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Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 9, 2023
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Spring has well and truly sprung, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, endorphins are buzzing – but let’s face it, despite the positivity brimming in the air, the increasing pace of life & busy schedules that come with the warmer seasons can leave us yearning for some well-deserved self-care & renewal.
Perhaps it’s the post-winter lethargy, the lingering effects of those cozy nights under blankets, or the sudden urge to embrace the vibrancy of the season… whatever it is, there’s no better way to revive yourself than with a revitalizing spa day? Luckily, some of the most exquisite spas in the world are right here in Perth, with COMO Shambhala Urban Escape leading the way.
Nestled within the historic State Buildings / COMO The Treasury, COMO Shambhala is a sanctuary of serenity, a place where luxury and relaxation intertwine seamlessly. As a beauty enthusiast and wellness advocate, I felt it was high time for a revisit to this haven of tranquility, a place where time stands still, and your well-being takes center stage (as it should).
The COMO Group is synonymous with elegance, and the moment you step into the Treasury building, you are enveloped in a world of refined luxury. The team of professionals here treats you with a level of care and attention that is truly exceptional, ensuring every moment is one you’ll remember for days, weeks & months to come.
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What keeps drawing me back to this inner-city haven, is the sheer joy and delight that is experienced with every visit. From the seamless online check-in process, to the moment you enter your sumptuous treatment room complete with a private bathroom, every detail has been meticulously thought out. The ambiance is a perfect blend of cozy and tranquil, with soft, inviting lighting and a serene silence that cocoons you in bliss.
The journey into relaxation commences as you recline onto the massage table. For the next 75 minutes, there’s nothing on the agenda but to surrender to pure relaxation and emerge as your most tranquil self. The deep tissue masseuses are first class, expertly kneading away every knot and tension point (even ones you didn’t know you had). With each thoughtful movement and soothing stroke, both your muscles and mind are transported to a state of profound relaxation. During the treatment, I couldn’t help but wonder… how can I make this muscle meltingly good massage a part of my monthly wellness routine?
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Post-massage, a delightful surprise awaits – a specially brewed tea paired with COMO Shambhala’s signature cookie. It’s a sweet conclusion to an hour of pure rejuvenation, leaving me eager to consult my calendar immediately for the next available slot to re-book.
The dreamy details:
A 75-minute Deep Tissue Massage at Como Shambhala is priced at $225.
Located inside the State Treasury Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000.
Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure your treatment time isn’t cut short, and to allow yourself to gently decompress from the commute into the city.
Valet parking is available for $30 for up to 4 hours on weekdays.
If you find yourself feeling peckish either before or after your treatment, there are healthy breakfast and lunch options at Post – my reccomendation is the ‘Real Toast’ with crushed avo, tomato, cucumber & lime, washed down with a Green Clean juice (but if you want the Grapefruit Mimosa, we wont tell anyone!)
Have you had the pleasure of experiencing COMO Shambhala Urban Retreat? Share your own blissful experiences or any questions you may have in the comments below. Your journey to rejuvenation is just a click away.
Reviewed & edited by Kelly-Anne & Annette
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Day Spa, Inner City, Massage | 
Comments Off on Rejuvenation and Bliss: 75 Minute Deep Tissue Massage at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Perth
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 1, 2018
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Stepping into my first ever treatment at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape in Perth, I took a deep breath – I had been dreaming of this moment for some time now. Located inside of the beautiful Como The Treasury building, the spa is tucked away behind the main reception area, just past the beautiful arched hallways.
Browsing through the deluxe spa treatment menu, I decided to opt for the Deep Tissue Massage as I’ve been hitting the gym hard in the last month and my neck has been stiff and joints aching… the things we do for fitness!
The description on the menu sounded perfect – ‘a prolonged state of reduced muscular tension’ and I knew it was going to do just the trick for my body.
Walking through from the stunning reception area which was kitted out with luxe Sodashi products – I immediately forgot where I was. Right smack bang in the middle of the Perth CBD? It felt like I could have been overseas in an exotic location. Marie, my masseuse, escorted me to the Balinese style treatment room, and from the moment I sat down on the lounge I was transported to a state of happiness. Marie kindly asked me which areas of my body I wanted to focus on and she left me to get changed before returning.
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Each movement of the massage was purposeful and soothing. Marie was very mindful to ask me if the pressure was ok. First, focusing on the area that I needed most, my neck and upper back, then from my toes to my head, it felt amazing. I felt amazing. Finishing with a head massage and hot towels on my neck and toes, I couldn’t have asked for more. The 75 minutes always goes so quickly but I try to revel in every moment, and I did.
I decided to use the facilities to wash my hair afterwards, so I jumped into the warm rain shower in the treatment room. I felt calm and I was in a state of total bliss.
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Waiting for me outside was a hot cup of home-made ginger, lime and honey tea and a beautiful signature Como Shambhala cookie (the recipe is available in the cookbook pictured above!). Gluten free and coated in honey, with nuts and seeds. Energy for my next adventure of the day!
I opted for the valet parking, which was very convenient for me on an unusually rainy Perth morning in the midst of summer. The staff are highly attentive and will literally have your car brought up to you at the front door once you have said your goodbyes.
If you’re thinking of a treat for yourself, I highly recommend going to the Como Shambhala for a very nurturing and unique spa experience.
The nitty gritty:
♥ 75 minute Deep Tissue Massage at Como Shambhala will cost you $165
♥ Valet Parking is free on Saturday and Sunday & only $30 for 4 hours on weekdays. Make the most of the valet for a weekend treatment & book in early!
