A RELAXING day spa need not be a luxury reserved only for adults. The Maldives Hilton now offers spa treatments for kids and families.

HILTON Maldives Iru Fushi Resort and Spa has begun offering day spa treatments for children.

The Sweet Pea Spa treatments have been designed especially for young skin, with mother and daughter and father and son packages available.

The resort has 20 individual spa pavilions, including five Ayurvedic suites, plus hydrotherapy and plunge pools, a sauna and steam rooms.

Signature treatments include Peas in a Pod, in which treatments can be chosen from the child and adult spa menus.

Source: news.com.au

Akoya Day Spa has recently been opened at the Barwon Heads Resort 13th Beach. A nice drive out of Melbourne, Barwon Heads is a popular destination for day trips or longer stays, with plenty to see and do.

Akoya Day Spa offers a full range of body therapies, massage, facials and facial treatments, infrared sauna and the only floatation tank in the Geelong region. They have put together some great packages, too, for a fun afternoon or day of pampering and relaxation.

Address: 36 Fourteenth Rd, Barwon Heads, Vic 3227
Phone: 03 5254 1403
Web: www.akoyadayspa.com
Email: bookings@akoyadayspa.com

Day Spa Review

Location and facilities
It was pouring with rain as I arrived on my bike, so it was a welcome relief to enter the waiting area of Soul Sista Massage (once trading as Crabtree Urban Spa). Based in a nice terrace building on leafy Rathdowne Street, it is a superb location for a day spa. The village atmosphere of the shops here in North Carlton is wonderful, having all of the right combinations for a leisurely afternoon savouring delights of food, wine and book browsing options, not to mention the day spa therapies. Having just moved into the new premises, there was still work to be done, but my therapist, Cat, warmly introduced herself and we proceeded to the therapy room. Left to get unchanged, I noticed the soft ambient music was Hawaiian, it’s lulling rhythms and smooth sound a great enhancement to the room. The rooms themselves were pretty straightfoward for a therapy suite. It’s a bit hard to judge how they will end up looking, as the place was still being set up.

Quality of Spa Experience
Very soon my massage had started, and I was transported to a very blissful place, relaxing deeply into the process. I’d never experienced the Ka Huna practice of body massage, so it was fascinating to feel the process unfold. It’s a very fluid style, using the forearms and hands to stroke consistently up and down the areas of the body, giving a connectedness to the therapy. It was very smooth, moving from one zone to the next without breaking the relaxing mood. Cat was able to exert a great amount of pressure during the massage, getting right into the tight spots and relieving tension nicely.

Cat added some Hot Stone Therapy to the routine, which is always welcome in my opinion. It’s a great way to apply deeper heat therapy in specific locations, as well as get a deeper pressure on the muscles without using much force from the therapist. It’s a great combination with a relaxation massage.

Ka Huna technique is a patented form of physical therapy, learned exclusively in small training sessions with the master. Based on principles of using the body for developing pressure in the strokes, Ka Huna makes use of forearms to provide leverage and smooth application of strokes to the body, offering a deep pressure, but in a fluid motion that allows the therapist to move in and out of tense areas without causing discomfort.

The massage was superbly performed. I felt extremely relaxed and supple at the end of the session, suitably impressed by the style and technique of my therapist. I’d have to say that it was one of the best massages that I’ve ever had. It was a total delight.

Treatment
Ka Huna Bodywork with Hot Stone Therapy

Pros
Superb, relaxing massage with deep heat therapy. Great therapist.

Cons
Small list of offerings. No water therapies.

Total: 15/20 “A superb therapy of massage and hot stones in a relaxing village location.”

“Tell them that you read it at Great Spa Search!”

Type of spa: Day Spa

Info:
Address: 550 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton
Tel: 0413 941 906
Web: soulsistamassage.com.au
Email: cat@soulsistamassage.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/catherine.thorpe.779

Wallet Rating:


Opening hours:
Soul Sista Massage is only open
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am till late.
Please Note: By appointment only.

Skincare brands available:
Dr Hauschka

*Please Note: This treatment was provided to us at no cost by Soul Sista Massage for the purposes of review. Although complimentary, this is no way affected the outcome of the review. Our policy is to inform readers of any services provided free of charge.

from Aurora Spa Rituals product range

I’m impressed by the range from Aurora. Once again, this is a nice light cleanser as an alternative to the slightly more invigorating cleanser with grapefruit and seaweed. Clear and smooth, with a nice viscosity from the Aloe, this cleanser goes on the skin nicely, with a gentle foaming action. Notes of roses and sandalwood with a hint of lavender combine well with the moisturising properties from the Aloe. Washes off the skin nicely.

