshments include fresh juices and sparkling rose water.

Catering options are provided for groups, which include produce boards from a local caterer as well as packages including a chef’s lunch on-site at Billy’s Bistro.

Things to remember Mobile phones are not permitted in treatment/ relaxation zone. Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa caters to guests 16 years or older.

Getting there Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa is a comfortable drive from Melbourne airport or CBD along the Western Freeway. Upon arrival, there is plenty of free parking within the grounds of the Mercure Hotel.

Connect with Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa W: ballaratsanctuary.com.au E: contact@ballaratsanctuary.com.au P: 03 5327 1296 A: 613 Main Road Ballarat, Victoria

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 143

NSW | Bannisters Day Spa Mollymook

Bannisters Day Spa Mollymook Bannisters Day Spa is located within Bannisters by the Sea, a boutique hotel located in Mollymook on the NSW South Coast. Perched clifftop, Bannisters by the Sea enjoys uninterrupted ocean views.

The experience Bannisters by the Sea is comprised of 34 luxurious rooms each accentuated with a private balcony and spectacular ocean views. Plush beds and bespoke amenities create a stylish seaside escape ideal for rest and relaxation after a sublime day -spa treatment.

Designed to offer guests a private retreat in which to relax and recharge, Bannisters Day Spa is comprised of four indoor treatment rooms and a large hammam stream room with rain shower.

Making the most of Bannisters’ stunning coastal location, a semi-alfresco cabana is also offered, where guests can bask in the soothing rhythm of the waves below.

Sister hotel, Bannisters Pavilion, is situated just 800m away and offers

144 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

another 35 luxuriously designed rooms.

A complimentary courtesy vehicle runs between the two premises for the ease and convenience of guests.

The treatments The treatments at Bannisters Day Spa provide a sensory experience. Skilled therapists use the finest Eminence products to leave both body and mind relaxed and restored. Eminence provides a holistic approach to skincare and uses only the finest ingredients from Hungary, chosen specifically for their beautifying and cleansing properties.

The extensive treatment menu ranges from soothing relaxation and remedial options to warming hot-stone massages designed to melt away stress.

A selection of spa packages are available including The Pinnacle Experience — the ultimate day of indulgence. It begins with a skinstimulating full-body polish and nourishing cocoon as well as time to unwind in a private steam room. Then rinse off under the tranquil rain shower to reveal luminous skin before a full-body massage. Finish off with a luxurious facial, manicure and pedicure to give you that head-to-toe glow.

Bannisters Day Spa’s range of facials is tailored to address each guest’s individual needs to leave skin looking and feeling radiant. Expert therapists will discuss your skincare requirements during a skin analysis before performing a sublime facial tailored to you. Bannisters Skin Fit Facial will energise your skin, leaving it

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

toned and exfoliated as well as moisturised and radiant. The Anti-Ageing Powerhouse Facial is rich with organic antioxidants and plant peptides to deeply hydrate and plump skin as well as boost collagen to address fine lines. Or you can go all the way with a Pinnacle Facial, combining a customised facial with a soothing eye treatment to minimise fine lines and reduce puffiness, a mind-melting scalp massage and a relaxing foot massage.

Manicures at Bannisters are a luxurious experience that includes exfoliation, a moisturising cocoon and relaxing hand and arm massage to leave skin smooth and soft. Pedicures include a relaxing foot soak, exfoliation and cocoon followed by a leg and foot massage using warmed stones. Both manicures and pedicures are finished with a buff and polish of the nails, selecting from a range of classic colours.

Couples and expectant mothers are thoughtfully catered for with treatments tailored to enhance their unique experience.

A complete spa treatment menu can be viewed via the Bannisters website.

The food Bannisters by the Sea is home to the award-winning Rick Stein restaurant. Sprawling ocean views from the deck and fresh seafood dishes bursting with flavour in Rick’s signature style make dining here an absolute delight.

With beautiful vistas, the rhythmic sound of waves washing against the headland and a talented team of chefs who share Rick’s passion for seafood, dining at Bannisters is a truly memorable experience. Fresh, inspired dishes bursting with flavour and a wine list expertly crafted by the sommelier to accentuate your meal make dining at Rick Stein at Bannisters an absolute delight for lovers of seafood.

More relaxed dining is also an option at The Pool Bar. Boasting one of the most enviable views in Mollymook, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean for endless vistas. The menu has a tempting selection of gourmet pizzas and delicious bites — the perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail after a treatment.

Things to remember Spa appointments fill quickly. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.

Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes before their appointment to complete a consultation form and enjoy a relaxing herbal tea. Mobile phones must be switched off on entry to maintain the tranquil nature of the spa.

Getting there Bannisters’ seaside location is easily accessible by car. Enjoy a scenic drive only two-and-a-half hours from Canberra and three hours from Sydney. The area is also regularly serviced by bus. Parking is available free of charge at the hotel.

Connect with Bannisters W: bannisters.com.au E: info@bannisters.com.au P: 02 4455 3044 A: 191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 145

NSW | Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa A world-class boutique hotel located just outside of Sydney, Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is one of Australia’s most distinctive resorts, perfect for a relaxing retreat away from the demands of city life. Killcare Heights is situated on the southern peninsula of the Central Coast and is a quaint seaside village nestled within the spectacular NSW Bouddi National Park, of which there are many idyllic coastal hikes to explore. The park is surrounded by water, from Broken Bay to the Pacific Ocean, and is home to the only marine park in NSW that runs alongside a national park — Maitland Bay Marine Sanctuary.

The experience Indulge in Hampton’s-style, boutique accommodation with 25 private coastalinspired cottages sprawling over a beautiful rural acreage of manicured grounds, established native flora, running streams, a tranquil lake and a few smaller ponds. Located at the heart of the retreat, the restaurant commands a prominent position in the Manor House with an elegant dining room, bar, private dining room and alfresco-enclosed balcony overlooking the immaculate gardens.

The treatments Bells Day Spa is a highlight of any stay. It is a haven for guests to de-stress and truly relax, unwind and enjoy. Bells Day Spa has four beauty rooms and is open to in-house guests and the public by appointment.

146 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Bells Day Spa offers treatments using LI’TYA spa products, made in Australia.

Using only the purest-grade essential oils and the highest-quality native Australian plants, flowers, fruits and muds, these products, in conjunction with unique indigenous Australian healing techniques, deliver a spa experience that not only deeply relaxes but will also connect you with the true heart of this ancient land.

If you choose a massage, each Bells therapist will bring their own special style of healing massage to the treatment table. Your immediate concerns will be addressed in a way that is both therapeutic and relaxing.

For a real treat, try a Kodo massage.

Kodo, meaning melody, is a divine rhythmic massage inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques that

work to bring the body back into balance enhancing mind and body wellness.

Together with the use of native aromatic oils, spiralling movements and pressure points, this massage is the ultimate stress reliever.

The food Bells at Killcare opened in 2007 and since then has had a philosophy of growing as much of its own produce on-site as possible. There are three full-time gardeners who grow, harvest and care for the huge gardens at Bells.

The menus are grounded in the core values of authenticity, simplicity and freshness, featuring seasonal dishes inspired by the produce grown and harvested in the estate’s vegetable garden. The kitchen garden supplies

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

the restaurant with more than 15 per cent of the produce on the menu, ensuring sustainable practices and a lower carbon footprint.

The kitchen garden supplies the kitchen with an abundance of home-grown herbs, many varieties of lettuce, red mizuna leaf, green oak, parsley, purple and green basil, rocket, kale, sage, mint, spearmint, lemongrass, lemon myrtle and a variety of pretty edible flowers. Vegetables and fruits include cucumbers, zucchinis, zucchini flowers, carrots, celery, pumpkins and loads of heirloom cherry tomatoes and watermelons.

Famous for its multi-award-winning restaurant, the menus at Bells at Killcare have gained a very long list of accolades and awards since opening in 2007. The effortless skill of the chefs makes for a wonderful gastronomy getaway, which complements any stay at the property.

In addition to estate-grown produce, the menu showcases as many local NSW producers, suppliers, winemakers and growers as possible.

Locally harvested seafood includes freshly shucked oysters and crayfish caught off nearby Macmasters Beach. Local like-minded farmers are also supported, supplying staples such as organic beans and snow peas.

Bells at Killcare also has a cherry-blossom orchid, avocado trees, lemon trees, olive trees, honey-bee hives and free-range hens protected by Enzo, the Italian sheepdog.

The restaurant’s wine list has been named Best Regional Wine List many times for its impressive cellar and collection of both local and international, particularly Italian, varieties.

Things to remember There is a two-night minimum stay on a weekend but Bells recommends a three-night stay to really relax. Children are not permitted, unless you book a two-bedroom cottage, of which there are only three.

Packages including meals and/or spa treatments are available.

There is a mid-week, “Stay 3 Pay 2” offer available during the winter months.

Getting there Bells at Killcare is approximately 90 minutes north of Sydney and 90 minutes south of Newcastle. The NSW Bouddi Peninsula is in the southern region of the Central Coast and is just across the water (20 minutes by ferry) from Sydney’s famous Palm Beach.

Return airport transfers can be arranged from Sydney or Newcastle airports.

A train to Woy Woy or seaplane from Rose Bay is also an option.

Connect with Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa W: bellsatkillcare.com.au E: reservations@bellsatkillcare.com.au P: 02 4349 7000 A: 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights NSW Instagram: @bells_at_killcare Facebook: @bellsatkillcare

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 147

NSW | Byron Bay Detox Retreats

Byron Bay Detox Retreats Byron Bay Detox Retreats is set among 12 hectares of native bushland fronting onto the turquoise waters of Tallows Beach, just south of Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron, on the NSW North Coast. Wildlife wander around the tea tree-strewn property and kookaburras delight at breaking waves as retreaters unwind in the tranquillity and solitude of their private cottages’ timber-floor decks and hammocks.

The experience Byron Bay Detox Retreats offers one of the most holistic and comprehensive naturopathic detox programs available today and is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Experience a life-changing transformation on exclusive group retreats, or personalised one-on-one retreats, where you will rejuvenate mind, body and soul.

The rustic and more luxurious cottages, as well as studios, are also all equipped with reverse-cycle air conditioning, living areas, kitchenettes and adjoining bathrooms.

Many group retreats are held during the year that have an intimate atmosphere, which offers support while detoxifying.

Gatherings held in the pyramid-like Yoga Shala include morning meditation and yoga classes, workshops on mindfulness, sleep therapy, nutrition and stress management, as well as the retreat’s signature sound healing that offers a gentle yet powerful blend of didgeridoo, chimes, crystal bowls and sacred voice in harmonious vibration.

Love yourself and gift yourself with a rejuvenating retreat in a place of wellness, vitality and peace.

The healing This is a holistic detoxification retreat that works not only on physical purification, but

148 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

also on mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Retreaters are facilitated and nourished beyond a mere pamper in their health-seeking journeys by a dedicated team of qualified naturopaths, health professionals and therapists.

Retreaters fast on cold-pressed organic juices, as well as an evening mineral broth and a vast variety of herbal teas and alkalised water. This detoxification process is accelerated by sessions of colonic hydrotherapy and a daily infrared sauna, which works on a cellular level, and, ideally, an ocean plunge, too.

Also included in the retreat package are supplements for heavy-metal, bowel, liver and parasite cleanses. There’s a choice of additional treatments, which include a range of traditional and ancient healing techniques such as bodywork, massage, spiritual counselling, medical intuitive practices, hypnotherapy, energy healings and much more, all tailored to suit individual needs.

Therapists at Byron Bay Detox Retreats are hand-picked from the Northern Rivers region to ensure that the delivery of treatments is world-class. Head facilitator, Natalie Purcell, has more than 20 years of personal experience and training in detoxification and spiritual healing. She also offers the Taoist abdominal organ

massage, Chi Nei Tsang, which clears blocked internal pathways to alleviate negative emotions and sickness.

You are invited to experience the many health benefits of a Byron Bay Detox Retreat such as renewed energy and vitality, natural weight loss, breaking of addictions, relief from disease, improved digestion, reduced effects of aging, spiritual growth, a clearer complexion, improved immunity and clarity of mind.

The fast and the food After being nurtured through the five days of fasting, retreaters are served a fastbreaking breakfast of fresh papaya with a hint of alkalising lime and mint.

They are then rewarded with a raw-food cooking class from the retreat centre’s expert chef that culminates in their first lunch in many days. Retreaters not only learn how to make superfood smoothies, as well as raw sauerkrauts, pastas and desserts, but also enjoy them with the group. Raw-food cuisine is served throughout the last 24 hours of the retreat.

This culinary knowledge, as well as the information and inspiration attained from seminars and consultations, is then taken away by retreaters to continue their new healthy lifestyle.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Things to remember Prior to attending the retreat, clients are requested to fill out a health questionnaire to assist the qualified team of naturopaths in supporting their needs.

Clients are advised to follow pre-fast procedures in the days leading up to attending the retreat centre to aid their transition to detoxification. Also, just as important as fasting is breaking a fast and clients are given information on how to slowly ease their reset internal organs and purified mind, body and soul back into their lifestyles after their enlightening time at the seaside sanctuary.

All retreaters are reminded that any impurities such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine are not allowed during the retreat and food of any kind is to be abstained from during their stay to allow the healing process to occur. Â Booking early avoids disappointment and not only ensures the first choice of cottages in the retreats that are typically fully booked, but also keeps airline costs down.

Included in the package is accommodation, colonic hydrotherapy, infrared sauna, all organic juices, broths, teas and meals, on-site supplements, group yoga, meditation and sound-healing sessions, educational seminars, naturopathic consultations, raw-food cooking classes and fast-breaking meals.

Retreaters can also opt for their own cottage rather than sharing a bathroom with one other, or a studio apartment, for extra costs.

Also available year-round is the option of a private and exclusive personalised retreat.

Getting there The closest airport to Byron Bay Detox Retreats is Ballina Byron, about a 30-minute drive, while Gold Coast airport is about a one-hour drive away. Shuttle busses from both airports ($20-$40) take clients directly to the retreat centre, or a personalised pickup service can be arranged.

Connect with Byron Bay Detox Retreats W: byronbaydetoxretreats.com.au E: info@byronbaydetoxretreats.com.au P: 0458 633 869

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 149

NSW | Chateau Elan at The Vintage

Chateau Elan at The Vintage Chateau Elan at The Vintage is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, NSW, in Pokolbin.

The spa overlooks a prestigious golf course and is surrounded by vineyards, creating a beautifully tranquil, green and luscious space.

The experience Situated in the luxurious Chateau Elan at The Vintage resort, spa guests can stay overnight in one of the spa suites or villas.

The property boasts accommodation, a swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, golf clubhouse, conference facilities, a restaurant and wine lounge.

The spa, which is situated in the resort’s main building, consists of 17 treatment rooms and three lounge spaces: the Sante Lounge, an intimate area with a fireplace; the Reflection Lounge, a larger space created for groups or individuals to relax and unwind in prior to treatment; and the Hydro Lounge, an indoor/outdoor space with two warm mineral spas and a detox box to rejuvenate either before or after your treatment. There are also large bathrooms with lockers, so guests can be assured that all their belongings are

150 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

safe. Robes, slippers and towels are also provided to guests for the ultimate relaxing experience.

Chateau Elan at The Vintage has four luxury room options. The main hotel complex accommodates a limited number of spa suites, designed for singles or couples who require absolute comfort, privileged spa access in their rooms and total privacy. Adjacent to the main hotel complex and cascading down the hillside is a series of private villas. Guests enjoy an elevated position overlooking the fairway. Villa studio provides an open-plan bedroom and stylish living space, plus ensuite bathroom with spa bath. One-bedroom apartments, which are larger, with a separate bedroom, dining area and kitchen for all your catering needs. Villa studios and one-bedroom apartments can be joined to offer

two-bedroom apartments for groups of friends or families.

All rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking The Vintage fairways the Hunter Valley and offer:  Luxury bathroom amenities  Foxtel, cable sports, news and kids channels  In-house movies available at an extra cost  iPod docking stations  Complimentary Wi-Fi  Reverse-cycle air conditioning  Fireplace in one-bedroom apartments  In-room safe suitable for a laptop

The treatments Chateau Elan at The Vintage combines spa rituals, traditional beauty treatments and education to prolong the efficacy of your treatments. The resort believes in the power of togetherness and enjoyment.

