♥

Christmas is less than SIX WEEKS away. You heard right, six weeks. How did this happen?! That’s right, with all the hard work, taking care of family & friends, busy social life and keeping up with Wellness WA (;)) the year has absolutely flown by with barely a chance to sit back and take a few centred breaths.

Bliss

That’s where Gwinganna comes in. Imagine waking up on the 25th of December to find a voucher for a 2, 3, 4 or 7 night ultimate spa and wellness retreat at one of Australia’s top spa and healing destinations – Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to go, this place is seriously the best wellness destination in Australia.

Fancy a little tai chi and yoga in the morning?

The 7 night detox program in particular gets me fired up, it’s described as “the Rolls Royce of lifestyle retreats is one of our most powerful options. Leave with whiter eyes, increased vitality and glowing skin.” Yes! How good would that be?!

Maybe a gorgeous bush walk is more you cup of (organic, fair trade) tea?

Gwinganna are offering a 20% discount off selected retreats in 2013 with their popular Christmas vouchers. Each retreat package at Gwinganna is fully inclusive and provides an opportunity to truly escape and recharge.

Or just relax in the infinity pool

Gwinganna’s packages include all certified organic meals and snacks, movement activities, lifestyle seminars, courtesy transfers from Gold Coast airport at set times and selected spa treatments or spa credit.
The Christmas vouchers are available for purchase until 21 December 2012, valid for stays from 20 January to 27 March 2013 and some conditions apply.

Phone 1800 219 272 or visit www.gwinganna.com for more details. And be sure to let me know if you are thinking of taking a trip over there, so I can live vicariously through you! 🙂

Tell me… would you like an amazing spa retreat for Christmas? Been naughty or nice this year? Leave a comment below!

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Imagine the feeling of complete relaxation after a yoga class, the happiness felt as you eat a piece of your favourite dark chocolate (and knowing there is a whole block left), and the feeling of contentment after you’ve given your best friend an amazingly thoughtful birthday present she loved.

Combine these emotions and you will feel like I did as I left Waitaha Day Spa after my Body Renewal and Skin Rescue Massage spa treatments. Being pampered at this beautiful day spa was a blissful two hours and something my body, mind and soul would definitely recommend – it truly is the ultimate relaxation experience.

♥

After weaving my way along the sparkling coast up to Hillary’s I arrived at Waitaha and was introduced to Clare who was my beauty therapist for the afternoon. The absolutely lovely and knowledgeable Clare led me to the relaxation room, where my feet were treated to a nourishing foot massage and soak.

I then entered the romantically lit treatment room for the Body Renewal Treatment, which instantly relaxed me with its soothing music and fresh aromas. This pampering treat included a scrub, wrap, steam and Vichy Shower in the hydrospa.

♥ Me, excited before the treatments begun!

Clare’s gentle hands first exfoliated me with a delicious coconut, salt, orange and lime exfoliant (good enough to eat!) which was then gently washed off and the green coffee wrap began. This wrap stimulates your body’s ability to break down fat, increases the metabolism and eliminates water retention.

I would recommend this treatment to all ladies (and men) who are wanting to get their body back to last summers toned and smooth glory, or just wanting to start the process of losing winter’s hearty meals and yummy cakes.

♥

The top of the hydrospa (the big space-like contraption) was then lowered, and I experienced a nice warm steam – which aided in the wrap being absorbed to work it’s magic. At the same time I also received an Argan Oil hair treatment and head massage (it smelt and felt amazing – an incredible experience). After 20 minutes, the Vichy Shower began! Water jets rained warm water from the roof of the hydrospa and washed the wrap from my body – pure luxury!

♥ A pile of fresh towels is one of the more blissful things in the world!

After I’d dried off and popped on my white robe and slippers on (have I mentioned how luxurious this was yet?) I moved into another treatment room for my Skin Rescue Massage. This started with a full Body Brush which has plentiful benefits, including; exfoliating the skin, stimulating cellular turnover and boosting lymphatic drainage (these magic brushes are sold at Waitaha for $20). The full body massage was just what my body needed, Clare worked out some knots in my back and massaged hydro-oil deep into every part of my legs, torso and arms. Perfection. The hydro-oil is so nourishing and contains jojoba oil to deeply hydrate the skin and doesn’t stain clothes which was good news for the new knit I’d worn into the spa!

♥

During this time of massage zen and relaxation, Clare also treated me to a Pevonia Enzymospherides Peeling cream. Smelling of summer, the pineapple and papaya enzymes in the cream are activated and remove impurities.

Last was a Pevonia Lumafirm Lift and Glow Mask which Clare let me know (I had to reconfirm later because I was in such a happy and dream-like state) that this mask renders skin ultra-luminous with a firmer, tighter and more youthful defined appearance. It’s highly recommended for aging skin or for ladies who are seeking an instant repair boost for a special day, or because they simply deserve it!

♥ The ring!

Last year on my birthday I got engaged and did not think a birthday could ever be topped by that moment. This year on my birthday I was exfoliated, wrapped, massaged, showered from head to toe at Waitaha Day Spa and while this didn’t quite top my handsome boy’s words and my emerald engagement ring, it came pretty darn close!

Whether you’re looking for a bit of love and attention coming into summer, or want to buy a thoughtful gift for your mum or a beloved friend, I’m a firm believer that Waitaha Day Spa should definitely be at the top of your list.

t: 08 9403 3633
e: relax@waitahadayspa.com.au

address:
Shop 15, Hillarys Shopping Centre
110 Flinders Avenue
Hillarys
Western Australia

Have you been to Waitaha before? What are your favourite spas in Perth? Lets chat in the comments below!

Reviewed by very relaxed and smooth skinned Jade!

Be well,

xoxo

♥

A few weeks ago I got to spend some time at what I'm not afraid to say is the most elegantly decorated spa I've ever had the pleasure of being pampered in. And Vanity Box Skin Couture in Perth (the intersection of East Perth, Highgate & Maylands) isn't just a pretty face, though their exquisite decor is the initial drawcard, it's the warm welcome, ambiance and list of 'little extras' about a mile long that really impress. This is definitely your go-to if all out luxury and service is on the cards.

♥

My purpose for visiting Vanity Box was to spend an hour and a half with the gorgeous and delightfully friendly owner, Suzey, to road-test one of her 'bespoke' treatments. Basically this means that you book in for a certain amount of time, and in consultation with Suzey decide on the day what you most feel like having done. Genius! It makes sense to be guided by what your skin and body need at the time, and I've never come across a service like this before, so I was very excited to see what she would suggest for me.

The room I was in, stunning right?!

My afternoon of delights starts with some candle warmed berry tea, while the strains of classical music wash over me and the relaxation process begins…

♥

For someone so petite Suzey has strong hands, which are capable of tailoring the massage treatments to your liking, from tender butterfly kisses, all the way up to strong deep tissue work. My massage was a mixture of both, the preceding deep tissue working out all of my computer slouching sins, while the follow up gentle massage sent me to the brink of sleep. The classical music played during the second half of the massage transported me to a perfectly choreographed ballet, where her hands were the world renowned dancers, and my back the stage.

♥

The Priori Natureceuticals Coffeeberry Relaxing Yoga Treatment (75 mins) is said to be an intensely relaxing anti-ageing treatment that reduces tension and stress levels as well as brightening the skin. This is where the little extras really kicked in.

♥ My face was massaged extensively during the facial, which was a very enjoyable experience and is meant to help with relieving stress.

♥ I was brought a much appreciated hot water bottle (with plush covering) and a warmed eye bag as it was chilly that day, both of which I loved.

♥ While the face mask was setting I received the longest and most glorious arm massage ever. Divine.

♥ Post-facial I was offered a light mineral makeup application, I gratefully accepted as my skin has been playing up lately and the thought of going bare-faced was a little scary on that day 😉

The second room at Vanity Box – so pretty, this one's my fave!

With my bespoke treatments complete, relaxed muscles and brighter complexion in tow, I couldn't help but think that Vanity Box has completely hit the nail on the head in terms of combining stunning surroundings, wonderful service and a sense of being welcome in those who visit.

This gorgeous spa is the definition of opulence – without the attitude.

Vanity Box Skin Couture
Dilhorn Manor
178 Claisebrook Road
Perth Western Australia 6000

t : +61 8 6468 6471
m : +61 433 133 573
e : info@vanitybox.net.au
w: vanitybox.net.au
price list: available here

Have you heard of this spa before? What do you think of the decor? And how about the sound of a yoga facial? Lets chat below!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

buying steroids

♥

I had a birthday recently. Aside from the usual stuff, there was something extra special I wanted this year; I wanted the Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa and my Mum delivered. Good on you, Mum.

Now that we're in the heart of winter my skin has just felt like a big old bag of rubbish. And short of removing my face and sending it on a one way trip to the tip, I sensed that I just needed some professional help, some guidance if you will, because sometimes when you are too close to the problem you start suggesting crazy things like removing your face.

♥

One of the best things about Endota is how you feel so transported, one minute you are amidst the hustle and bustle of Hay Street, the next you are cocooned in their plush surroundings, so lovely that make you feel like you are in a secluded wood cabin and the soft rumble of traffic could in fact be a nearby waterfall. Well, at the very least it's like being in a super comfortable, nicely designed inner city apartment with good lighting. Upon my arrival I am greeted and sent through to the relaxation room where I chill out for a bit, all the while sipping on some rosehip tea served to me by my therapist for the day, Zowie. Cool name huh? I secretly made up that her parents are Bowie fans. I cannot back this up.

♥

Once I get settled, my eyes close, the super sonic light goes on and Zowie gets real with me about the state of my face. Now, this could've been a really scary experience. But I did feel really comfortable here, Endota was so cozy and calm…and Zowie was really clear and made me feel at ease. Plus she had GREAT skin. So that helped. And also, this is what I wanted. Some things that Zowie told me I already knew and some things were new discoveries, all of which informs what products she is going to use on me.

♥

My favorite products from the treatment were the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, the Daily Microfoliant and the Intensive Eye Repair, all available in spa, on the Endota website or via Strawberry NET. These are the products I can definitely see myself using day to day. After the facial is over I walk away with a sheet detailing everything we discovered about my face with a list of the products Zowie used on me. They keep a copy at Endota so when I go back they know exactly what kind of beast they are dealing with. And let's face it, that's a good idea because I'm probably almost definitely going to lose that sheet.

♥

Would I go back for another facial? Most definitely…the massage technique in the facial was really good and Zowie was just so lovely. I would also go back for a massage because of how relaxing the experience was, and the whole place was just so beautiful and comfortable, it's hard to believe they've been in there for such a short amount of time!

Thanks to the facial I now know where to start. You know how sometimes you know deep down what the problem is but you need someone else to tell you to sort of remember and start doing something about it? No? Just me? Probably. Anyway it's really jump-started my skincare routine and if nothing else then I think that's incredibly valuable. Also Endota stocks all the Dermalogica products that I loved from the facial, so…well, now I think I know what I'll be asking for on my next birthday.

Do you like Dermalogia? Ever tried a facial of theirs? What about David Bowie, do you like him? Leave a comment below!

Review by Adriane Daff, theatrical princess and our latest Endota convert.

♥ Photos by Kelly-Anne

The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! After what’s seemed like years, the amazing certified organic day spa franchise, endota, has finally made it to our West Australian shores with it’s flagship store on Hay Street in the city! *MEGA CHEERS*

♥

Nestled between Dick Smith & Guys Grooming, the new endota day spa offers an escape from hectic city life. Just ascend the staircase to your own personal nirvana, where the organic herbal tea flows like water and your most fantastic day spa dreams can be realised.

♥

Perth beauty media were invited to the launch last week, and treated to mini manis, massages, skin mapping & more, as we ducked in and out of rooms, discovering new treats within each.

♥

♥

There’s something for everyone here, and before leaving this heavenly upstairs hideaway, I booked in for their signature endotarama mini-package ($135) – the organic treatment sampler: billabong footbath, half hour organic facial and half hour massage. In other words: pure bliss. It’s going to be exactly what I need after a string of late nights up doing assignments and generally stressing about my studies 🙂

And doesn’t a billabong footbath just sound incredible? I don’t even know what it is yet!

♥

So heaven is here, and to give us all a little extra reason to treat ourselves (not that we should need one!) endota have an extremely generous opening offer, with a free 30 minute facial with every 1 hour massage booked until the 31st of May!! You’d be mad not to give it a go!

endota day spa perth cbd
Level 1, 856 Hay St
Perth WA 6000

t: (08) 6181 9858
e: perthcbd@endota.com.au

endota is open 7 days (surcharge on Sundays & public holidays)

What do you think of the look of the new endota spa? I would love to hear your thoughts…and if you are keen to snap up any pampering treats for yourself!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo