by Prue Henschke | Nov 13, 2018 | Me-time inspiration
I celebrated my 40th birthday recently and part of my day I wanted to spend at a day spa. I had few criteria - I wanted a memorable experience. I wanted the treatment to be something unusual. I wanted the spa environment itself to wow me. I wanted to be able to extend the experience with use of a pool or sauna or similar.
I’ve been fortunate to experience some pretty amazing spas and treatments on my travels - which has made me rather fussy when it comes to paying $250+ for a spa package - I want it to be something amazing. So for weeks before our trip I asked around, DM’ed mamas I knew from IG, and googled every possibility on the Gold Coast (GC). Eventually it occurred to me to try Byron and Gaia (which I had oohed and ahhed over many times over the years) was an obvious choice.
And it didn’t disappoint. The setting of the retreat is quite simply stunning. With rolling green hills and manicured gardens - I immediately felt a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the GC. The spa itself is set in a Balinese style building with a gorgeous pool/spa/sauna area which is available to guests of the spa. The staff were friendly and professional. After changing into my robe and slippers I sipped tea in one of their lounging areas until my therapist fetched me.
I had booked one of their signature treatments - the 2 hour inner serenity package. Described as a “spiritual treatment [which] begins with a Swedish massage to assess energy flow and re-balance the body’s energy field. During [the] massage [the] therapist will perform healing work drawing from reiki and intuitive energy. A 30minute hot oil scalp massage with a smudging ceremony will soothe body mind and soul”.
My therapist explained that the session was personalised. The session was to be a massage but with energy healing, reiki and chakra work. My session was more healing than massage but I was completely fine with that because I was looking to experience something different. My therapist spoke during parts of the session almost as you would expect in a guided meditation - with lots of visualisation. I was encouraged to feel rather than think as I experienced sensations.
At the end of our session we had a debrief about what had come up and how I was feeling. I was given a small plate of beautiful fruits and tea to enjoy. I then made use of the spa and pool set in the lush gardens.
It was a beautiful morning and certainly made the day special.
Cost - $270.00 for 2 hours
by Prue Henschke | Aug 18, 2018 | Me-time inspiration
Thai has become one of my favourite massage styles - for a few reasons. I like a firm massage which really works into the tension in my back, shoulders and neck - Thai massages always deliver. I sometimes like being able to book in at short notice or even walk in - many Thai massage businesses accommodate my last minute plans. I also find the standard of Thai massage is consistently high no matter where I go.
I’ve been on the look out for some local Thai massage options when I came across Luxsa Therapy - the new kid in town.
Run by Husband and wife team, Tim and Marisa, Luxsa Therapy is located in the shopping strip of bayside Parkdale.
The first thing that struck me about Luxsa is that it’s street presence and interior is noticeable fancier than many “no frills” Thai massage places I’ve visited. Marisa shared they have consciously chosen to position themselves as delivering a little more for customers - like the beautiful peppermint spritz at the end of the massage and a cute traditional Thai biscuit to accompany your tea after your session. I appreciated these little touches.
The massage itself was excellent. My therapist was friendly and professional. In fact all the staff were warm and welcoming.
Luxsa - a great addition to the Parkdale area.
Cost - $65.00 for one hour (introductory special)
by Prue Henschke | Apr 6, 2018 | Me-time inspiration
I’ve had a shitty week - quite literally. My 4 year old son has been unwell, which added more pressure to an already over stretched schedule. Such is #mumlife.
As I was in the midst of a pity party, I decided to book in a long overdue massage. Close to my work, Jarunee is located in a small strip of shops in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Black Rock. I was able to park at the door.
Apple, was my masseuse for the session. She was welcoming and friendly. The massage room was decorated with Thai fabrics and other touches. The heater had been put on in advance, so the room was comfy.
The hour long full body massage was heavenly. The massage was firm - at my election - and involved the usual stretching, pressure point work and flow someone who has had a Thai massage will be familiar with. If you haven’t tried a Thai massage, I expect you would either love or hate it. The therapists usually use their whole body in the massage - in this case with Apple literally on my back for the first 15-20 minutes. The massage also involved Apple assisting me in pretty deep stretches.
I find Thai massages really help get out the knots and tightness. This was no exception. Listening to the “crunching” sound my back made, as it was worked on, was an clear sign for me to start making time again for more regular massages.