Your treatment rooms are given over to

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

massage and hydrotherapy, exercise and beauty, while unique lounge areas within the spa offer places for extended relaxation and socialising.

A wide range of face and body treatments are offered, including relaxation massage, aromatherapy massage, hot-stone massage, therapeutic massage, remedial massage, body exfoliation, body wraps, facials, advanced skin treatments such as microdermabrasion and peels, balneotherapy bath sessions, couples treatments, tanning, waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures.

As part of the delivery of premium treatments, Chateau Elan at The Vintage uses Thalgo products as the diverse range has something to suit all skin types and conditions. Thalgo products are chosen because every ingredient is obtained from quality sources, such as rare algaes and sea minerals.

Thalgo also achieves amazing textures and fragrances in its products, making it a luxurious brand where quality is uncompromised.

Chateau Elan at The Vintage also stocks Kerstin Florian body products as the essential oils and natural ingredients in this range allow the spa staff to perform beautiful body rituals.

The food Complimentary sweet treats, dried fruit, nut mixes and herbal teas are provided. Guests can also order cheese and fruit platters, spa lunch platters and local vineyard sparkling wine and rosé to enjoy before or after their treatments. The Legends Bar and Grill is only a two-minute walk from the spa should you want a meal.

Things to remember Although lockers are provided, guests are asked not to bring valuables to the spa. All you need to bring is swimwear if you wish to use the mineral spas. Guests are asked to switch off or put their phones on silent and to keep noise to a minimum to allow for total relaxation for themselves and others experiencing treatments.

There are no extra costs other than if you wish to purchase products, cheese and fruit platters, spa lunch platters or alcohol. Any credit-card payments incur a 1.5 per cent surcharge and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy, where 100 per cent is charged to the credit card on file for “no shows” or cancellations without 24 hours’ notice.

Getting there As Chateau Elan at The Vintage is located in a semiremote area, there are no forms of public transport to reach the resort. However, it is only 15 minutes off the Hunter Expressway and is easy to locate. The resort has ample car parking spaces.

Connect with Chateau Elan at The Vintage W: chateauelan.com.au E: spareception@thevintage.com.au P: 02 4998 2504 A: Vintage Drive, Pokolbin NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 151

NSW | Gaia Retreat & Spa

Gaia Retreat & Spa Nestled amid lush green valleys and undulating hills in the fertile hinterland of Byron Bay in northern NSW, the multi-award-winning Gaia Retreat & Spa sits majestically amid stunning subtropical gardens, proudly able to boast magnificent 360-degree views of the land below. Conveniently located less than a 30-minute drive from Ballina Byron airport in NSW and an hour from Gold Coast airport in Queensland, the winding climb up to the property may feel like you’re on a journey towards a magical castle with Gaia’s nurturing, healing energy being immediately present and strong.

G

aia’s extraordinary setting goes beyond the lush rolling hills and breathtaking vistas of the Byron Bay hinterland. The region is famed as the healing capital of Australia – abundant in organic foods, talented therapists and a unique spirit.

These are gifts of this very special region that are wholeheartedly embraced and incorporated into the Gaia experience and assets that appeal to a worldwide market.

The experience Scattered on a hilltop, Gaia boasts 25 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas set among lush subtropical rainforest gardens. The accommodation is contemporary and elegant in style, designed to inspire a feeling of calm and balance. Each room is spacious and decorated in warm earthy tones. There are several accommodation options depending on your budget. These range from the elegant but modest Layana Rooms right through to the luxurious Komala Villas that feature their own private saltwater plunge pools, luxurious reclining baths, large outdoor decks and private treatment areas. The fragrant garden surrounds make for very pleasant reading and relaxation time.

All rooms are extremely well presented and appointed. Most include televisions, DVD players (DVDs, CDs and books can be borrowed from the main library) and sound systems. All are stocked with

152 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

robes, slippers and a range of Gaia’s new, all-natural and organic luxury skincare products —Retreatment Botanics — that are simply divine.

At the heart of each Gaia experience is the multi-award-winning Gaia Day Spa with 14 treatment rooms, set in the fragrant gardens overlooking the tranquil pool and spa area. The Day Spa has attracted some of the finest healers and therapists in Australia, solidifying its reputation as a top day spa, named the World’s Best Day Spa by the World Spa Awards four years in a row (2015-2018). There’s an extensive menu of more than 50 therapeutic and natural healing treatments for both men and women, each offering guests a unique experience guaranteed to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Gaia Retreat & Spa’s main area, Kukura House — ancient Sanskrit for “people” — is the main meeting place where everyone gathers. The Samoan-style contemporary longhouse is home to the reception, relaxing lounges and library and exudes easy-living comfort during the day and becomes a fine-dining experience in the evening. Elegantly decorated, Kukura House is contemporary, sleek and spacious yet warm and welcoming.

The 25-acre (10 hectare) property also features a heated swimming pool, grand-vista yoga room, spa, sauna, tennis court, fitness centre, naturopathic clinic, breathtaking lookouts, walking tracks and organic gardens.

The treatments Gaia is one of Australia’s most-awarded boutique pamper retreats, giving you the choice and flexibility to completely personalise your experience. Check in any day, select an accommodation retreat package that suits you and let the team guide you. Gaia’s exceptional team of wellness professionals offer sage advice and a diverse range of inspiring revitalising activities and services for you to enjoy.

Gaia Retreat & Spa creates a place of heart where you own the experience — it’s a place to refocus, rebalance and truly restore. Guests can choose their own degree of rest, relaxation and pampering as every lifestyle and spa program is tailored specifically to the individual. Your program can be active and energetic or tranquil and serene — or perhaps a tempting combination of both. There are daily activities aplenty, whether you partake in tai chi, boxing, yoga, cooking classes or clay sculpture, the relaxed, caring staff is there to ensure you get the most out of your experience, with the right mix of fun and revitalisation.

Treatments at the multi-award-winning Gaia Day Spa range from blissful fullbody massages and decadent facials to nurturing half-day Gaia signature packages such as the Gaia Goddess and Dreamtime Travel, aimed to delight and fulfil every spa lover’s dream — and convert anyone who had their doubts about what a spa experience can truly offer. Our dedicated

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

and passionate practitioners ensure you feel restored, pampered and educated to reach your optimal level of health.

Gaia offers various all-inclusive retreat packages ranging from two- to seven-day experiences or longer if you choose. These packages cover everything from accommodation, all gourmet meals and snacks to daily activities, morning yoga and select spa treatments. All packages are designed to be adjusted and tailored to the individual guest’s needs as requested, therefore a range of spa treatments or focus add-ons can be purchased at any stage. There are no set date schedules, you can check in and out any day.

Gaia Day Spa is also open for day guests who choose to simply enjoy the facilities for one day and indulge in Gaia’s large range of more than 50 treatments and healing modalities on offer.

The food Gaia’s kitchen at Kukura House creates stunning spa cuisine using delicious organic food sourced locally and from Gaia’s own organic gardens that nourish the body and the senses. The food on offer at Gaia fuses culinary passion with subtle yet colourful flavours, capturing the intensity of the dishes.

This has made Gaia the winner of prestigious food awards including The Spa Traveller Best Wellness Cuisine 2015, Wellness Travel Awards Best Nutrition 2015 and more recently two World Luxury Restaurant Awards Global Winner Health and Wellness Cuisine 2017 and 2018’.

Gaia’s award-winning head chef, Dan Trewartha, offers an exquisite authentic Australian spa cuisine experience with his innovative style of delicious food combinations now featured in the new Gaia Celebrate Recipes cookbook.

All gourmet meals are served in Kukura House, the central meeting lodge where everyone gathers. The day begins with a sumptuous buffet and hot breakfast delighting even the most ferocious superfood enthusiast, followed by a light lunch setting the tone for relaxing afternoon spa treatments. Afterwards, the evening unfolds with a luxurious three-course fine-dining experience.

The menu changes daily and is customised to each individual guest’s preferences, desires and special dietary requirements.

Worldwide recognition In 2018, Gaia Retreat & Spa became the first Australian hotel/retreat to be awarded the overall winner at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, receiving the coveted 2018 Global Hotel of the Year Award. Further recent accolades highlighting Gaia’s worldwide recognition include the World Travel Awards World’s Leading Retreat 2016, 2017 and 2018 and Australasia’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Adding to these honours, Gaia has been crowned by the World Spa Awards as Oceania’s Best Day Spa 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and World’s Best Day Spa 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Other accolades include Best Luxury Spa Retreat 2017 and 2018 and Best Luxury Wellness Spa 2017 and 2018 at the World Luxury Spa Awards.

Getting there Gaia Retreat & Spa is located a short 15-minute drive from Byron Bay, less than 30 minutes from Ballina Byron airport and approximately 60 minutes from Gold Coast airport.

There are a host of transfer options available, including luxurious limousine services that are either part of the retreat packages or can be arranged upon request.

Connect with Gaia Retreat & Spa W: gaiaretreat.com.au E: info@gaiaretreat.com.au P: 02 6687 1216

A: 933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet NSW Facebook: @gaiaretreatandspa Instagram: @gaiaretreat Twitter: @GaiaRetreat

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 153

RETREAT PRODUCT | Retreatment Botanics

Gaia Retreat & Spa — Retreatment Botanics Inspired by the ethos of her much-loved multi-award-winning Gaia Retreat & Spa, located in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland, Olivia Newton-John is proud to share the Retreatment Botanics range of healing spa products.

R

etreatment Botanics brings home the experience of a retreat, merging the ritual of selfnurture with pure performance ingredients. The results-focused formulas are toxic-free with a strong emphasis on clean, green, active ingredients.

Retreatment Botanics products are also palm-oil-free. This is rare and difficult to achieve in the beauty industry but the Retreatment Botanics range is certified by the Orangutan Alliance.

The products contain only high-quality natural and organic ingredients, featuring age-defying Australian native bioactives and high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D and essential fatty acids to support radiant, glowing skin. All products are Australian made, vegan, cruelty-free and have been created by Olivia with leading natural scientists and Gaia’s own skincare specialists to introduce balance, glow and timeless beauty into your world.

Australian ingredients Retreatment Botanics features powerful Australian native extracts in every product.

Native plants have survived thousands

154 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

of years in the harsh Australian climate.

They have developed powerful adaptation mechanisms to store vast quantities of the phyto-compounds and antioxidants needed to survive the extreme conditions. It only makes sense to harness this advanced natural plant intelligence to protect, nurture and feed your skin with high concentrations of nutrients. Some of the featured Australian native extracts are:  Kakadu plum  Desert lime  Davidson plum  Banksia  Lilly pilly  Quandong  Finger lime  Mountain pepper  Emu apple berry  Sandalwood seed Other key ingredients with high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids include:  Buriti fruit oil  Jojoba oil  Rosehip oil  Macadamia oil  Sea buckthorn oil  Aloe leaf juice

The products These powerful ingredients are combined into unique healing products that will perfectly complement your retreat experience or allow you to create your own home-spa retreat experience.

The Retreatment Botanics range of products includes: Radiance Cream Cleanser A soothing cream face cleanser that gently removes excess oil, surface pollution and impurities, featuring Kakadu plum, sea buckthorn and soothing aloe leaf.

Refining Face Polish A brightening triple-action face exfoliant with rich native lilly pilly and fruit acids that gently dissolve dull build-up on the skin. Eco-friendly jojoba beads refine the skin, while kaolin clay draws out impurities revealing a beautiful fresh and radiant complexion.

Kakadu Brightening Serum An intensely potent vitamin C serum featuring an advanced complex of Kakadu plum and native lime extracts, this active formula helps firm, brighten and reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe leaf and hyaluronic acid infuse hydration and calm the skin.

Restore Serum A superfood elixir for the skin featuring Amazonian buriti fruit, which is rich in beta-carotene and EFAs to help visibly firm the skin. Rosehip oil plumps and smooths fine lines while native sandalwood seed

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

infuses the skin with antioxidants to reveal a glowing, youthful-looking complexion.

Light Hydrating Moisturiser This is a light moisturiser with high-potency native bioactives. Banksia extract, rich in ellagic acid, helps visibly firm skin and promote elasticity, while antioxidant-powerhouse green tea helps protect against environmental damage. Hyaluronic acid visibly plumps and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revealing soft and radiant skin.

Ultra Rich Moisturiser This rich deluxe face moisturiser leaves your skin dewy and radiant. It contains ultra-strength vitamin C from native Kakadu plum to brighten the skin.

Mountain pepper berry leaf promotes skin elasticity and hyaluronic acid plumps and smooths the appearance of fine lines.

Firming Eye Contour Cream This intensive eye cream contains native quandong to visibly lighten dark circles and caffeine-rich green coffee extract to de-puff the eye area. Gotu kola and hyaluronic acid smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the eye area looking fresh and revitalised.

Instant Glow Face Masque This nutrient-rich AHA clay masque provides instant radiance to the skin. The intensive formula includes age-defying buriti fruit and gotu kola to help visibly smooth lines and wrinkles, while antioxidant-rich kale extract destroys free radicals and native Kakadu plum and emu apple brighten the skin. Gentle fruit acids and papaya enzymes gently dissolve dull layers, revealing a glowing, radiant complexion.

Wild Kakadu Hand & Body Cream This nourishing cream with vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum helps visibly firm and brighten the skin. Cacao and shea butters deeply nurture while macadamia, coconut and avocado oils nourish your hands and body. This absorbent formula leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated.

Retreatment Botanics products draw from the land to nourish and restore your skin, leaving you with a healthier, more vibrant complexion. The products have been lovingly developed and will help with a diverse range of conditions such as dull and lacklustre skin, dry and dehydrated skin, elasticity loss and visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Connect with Retreatment Botanics W: retreatmentbotanics.com Instagram: @retreatmentbotanics Facebook: @RetreatmentBotanics

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 155

NSW | Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa

Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa Located in the beautiful NSW Hunter Valley, the Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa is a sanctuary from day-to-day life. Guest accommodation is surrounded by picturesque views of the Hunter Valley wine country, Broken Back and Barrington Tops mountain ranges, with villas facing north and south over wineries and vineyards giving guests the opportunity to breathe fresh country air each day.

The experience Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa is a place for you to take time to reset your mind and body and gain a wealth of knowledge to create a healthier, happier and more motivated you. The all-inclusive health and wellness programs have been developed to motivate change and give you the tools you need for lasting results. Your stay will include everything from informative seminars, a huge range of activities, spa treatments, relaxation time and nutritious, healthy meals.

Featuring 74 stylish villas with one, two or three bedrooms, this exceptional property is the only purpose-built destination health retreat in Australia.

Nutrition, exercise and relaxation are the cornerstones of the Golden Door philosophy and these combined deliver a holistic approach to wellness and nutrition.

Evenings are spent at your leisure, with some choosing to read by the open fire in winter, play board games, solve puzzles or borrow a DVD from the library.

156 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Guests return to their rooms each night after a nutritious dinner to Golden Door’s signature turndown service. All villas and suites provide a sanctuary in which guests can completely relax in peace.

The treatments Golden Door’s world-class retreat facilities include a gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools, indoor activity centre, tennis courts, three yoga and fitness studios, steam rooms and spas, a meditation hill, wellness centre, relaxation lounges, theatrette, library and more. It is a place, where you can connect your mind, body and spirit, try new activities and treatments and discover a balanced life. Here, you will learn about health and wellness and its benefits, kick-start a fitness and healthy-eating program and relax in the tranquillity of a world-class spa.

On offer are Golden Door’s signature, three-, five- or seven-night all-inclusive programs or you can try a two-night weekend program for a “taste” of Golden Door.

If you have goals relating to weight management or corporate wellbeing, there are specialised programs available.

Each day, there is a full program of activities such as empowering workshops, low-, medium- and high-intensity fitness activities, cooking demonstrations and mindfulness classes that guests can choose to participate in. Guests also have the option to book one-on-one wellness sessions with some of Australia’s most skilled practitioners in fields such as naturopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and Feldenkrais.