What they use in the fabulous Aurora Spa Retreat is exactly what you get in this product. According to the label, it’s Australian owned and made, against animal testing and earth friendly. They do not use synthetic fragrances, or colour, sulfates, glycols, pegs or parabens.

Read our Spa Review of Aurora Spa Retreat, St Kilda here

Aurora Spa Rituals are available for sale at the Aurora Spa Retreat,
or through Mecca Cosmetica.

from Aurora Spa Rituals product range

I found this a nourishing skin product with a creamy texture. It works into the skin well, with light floral notes. It’s a bit thicker than the body cream but you’d expect a good hand cream to be more robust, working into tougher skin on hands. A luscious feel comes from the addition of shea butter, which I love. They’ve added some great essential oil extracts such as bergamot and Vitamin E for nourishment. Aurora has developed a good, well-balanced skincare system. None of their products are overly fragrant or heavy. Overall the treatments rest lightly on the skin, coming off or absorbing easily.

What they use in the fabulous Aurora Spa Retreat is exactly what you get in this product. According to the label, it’s Australian owned and made, against animal testing and earth friendly. They do not use synthetic fragrances, or colour, sulfates, glycols, pegs or parabens.

Read our Spa Review of Aurora Spa Retreat, St Kilda here

Aurora Spa Rituals are available for sale at the Aurora Spa Retreat,
or through Mecca Cosmetica.

from Aurora Spa Rituals product range

Luscious but light, this body cream works into the skin easily. Very subtle hints of rose, with an added lux feel with shea butter. This cream is very light on the skin, absorbing nicely, without leaving a greasy residue finish. What else can I say, it’s a great moisturising cream! What they use in the fabulous Aurora Spa Retreat is exactly what you get in this product.

According to the label, it’s Australian owned and made, against animal testing and earth friendly. They do not use synthetic fragrances, or colour, sulfates, glycols, pegs or parabens.

Useful as part of a cleansing and moisturising routine that includes:
Grapefruit & Seaweed Invigorating Body Cleanser
and Wattleseed & Walnut Resurfacing Skin Cream

Read our Spa Review of Aurora Spa Retreat, St Kilda here

Aurora Spa Rituals are available for sale at the Aurora Spa Retreat,
or through Mecca Cosmetica.

from Aurora Spa Rituals product range

Opaque and quite gritty, this product utilises ground ingredients to provide the exfoliating texture, in combination with enzymatic action of the tropical fruits. Softening this resurfacing action, the creamy luscious feel of the product, which includes Aloe Vera, to hydrate the skin.

It applies quite nicely useful after a body cleanser, with gentle exfoliation from the coarse texture, while not too scratchy or rough. Very subtle aromas of tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple, with savoury notes from seeds and walnuts. Cleans off nicely.

Contains Vitamin E and essential oils to give extra benefits to the skin.
Packaging gives hints to its environmental credentials, with a wooden cap over clean recycleable plastic, to spa jazz up the aesthetic. A nice touch. What they use in the fabulous Aurora Spa Retreat is exactly what you get in this product.

According to the label, it’s Australian owned and made, against animal testing and earth friendly. They do not use synthetic fragrances, or colour, sulfates, glycols, pegs or parabens.

Useful as part of a cleansing and moisturising routine that includes:
Grapefruit & Seaweed Invigorating Body Cleanser
followed by the Ultra Rich Body Cream

Read our Spa Review of Aurora Spa Retreat, St Kilda here

Aurora Spa Rituals are available for sale at the Aurora Spa Retreat,
or through Mecca Cosmetica.

from Aurora Spa Rituals product range

Clear texture and finish, smooth and fresh Grapefruit. Smooth, goes on skin well, foams nicely, with fresh clean finish. Cleanser without grit or texture, with fresh smell.

Pump action delivers a good amount of the clear, smooth body cleanser. It goes onto the skin well, with aloe vera giving the smooth viscosity, foaming up gently, with a fresh clean smell. It’s a very soft cleanser, with no grittiness or residue as it washes off well. I like the delicate aroma. Overall, a gentle product on the skin and nose, while delivering a good cleansing result.