Cost: $70.00 for one hour
by Prue Henschke | Oct 27, 2017 | Me-time inspiration
Easily my favourite part of visiting my hairdresser is the head massage at the basin. The all too short experience usually gets me thinking how underrated head massage is - so when the opportunity arose to try a 30 minute Japanese head massage I didn’t hesitate.
The destination for head massage was Haku, located in Glenelg, a touristy beachside suburb of Adelaide.
I booked in as a last minute birthday gift to myself. I sent an email after hours, on the off chance of securing a booking, and was pleased to receive a very prompt, positive response.
The spa itself is beautifully styled with neutral tones and a tranquil feel. The staff were delightful.
The massage was done whilst I was lying down. The massage itself extended to my shoulders as well as my head. The massage was firm and worked into pressure points on my scalp. The massage was a little different to what I expected. I’d compare it to a deep tissue massage in that not all of the massage is super comfortable (for example when working on tight spots like my temples) but the benefit is you feel enormously relaxed at the end - which I did.
The benefits of a Japanese style head massage are said to be extensive including relieving sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia, slowing down fast thought patterns and a racy mind, promoting hair growth, inducing a calmer mindset and rejuvenating the brain. This type of massage is also said to be highly beneficial for those who suffer from over-work, worry and prolonged computer use - so perfect for most of us!
I’ll definitely be back to Haku on my next visit to Adelaide.
Cost - $40.00 for 30 mins
by Prue Henschke | Oct 9, 2017 | Me-time inspiration
I came to see Heather Grace for a Palm Reading on the recommendation of Lucy Cornes (who generous contributed to our Me-time guide to Adelaide).
Heather does readings from a light filled studio in her home, overlooking her picturesque garden, in a suburb of the Adelaide Hills.
Heather greets me with a big smile and invites me into her lovely, homely studio. She is warm and welcoming. I feel immediately at ease in her company.
The first thing to mention is the fact the entire reading is recorded on CD and is yours to take for no additional cost. I loved this aspect of the experience because so much was covered in my hour long session, it would be difficult to remember it all and taking notes would have distracted me from the experience.
At the commencement of the session (without going into too much detail - at the risk of interfering with the experience of others) Heather told me a little about my past, present and future from my handwriting, star sign and using numerology.
It is clear, even at this point, Heather is incredible at what she does. Not only does she have years of experience, an impressive education and numerous awards in her field - she has a passion and enthusiasm which is self evident.
When it’s time to move on to reading my palms she explains the significance of the differences in my left and right hands and then takes me to all the important lines and features of my hands. She is even able to explain my crooked little fingers and what the size and shape of my unmanicured fingernails means.
Over the next 45 minutes or so I am blown away. Heather is so accurate in her description of me, my personality, my current circumstance - well it’s incredible. She delves into past lives and my future and that of members of my immediate family.
At the end of the session Heather did a card reading which related to my immediate future. Again Heather explains the cards in detail and based on my current situation it all made perfect sense.
I go home with my CD and some incense (another included gift) on a real high.
To say I loved the experience is a serious understatement. At a time when I’ve been having some challenges and there have been lots of changes in my life, hearing her explain what my palms reveal about my life - past, present and future was uplifting and inspiring. Heather has a spark that makes her a joy to visit. Based on my experience with her, I believe she is truly gifted in her craft. I unreservedly recommend you visit her if in Adelaide.
Cost - $100.00 for one hour
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For more information about Heather’s services visit her website here. She’s also on Facebook here.
by Prue Henschke | Jul 29, 2017 | Me-time inspiration
In an effort to maintain my massage a fortnight regime, and not stretch the family budget too much, I search through the discount websites Scoopon and Groupon from time to time. Often the services are simply too far for me to travel - my me-time is - like it is for all mamas - limited. When a deal in Hampton came up, being fairly close to home, I bought a voucher.
Harmony Relaxation is a Chinese massage business in the main shopping precinct of Hampton. The business is no frills - a basic shopfront with curtained massage tables set to one side and massage chairs to the other. I was seen promptly for my appointment. The therapist started working on my back with oil and using repetitive strokes. She then introduced the hot stones. What set this massage apart for me was the work she did on my calves, feet, toes and palms of my hands. The pain in these areas was intense! I had no idea of the tightness/ tension I had in these areas. The massage overall was pretty good.
I’ve learnt with many of the deal massage to realistically set my expectations. You are rarely going to find an inexpensive five star luxury experience. However if the massage itself, rather than the decor, ambience and customer service is what’s important to you, you can’t go wrong.