If your stay is more about relaxation and winding down, you can choose to restore in the Day Spa, a haven of relaxation, beauty and healing located within the health retreat. Within the Day Spa, you can experience massages, facial treatments, body treatments or the signature Watsu water therapy. Full menus for spa and wellness treatments are available via the Golden Door website.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

The food At Golden Door, you will be offered sensibly portioned, healthy, nutritious wholefoods at wellspaced mealtimes. A stay at Golden Door gives your body a rest from red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and saturated fats. Guests are less likely to go back to their usual excessive levels of food consumption once they have had the opportunity to have a break from these foods and will then reintroduce them sensibly and in moderation. All retreat stays include three meals and two snacks daily. Some examples of the food served at Golden Door are available in the company’s cookbook or blog.

By sharing meals with fellow guests without the distractions of technology and day-to-day living, mealtimes are a chance to enjoy the simplicity of food and life.

Things to remember Golden Door is a smoke-and alcohol-free environment. Only guests over the age of 16 are accommodated. With the exception of the two-day weekend taster program, all programs start on a Sunday.

Getting there The Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa is located in the beautiful landscape of the Hunter Valley, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney, or only one hour from Newcastle airport. There is car parking available for guests on the grounds.

Golden Door also offers a shuttle from Newcastle airport, Sydney airport and Chatswood train station on Sunday. For your arrival on Sunday, ensure when booking flights that you allow adequate time to meet the shuttle prior to departure. Shuttle times on Sundays are: Newcastle airport: departing time varies by day (please confirm with reservations before booking your flights) Sydney domestic airport: departing at 9.30am Chatswood train station: departing at 10.15am Retreat departure on Friday or Sunday: Newcastle airport: departing Golden Door at 11.45am — schedule domestic flights from 2.00pm Sydney domestic airport: departing Golden Door at 12.30pm — schedule domestic flights from 5.30pm and international flights from 6.30pm Chatswood train station: departing Golden Door at 12.30pm — approximate arrival at Chatswood is 3.30pm Transfers are complimentary for sevennight-program guests. At the time of publishing, transfers are $50 per person one way to/from Newcastle airport and $75 per person one way to/from Sydney/Chatswood. Private transfers can also be arranged by the retreat.

Connect with Golden Door W: goldendoor.com.au E: info@elysia.com.au P: 1800 212 011 (toll free Australia), 0800 775 779 (toll free NZ)

A: 165 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 157

QLD | Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the tranquil hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast oers a complete health and wellness destination for guests to step away from their busy lives and refocus on their health. Set high on a plateau on more than 200 hectares with views across the valley and ocean, it has the largest land space of any retreat in Australasia. Gwinganna provides stunning ocean views, native wildlife and clean, fresh mountain air. With set arrival dates and no day visits, Gwinganna is a true sanctuary from the busy modern world.

The experience Gwinganna has become known for its extensive range of innovative wellness programs, winning multiple awards globally including Eco Spa of the Year for the past three years. Packages are fully inclusive helping to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in the experience.

With accommodation, all-organic meals and snacks, a diverse range of activities,

158 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

key wellness seminars and selected spa and wellness therapies all taken care of in each package, guests only need to choose their preferred program and accommodation style. These include the most premium options of any Australian retreat, from villas to the unique meditation suites in various locations with additional amenities and inclusions. Some feature a private plunge pool, while others offer a private steam room.

Treatments and services Outstanding facilities are on offer to all guests and feature two infinity-edge heated swimming pools, indoor training studios, a mind/body pavilion and gymnasium, a wellness centre and labyrinth. A new $1.7m wellness-education complex opened in 2018 to further enhance the guest experience and provide an exceptional facility for wellness seminars and presentations. In 2019, Gwinganna will open the first Iyengar yoga studio of any Australian retreat.

Guests can choose from 16 different walks and hikes on the property and begin each day with the meditative stillness of qi gong, a form of tai chi, as the sun rises from the ocean.

Each afternoon, it is time to slow down and allow the body to rest while choosing exactly what is needed to maximise the results of your stay. The stunning spa is the largest in the southern hemisphere and

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

has 33 treatment rooms, with options exclusive to Gwinganna and treatments using the award-winning Subtle Energies Ayurveda Aromatherapy range. Guests can also experience four different equine therapies, working with horses, or a variety of wellness, stressmanagement and emotional-wellbeing options.

One of the signature and most popular stays is the Gwinganna Detox, over seven nights. It is designed to change the body’s biochemistry and help reduce inflammation on a cellular level. The educational content in the daily wellness seminars explains complex health-science concepts in a user-friendly format and several guests have said the program delivers exceptional results.

Food The food philosophy of Gwinganna centres on seasonal, local, organic wholefoods, with much of the produce harvested daily from the extensive on-site gardens.

Menus vary with each program and are designed in conjunction with the nutritionist using organic produce.

Gluten- and dairy-free, the aim is to help support and improve digestion and liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, improve gut bacteria and balance bloodsugar levels.

Ingredients focus on low human intervention, where the food has undergone minimal or no changes from its place in nature to create an ideal balance between macro- and micro-nutrients. This allows the body’s biochemistry to convert food into what it needs for optimum health and prevention of major lifestyle diseases. A cooking demonstration with a chef is often the highlight, helping guests learn more about preparing nutritious, simple meals at home.

At Gwinganna, the approach is to provide knowledge so guests will understand how to nourish their bodies holistically and sustainably using principles that will stand the test of time.

Things to remember The retreat is non-smoking and a mobile-free zone in all public spaces. Longer stays are caffeine- and alcohol-free. Please note that Gwinganna is a closed retreat and day visits are not available.

Getting there Gwinganna is located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, on a high plateau in a hidden region of the Tallebudgera Valley. It is less than 30 minutes from Gold Coast airport, around 60 minutes from Brisbane and only 15 minutes from Burleigh Heads beach.

Complimentary transfers are available at set times from Gold Coast airport on arrival and departure days.

Limousine and helicopter transfers are also available on request.

If you are driving on the M1 Pacific Highway or the Gold Coast Highway, you need to turn onto Tallebudgera Creek Road, turn left at Syndicate Road and travel for five minutes before seeing the Gwinganna sign, where you turn right into a private road travelling a further five minutes to reach the retreat.

Connect with Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat W: gwinganna.com E: info@gwinganna.com P: 1800 219 272 A: 192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley Qld

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 159

NZ | The Spa at Hanmer Springs

The Spa at Hanmer Springs Located in the New Zealand alpine village of Hanmer Springs, The Spa boasts a stunning mountain backdrop. Connected to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, it offers guests the opportunity to relax in the therapeutic waters before indulging in one of the many spa treatments. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, forest parks and native bushland, it is the ideal setting to completely relax and reconnect.

The experience Hanmer Springs village offers many worldclass accommodation options for travellers, all within a short walk from The Spa, ranging from five-star hotels to boutique spa retreats and B&Bs. Within the village, the jewel in the crown is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, where visitors can spend a day relaxing in one of more than a dozen natural thermal pools, including therapeutic mineral pools, aqua-therapy pools and play areas.

The water in the thermal pools began as snow and rain falling on the Hanmer Springs mountains almost 180 years ago. It seeped into the greywacke basement rock and came to rest in a reservoir some two kilometres underground, where it was warmed by heat radiating from the earth’s core. Today, that water is drawn to the surface and used for bathing and heating purposes.

The thermal pools are connected to The Spa, offering guests the flexibility and convenience of the ultimate relaxation experience. The Spa offers dozens of sublime beauty therapies, tailored massage treatments and pampering spa services.

The wider village boasts activities for the

160 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

adventurous soul, with superb mountain biking, jet boating, bungy jumping, horse riding and quad bike tours.

The treatments The thermal pools are the perfect place to start your Hanmer Springs spa experience. Bathing in thermal spring water has therapeutic benefits and the natural warmth and restful atmosphere help you relax and unwind.

The Spa itself offers the full gamut of spa treatments and experiences, including a range of massage therapies administered by a team of experienced therapists.

Body treatments using both natural and scientifically proven cosmeceutical products and spa experiences utilising the latest technologies and techniques are also available. Included among the luscious treatment options are the Vichy shower, hot-stone therapy and private thermal pools and saunas.

Vichy treatments feature an invigorating warm waterfall that gently massages you as you lie on a specially designed, handcrafted massage table. The rain shower exfoliation and massage involves a full-body exfoliation

before drifting away under the warmth of the Vichy rain shower as the healing hands of your therapist work in symphony with the waters to gently massage and guide you to total relaxation. Utter bliss.

On another level, you might want to try a coffee-bean exfoliation. This treatment starts with a stimulating exfoliation using coffee beans and then once you have showered and relaxed, you can enjoy the application of warmed body butter to hydrate your skin.

Other body treatments at The Spa include a detox body cocoon, thermal gel wrap, soothing sugar scrub, deep-tissue massage and reflexology.

The Spa also offers a full range of beauty treatments including waxing, manicures and pedicures. You might like to try a “seasonal” facial — a fruit-inspired treatment that is vitamin based in spring/ summer and mineral based in autumn/ winter. Another treat is the eye contour treatment, which is specifically designed for the eye contour area and helps to immediately reduce signs of fatigue and ageing with long-lasting effects.

The Spa boasts individual and couples

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

massage rooms, the Vichy spa room, Hydrostorm room, private saunas, private thermal pools, a relaxation lounge and pedicure and manicure room.

A retail area with a wide variety of items including aromatherapy candles and beauty products is also on-site.

The food There are dozens of world-class cafes and eateries within minutes of The Spa, situated in the centre of Hanmer Springs village, including fine-dining, international cuisine and family restaurants. The Tea Kiosk within the thermal pools facility offers a wide range of international food, authentic oven pizzas, Western cuisine and family-friendly meals.

Getting there You’ll find The Spa connected to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa on the right-hand side as soon as you drive into Hanmer Springs village. It’s just a short 90-minute drive from the South Island gateway of Christchurch. The Spa is within 10-minutes walking distance from major accommodation providers in the village, making it an ideal spot to indulge yourself before taking in a bit of boutique shopping and dining at one of the dozens of cafes and eateries. For those on a day trip, there is plenty of free parking surrounding The Spa and the compact village.

Connect with The Spa at Hanmer Springs W: hanmersprings.co.nz E: thespa@hanmersprings.co.nz P: 03 315 0029, 0800 873 529 (NZ toll free)

A: 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 161

QLD | Heavenly Spa by Westin™

Heavenly Spa by Westin™ Heavenly Spa by Westin™ provides authentic, memorable experiences based on unique treatments and quality products delivered with care by knowledgeable and proficient therapists. Each element of the Heavenly Spa experience is designed to stimulate the senses and nourish mind, body and soul. Located within The Westin Brisbane, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ is a relaxing and tranquil escape from Brisbane’s busy CBD. The experience Operating as part of the luxurious five-star resort The Westin Brisbane, Heavenly Spa

by Westin™, is a prime destination for anyone seeking a slice of pure indulgence.

Overlooking the hotel’s stunning pool, the spa is made up of five special rooms designed with ultimate relaxation in mind.

Patrons can choose from a range of indulgent massages, cleansing facials and full-body treatments administered by internationally trained therapists.

The first Westin-branded spa to open in Australia, Heavenly Spa offers five treatment rooms including two couple’s treatment rooms. Guests can utilise all the facilities, which include a steam room, and also have access to The Westin Brisbane’s resort-style pool to relax preor post-treatment.

The treatments The Heavenly Spa by Westin™ allows you to replenish your mind and body with

162 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

a personal sensory experience. Begin your journey to renewal with a selection from the many available treatments.

Choose from:  Body treatments  Manicures/  C  ouple’s pedicures massages  Massages  Eye treatments  Men’s services  Facials  Steam room  Waxing  Hydrotherapy  Foot baths baths Personalised unique packages may also be designed upon request.

The spa is also fully stocked with lush Kerstin Florian and HydroPeptide products, so you can rest assured that your skin will receive the very best care.

Heavenly Spa by Westin™ has a wellness ethos, which aligns perfectly with the range of Kerstin Florian products and the wellness pillars of the range. One of the staff favourites is the Calm Mind Essential Oil, which is incorporated into Heavenly Spa’s Kerstin Florian signature

treatments. The Intensive Hair Repair is another favourite treatment that leaves your hair silky smooth, while staff recommend the Correcting Hyaluronic Serum to improve skin tone and hydrate.

The food The hotel has a variety of restaurants and bars available to guests along with the spa food menu.

Eden’s Table is the hotel’s signature dining venue, offering a live interactive kitchen to provide a truly personalised dining experience. The menu celebrates locally sourced produce from the ocean and paddock while showcasing a finely curated wine list.

The Charles’ is an aviation-inspired jazz bar that transitions from a cafe to a wine and cocktail destination. Select from a healthy breakfast and artisanal coffee or an extensive menu of curated cocktails, craft beers, boutique wines and seasonal sharing plates.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Things to remember

Getting there

Heavenly Spa by Westin™ asks that you arrive at the spa earlier than your designated treatment time to prepare for your spa experience and allow time to relax and enjoy the steam and pool facilities if desired.

You also have the opportunity to upgrade your treatments with a range of recommended quality enhancements.

Heavenly Spa by Westin™ is located on the third level of the newly opened The Westin hotel in Brisbane at 111 Mary Street.

All guests with scheduled treatments of 60 minutes or longer receive complimentary valet parking

Connect with Heavenly Spa

by Westin™ W: westinbrisbane.com P: 07 3557 8830 E: Heavenlyspa.Brisbane@westin.com A: 111 Mary St, Brisbane Qld

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 163

VIC | Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa Hepburn Springs’ only historic bathhouse has been providing traditional therapies since 1895. Drawing mineral-rich waters directly from the natural source, this iconic bathhouse reconnects you with an array of wellness experienczes including indulgent 100 per cent pure, private mineral baths and a selection of specifically designed wellness packages.

The miracle of mineral water Balneotherapy — bathing in mineral water — has been practised for centuries in spas throughout the world to treat many ailments. Increasingly used for work-related conditions such as back problems and stress, balneotherapy is also proven very effective as an element of the rehabilitation process for conditions such as arthritis, depression and stress-related illnesses.

It’s a great way to relax the body and mind before your personalised spa experience.

The heated mineral water relaxes your muscles and allows your pores to open so you can absorb the variety of minerals the water has to offer. The beneficial minerals include silica, which is great for the skin, hair and bone formation; magnesium, good for muscles and essential for kidney function; and potassium and lithium for all-round mental health.

The experience The historic bathhouse has received a $13 million makeover and boasts more than 30 wet and dry treatment rooms, making

164 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

it one of the largest spas in the country.

Enjoy indulgences ranging from the bathhouse social soaking experiences to the more exclusive Sanctuary bathing, which includes an aroma steam room, magnesium salt-therapy pool, relaxation pool, spa couches submerged beneath the mineral waters and an extensive relaxation deck, outdoor spa pool, cold pool and mineral hammam.

The relaxation pool is a mineralwater blend heated to 34-36°C, the ideal temperature for the absorption of minerals through the skin directly into the bloodstream. This area is designed for peaceful relaxation and rejuvenation and is also suitable for gentle water exercise. There is an access ramp, seating and a separate lounge zone beside the entry stairs.

The Sanctuary welcomes anyone aged 16 years and older to relax on an underwater spa couch in the healing waters and enjoy a hydro massage. The Sanctuary also features a magnesium salt-therapy pool heated to 38°C, filled with concentrated salt and mineral water to

stimulate circulation, hydrate and detoxify the skin as well as help relieve irritated skin, muscle soreness and joint pain.

Private mineral bathing rooms are also available with a selection of wellness herbs, salts and remedies to enhance your experience of the rich pure mineral water.

Luxury spa treatments and packages can be added to the mineral bathing experience for a complete wellness escape designed to reconnect.

Further mineral wellness experiences include therapeutic and relaxation massages, organic facials and a selection of indulgent spa rituals. Experienced spa goers will appreciate the sophistication of the extensive mineral-focused spaexperience menu.