I love the thought that Aurora have put into the product and packaging. The pump delivers a great amount of product, not too much, nor too little. It’s in a handy bottle size. What they use in the fabulous Aurora Spa Retreat is exactly what you get in this product.

According to the label, it’s Australian owned and made, against animal testing and earth friendly. They do not use synthetic fragrances, or colour, sulfates, glycols, pegs or parabens.

Useful as the start of a cleansing and moisturising routine that includes:
Wattleseed & Walnut Resurfacing Skin Cream
followed by the Ultra Rich Body Cream

Read our Spa Review of Aurora Spa Retreat, St Kilda here

Aurora Spa Rituals are available for sale at the Aurora Spa Retreat,
or through Mecca Cosmetica.

Day Spa Review

Location and facilities
Leaving a crisp, bright winter day behind, I moved through the dark foyer of the chic boutique hotel and up the stairs to Aurora Spa Retreat. Cascading water down the front window of the spa greets the visitor as a refreshing sight and a great way to put you in the right frame of mind for a spa session. I was invited upstairs to the lounge area which was spacious and relaxing, and as it was early in the week it’s a great time to spa. Sun splashed tiles and huge mirrors gave a great feel of space in the changerooms, and after changing into a robe, bathers and slippers I returned to the lounge to relax, sipping superb hderbal tea and basking in the warmth of the sun.

Quality of Spa Experience
I was led to the steam rooms, to find myself approaching a therapy table that you might find in a standard room, covered in towels ready for my treatment. It was a new experience for me, having a body exfoliation and facial treatment within a steam room, but once lying down on the bench, I forgot where I was and drifted off into a relaxed stupor. The warm, moist environment, along with the combination of luscious products poured and sprinkled over my body, a therapist with very fluid technique, I was taken through the various elements of the spa visit without a pause. I was initially invited to relax by breathing in some spicy aromas with a small ritual, signalling the start of the session and time to switch off. At once viscous and cool, the oil applied was worked into the skin with great dexterity by my therapist. This was followed by a delicate sprinking of dry salt flakes, used to gently exfoliate my body with a sensational scratchy application. Then the skin was gently washed and moisturised. It was a great combination of products and treatments, very relaxing and cleansing at the same time.

Next was the facial application along with a scalp massage. The products were well suited to my skin, and went on very lusciously. At each stage my therapist worked her magic with dexterity and fluid continuity. I was held in my relaxed state by a very conscious attention to detail, whether in the movements and transitions of the therapy, or the products and the small details provided to accompany the experience. As a bloke, I didn’t have to wrestle with a tiny disposable g-string, as shorts were provided. I happened to be using my own bathers, so I was provided a small bag to contain them while I went to the lounge to relax before getting dressed. These elements make the session flow so much better, allowing you to take full advantage of the relaxing ambience.

It was a very integrated, flowing session, moving between phases without disruption. Each of the parts involved various sensory experiences, from the initial quietening phases taking in spicy aromas, to luscious liquids flowing over limbs, a light sprinking of salt followed by scrubbing massage, and finally a moisturise, the session was extremely good. My therapist was superb, working in the hot steamy environment with complete professionalism. I learned that they are only able to perform a couple of these treatments in a day, and I can understand why.

I was given some advice on skincare after the session, without any pressure to buy products. I moved into my day refreshed, invigorated and thoroughly restored.

Treatment
Signature Kitya Karnu
1hr; $185

Choose from:
Detox – detoxifying lemon myrtle salts with green clay
and reviving body oils.
Bliss – relaxing lavender salts with white clay and calming body oils.

Pros
Wellness focus of therapists and products, incorporating spa experiences in lifestyle of client. Great spa therapies.

Cons
None

18/20 “A well-developed boutique spa experience focussing on wellbeing of clients”

Tell them you read it at Great Spa Search!

Type of spa: Day Spa

Skincare Brands Available:
Aurora Spa Rituals
Kirsten Florian (for facial treatments)

Info
Address: The Prince Hotel, 2 Acland St, St Kilda
Tel: 03 9536 1130
Web: aurorasparetreat.com.au

Wallet Rating:

Opening Hours:
Sunday and Monday 10 am to 6 pm
Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday 9 am until 6 pm

Parking is available at the car park on Level 1, Entry Jacksons Street for purchases and gift pick up

*Please Note: This treatment was provided to us at no cost by Aurora Spa Retreat for the purposes of review. Although complimentary, this is no way affected the outcome of the review. Our policy is to inform readers of any services provided free of charge.

20% off endota spa certified organic skincare*

Now on at every endota spa and continuing all August.

Mention “Great Spa Search”

*Conditions apply: while stocks last, excludes gift and value packs, offer not available at endota david jones spa studios.
Offer valid 1 – 31 August 2012.

Find your local endota spa

Only $59 for 1 HR Massage of your choice.

Discover the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation at Sabai Day Spa. Sabai’s wide selection of exotic, in-house natural products, along with its experienced therapists, offer the best of traditional Thai hospitality, giving you the most soothing and revitalising experience – for both ladies and fellas!

Tell them that you read about it at GreatSpaSearch.com!

# Not valid for Herbal Ball Compression
# Cancellation notice is 24 hours
# Not available with any other offer
# Offer ends 30 September 2012

Sabai Day Spa is open Mon to Sat, 10am to 8pm, and Sun, 11am to 6pm

1/141 Osborne St. South Yarra VIC 3141
www.sabaidayspa.com.au
info@sabaidayspa.com.au
Ph: 03 9866 2880

Begin with a steam room session that includes a DIY salt body rub, pot of herbal tea and uplifting body wash.
Set at 42 degrees of gentle fine mist, the warmth & humidity will transform you. Succumb to an hour long relaxation massage with amazing massage moves and chilled out tunes.

Allow 90mins

$129 per person
$239 per couple

Book Now: 03 9534 7666 – Mention “GreatSpaSearch”!
Skin Day Spa St Kilda
147 Chapel St, St Kilda

www.skindayspa.com.au

Please Note: Excludes Gift Vouchers and other promotional offers.

Angsana Spa Nusajaya

Angsana Spa provides the perfect getaway in the bustling regional city of Nusajaya, Malaysia. Featuring a selection of Asian-inspired therapies with special emphasis on the use of native flowers and fruits, be delighted by the sensory treats delivered by skilful Angsana Spa therapists trained in the art of touch at our Banyan Tree Spa Academies.

Double the joy at Angsana Spa with a complimentary treatment for any treatment purchased. Feel twice as pampered at Angsana Spa.

Tell them you read about it at GreatSpaSearch.com!

Promotion is valid from 20 July to 20 August 2012.
Terms & Conditions Apply
Second purchase must be completed in the same visit and of an equal or lesser value than the first treatment.
Not applicable for facials or essential pampering treatments.
Advance booking prior to your arrival is recommended to secure your preferred date and time of treatment.
Promotion cannot be enjoyed in conjunction with other promotions, discounts or privileges.

For reservations or enquiries, please contact:
Angsana Spa Nusajaya
The Ledang Urban Retreat
2, Jalan Bendahara, 79250 Nusajaya
Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia
Tel: +607 510 1066
Fax: +607 510 2030
Email: spa-nusajaya@angsana.com

Travel Destination Spa

One Wellness & Spa is located in one of the world’s greatest outdoor playgrounds – the Canadian Rocky Mountains, in Canmore, Alberta. Canmore is known as one of Canada’s leading health and wellness destinations because of its affinity for healthy living, its deep pool of health and wellness practitioners, its connection to professional sport and training facilities and four season amenities. A short and scenic 45-minute drive from Calgary, Canmore is a base camp to some of the world’s best outdoor recreation – some of the best golfing, cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking and more.

One Wellness & Spa was born out of the connection to the Town of Canmore – the people and the principles that encompass total wellness. One Wellness & Spa offers an innovative approach to health and wellness – changing the traditional “passive” spa experience into an integrated, active experience, making it one of the only wellness facilities that focus on taking the concept of unlimited well-being to new heights.

Each guest’s point of entry into the One Wellness & Spa experience is based on how they are feeling and their current level of energy. Therapeutic experiences are designed base on the guest’s desired outcome, ranging from self-care to recovery to personal growth, and are catalysts for health-driven results that inspire a shift or transformation towards unlimited well-being and feeling One.

Services include: Life Strategy Coaching, Pathways to Engagement Bodywork and Facials, Strength & Performance Body work, Personalized Massage, Physiotherapy, Personal Training, Pilates, and Yoga. Beauty Services include: Facials, Scrubs & Wraps, and Nail Care.

One Wellness & Spa is the official spa of Solara Resort & Spa, which is owned and operated by Bellstar Hotels and Resorts – Western Canada’s leading purveyor of boutique resorts.

One Wellness and Spa
187 Kananaskis Way, Canmore, Alberta Canada T1W 0A3

Tel: 1.403.679.7179
Toll Free: 1.855.590.4900
Fax: 1.403.678.8898

Australia-based Sodashi has expanded its international distribution network across the Middle East and added several prestigious properties to its luxury portfolio.
The chemical-free skincare company has partnered with Sarum Trading to drive business in the UAE and more widely across the Middle East.

Sarum Trading is a distributor of natural and organic beauty brands in the region. Catering to high-end retail stores and spas, the company specialises in unique, luxurious, high quality, organic products sourced primarily from Europe, Australia and the USA.

Sodashi founder Megan Larsen said she was delighted to be partnering with Sarum Trading in the UAE and across the Middle East.

“There is synergy in that both Sodashi and Sarum Trading are seeking to offer spas the ability to provide their guests with the finest products, experience and results.

“We believe there is growing demand for high-performance chemical-free skin care in the region, as spa customers become increasingly savvy about the authenticity of their products and treatments.”

Sarum Trading has overseen the re-launch of Sodashi into the Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah, and now services long-term Sodashi clients Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa; The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Doha; and Timeless Spas at Emirates Airline First and Business Class lounges at Dubai International Airport.

In addition, Sodashi has recently added a number of prestigious properties to its global portfolio, including a Sodashi exclusive spa ‘Opium Spa’ at The Siam Hotel, Bangkok; Four Seasons Milan; Four Seasons Hampshire; Villa Dubrovik; Four Seasons Hotel Dublin; and Mollies Luxury Boutique Hotel in New Zealand.

Original article: spabusiness.com
See also: Sodashi website

The owners of fellow Victorian spa review site, MySpaGuide, have decided to put the website business up for sale.

After 3 years of operation, including “a period of growth and success” in the last financial year, Cara and Clare thought that it would be a good time to sell. They have announced that they are searching for potential buyers of the site.

“Sometimes all we need is a little inspiration. That is why it’s good to get out and about and splurge on some treatments now and then… After a visit to a salon or spa, be it for mundane grooming (waxing) or luxury pampering (massage and steam), I do what has been done to me more often. I take the advice on board, at least for a while.”

Natasha Hughes has hit onto something here. I definitely find myself following a beauty routine more closely soon after visiting a professional spa or salon treatment. I’m wondering if it’s the afterglow, seeing yourself in the mirror, feeling a little better about yourself, and wanting to make it last longer. How about you? Do you seem to follow routines better when you are visiting the spa or salon?

You can read Natasha’s full article here.

The historic Tepid Baths have reopened in the centre of Auckland, New Zealand, following the completion of a restoration and upgrade programme costing NZ$15.8m (US$12.4m, EUR9.9m, £8m).

First opened to city residents in 1914, the Tepid Baths closed in early 2010 to undergo work – including repairs to its infrastructure and conservation of the building’s historic features.

The scheme also included the relocation of the changing rooms to the front of the centre and the reinstatement of cabanas around the main and learner pools to match 1914 designs.

Auckland Council led the redevelopment, which was designed by Jasmax along with heritage specialists Matthews and Matthews Architects.

Coffey Projects; Holmes Consulting Group; URS; WT Partnerships; and New Zealand Strong were also involved with the scheme.

Auckland mayor Len Brown said: “Thousands of Aucklanders have childhood memories of visiting the baths – long may that continue.”

Facilities at Tepid Baths include a 25m, seven-lane main pool and a 15m, four-lane learner pool, as well as a fitness centre equipped by Cybex.

Details: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (Auckland Council)
Details: www.tepidbaths.co.nz (Tepid Baths)

Image: Auckland Council
Original article: spabusiness.com

ELLE, the world’s largest fashion magazine, has brought its beauty and health expertise to the premier ELLE Spa at the renowned Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach. This 22,000 square foot space, which opened in June 2011, offers guests an experience that combines the style of ELLE and the serenity of Eden Roc’s oceanfront location. From exclusive, editorially-inspired treatments curated by skin and beauty experts (including celebrity esthetician Tammy Fender), to their very own nail collection created by Essie, the pages of ELLE truly come to life in this modern-day oasis.

Read more about this fabulous new spa at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach.