TIME TRIAL
Don’t have time to relax in the sauna, dip into the jacuzzi AND try every variety of tea on offer? These treatments will still help you hit refresh, just pick how long you’ve got
30 mins L’EXPRESS ANTIOXIDANT FACIAL, $150, MELANIE GRANT, MELANIEGRANT.COM
Don’t be fooled by the luxe aesthetics of Melanie Grant’s chic outposts – her results-driven treatments (a favourite among many famous faces including Lara Worthington and Nicole Trunfio) are a far cry from a quick steam and cream. In just half an hour, dull complexions are revived with a deep cleanse, exfoliation and antioxidant peel, which also calms inflammation and protects from future environmental damage. It’s a quick, effective treatment, minus the production of a standard spa facial – because sometimes there’s just no time for fluffy slippers.
60 mins SIGNATURE FACIAL TREATMENT, FROM $175, AESOP, AESOP.COM
Unlike many beauty rooms tucked inside retail stores, the treatment space in Aesop is delightfully expansive. The generosity also extends to the massage table (the biggest we’ve ever rested our tired bodies on), so don’t be surprised if you drift off. A therapist will take a look at your skin and determine the treatment best suited to you, but at this time of year, you can’t go wrong with the Skin Quench to boost moisture and glow instantly.
80 mins ABHYANG FUSION, $240, GWINGANNA, GWINGANNA.COM
This Ayurvedic massage technique requires thorough training, so is only offered in a few locations by highly skilled therapists – like those at this Gold Coast retreat. It’s a mix of remedial and marma massage, reflexology and chakra balancing, so is effectively like having a few treatments in one. Combining customised blends of oils and a flowing style, it relieves tension and anxiety as well as encourages better quality sleep (yes, please) so you wake up the next day brighter-eyed.
105 mins SPA MIX, $215, ENDOTA SPA, ENDOTA.COM.AU
If you can’t make up your mind about which treatment to indulge in on the menu, this jam-packed offer is basically the greatest hits. It squeezes in a massage (on the back, shoulders, neck and scalp, or you can customise your own), facial, foot bath and pedicure. All of it, in and out, in less than two hours. Perfect if you want results delivered with your relaxation.
3 hours SWISS BLISS, $1,000, LA PRAIRIE AT CROWN SPA, CROWNMELBOURNE.COM.AU
There are spa treatments, and then there are spa experiences. This indulgent escape falls into the latter. Offered inside the palatial walls of Melbourne’s Crown Spa, it combines a 90-minute massage and 90-minute facial. You’ll also be handed a 50ml jar of La Prairie’s beloved Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. The pot would otherwise cost you just over $500, so it’s nearly a bargain.