The therapies Unique therapies have been designed to complement your bathing experience and target various health, beauty and relaxation needs. The signature therapies and ritual packages are sumptuous and are the ultimate in luxury.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Facial therapies include Pure Replenishing, Rejuvenating Renewal and the Hepburn Organic Facial. Massage therapies feature Volcanic Hot Stone, Muscle Focus, Remedial Therapy, Pregnancy Pause, Hepburn Wellness and Moroccan Remedy options.

Body therapies include a full-body Aromatic Herbal Exfoliation, Mineral Detox and Radiance Renewal. There is also a men’s therapy range and water and spa steam therapies.

Something new Opening in early April 2019, experience the newly designed Social Spa, ideal for small to large groups.

The Social Spa overlooks the natural landscape of Spring Creek and is capable of delivering treatments for up to four people at any one time.

Refuel and replenish After your bathing and massage experience at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, go for a leisurely walk through the Mineral Springs Reserve and fill your water bottle from the natural springs.

Complete the wellness journey at the historic Hepburn Pavilion Cafe where Devonshire tea, warm or iced Hepburn tea and antioxidant-rich beverages are on offer alongside an extensive lunch and dessert menu.

The Pavilion Cafe is housed in a beautiful, original Edwardian heritage-listed building constructed in 1908 and has been a meeting place in Hepburn Springs for more than a century. It features magnificent stained-glass windows and an intricately tiled floor and vaulted ceiling, which offer a unique step back in time and warm welcoming environment.

Your visit Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is dedicated to relaxation and tranquillity and is designed to reconnect you with the environment. Bookings are recommended and can be made online.

Appropriate swimwear is required in the Hepburn Bathhouse and towels are also available for hire upon arrival. A robe, towel and locker are provided in the iconic Sanctuary.

Getting there Hepburn Springs is a short 90-minute drive from Melbourne CBD and is located in the heart of Australia’s spa country, four kilometres north of Daylesford.

Travelling via car is recommended; however, public transport is possible by catching a train from Southern Cross to Woodend, then a bus from Woodend to Daylesford, followed by a taxi from the town centre to Hepburn Springs.

Connect with Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa W: hepburnbathhouse.com E: info@hepburnbathhouse.com P: 03 5321 6000 A: Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 165

VIC | Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas

Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas Perched high on the ridge overlooking the original and iconic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, you will find these modern and stunning villas, each with tranquil views. Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas offer contemporary and elegant five-star villas designed for complete indulgence and comfort. All villas have magnificent, serene views over native bushland and each is flanked by a balcony and filled with natural light. This luxurious accommodation provides the ideal base for you to relax, unwind and explore the healing and restorative offerings at the nearby Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. The experience Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas form part of a picturesque village, featuring 24 luxury villas, located directly opposite the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa at Mineral Springs Crescent.

The beautiful villas are designed to complement your bathing and spa journey, so you can discover more of Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa’s offerings at your own relaxed pace.

Bring back some award-winning local produce from Hepburn and neighbouring Daylesford and in the evening sit back with a gourmet cheese platter complemented by local wines on your balcony or in front of the gas-log fire. Or experience the fineor casual-dining options in town late into the evening, many of which feature fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers.

166 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

The accommodation options at Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas are designed for a luxurious getaway, romantic weekend or a glamourous escape with the girls.

Your villa Step inside the architecturally designed villa, a sophisticated space built of natural stone, glass and wood. From the modern sophistication of the Hepburn Escape Villas through to the boutique classic charm of the Spa Retreat. Each villa features a balcony, harmonised with the local landscape and overlooks uninterrupted native bushland views.

All villas have kitchenettes, king-sized beds, double spas and double showers.

Gas-log fires take the chill out of winter nights and reverse-cycle air conditioning keeps you cool in the warmer months.

When staying multiple nights, a wellness hamper welcomes visitors upon arrival and bathrobes and luxury bathroom products are provided. Villas are non-smoking and come with a car space, Foxtel, surround sound and 24hour on-site access.

Retreat and spa packages Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas offer spa packages with Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa (featured in this publication), located just across the road.

Whether you’re looking for a midweek escape or luxurious weekend away, there are packages that embrace everything the natural mineral springs has to offer, including bathing, therapies, massage and other wellness experiences.

Visit hepburnbathhouse.com to find out more about the latest available packages.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Getting there By car, Hepburn Springs is approximately a 90-minute drive from Melbourne CBD. It is located in the heart of Australia’s spa country, 4km north of Daylesford.

The best mode of transport is via car; however, public transport is possible by catching a train from Southern Cross to Woodend, then a bus from Woodend to Daylesford, followed by a taxi from the town centre to Hepburn Springs.

Check in at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa upon your arrival.

Connect with Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa W: hepburnbathhouse.com/stay E: reservations@hepburnbathhouse.com P: 03 5321 6000 A: 20–22 Mineral Springs Crescent, Hepburn Springs Vic

Wellbeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 167

Retreat

n 1 An act or process of withdrawing, especially from what is difficult or disagreeable 2 A place of privacy or safety 3 A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation and study

Photography Getty Images

Retreat: a place where you hit pause on everyday life and spend time nurturing your body, mind and soul. Rise with the sun and begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before exploring the wilderness outdoors while taming your wild inner mind. Bask in the warm sunlight, dive into a pool of mineral salts or the ocean, indulge in a hot-oil massage or gain awareness through a grounding meditation. Going on a retreat provides a moment to reset your inner compass, open your heart, deeply relax and experience a stillness that feels like melted honey on the insides. Here, you’ll find some of our favourite retreat and spas in Australia and all over the world. However, you can experience a retreat from the comfort of your own backyard. Simply spread out a picnic rug, make yourself a herbal tea and grab your copy of WellBeing. Each article offers you a moment to retreat from the world with fresh wisdom to open your mind and tips and tools to re-establish a healthy life. This month, we encourage you to seek solace in a quiet, secluded space — either at a dedicated retreat or in your own garden — as often as you can.

Now is the perfect weather for self-love and -care.

168 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 169

VIC | iHealth Saunas

iHealth Saunas A sauna company with a difference, iHealth Saunas specialise in infrared saunas with a focus on helping clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although the main reasons people choose to work with iHealth Saunas is to sleep better, lose weight and detox, the first thing clients report is that after using an iHealth Sauna, they are relaxed. It gives them time for themselves in their own sanctuary, to escape from the phone, responsibilities and stress. iHealth Saunas truly offers a retreat experience in your very own home.

Retreat at home A sauna from iHealth Saunas can be placed anywhere inside your home or outside undercover. The company uses sustainably forested FSC-certified timber and a secret painting system to reduce environmental impact during production. iHealth chooses to keep the interior of its saunas lacquer free to ensure there are no chemicals within the cabin. Simply enjoy with towels and water.

The interior of the sauna is designed with comfort in mind. iHealth’s premium saunas come standard with an LED

170 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

colour-therapy system, Bluetooth stereo and an aromatherapy dish and oils. iHealth Saunas provide a book on how to adjust the sauna settings for specific sessions.

Picture a dark room, red light on the ceiling, lavender essential oil, 45°C for 45 minutes, listening to a relaxing meditation while enjoying a rejuvenating sweat. This and more is part of the iHealth Sauna Sleep session. You will find this session and more included with your iHealth Sauna. Use your iHealth Sauna to create a sanctuary of peace and calm in your home. Close the door

and enjoy the silence of double-skinned insulated walls and eight-millimetrethick safety glass. It’s a quiet, relaxing space for yourself without interruption. iHealth Saunas aims to help its clients maintain a healthy lifestyle. To do this, iHealth Saunas run regular health masterclasses aimed to help clients learn more about how to naturally support healing and wellness in their daily lifestyle. iHealth Saunas also runs classes to teach people how to get the most out of their saunas, running them through what mechanisms within

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

the body the sauna works at different temperatures and how this, along with essential oils, teas and other aids, tips and tricks, works towards creating a personalised health and wellness room at home.

Creating your retreat iHealth Saunas offers full delivery and installation included in its pricing as well as a range of basic, premium and specialist infrared sauna models to cater for all needs. Saunas range from a City Compact sauna tailored for those with minimal space in city areas to a fourperson unit and outdoor Barrel sauna. iHealth Saunas also offers health packs to help with pain relief and weight loss and other health and wellness products aimed at helping clients look after themselves.

The only requirements for installing an iHealth Sauna in your home is a flat surface and standard power point.

Saunas come with a lifetime heater warranty and five-year cabinet and electrical warranty.

The saunas typically range from $4250 to $6990, depending on the size and model. This price includes delivery and installation. They can also be purchased interest free over 24 months, from as little as $37 per week.

Connect with iHealth Saunas W: ihealthsaunas.com.au E: newsletter@ihealthsaunas.com P: 1800 043 564 A: Unit 29/137-145 Rooks Road, Nunawading Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 171

QLD | ikatan Day Spa

ikatan Day Spa Located just 15 minutes from the centre of Noosa, ikatan Day Spa is a short drive from Sunshine, Peregian or Coolum Beaches and only 10 minutes from the famous Eumundi Markets. Created in the style of a Balinese village, ikatan Day Spa offers authentic treatments designed to heal and relax.

The experience “Ikatan” in Indonesian means “connection”; in Balinese, “ikat” means “to make by hand”; and the full word “ikatan” is Balinese for “hand-loomed sarong”. Bringing all of these meanings together, ikatan Day Spa represents a place where people feel connected, treatments are made with caring hands and guests are covered in traditional Balinese soft cotton-loomed sarongs for privacy and comfort during treatments.

If one were to devise the ultimate day spa encounter, it would surely combine the best of natural therapies with an environment that excites the senses and celebrates nature. From the beginning, ikatan Day Spa feels like a tropical holiday. Indeed, it could be described as Bali, Noosa style, surrounded by tropical gardens where life

172 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

moves at a slower pace. The spa has been voted one of Australia’s top-five destination day spas and has won four Haute Grandeur Global Hotel and Spa Awards for Best Day Spa, Best Boutique Spa, Best Eco Spa and Best Signature Treatment.

Architecturally, ikatan follows a Balinese village concept where treatment rooms are villa style set among tropical gardens with a choice of two double and four single airconditioned rooms featuring individual sound systems and showers for body treatments.

One of the double rooms has a traditional Balinese thatched roof and is dedicated to massage and facial treatments only.

The Garden Room is a large purposebuilt outdoor undercover communal room where head massages, feet and hand treatments take place. This tranquil and

nurturing location is very popular for group treatments.

Gardens are located throughout the property, including a walkway through tropical rainforest plants from the treatment area to the relaxation gardens, where guests can enjoy lunch, snack platters or high tea as well as a choice from ikatan’s wine list while relaxing before or after treatments.

There is no hard sell of products by therapists to guests at ikatan; instead therapists escort guests to the garden with a complimentary beverage and say goodbye leaving the guest to relax in the purposebuilt gardens for some “green therapy” until they are ready to face the world again. Should guests wish to buy retail, all reception staff are trained therapists and are there to help.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

The treatments ikatan is renowned for offering an authentic, traditional Balinese-influenced spa experience. All facials use quality Organic Nation, Uspa and Environ cosmeceutical skincare products.

The spa menu has an extensive range of packages and treatments ranging from one hour to the popular eight-hour Retreat Day Package, all of which have a focus on wellness, including an additional special menu that changes with the seasons.

You might for instance like to try the Mantra Massage, especially developed by ikatan Day Spa. Mantra is a physical experience designed to have positive effects on mental health and emotional stress.

Mantra is more than a massage; it helps bring your mind to the present moment and helps you forget about your world beyond the experience. It features warm oil and long, flowing, continuous hand and forearm movements as your limbs are gently stretched and massaged at the same time. Your back is massaged twice, while your muscles are worked in a continuous flowing movement.

You can also partake in the eight-hour Retreat Days, which involve yoga, meditation, foot rituals, massage and special meals. Group bookings for corporate, hens’ days, baby showers and birthdays are very popular.

The food A range of food options is available at ikatan to suit your tastes and needs. You are able to choose from high tea, light lunches, tapas, snacks and nibbles along with a tea menu and wine list including nonalcoholic sparkling, which is popular with pregnancy treatments. All guests receive a welcome drink on arrival and complimentary champagne or a pot of tea after treatments in the gardens.

Things to remember In consideration of adults wishing to relax, ikatan does not accept babies or children while parents are at the spa. ikatan does, however, offer teen spa treatments where teenagers are accompanied by guardians who also having treatments. ikatan does not provide childminding facilities or hold a blue card and therefore cannot allow your children to wait.

Getting there Located 15 minutes from the centre of Noosa, ikatan is a short drive from Sunshine, Peregian or Coolum Beaches and only 10 minutes from the iconic Eumundi Markets. It is 30 minutes from Sunshine Coast airport and two hours from Brisbane airport.

A private car park is also provided for guests at ikatan Day Spa.

Connect with Ikatan Day Spa W: ikatanspa.com E: reception@ikatanspa.com P: 07 5471 1199 A: 46 Grays Road, Doonan Qld

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 173

INTERNATIONAL | Journeys of the Spirit

Journeys of the Spirit There is a magic that happens when you take time out in nature. You pause. You regroup. You awaken your essence. Bringing people together to explore the beauty and diversity of nature creates deep connections, something so many of us long for. Journeys of the Spirit cultivates just that; a unique wellness holiday, spiritual journey and travel experience for individuals and small groups where reconnection is at the heart.

The background It is often during a time of transition that we discover the need for something more, a deeper connection to self, nature and our community. This was the truth for Journeys of the Spirit founder, Julie Baker, 21 years ago.

During a time of personal crisis, she followed her intuition and was compelled to pack her bags, seek unique destinations, learn from the wisdom of other cultures and delve deeper into her own spiritual practices.

What followed was a journey of awakening, a regained sense of joy and vitality for life and a desire to share this experience with more people, empowering them to do the same. It was a natural evolution for Julie, bringing together her 34-year career in travel and marrying it with her spiritual practices, passion for food and the wisdom of shamanic and natural healing. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Journeys of the Spirit was born.

The journeys Curating a journey takes time. Journeys of the Spirit destination selections are either intuited or received in a meditation.

Once the seed of destination is planted, connections are nurtured with guides, shamans, indigenous elders, chefs and accommodation providers. Attention to detail is at the core of everything Journeys of the Spirit does, together with special care and respect for local cultures. While no journey is the same, magical moments are always discovered. Whether in a small group or on a private journey, you are in safe, supportive and nurturing luxury accommodation with

174 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

pampering treatments, delicious healthy food and activities to make your spirit soar. Ample opportunity is provided for self-reflection or deep rest, so you can come home from your journey feeling nourished, energised and full of vitality for life.

Sedona, Arizona Sedona has a rawness that is unexpectedly confronting, in a good way. The red sandstone and rocks offer a backdrop of breathtaking beauty, evoking an air of wonder. The strong vortex energies of this red-rock country make Sedona a perfect place for sacred play. On this journey, guests work closely with shaman Chandra Sun Eagle, exploring the four nature elements, receiving native teachings on medicine wheels, taking part in earth energy practices and cleansing their energy bodies for increasing vital life force. You’ll experience shamanic sound healing, fire ceremonies and meditative gentle hiking.

Along with nutritious local food prepared by the in-house chef, yoga, massage and shamanic healing sessions are offered, all within the folds of the luxurious private residence, purpose built to align with the sacred geometry of the land.

Camino, Spain The Camino de Santiago is a network of ways that lead to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwest Spain. The pilgrimage is an empowering journey along the Camino Francés, walking where Francis of Assisi ventured before us.

It sees you weaving through an intimate and untouched area of Spain filled with stunning farmlands, fields of colourful flowers, tiny hamlets and staying at luxurious rural inns.

It is a total immersion into the spiritual essence of Galicia, the greenest, most vibrant region of Spain, abundant with produce and gastronomic delights — cheeses, seafood, Albarinõ wine, paella, olives, tree-ripened fruit, empanadas and the irresistible Tarta de Santiago, a traditional almond cake that is the perfect energy boost along the Way of Saint James. With a culture steeped in spiritual history, it’s easy to understand why many have the realisation when they arrive in Santiago that the real journey has just begun.

The Camino Journey inspires guests to view life with a refreshed perspective.

Bhutan, Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan, the land of happiness, where culture and tradition remain intact and Buddhism has predominated since the seventh century. This magnificent kingdom is a land of ancient customs and traditional culture, with tiny temples perched high on mountaintops. Nestled between India and Tibet, with more than 70 per cent of the country covered in virgin forest, Bhutan boasts some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. You’ll easily feel nurtured by the people and the land. On this journey, you follow the trail of Guru Rinpoche, weaving through the Bumthang region of the Drukpa people. This is a total immersion of spirit and culture that will joyously touch your heart and transform the way you see your world.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Spirit of the Land, Chittering Valley Located in Lower Chittering in Western Australia, the Moondyne Country Retreat captures Australian native bush at its best. Your cabins are surrounded by pristine state forest on all four boundaries, taking in breathtaking views of the Avon River. This Journey is a peaceful and nurturing retreat, where you’ll be guided through moving meditation in the bush, connecting with Mother Earth and learning how to create your own sacred space. Explore your creative side in nature, just for the fun of it. Bring yourself back to being in the moment and into connection with your heart centre as you experience the elements — kangaroos, kookaburras, emus, cockatoos, ancient lemon eucalypt trees and brightly coloured wattles. Plus, receive a BodyTalk session facilitated by your guide, Amanda.

Spirit of the Land is a very personalised experience, a weekend retreat with plenty of time to just BE.

Aurora Borealis, Scandinavia Experience wild landscapes, forests, fjords, fabulous foods, stunning water villages and the Sámi culture — the oldest existing European indigenous people who are traditionally nomadic reindeer herders. On this journey, you will experience the original healing land of the sauna, hot tub, Swedish massage and more.

Excite your senses through the incredible local art and Scandinavian design. Evoke your spirit of childlike wonder through experiencing the phenomenon of the Northern Lights, one of the most breathtaking and inspirational wonders of our natural world. Come dance and play amid the greatest light show on earth.

Ayurvedic Health Retreat, Kerala, India Journey to the birthplace of Ayurveda — Kerala — and experience this 5000-year-old traditional form of healing and wisdom. Located in south-west India, this retreat represents the core essence of Journeys of the Spirit — a total wellbeing immersion for your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical self. Enjoy sublime Ayurvedic treatments for two hours every day, with yoga, meditation, pranayama, insightful conversation, inspirational company and deep relaxation.

Kumano Kodo, Japan For centuries, people have walked the Kumano Kodo, knowing that this journey can bring peace and contentment. For 1200 years, the isolated Kumano route has been an experience of healing and deep connection in the lush mountains of Wakayama, the spiritual heartland of Japan. This pilgrimage stretches across the Kii Peninsula on the island of Honshu, taking us off the beaten track into a world of stunning scenery, soothing hot springs, delicious food and authentic Ryokan accommodation. Our walk takes us to the three Grand Shrines through tiny villages, along pristine mountain trails shrouded by 800-year-old giant trees enjoying the abundance of nature in its autumn glow — truly the land of the gods.

Connect with Journeys of the Spirit W: journeysofthespirit.com.au E: spirit@iinet.net.au P: 0427 766 716 Skype: julie.baker.journeys

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 175

NSW | Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa and Parklands Country Garden & Lodges

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa and Parklands Country Garden & Lodges The Escarpment Group offers three luxury spa sanctuaries in the Blue Mountains to refresh and destress, each an individual haven for relaxation. The day spas, located at Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Echoes Boutique Hotel in Katoomba and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges in Blackheath, offer a space of relaxation surrounded by the picturesque World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains Lilianfels Day Spa Just a 90-minutes drive from Sydney CBD, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is conveniently located at Echo Point in the township of Katoomba, only 500 metres from the famous Three Sisters, bushwalking tracks and lookouts. The destination overlooks the beautiful and pristine environs of the Jamison Valley, making this hotel an enviable location.

The five-star day spa at Lilianfels features six spacious treatment rooms with private facilities to cater for individual relaxation, couples or special occasions such as hens’ and bridal parties, conference and events groups.

Relax by the infinity outdoor or indoor heated swimming pools or unwind in the saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis. Each guest is assigned a locker, complete with a robe and slippers.

In-house guests can also burn off some energy on the tennis court or hire bicycles from the friendly concierge and explore the quaint town of Katoomba and its surrounds.

With world-class attractions, fine-dining restaurants and picturesque bushland and gardens at your doorstep, you are guaranteed an unforgettable stay.

The only five-star luxury accommodation in the Blue Mountains, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa offers a wide range of accommodation options to meet the needs of every guest, with 89 spacious guestrooms and suites 176 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

to choose from. Each room features traditional design, with sumptuous soft and lush furnishings, elegant decor with Wedgwood wallpaper themed in pink, green or lilac, a spacious marble bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower, high-speed Wi-Fi access and LCD TV with selected Foxtel channels and DVD player.

Parklands Day Spa Parklands Country Garden & Lodges is located just one hour and 45 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD. It is a secluded luxury retreat within 28 acres (11 hectares) of manicured grounds, reminiscent of a European great estate, in one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

With the vast and stunning Grose Valley and Govetts Leap lookout at your doorstep, abundant with wildlife and flora, this destination is truly staggering.

Parklands Country Garden & Lodges is a refreshing sanctuary to enliven your senses with pure relaxation. Featuring two spacious double treatment rooms with a steam room and two spacious single treatment rooms, all light-filled areas overlook pristine manicured gardens and a private lake.

Guests can fully immerse in the experience and become one with their surrounds as soon as they enter the grounds. Your journey begins with a delicious herbal tea served in the sitting room, followed by your treatment.

With 28 spacious guestrooms spread across seven garden cottages to choose from, Parklands Country Garden & Lodges offers accommodation options to meet the needs of every guest. It is ideal for romantic getaways, conference retreats or just a luxury break.

Each garden cottage is individually named with a historical significance to Parklands, which include Pope, Govett, Kerslake, Monterey, Pine, Maple and Fairway cottages.

They are comprised of four rooms, the ground-floor Garden Suites and the top-floor Loft Rooms. Each room features expansive views of the grounds, lush furnishings, elegant decor and a spacious bathroom with double shower that includes a rain shower, gas fireplace, high-speed Wi-Fi access and LED TV with selected Foxtel channels.

The treatments Both properties have an extensive spa menu.

This includes (to name a few): Facials: Personalised, tailored to your skin, Luxurious Caviar and Advanced Peel and Repair.

Massages: Aroma Relax, Stress Relief, Volcanic Stone 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes.

Body treatments: Body exfoliations, ginger body scrub, cocooning wraps.

Spa packages: Baby Moon, Gentleman’s Oasis, The Signature Treatment lasting four hours.

Herbal baths: Chamomile, lavender, thermal mineral.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Both properties use Kerstin Florian products in their treatment spas as the philosophy of the products matches theirs, which is, “outer beauty, inner health. To us, these twin pursuits go hand in hand. We’ve dedicated our lives to helping people discover them through the spa experience and in their everyday lives.”

Lilianfels Resort Spa and Parklands Country Garden & Lodges stock the full range of Kerstin Florian Signature brands, packed with essential rehydrating, rejuvenating and clarifying oils. All treatments use this beautiful range, leaving your skin smooth and hydrated. The Kerstin Florian Correcting range is used to repair, brighten and address specific problem areas, such as congestion, fine lines and premature ageing. The range also uses the Kerstin Florian Caviar for its age-defying nutrients to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture.

The food Renowned for its innovative cuisine and fine wines, the Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s most famous foodie destinations. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa and Parklands Country Garden & Lodges are part of the Escarpment Group boutique collection of luxury escapes. The Escarpment Group offers a range of restaurants and bars throughout their properties within the Blue Mountains region which provides guests a unique, unforgettable gastronomic experience that showcases the region’s fresh and local produce.

For more information on dining options go to: escarpmentgroup.com.au

Getting there Directions from Sydney CBD: Lilianfels Resort & Spa Cross the ANZAC Bridge and follow the Western Distributor to Parramatta Road, continue onto the M4 Motorway. Travel along the M4 Motorway towards Penrith, which then continues onto the Great Western Highway. Follow the signs to Katoomba along the Great Western Highway. After approximately 47 kilometres, exit the Great Western Highway at the Katoomba Township exit. Follow the signs to Echo Point and the Three Sisters.

Directions from Sydney CBD: Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges Once on the Great Western Highway, follow the signs to Blackheath. After approximately 68 kilometres, you will arrive in Blackheath. From the Great Western Highway, turn right into Govetts Leap Road. Travel along Govetts Leap Road for approximately 1.1 kilometres and you will find the entry gates to Parklands Country Garden & Lodges on your left-hand side.

Connect with Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort W: lilianfels.com.au E: reservations@lilianfels.com.au P: 02 4780 1200 A: 5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba NSW

Connect with Parklands Country Garden & Lodges W: parklands.com.au E: reservations@parklands.com.au P: 02 4787 7211 A: 132 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 177

NZ | Maruia Hot Springs

Maruia Hot Springs This thermal wellness destination is located in the beautiful Lewis Pass National Reserve, which is a twohour drive from Christchurch and one-hour drive from Hanmer Springs. The renovation of the spa and the experience it now provides reflects co-owner James White’s lessons from his travels to more than 120 health spas in 22 countries. A unique wellness centre has been created, which he calls “nature’s health haven”.

T

he grass was knee-high around the hot pools and the property required renovation when the new owners took over Maruia Hot Springs. Now, three years on, Maruia Hot Springs has won two luxury World Spa Awards: Best Luxury Eco Spa regional winner for Australasia as well as the Best Luxury Mineral Spring Spa winner of New Zealand in 2018. New Zealand Tourism also awarded Maruia Hot Springs the prestigious Qualmark Silver rating.

The experience You can truly immerse yourself in the ultimate outdoor healing experience at Maruia Hot Springs. Connect with nature as you sauna and bathe in mineral hot springs and take in the views of the river and surrounding mountains. Stay and indulge in the middle of this picturesque national reserve and explore the area through a number of hiking trails around the property.

Unlike most New Zealand hot springs, all guests enjoy unlimited access to hot pools, saunas, a steam room, cold plunge pool, foot bath, Zen chi machines, relaxation lounge, cafe, restaurant, hiking trails and other thermal wellness experiences.

For visitors looking for the complete relaxation experience, recently renovated accommodation is available for both couples and families. All rooms are peaceful, quiet and offer a sense of connection with the surrounding natural environment.

178 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Treatments and services

the water rises up from beneath the earth’s surface. These dissolved minerals often create distinct and unusual water colours, and habitat for often medicinally beneficial extremophilic algae.

Benefits of hot spring bathing include detoxification, improving blood circulation, cell oxygenising, improving digestion, normalising the endocrine glands and invigorating the autonomic nervous system.

To contrast your hot springs bathing, a cold plunge pool provides cooling relief.

The 8°C cold plunge pool helps boost immune function, reduces inflammation and pain, increases your metabolism and improves lymphatic drainage.

Bathe Connect with nature and bathe in New Zealand’s pure geothermal hot springs. With outdoor pools filled with water that flows naturally and is heated by the earth’s core, your body and mind will start to slow down and relax. Experience the indoor Bath House, inspired by Japan’s traditional onsens, and take time to stop and slow your mind. Other available experiences include geothermal showers and footbaths.

Water has long been harnessed to encourage physical and emotional wellbeing.

The water at Maruia Hot Springs is pure, chemical-free and truly alive, providing a natural bathing experience. The water has a high mineral content; it contains a plethora of dissolved minerals that are infused as

Sauna Feel the heat from the three different types of saunas and detox your body from the inside out. The infrared sauna provides detoxification, pain relief, improves cardiovascular health, improves skin health, promotes weight loss and ultimate relaxation. The rock sauna reduces stress, relaxes muscles, soothes aches and pains, promotes detoxification, cleanses skin and supports deep sleep. Experience the steam room, which deeply cleanses the skin and boosts circulation while relaxing muscles and relieving tension. It is the perfect all-over experience for detoxifying, revitalising and renewing the body’s natural state.

A recently opened campervan park allows guests to experience the same relaxation experience as accommodation guests without the additional cost of a hotel room.

Maruia Hot Spring’s electricity for its saunas, heating and buildings is produced on-site by its own hydro-power generator. It is a true, off-the-grid eco-resort. Furthermore, internet is provided by satellite and telephone is provided by radio link.

Maruia Hot Springs welcomes both day guests and overnight guests and gives them an opportunity to recharge their body, mind and soul.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Retreats Maruia Hot Springs hosts the world’s first Extreme Wellness Retreat led by co-owner and wellness expert Professor Marc Cohen (aka Dr Marc). The six-day, five-night experience includes a selection of daily activities, such as sessions of forest bathing, sauna bathing, adventure bathing and bathing in Maruia’s natural geothermal pools while enjoying the iconic river valley views. The retreat will help you: • Expand your experience of comfort, relaxation and joy and explore the edge of your comfort zone.

• Access the deep inner-well of your being and hack into your biological operating system though focused breathing, activity and relaxation sessions.

• Discover lifestyle tweaks to overcome pain, inflammation and procrastination.

• Practice mastery over your mind and body and gain confidence you can perform feats you thought impossible.

• Transform your world through bathing and simple lifestyle practices that build resilience, self-confidence and foster extreme wellness.

Food Guest will enjoy a fresh, healthy and delicious dining experience when visiting Maruia Hot Springs. The cafe serves a selection of light meals, refreshing drinks and freshly ground coffee for you to enjoy throughout your day of bathing or even just for a quick stop on your travels. The simple, fresh dishes can be consumed in the cafe space, which looks out over the stunning views of the Maruia River. During cooler months, dine or enjoy a coffee next to the old stone fireplace. It’s a little cafe with a lot of warmth and charm.

Overlooking the Maruia River and forest, the Riverstone Restaurant serves nourishing food with complete table service and is fully licensed.

The chefs serve wholesome and fusion food in a beautiful setting. Relax and enjoy nourishing food for breakfast, lunch or dinner, which can be shared with a loved one or friends. Riverstone Restaurant prepares delicious meals using produce sourced on-site, including eggs, which are freshly laid by Maruia’s own chickens, as well as produce from the wider local region.

Things to remember Accommodation bookings are highly recommended, especially during holiday periods.

Getting there Maruia Hot Springs is located a scenic twohour drive from Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island.

Connect with Maruia Hot Springs W: maruiahotsprings.nz E: info@maruiahotsprings.nz P: 03 523 8840 A: Maruia Hot Springs, State Highway 7, Lewis Pass New Zealand

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 179

QLD | Noosa

Noosa: Australia’s wellness capital From sunrise to sunset and beyond, Noosa’s beautiful nature, acclaimed food scene, luxurious day spas, outdoor adventure and passionate wellness practitioners come together in a sublime way that immerses all your senses.

W

hether your idea of restoration and wellness is luxurious pampering, a decadent getaway, living organically, getting in shape, a new challenge or simply slowing down, Noosa’s relaxed rhythm will restore life’s balance and stay with you well after you leave.

From stretching on the sand to sipping on cocktails, pampering to Pilates, and market produce to mango ice cream, it’s all about relaxing your way in Noosa.

The experience The early morning on Noosa Main Beach — flanked by the calm waters of Laguna Bay, Noosa National Park headland and miles of white beaches along Noosa North Shore — hums with activity as people greet the day, from lifesavers on their surfboat training to the regulars on their daily swim across the bay.

Watch the sun rise over the headland as it brings light and life to the nature that surrounds. Join the early-morning chorus with yoga on the beach (Noosa has more than a dozen beaches, hidden coves and bays), catch a gentle wave, stroll along the boardwalk past coffee carts and breakfast

180 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

cafes, or jog along the national park’s coastal or inland rainforest tracks.

Noosa has your brand of me-time covered, whether it’s mountain climbing, riverside cycling, a gondola cruise at sunset, a personalised fitness program, horse riding on Noosa North Shore, a full-day spa treatment, a private helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the beauty below, a private cooking lesson, an afternoon nap in a luxurious beachfront apartment or watching kangaroos graze from your glamping tent in the hinterland — the list is endless.

Sights, scents and sounds are all covered

by Noosa’s nature — a globally recognised UNESCO Biosphere and World Surfing Reserve, where more than one-third of the shire’s land is protected, including the Noosa Everglades, which is one of only two in the world and home to more than 44 per cent of Australia’s birdlife species. You can cruise, paddle or hike through this unspoilt wilderness that’s only 30 minutes from Noosa’s bustling villages.

Indulge your sense of touch with the sand between your toes, salt spray on your face or jump right into a beach massage or full-body wrap in one of Noosa’s high-end day spas.

There’s the sanctuary of Sofitel Noosa Pacific

Resort’s Aqua Day Spa, the globally awarded Ikatan Spa set in Balinese-inspired gardens, the dreamy water treatments of Stephanie’s Ocean Spa Noosa, One Spa at RACV Noosa Resort and European aquatherapy inspired

by Roman and Greek traditions at The Spa at Noosa Springs Resort.

The healing Wellness centres, restorative retreats, Pilates or yoga on a stand-up paddleboard, spa parties, flotation dream pods and traditional therapies inspired by ancient cultures bring a world of relaxed wellness. It’s why Noosa is known as the wellness capital of Australia.

The food Noosa’s food options have your tastes well and truly covered with nationally acclaimed restaurants such as Wasabi, Ricky’s and Matt Golinski’s View Restaurant, along with village bars and cafes serving fresh, innovative dishes where chefs champion local produce sourced from Noosa’s pristine waters and fertile hinterland.

Wasabi chef Zeb Gilbert’s creations use produce from restaurant’s Honeysuckle Hill Farm, while organic vegetables, macadamia trees, herbs and honey from the nearby

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Maravista Farm are on the menu at local favourites Ricky’s, Locale, Aromas and Wood Fire Grill.

Another local favourite, VanillaFood, has recently expanded its organic, wholesome food selection, which forms part of Belmondos Organic Market, and is now available at a second location in Noosa Junction, one of the local villages where tastes from around the world blend with street art and interior design. You will also find Jungle & Co, a cafe dedicated to gut health.

Passionate foodies have embraced ways of bringing nutritious, tasty and sustainable produce to the table.

Slow Food Noosa launched Australia’s first Snail of Approval program that inspires producers, chefs, restaurant owners and food outlets to use and promote good, clean, local and fair ingredients, supported by restaurants, from Kin Kin General Store and Black Ant Gourmet in the Noosa hinterland to chef Shane Bailey at the Noosa Boathouse right on the Noosa River.

The community Noosa’s community is dedicated to the idea of sustainable living, with groups such as Plastic Free Noosa and Boomerang Alliance piloting projects aimed at working with local restaurants, cafes, businesses and events to reduce single-use plastics. There’s also Zero Emissions Noosa and EcoTekk Noosa promoting electric bikes and other ways to reduce carbon emissions, and Trees for Tourism encouraging visitors to plant trees for shade along hinterland trails and improve wildlife corridors for native animals.

Getting there Your Noosa wellness experience is just a few hours away, with direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide to Sunshine Coast airport, just a 30-minute drive from Noosa.

Connect with Noosa W: visitnoosa.com.au P: 13000 NOOSA

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 181

VIC | One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck

One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Located at the southern edge of the Mornington Peninsula, the new RACV Cape Schanck Resort is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In this rare and raw location, you’ll experience one of the most special corners of Victoria — a rugged wilderness formed by the elements and a beautiful new resort shaped by the landscape around it.

The experience The raw and beautiful scenery of Cape Schanck is not just for show. Explore your surrounds for a day on one of the many spectacular coastal walks, or find an adventure to amuse the whole family, with Arthurs Seat and Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm all nearby. It’s a place to reconnect with what’s real, where an invigorating hike along the Cape’s dramatic coastline can be followed by an indulgent spa afternoon.

There are 184 rooms offering an impressive range of accommodation choices available according to your own desires. Superior Rooms bring the outside in with a spectacular view from every window. Peer out over views of either the incredible golf course, Bass Strait or Port Phillip Bay from the comfort of your king bed. Alternatively, indulge in the luxury of the Deluxe Room and lose yourself in the extensive view from your balcony or submerge yourself in the free-standing spa bath.

Spa Suites are designed to make an impression, while the Peninsula Suite is the

182 | wellbeing Spa, travel & retreat planner 2019

epitome of opulence, where you can relax in the free-standing spa bath while taking in 180-degree panoramic views over both Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait.

For a family getaway, the luxurious Family Rooms consist of two Superior Rooms with the comfort of either a king-size bed or two singles, gourmet minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, plush robes, slippers and pillow menu. Deluxe Family Rooms or Spa Family Suites are also available.

Located just a quick scenic walk or drive from the main building are two-bedroom Ocean Villas. These are secluded and fully self-contained, with sweeping views of Bass Strait, full kitchens, spacious living areas, and each bedroom has its own private ensuite. Two- and three-bedroom Golf Villas are also available.

On top of the wonderful accommodation options and premium-quality day spa at Cape Schanck Resort, there is also the championship golf course, fine-dining restaurant and bistro, gymnasium, heated indoor swimming pool, children’s playground and jumping pillow.

The treatments One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck offers an exclusive and personalised treatment menu that includes massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, make-up services, waxing, skin and body treatments and a variety of water therapies. The spa provides a variety of pamper packages for the ultimate relaxation experience. At One Spa, it’s easy to enjoy an extensive range of beauty treatments delivered by experienced therapists. Prepare to be submerged into another world as you enter the tranquil, well-appointed spaces to unwind and be pampered.

The hammam bathing facility at One Spa Cape Schanck is the key point of difference from many spas in Victoria and around Australia. Featuring a heated hydrotherapy pool, relaxation pool and thermal Hammam Suite, it’s the perfect addition to One Spa’s Comfort Zone rituals. It is also a great way to relax the body prior to a treatment and soothe the mind while making the most of the whole spa experience.

Comfort Zone is the perfect complement to the One Spa philosophy, which is to provide

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

The One Spa group One Spa has created a selection of pampering experiences designed to relax, restore and uplift. In the caring hands of dedicated spa professionals, at each One Spa you visit, you can rest assured that your individual needs, as well as a memorable experience, are their priorities. One Spa’s exclusive skin and lifestyle range

by Comfort Zone has been chosen for its integrated and results-oriented approach to skincare, with more than 20 years of wisdom inspiring its science-based formulas. Combining well-appointed spa facilities, with genuine service and skincare that visibly improves skin, body and mind, One Spa gifts you with the reward you deserve and a journey to remember.

the ultimate in relaxation to all guests while visibly improving the skin, body and mind.

One Spa consistently receives great feedback about its hydration therapy. Clients can’t believe how wonderful their skin feels after the body wrap. It’s definitely a favourite among therapists and clients alike.

After treatments, guests are welcome to continue their experience by reflecting in the One Spa Relaxation Lounge while being treated to an array of herbal teas.

The food One Spa at Cape Schanck is not currently offering food unless it is part of a package. If you are staying at Cape Schanck Resort, you can partake in any of the dining options available. Enjoy the family-friendly, Italian-influenced light snacks, stone-baked pizza and à la carte all-day dining at the Mantellina. You can also relax in the Lighthouse Lounge overlooking the championship golf course, the beautiful Bass Strait and the Melbourne City skyline, or dine at Cape on the modern grill menu delivering simple, tempting fare that pairs to perfection with the Mornington Peninsula’s famous wines.

Things to remember Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior to your appointment to enjoy a refreshment, fill out your consultation form and unwind in the Relaxation Lounge. Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. You will be provided with a personal locker, bathrobe, slippers and disposable underwear.

Swimwear is required for water therapies.

The spa environment is clean and peaceful.

Smoking and mobile phones are not permitted.

Getting there One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Resort is less than a 90-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, via Peninsula Link. Ample complimentary car parking is available on-site for all One Spa and resort guests.

Connect with One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck W: racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-resorts/ourdestinations/cape-schanck-resort.html

E: onespa_capeschank@racv.com.au P: 03 5950 8228 A: Trent Jones Drive, Cape Schanck Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 183

QLD | One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort

One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort is surrounded by manicured gardens and a world-class golf course. The 100-hectare resort is perfectly positioned just a short distance from the white sandy beaches of Surfers Paradise and the lush beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland. As you step through the door at One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort, you are welcomed into an inviting space that has you immediately sighing in anticipation of what awaits.

The experience Queensland is a little more luxurious since the arrival of One Spa, RACV Royal Pines Resort’s multi-million-dollar day spa. The fabulous state-of-the-art One Spa complex has been designed to create an intimate, tranquil environment founded on pampering, nurturing, wellbeing and restoration.

Exquisitely appointed, with all details considered, One Spa offers locally inspired rituals, unique water therapies, spacious treatment rooms, private change room facilities and a relaxation area that overlooks the beautiful view.

The signature architecture uses a tensioned fabric structure reminiscent of the marquees erected for major events.

Renowned designer Joseph Pang continues the theme inside the spa, where light and shade are the most important elements.

Whether for business or pleasure, the property boasts something for everyone.

184 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

There are 333 accommodation rooms, the luxurious and extensive day spa, awardwinning restaurants and bars, various on-site recreational facilities, an impressive children’s playground, a kids’ waterpark and pools along with award-winning conference and event spaces.

The treatments One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort features a private lounge, One Spa Hair, four dry treatment rooms, two wet treatment rooms and two couples rooms. Included among the luxurious spa treatments available are customised facials, body scrubs, detox mud therapy, sacred nature therapy, relaxation massage, hot-stone massage, pedicures, manicures and grooming services.

Specialised water therapies are also available. Try a steam shower and find yourself cocooned within the soothing

and detoxifying warmth of your own steam room as an aromatic mist gently infuses the space before a raindrop shower reawakens all your senses. Or you might like to try a stimulating bath soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi or sink into the soothing effect of a Japanese bath in a deep tub of warm water blended with aromatic oils. For a real treat, you could have a massage jet shower, with six jets of warm water pummelling your skin, or a Vichy shower, where you surrender to the relaxing feeling of seven warm rain showers moving across and around your body.

You are sure to find a spa experience to suit you at One Spa.

The food Along with specialised packages for “Pamper & High Tea”, light snacks and beverages are available on the spa cuisine menu.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

The One Spa group One Spa has created a selection of pampering experiences designed to relax, restore and uplift. In the caring hands of dedicated spa professionals, at each One Spa you visit, you can rest assured that your individual needs, as well as a memorable experience, are their priorities. One Spa’s exclusive skin and lifestyle range

by Comfort Zone has been chosen for its integrated and results-oriented approach to skincare, with more than 20 years of wisdom inspiring its science-based formulas. Combining well-appointed spa facilities, with genuine service and skincare that visibly improves skin, body and mind, One Spa gifts you with the reward you deserve and a journey to remember.

If you are staying at Royal Pines Resort, there is a taste for every occasion with eight restaurants and bars. Enjoy fine dining and a magnificent view in Videre, share hearty Italian in Trattoria Amici, experience traditional Japanese-style dining with Arakawa’s delicate and authentic flavours, or take a relaxed meal alfresco, by the pool or at the 19th hole overlooking the championship golf course.

Things to remember Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior to your appointment to enjoy a refreshment, fill out your consultation form and unwind in the relaxation lounge.

Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

You will be provided with a personal locker, bathrobe, slippers and disposable underwear. Swimwear is required for water therapies.

The spa environment is clean and peaceful.

Smoking and mobile phones are not permitted.

Getting there The resort is 32 kilometres north of Gold Coast airport and 80 kilometres south of Brisbane international airport. For guests travelling from Brisbane, the Gold Coast is connected to Brisbane by rail, and Nerang train station is a five-minutes drive from the resort.

If driving from Brisbane, follow the Pacific Highway (M1) south to exit 71 (Nerang Broadbeach Road). After Metricon Stadium, turn left into Ross Street and follow the sign to the overpass to enter Royal Pines Resort.

If driving from Gold Coast airport, follow the Pacific Highway (M1) north to exit 73 (Nielsen’s Road) and take the road east over the overpass. Take the second left into Birmingham Road, follow this over the Nerang River Bridge and then follow signs to the hotel.

For those wanting to discover the coast, the resort offers a shuttle service loop to Surfers Paradise Q1, The Star Casino and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Please park in the car park directly under the hotel tower. Self-parking is complimentary.

Connect with One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort W: racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-resorts/ our-destinations/royal-pines-gold-coast-resort/ facilities/one-spa.html E: royalpines_onespa@racv.com.au P: 07 5597 8446 A: Ross Street, Benowa Qld

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 185

Photography Getty Images

v 1 to be in a state of wonder n 1 a cause of astonishment or admiration 2 rapt attention at something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience The late Stephen Hawking said, “Look up at the stars and not down at your feet.

Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist.

Be curious.” We couldn’t agree more — curiosity, enquiry and reflection are at the core of our existence. Where does wonder lead you? What are you curious about? As humans, we have an innate desire for knowledge and understanding. Over the next month, we’d like you to discover the qualities of wonder within yourself. Ponder, reflect and ask questions.

Then, with or without the answer, allow yourself to be amazed, bewildered and in awe of what you find. And, for the questions that cannot — and need not — be answered, relinquish control, keep your mind open and sit in reverence for the unknown.

It is here you will learn that true wisdom is born from wonder.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Wonder

NSW | Pretty Beach House

Pretty Beach House Pretty Beach House is a beautiful high-end wilderness lodge, set within Darkinjung country and the Bouddi National Park on the southern peninsula of the NSW Central Coast, just 90 minutes’ drive north of Sydney Harbour. It’s enveloped by native flora and fauna, surrounded by Hawksbury sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches and pristine bays, with ancient Aboriginal rock engravings and sites all around — even on its doorstep, literally. Bouddi is the local Aboriginal name for the area and has become synonymous with the national park and the surrounding lands. It has various meanings in Aboriginal languages, however is most commonly known to mean “heart”. There is a sense of peace and calm on this property; it is felt instantaneously on arrival and it completely rejuvenates the human spirit.

The experience All-inclusive rates make a stay at Pretty Beach House an effortless and unforgettable experience. There are four luxurious pavilions, each featuring incredible hand-woven Italian linens, heated flooring, king beds, a private outdoor deck, immaculate bathrooms and three have their own heated plunge pools.

At any one time, only up to eight people will be in-house.

There is a one-day spa for in-house guests only and the dining room is also for in-house guests.

To celebrate the heritage of the local indigenous people, Pretty Beach House proudly offers an Indigenous Welcome Ceremony incorporating dance and didgeridoo around the fire for all guests to enjoy. Guests learn ancient Dreamtime stories told by traditional elders, hear the sounds of the didgeridoo and clappers and watch on as the performance unfolds while enjoying a canapé or two. The ceremony

188 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

offers guests time to reflect on the true spirit of our country and their immediate natural surrounds.

A typical day at Pretty Beach House will unfold as follows: • Sunrise yoga by the pool • Energising breakfast • Coastal hike (guided or self) or an indigenous cultural tour • Nutrient-packed lunch • Rejuvenation in your private pavilion • Spa time • Water-based activity (boating, pearl farm tour, surfing, paddleboarding) or inhouse cooking class • Degustation dinner • Meditation or mindfulness practice in your pavilion • Sleep

The food Menus at Pretty Beach House are based on the season and what is available at the time. Menus change regularly and

the chefs at Pretty Beach House love to be inspired by the native bush foods of the area. The kitchen garden at the sister property (Bells at Killcare) supplies Pretty Beach House with an abundance of homegrown herbs, many varieties of lettuce, red mizuna leaf, green oak, parsley, purple and green basil, rocket, kale, sage, mint, spearmint, lemongrass, lemon myrtle and a variety of pretty edible flowers.

Vegetables and fruits include cucumbers, zucchinis, zucchini flowers, carrots, celery, pumpkins and bucketloads of heirloom cherry tomatoes and watermelons.

A typical dinner menu at Pretty Beach House may include (degustation is on offer every night): • Pambula oysters, chive oil, Avruga and lemon balm • Radicchio salad, aged balsamic, orange and walnuts • Kangaroo carpaccio, saltbush, fresh rocket, Parmigiano-Reggiano and macadamia shavings

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

• Chilled tomato soup with spanner crab, fennel pollen and lemon myrtle • Grilled marron, with finger-lime mayonnaise, avocado puree, karkalla and oyster leaves • Roast snapper fillet, vongole white wine sauce, bush tomato and samphire • Pan-seared duck, charred leek, okra, pickle star fruit and pepper berries • Flinders Island lamb, roast carrots in wattleseed puree, charred onions and pistachio • Buttermilk panna cotta with dragon fruit, peach compote and lemon balm • Chocolate tart, rose sorbet, pistachio praline and sweet alyssum flowers Guests may also dine at the kitchen pass for an interactive and fun Chef’s Table experience.

Pretty Beach House is not a deprivation retreat, but rather one that satisfies all of the senses.

Things to remember There is a two-night minimum stay and no children are permitted unless you book the entire property (many international celebrities have).

During the winter months, there is a “Stay 3 Pay 2” offer. Contact Pretty Beach House to find out more.

Spa treatments, guided hikes or an activity using a third party — surf lesson, yoga, boating, cultural tour in the national park — are all additional costs.

Getting there Pretty Beach House is approximately 90 minutes north of Sydney and 90 minutes south of Newcastle.

The NSW Bouddi Peninsula is the southern region of the Central Coast and is just across the water (20 minutes by ferry) from Sydney’s famous Palm Beach.

Return airport transfers can be arranged from Sydney or Newcastle airports.

A train to Woy Woy or seaplane from Rose Bay are also options.

Connect with Pretty Beach House W: prettybeachhouse.com E: stay@prettybeachhouse.com P: +61 2 4360 1933 A: Highview Road, Pretty Beach, Bouddi Peninsula NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 189

VIC | Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa & Wellness Retreat

Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa & Wellness Retreat Located in Hepburn Springs, voted one of the top wellness destinations in the world, Shizuka Ryokan is a little slice of Japan nestled in native bushland. Just minutes from Australia’s highest concentration of mineral water springs and the vibrant township of Daylesford.

The experience Slip off your shoes and enter a world that is distinctly Japanese. Zen design, the hushed intimacy of rooms behind sliding shoji screens and ritualised routines soothe your mind and soul. In the Japanese spa, massage and private yoga and meditation guidance remove tension and show the way to places of beauty and peace.

Omotenashi is an all-encompassing word that represents Japanese hospitality, a little like welcoming you into one’s home and treating you warmly like a friend, not a stranger. Long familiar to Japanese travellers, Shizuka Ryokan brings this unique style of hospitality to Australia.

Stepping stones slow life’s pace, Shizuka means tranquillity in Japanese and Ryokan means inn. The building, set in Japanese gardens, is reminiscent of the wooden tea ceremony houses found all over Japan. The rooms at Shizuka Ryokan are traditional. The scent of tatami mats and the uncluttered space are soothing. The shoji paper screens slide open to reveal a sun room and your private courtyard — a place for contemplation and meditation. The simple design helps quieten your mind and allows you to truly be present in your own experiences.

Present-moment awareness has been deeply ingrained in Japanese culture for 190 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

centuries. The rich experience of Japanesestyle living, even if only for one night, is very different. Take time to notice the design of a ceramic cup before drinking and appreciate the decoration of your room, which reflects the foliage and blooms of the month. Allow the environment and customs to coax you to pause, to relinquish distracting concerns, to celebrate the fact that this moment with this person in this place will never happen again — ichigo-ichie. Time, experiences, relationships — these are precious.

The treatments Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the small team who will care for you during your stay. You will be asked to leave your shoes (symbolic of the burdens of daily life) at the entrance and use the slippers and yukata robes provided within the ryokan. In your room, you will be offered warm towels, fragrant green tea and home-made matcha shortbread — time stops for sipping tea.

No stay in a ryokan is complete without the bathing ritual, which holds great meaning in Japan. Stroking the body with soap, removing the day’s dirt and floating in a warm watery buoyant embrace — these are pleasures you can enjoy in your own room overlooking your private courtyard garden.

After a bath, relax further with one of the wide range of face and body treatments incorporating Shizuak Ryokan’s own exclusive skincare products hand-made from pure, natural ingredients by the in-house aromatherapist. Discover the age-old beauty secrets of the geisha with a facial utilising the nourishing properties of white tea, lotus root, camelia oil, brown sugar, bamboo and precious ingredients from Japan.

Perhaps explore something new to you.

Shiatsu massage, developed in Japan, incorporates a range of techniques to apply pressure along meridian points to reinforce or re-establish your body’s ability to function harmoniously. On offer is also personalised yoga and meditation guidance for one, or a fun partner yoga session for you and a friend or group of friends.

Workshops and retreats Shizuka Ryokan hosts retreats and workshops that sit at the intersection of wellness and Japanese culture. The program currently includes Saori weaving, Boro and Sashiko stitching, Ikebana, gift wrapping, origami, calligraphy, Japanese cooking and Japanese yoga.

Move, Meditate and Massage is a highly personalised solo retreat. On day one, experience a two-hour-long one-on-one

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

session with an experienced mediation, yoga and shiatsu massage therapist. Sessions incorporate: breathing techniques (pranayama); props to assist alignment and opening in meditation and yoga poses; self-massage, meridian theory, acupressure, dietary therapeutics, abdominal massage; and a range of other yogic and oriental therapy techniques. Following the first session, your therapist will design a short meditation, yoga and self-massage program for you to take home. Day two is a deeper immersion into yoga and meditation practice and a revision of learned techniques. A shiatsu massage builds on the foundations and connection established on day one.

Seasonal yoga retreats Join Cate Peterson and Lars Skalman at Shizuka Ryokan on a journey through five seasonal yoga retreats that build a full picture of Yin Yang Go Gyo, the guiding principle of Japanese yoga and how you can best work with the seasonal flow. The aim is to help you be the healthiest version of yourself year-round. Move deep into asana practice, join cooking demonstrations with a focus on food as medicine through seasonal recipes and discover practices of meditation, breath and acupressure points that will help you stay in sync with the seasons and allow you to work towards true vibrant physical and mental health.

The food Meals are one of the highlights of your stay in a Japanese ryokan. At Shizuka Ryokan, traditional and balanced home-style meals are prepared with love by the team. A combination of Japanese and seasonal local ingredients are used and the team can cater for most dietary requirements with advance notice.

Each morning, in the sun-drenched dining room overlooking the Zen garden and native bushland, enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast comprising many small dishes.

Dinner is “omakase” (entrust the chef) … perhaps sashimi of South Australian king fish, tempura, seasonal vegetables, a main course accompanied by rice and a delicate broth and dessert featuring sake mousse or matcha pudding.

Things to remember In order to maintain a tranquil and healthy atmosphere, please kindly note the following: • There are no TVs — enjoy the extensive library or reconnect with your companion over a board game or a drink by the fire or on the deck.

• Shizuka Ryokan maintains a completely smokefree environment.

• There is a minimum age of 16 years.

Getting there Shizuka Ryokan is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, located in the heart of spa country, four kilometres north of Daylesford. Take the scenic drive via the Calder Highway through the Wombat State Forest, before passing through Daylesford.

Connect with Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa & Wellness Retreat W: shizuka.com.au E: info@shizuka.com.au P: 03 5348 2030 A: 7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 191

QLD | Stephanies® Luxury Spas

Stephanies® Luxury Spas It began as a modest two-room beauty salon in Camp Hill in 1994. Now, it has now grown into Stephanies® Luxury Spas, a portfolio of highly regarded luxury spas across south-east Queensland.

A revered boutique of spas, Stephanies® offers exceptional-quality pampering to everyone, from international celebrities and corporate high flyers to everyday mums and dads.

S

tephanie Shepherd had “a vision and desire to combine beauty therapies with peaceful places of harmony and balance. I dreamt of creating more than a beauty salon. I wanted to design spas where people could cocoon themselves from the outside world. Even if my clients were only visiting for a short time, I wanted them to feel like they had entered another world when they stepped through the doors.”

This is exactly what Stephanie has created — luxury retreats where clients indulge in decadent world-class treatments or the simple pleasures of the monthly maintenance manicure.

Stephanies® Urban Spa, Bulimba Located on Oxford Street in the hip suburb of Bulimba in Brisbane, Stephanies® Urban Spa is an oasis of luxury where you can indulge in decadent world-class spa treatments or cater for your essential beauty needs.

The spa offers 10 treatment rooms, a luxe boudoir-inspired pedicure lounge and a MediSpa suite. The MediSpa offers a range of advanced minimally invasive cosmetic procedures requiring no downtime.

In addition to a decadent menu of soulpleasing treatments, Stephanies® boasts a retail boutique offering an extensive range of professional skincare products, unique spa gifts, body elixirs, gift lines and heavenly candle selections.

192 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Stephanies® and Thalgo Thalgo has been enjoyed within the Stephanies® spa family for the last 22 years.

One of the Thalgo top picks that clients experience at Stephanies® Luxury Spas is the Anti-Age Intensive Hyaluronic treatment, which yields reliable and immediate results.

Stephanie Shepherd says, “We love providing personalised treatments and educating our clients on committed quality skincare routines at home using advanced in-spa treatments.

That’s why we include a variety of Thalgo rituals and a series of skincare programs using advanced technologies, mixed with resultsdriven Lightstim LED, Thalgo Skin Expert Microdermabrasion and iBeauty.”

Stephanies® Spa Retreat, Brisbane Located on level three of Sofitel Brisbane Central, the spa has eight treatment rooms, including individual suites and a couple’s suite. The tranquillity lounges are ideal for groups and popular for hens’ evenings, prewedding parties and baby showers.

The Opal Rasul Temple is undoubtedly the masterpiece of this Stephanies® Spa Retreat. The unique mosaic dome-style cave is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere and its benefits have been enjoyed by the likes of many well-known athletes and musicians, including the talented Alicia Keys and Chris

Martin. A popular experience for friends to enjoy together, the Opal Rasul Temple can accommodate up to four adults. The treatment is a sultry one-hour journey of mud therapy, warm steam and tropical rain showers. The ancient cleansing ritual involves covering the body in the Stephanies® signature mineralised body masks to powerfully detox and purify the skin. The temple comes complete with personal showers and a filtered water station so clients are assured of absolute privacy and comfort throughout the spa experience.

Stephanies® Ocean Spa, Noosa This spa is located in the heart of cosmopolitan Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas. A leisurely stroll to the designer boutiques and culinary delights of Noosa’s famed Hastings Street and an easy oneand-a-half-hour drive north of Brisbane, the spa is the perfect excuse to enjoy a relaxing getaway to the Sunshine Coast.

Stephanies® Ocean Spa is the largest in the group, spanning more than 450 square metres and boasting 11 magnificent treatment rooms including couples suites, a triple treatment suite with private floatation pool and a rain-therapy Vichy shower, complete with a stunning hand-crafted acacia cedar shower bed.

The rooms offer state-of-the-art, heated leather massage beds and Stephanie has created her own range of exclusive products to complement many of the treatments.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Stephanies® Mountain Spa This spa is located at the Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard, a scenic 35-minute journey from Brisbane’s CBD. The hinterland spa retreat spans approximately 180 square metres over six magnificent treatment suites, including a hydro couple’s suite, a grand Bordeaux VIP lounge and bath suite, a triple treatment room, a steam therapy cave, unique hydro Swiss shower room and a sole therapy and manicure lounge, which can accommodate up to seven people at one time.

The signature Tranquillity Lounge overlooks the resort’s manicured gardens and lush treetops of the mountain below — the perfect setting to rebalance and relax with a herbal tea and seasonal fruit sorbet.

Specialising in couples and group treatments, the spa offers a well-rounded and unique menu of therapies, including blissful half- and full-day spa journey packages.

Stephanies® Vintage Spa Stephanies® Vintage Spa Cleveland combines oldworld charm with a touch of modern decadence and the European style synonymous with the Stephanies® Luxury Spa brand.

The spa’s building is a historic landmark in the vibrant bayside village. This timeless Queenslander has been lovingly restored with French chandeliers, intimate fireplaces and styled around a provincialinspired courtyard.

The treatment rooms have unique touches of French elegance and luxe Hampton’s style décor.

The spa layout is deceivingly spacious, with the quaint cottage-style gift and lifestyle shop opening through to a magnificent, multi-level opulent day spa spanning over two separate buildings.

la Vie elixir is born Creator and founder Stephanie has spent her life creating luxury spa rituals for her clients using the best in skin and body products from across the globe.

Exposure to a vast array of products prompted the next step for Stephanie to create her very own spa elixirs, inspired by nature and signature spa journeys. la Vie elixir has been decades in the making and is personally blended, created and tested by Stephanie and her trusted team of spa therapists. With sprinklings of minerals reminiscent of Stephanie’s Broken Hill upbringing, the collection embraces the finest ingredients that Mother Nature has to offer from vitamin-rich flora, anti-ageing concentrates and essential oils. The result is a collection of high-end body, makeup and tea rituals that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your very own home.

Connect with Stephanies® W: stephanies.com.au E: reservations@stephanies.com.au P: 1300 DAY SPA (329 772) Instagram: @stephaniesluxuryspas Facebook: @StephaniesLuxurySpas

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 193

VIC | The Spa Beechworth

The Spa Beechworth The Spa Beechworth is a premium Victorian wellbeing destination, located in historic Beechworth, northeast Victoria, surrounded by award-winning wineries, Lake Mulwala’s water sports, endless cycling routes and, in winter, the beauty of the snow only a short detour away. The Spa Beechworth lies in what is known as The Benevolent Precinct, an architecturally repurposed heritage building with old-world charm, embodying the strength of its original purpose: to offer a place of respite and care. The history of the property and the recent multi-million-dollar refurbishment has created the perfect space to retreat and enjoy a boutique break, a moment for yourself to enjoy the stillness and remember who you are.

The experience The Spa Beechworth has been created as a destination to refuel your soul.

A visit there will encourage you to prioritise everyday wellness by providing you with a pathway to self-care through decades of experience and knowledge.

Discover this luxurious destination spa and screen-free haven, enjoy the boutique accommodation, day-spa treatments or beauty salon and unwind with the Living Well store.

The professional spa team at The Spa Beechworth is led by dynamic industry pioneer Deb Donkers, a groundbreaking wellness practitioner who, through her own passion and love of healing, has shaped and led the wellbeing industry for more than two decades. The Spa Beechworth embraces a holistic spa philosophy drawn from indigenous, Eastern and European wellness rituals to empower you to connect with your inner self and remember who you are, while supporting your health both inside and out.

Step inside this gorgeous spa and you will find your breath, connect with it and let the team take care of you.

194 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

As of mid-2019, The Spa Beechworth has extended its offering to include luxury overnight accommodation so that you can continue to stay as long as you need within the comfort of the Stay Well rooms.

Each room has been architecturally designed to highlight wellbeing and provide a nurturing environment for you to explore. Every element has been considered to help simplify your stay, to unplug and surrender in the screenfree haven. Enjoy your own private wellness bar while basking in the calmness of the essential-oil offerings and sinking deep into the soaking tubs.

Alternately, reinvigorate yourself with the purpose-built vitamin-infused showers, repair your gut with a daily dose of the Beauty Chef products or start your day with the DIY juice bar.

These rooms are the ultimate in sophistication; think luxury meets slow living, encouraging you to slow down, take a deep breath, hang out in the spa, explore the healing garden and sip a beautiful local wine in front of the open fire within the healing walls of the sanctuary.

The team at The Spa Beechworth aim to provide you with such an experience that long after you’ve gone, you will remember the moment, how blissful it was to do absolutely nothing, to find peace in the stillness, to surrender and come back to yourself.

The treatments The team at The Spa Beechworth are dedicated and available to help you curate a tailored experience, or you can simply choose from the considered treatments list. The possibilities are endless — enjoy an all-over body massage, an indulgent body scrub, select a tailored facial, emotionally detox, meditate, spa-bath soak, drink tea or simply take a nap.

The Spa Beechworth will leave you feeling thoroughly nurtured, with every detail of your experience enhanced by unique natural products including The Spa Beechworth range, Comfort Zone skincare and Inika mineral makeup.

Both men and women are welcome at The Spa Beechworth, which can also cater for large groups.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

More than a spa — a wellness store Remember the old-style general store that had a little bit of everything? The Living Well store at The Spa Beechworth is a little like that, with a focus on lifestyle. It’s full of wellness products for you and your home with gifts to give, supplements to take, things to make your house feel like a home, beauty products to explore and books to support your curiosity, expand your mind and give a little back.

The food You are spoilt for local options in Beechworth, with exquisite eateries, from fine dining or more casual options, only a short drive away. Many of the local restaurateurs pride themselves on presenting fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers. The options to explore are endless.

Getting there The Spa Beechworth is just a three-hour drive from Melbourne or a short flight. There are many options to fly direct to Albury airport from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Wagga Wagga, then head to Beechworth while enjoying a simple scenic 40-minute drive.

Connect with The Spa Beechworth W: thespabeechworth.com.au E: info@thespabeechworth.com.au P: 03 57283033 A: 9 Warner Road, Beechworth Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 195

NSW | Villa Thalgo Day Spa

Villa Thalgo Day Spa Villa Thalgo Day Spa is situated in the historic town of Windsor and is a sensory space for men and women to escape from the stress and pressures of everyday life. It is set within eight hectares of manicured, landscaped gardens and is well positioned to catch the gentle breeze and breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury Valley and foothills of the Blue Mountains. From the moment you enter Villa Thalgo Day Spa, you will be taken on a unique journey that has been created only for you.

The experience Designed to stimulate all your senses, Villa Thalgo becomes your own private sanctuary.

From anti-ageing facials to hands-on body therapies, male grooming and treatments for mothers-to-be, Villa Thalgo brings you premium Thalgo products combined with the highest-quality therapies and expertise.

The truly incredible Villa Thalgo therapy menu has been created to respect the body’s complex physiology and work in synergy to rebalance the subtle energies of the mind and body.

A pioneer in marine scientific research, Villa Thalgo invites you on a unique sensory experience at the heart of the oceans.

Drawing on more than 40 years of skincare expertise, Villa Thalgo Day Spa cleverly brings together beauty results and deep relaxation. Surrender to the pleasure of the exclusive massages combing exquisite traditional techniques with the latest innovative practices. Pampered in luscious, enveloping textures, you will drift away amid heavenly fragrances.

196 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Villa Thalgo is located within the grounds of Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. This perfect retreat has the ambience of a country hideaway, with more than 100 guest rooms and suites, many with their own personal spa and some with an open fireplace. Choose from 24 Barracks rooms, 37 Courtyard rooms, 14 Courtyard Spa rooms, 21 Deluxe Spa rooms and eight suites with spas.

The treatments The physical centrepiece of Villa Thalgo is the indoor swimming pool. An exquisite setting in which to relax, the cathedral vaulted ceiling, classical columns and decor and rows of French doors that open out on to the courtyards resplendent with gardenias give it a distinctive aura of style and elegance. The 17-metre-long pool is heated and used for relaxation.

For the special experience of a relaxing treatment massage by 72 underwater jets, there’s nothing quite like a Hydrotherapy Spa. Programmed to suit individual requirements,

the jet massage allows increased circulation and strengthens muscle tone while helping to eliminate toxins and relieve fluid retention.

It also facilitates spot reduction in affected areas. Essential oils are added to the water for therapeutic effects, alone or with essential oils.

The Affusion shower is a unique, personalised shower that comprises eight pressure jets in all, three on each side of the body to massage and stimulate the upper, mid and lower body and two overhead jets to either invigorate or calm the neck and shoulders.

You might also enjoy the steam room, which is an unexpected pleasure as it provides all the benefits of a sauna without the discomfort. As the steam room operates at lower temperatures than a sauna, the steam assists with respiratory problems and hydrates the skin due to the humidity.

Villa Thalgo has 17 treatment rooms including three wet treatment rooms, an express treatment room, couples suite and a spa suite which caters for up to four guests.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Across all its treatments, Villa Thalgo uses Thalgo, AlphaH, LightStim and Gehwol products.

These brands align science and results while bringing about deep relaxation of the mind and body, which is at the core of the Villa Thalgo philosophy.

The brands also complement the overall mission and vision statements of Villa Thalgo Day Spa, which is to take you on a unique journey that has been designed only for you and provide a sensory space to escape from the ever-evolving rhythm of everyday life.

Villa Thalgo now offers the latest in infrared sauna technology. Guests can enjoy the gentle, soothing and therapeutic heat which promotes relaxation, improved sleep, improved circulation and supports relief to aches and pains. The infrared sauna comes with unrivaled heating, entertainment and dimmable chromotherapy colour lighting.

Using the world’s leading brands, combined with time-honoured customs, the spa journey at Villa Thalgo has been created to respect the body’s complex physiology and works in synergy to rebalance the subtle energies of the mind and body. The Villa Thalgo approach to spa creates an experience that’s all about you, is holistic and combines beauty and wellness alchemy to transform the human experience, in the pursuit of living a healthier and more intuitive life.

The food Enjoy the delights of a healthy and satisfying luncheon in the Villa Thalgo Relaxation Room.

Natural wholesome and seasonal produce is carefully prepared and exquisitely presented. Dietary requirements and exclusions are catered for.

High tea is available Friday to Sunday as is an à la carte menu that changes seasonally. On Monday to Thursday, food is offered as a pre-order from a limited menu.

Getting there By car: the Hawkesbury region is an-hour-and-a-half drive, 57 kilometres north-west of Sydney, via the M2 Motorway, Old Windsor Road and Windsor Road. It is 30-minute drive, 22 kilometres north of Penrith via the Castlereagh or Londonderry Roads and an-hourand-a-half-drive, 89 kilometres from Lithgow via Bells Line of Road.

By train: catch Sydney Trains Western Line to Richmond — about an hour and a half from Central station.

By bus: public bus services operate from Windsor and Richmond rail stations.

By river ferry: the Hawkesbury River has four free vehicular ferries linking roads and communities. These ferries are capable of taking bikes, cars, trucks and large vehicles. The ferries operate every day of the year around the clock except when closed for maintenance or in times of flooding. To check on ferry operation and the latest conditions, call the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre on 02 4560 4620.

Connect with Villa Thalgo W: villathalgo.com.au E: spa.cphawkesburyvalley@ihg.com P: 02 4577 1254 A: 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor NSW

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 197

VIC | The White Spa, Mount Hotham, and Onsen Retreat + Spa, Dinner Plain

The White Spa and Onsen Retreat + Spa The raw beauty and serenity of Victoria’s alpine region naturally inspires you to shake off the city stress and leave your inhibitions behind. To enhance your mountain experience, relax and restore your mind and body at The White Spa, the ideal mountain retreat. Off the mountain, unwind at the Japanese-inspired Onsen Retreat + Spa in nearby Dinner Plain.

The experience Step inside tranquil treatment rooms at The White Spa and take in the sweeping views of the Swindlers Valley and High Plains. The White Spa is located in the Hotham Central building in the village centre.

Nearby, in Dinner Plain, escape into Onsen Retreat + Spa’s heated indoor pool and outdoor onsen for a truly relaxing bathing experience among the natural mountain landscape.

The treatments The White Spa and Onsen Retreat + Spa offers relaxing, revitalising and replenishing therapies for both men and women, using vitamin-enriched botanicals, customised aromatic oil blends and restorative massage techniques. Recover and repair from a day on the mountain with the range of rejuvenating face, body and aqua therapies. Aromatic and enriching, the therapies use luxurious

198 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

products inspired by the beauty and nature of Victoria’s high country.

Massage Combining the best techniques from around the world, signature massages relieve aching muscles from a day spent on the mountain and restore balance and harmony to your body’s systems.

Facial therapies Moisture-boosting, anti-ageing and deeply cleansing, facial therapies revitalise and calm the skin, combat dehydration, improve skin texture and counteract the signs of unbalanced, devitalised skin. Using vitaminenriched botanicals, the spas’ products strengthen and restore your skin’s own natural defences.

Body exfoliation and wraps Choose from a range of aromatic, enzymerenewal and pure-mineral options and retreat into a whole-body therapeutic experience. With a blend of aromatic oils

customised to your needs, the cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating treatments available will soften and strengthen the skin, leaving you polished and primed.

Hand, foot and scalp treatments Signature hand and arm exfoliation treatments prime the skin for the vitaminenriched oils to be massaged deeply into the major channels of the arms and reflex points in the hands. The invigorating foot treatment includes a salt-mineral soak and hot-stone massage to activate reflexology points for the relief of fatigue, swelling and fluid retention.

Experience the botanical re-mineralising hair and scalp treatment to deeply nourish, repair and naturally condition with enriched salt minerals warmed and massaged into the scalp and hair.

Onsen Retreat + Spa facilities The facility features an outdoor onsen heated to 39°C, an indoor lap pool, plunge

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

pool, a sauna in each change room and a health club.

Group fitness and wellbeing classes are held in the health club and include power vinyasa flow yoga, Onsen Signature yoga, yoga for children and Off the Hill, a slow, rejuvenating stretching class to relax tired muscles from a day on the slopes.

Casual bathing and swimming costs $45 per visit and discounted monthly and seasonal memberships are available for regular guests. Fitness classes are only $15 per person.

Spa etiquette and cancellation Please check in at The White Spa or Onsen Retreat + Spa reception at least 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment, ensuring adequate time for you to prepare for your treatment. Please understand that if you arrive late, your treatment time may be reduced accordingly.

Some guests choose to undress completely for body treatments, while others prefer to wear underwear. Choose what makes you feel most comfortable. During body treatments, you are draped with warm towels, only exposing the specific area undergoing treatment. Please wear swimwear when using communal bathing facilities.

Male and female professional therapists are available. If you have a preference, please advise the spa when making your reservation.

If you need to change or cancel your booking, please advise at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

Cancellation within 24 hours requires full payment of treatments booked.

Both sites are open seven days a week during the ski season, from 9am until late.

Getting there Hotham Alpine Resort is located in the heart of the Australian Alpine National Park in Victoria. The Great Alpine Road runs from Wangaratta in the north of Victoria to Bairnsdale in the south and passes through the Hotham Alpine Resort. You can access the resort by car, coach or catch a train to Wangaratta and take a bus to the resort. Mount Hotham also has its own airport, which means you can book a charter plane to get on the slopes faster.

The White Spa is located in the Hotham Central building in the village centre. The free village shuttle bus stops out the front of Hotham Central.

Onsen Retreat + Spa is located in Dinner Plain village on Big Muster Drive. Parking is available in the village or you can catch the Dinner Plain-toHotham bus that runs in the winter season from Hotham Central.

Connect with The White Spa at Hotham W: hepburnwellness.com E: whitespa@hotham.com.au P: 03 5759 4488 A: Hotham Central, 1 Higgi Drive, Mount Hotham Vic

Connect with Onsen Retreat + Spa at Dinner Plain W: hepburnwellness.com E: info@onsen.com.au P: 03 5150 8880 A: Big Muster Drive, Dinner Plain Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 199

VIC | Yarra Valley Living Centre

Yarra Valley Living Centre Situated on 16 hectares of picturesque native bushland and nestled between rolling hills at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, the Yarra Valley Living Centre is just one and a half hours from Melbourne, but offers a peaceful sanctuary away from the rigours of everyday life.

The experience

The treatments

The Yarra Valley Living Centre offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the retreat program’s teachings and focus fully on your health and wellbeing needs.

Natural bushland and landscaped gardens provide an abundance of flora and fauna to observe and enjoy and around the grounds, you will find many specially designed spaces for quiet contemplation and relaxation.

Take a leisurely stroll along the walking trails, explore the labyrinth down by the Little Yarra River, take in the mountain views from the gazebo at the highest point of the property, or find a bench in your favourite part of the gardens to rest and just be.

The retreat centre can accommodate up to 40 guests in single, double, twin or dormitory-style accommodation. The single, double or twin rooms have their own private ensuites and both the dormitories have two bathrooms for comfort and convenience.

Shared areas of the centre include a large communal dining room, a group session room, a lounge/break-out space and two purpose-built meditation sanctuaries.

The centre also houses therapeutic rooms that offer a variety of body therapies and counselling services (services vary and are subject to availability).

The Yarra Valley Living Centre offers retreat programs across the following specialised categories: cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, general wellbeing and disease prevention, mindfulness-based training and professional development.

During your stay, you will be immersed in experiential learning sessions focused on the Seven Essential Elements, developed by Yarra Valley Living Centre for good health and wellbeing. These are seven evidence-based interventions that are widely recognised for their health benefits and include: Regular meditation. This helps bring the body back to its natural state of balance.

Good nutrition. If you put the best food into your body, you give yourself the best chance of your body remaining healthy.

Power of the mind. As taught by the Yarra Valley Living Centre, this encourages the re-evaluation of core beliefs and values and the practical application of positive thinking and imagery to stimulate both the conscious and unconscious mind to assist the body’s healing process.

Emotional healing. This involves the process of releasing pains of the past and resolving negative emotions to free up emotional and physical energy to boost immunity.

200 | WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

Quest for meaning. Finding your purpose in life can have a significant impact on your life experience and this encourages your quest for meaning in life.

Moderate exercise. Exercise provides a huge range of health and wellbeing benefits. Retreat participants are encouraged to engage in yoga, qigong and walking.

Effective support. This important element can encourage a positive mental state, reduce stress and help people develop better coping strategies. The Yarra Valley Living Centre’s expert team of facilitators will provide you with the scientific assurance and the tailored guidance and support to be able to implement these practices into your everyday life.

The food During your retreat stay, you will be nourished with delicious, organic, plantbased wholefoods carefully prepared without oil, salt or sugar. The majority of the produce used is seasonal and picked from the centre’s one-acre (.4-hectare) certified organic garden, herb gardens and fruit orchards.

A bottomless herbal tea and dandelion coffee station is set up in the dining room and can be accessed all day and night.

Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019

The kitchen caters to all allergies, so please advise staff at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements.

Things to remember Caffeine At the Living Centre, there are no caffeinated coffee or tea beverages, so it is recommended that you minimise or eliminate your intake of these drinks a few weeks before the program.

Smoking Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

Perfume and cologne People who are undertaking chemotherapy, have allergies or chemical sensitivities can become very sick from perfume and aftershave, so it is requested that products containing these not be used during your stay.

Retreat atmosphere Unless there are exceptional circumstances, it is better for you, and the group as a whole, if guests do not have people visit them at the centre during the program. If you feel there is a particular need, please speak with one of the therapists.

If you bring a mobile phone, please keep it turned off and be mindful of other participants’ enjoyment of the retreat by making any calls away from buildings and out of earshot of others.

Medical services The Yarra Valley Living Centre is a non-medical facility. However, it does have close links with local medical practitioners should the need arise. Please let the Living Centre know in advance if you have any particular needs.

Getting there The Yarra Valley Living Centre is located at 55 Rayner Court, Yarra Junction, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, approximately 70 kilometres and one and a half hours from Melbourne.

There are shuttle bus services from both Melbourne airport and Melbourne CBD to the Living Centre. This service can be arranged as part of the retreat booking process. Fees are $50 per person each way ($100 per person return).

If you would prefer to arrange a private transfer, there are two providers currently offering this service to the centre. Contact details can be provided at the time of booking.

The nearest train station is Lilydale (approximately 30 minutes by car). Trains depart from Melbourne and the trip takes approximately 55 minutes. Further details can be obtained via ptv.vic.gov.au.

A bus service operates between Lilydale station and the township of Yarra Junction. The bus route is #683 and further details can be found at martyrs.com. au. The centre is a 4-kilometre journey from the bus stop in Yarra Junction.

Connect with Yarra Valley Living Centre W: gawler.org E: clientservices@gawler.org P: 03 5967 1730, 1300 651 211 A: 55 Rayner Court, Yarra Junction Vic

WellBeing Spa, Travel & Retreat Planner 2019 | 201

“It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.”

202 | wellbeing Spa, travel & retreat planner 2019

Photography Getty Images

Paulo Coelho