♥ There are breakfast and lunch options at Post or Petition if you are feeling peckish before or after your treatment.
Have you been to Como Shambhala Urban Retreat? Share your experiences below, or if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment! 🙂
Review by the glorious Kelly-Anne <3
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Other | 2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on July 31, 2012
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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
Posted in Beauty Salon, Day Spa, Inner City, Massage, Reviews | 5 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on May 30, 2012
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The first share house I ever lived in, in North Perth (I was 19) always had one or more bottles of the original Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion in the shared bathroom. We were four broke girls and it was our favourite, affordable moisturiser go-to. It was hassle-free to use (pump pack), slid on easy, kept our legs shiny and smooth during all that dancing at summer parties, and made us smell like chocolate (reeled in all the boys!).
That was six years ago – these days, I demand more from my body moisturisers than just ‘make my legs not dry’ and ‘smell nice’ (although I still demand this!). Now I’m moving into my late twenties, I also want: ‘make skin tighter‘, ‘smooth out dimpled skin’, ‘prevent potential stretch marks’. It seems Palmer’s must somehow know this, because they’ve taken the familiar, reliable, affordable moisturiser I know and love and added in Vitamin E, Collagen, and Elastin, to make Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula – Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks.
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I have been using this all-over lightweight lotion for about a month now, once post-morning shower and again before I go to bed – on my thighs, butt, abdomen and chest. I don’t have any severe stretch marks, so I’m mainly using this product to increase my skin’s elasticity and prevent potential stretchmarks – as us smart ladies know that prevention is better than cure (for the record, stretchmarks can come not just from pregnancy, but from weight loss/gain, bodybuilding, running with an unsupportive bra, even teenagers can get them from growth spurts – read about them here!).
The results are in, and my skin legs and stomach feel hydrated, smooth and firm, and the light stretchmarking I did have on my inner thighs has almost completely disappeared.
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I love the traditional cocoa scent, but there’s also a fragrance free version (if you’re a mum-to-be with a heightened sensitivity to scent, this is handy), as well as Vitamin A (retinol) free, and contains Shea Butter (as well as the cocoa butter), which soothes, tones and moisturises (can’t have enough of these three things going on, seriously). There is also a more concentrated lotion for problem areas). At about $10-$14, depending on where you shop, this moisturiser has refound its place as a staple in my bathroom.
The lotion is available at most supermarkets and chemists, check this full list of stockists for specifics.
Have you used the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter range before? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on chocolate scented skin and what products you’ve found helpful for stretchmarks!
Review by Thousands Perth City Guide editor Danielle Marsland, who likes to keep legs dance-party ready at all times
Posted in Products, Reviews | 2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on May 23, 2012
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It might sound a little odd coming from a 20-something female with a mild case of credit card reliance, but I really can’t stand perfume. That sickly sweet, acidic smell makes me wrinkle my nose and pray for sweet release every time I walk past the fragrances counter. I may as well be sniffing bleach. I’m the odd one out amongst my peers, but I much prefer more natural, and less pungent products rather than 100mls of olfactory assault dressed up with Justin Bieber’s seal of approval. Ick.
I am not a Belieber. Sorry Justin.
Scent has a large effect on the emotions, and its not just a concept dreamt up by poets. For example, the smell of lavender relaxes me, cinnamon excites me, and the smell of Kim Kardashian’s latest release makes me twitch anxiously. Our olfactory receptors (our sense of smell in every day terms) are directly connected to the part of our brain responsible for emotions. Each scent may be different for everyone, but generally when a person smells something delicious their mood improves. Kind of like when you smell chocolate, or freshly baked cupcakes. Instant happy high!
This is the philosophy that the Aromatherapy Company has employed with their products. Using 100% essential oils, their wares contain no nasties like chemicals or preservatives. I managed to score some of their goods recently on a particularly crap morning, and they definitely wiped the angry princess sour puss scowl off my face.
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♥ Juniper Berry and White Thyme Massage Oil
The scent from this baby is subtle, relaxing and quite pleasant. It’s supposed to be used as a massage oil, but I found it works perfect as an after-shower all over body moisturizer. After the general slipperiness has subsided, my skin feels baby-bottom soft afterwards. It takes about 10 minutes for the product to absorb, and leaves little to no oily residue on clothes or bed sheets.
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♥ Cocoa, Vanilla and Cassia Soy Candle
You can’t really go wrong with Soy Candles. Their scent is far more potent than bees wax blends, they’re environmentally friendly, and soy wax is soooo much easier to clean off the carpet! Trust me! I find that this is the perfect candle to burn throughout winter – it reminds me of baking scones, drinking hot chocolates, and is temptingly spicy and warm. Perfect for the chillier months when you’re wrapped up in your doona cocoon, and the packaging is sleek and stylish too.
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♥ Lavender, Manuka and Wild Chamomile Essential Oil Blend
If you’re a light sleeper and like me have a serious case of ‘monkey-mind’ come bed time, give essential oils a go for a completely natural method of relaxation. This one’s made for use in a burner to achieve the best effect, but I can imagine adding a few drops to a nice, hot bath would be a sweet experience too.
Stockists: The Aromatherapy Company products are available from David Jones stores, and a few other select locations.
Have you tried aromatherapy products before? What are you favourite scents and benefits?
Review by Camilla Peffer, “Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.”
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Alternative Therapy, Products, Reviews | Comments Off on Aromatherapy Product Review: Candles, Massage Oil & Essential Oil from the Aromatherapy Company!
