by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 2, 2025 | Interviews
First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
Hi! I’m Lauren – a 33-year-old Registered Nurse and the General Manager of Melt Wellness in Subiaco. I oversee our treatments at Melt Slimming, our non-invasive body contouring clinic, and manage the team at Melt Saunas – our brand-new urban oasis specialising in sauna and cold plunge (aka contrast therapy). We’re all about helping people feel their best, in body and mind.
What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day?
I love a quiet start. I’m usually up around 4am – just me and the puppy (my older dog is a sleep-in-until-10 kinda gal). I start with red light LED therapy – it’s great for skin and recovery, but also such a gentle way to wake up.
Then it’s the world’s biggest bowl of quinoa oats, cherries, casein and (too much) peanut butter, followed by a weights session at the gym. One of the perks of running Melt Wellness is post-workout recovery in our beautiful sauna and cold plunge. I do three rounds of contrast therapy – pro tip: end on cold in the mornings for a sharp boost in clarity and focus.
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Tell us about your daily beauty routine – what are your non-negotiables?
I’m a skincare nerd. I swear by The Skincare Company – simple, evidence-based, no fluff. My morning skincare routine is locked in. Also, I’ve been wearing winged eyeliner since my teens. I know it’s probably not trending anymore, but I feel naked without it! MCoBeauty’s Mini Winged Eyeliner Pen is my secret weapon – foolproof even for the uncoordinated like me.
Top 3 wellness non-negotiables?
♥ Protein. Especially as a woman in her 30s – keeping muscle mass isn’t about looking “ripped,” it’s about long-term mobility and balance. I want to be that grandma still running around with her dogs.
♥ I do daily contrast therapy, and I schedule proper rest days (yes, full “do-nothing” days).
♥ Slow mornings. If it means waking at 3am to get some peace, I’ll do it. That time for reflection, planning and quiet is everything for my mental health. 20-year-old me would be horrified!
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Favourite farmers market or healthy go-to?
The Manning Road Farmers Market – the produce is incredible. I barely drink these days, but if I do, I’ll treat myself to a bottle of organic sparkling pet-nat from there. Because honestly, who has time for a hangover?
What’s your fitness routine or favourite way to get sweaty?
I’m a bit of a gym tart – I’ll train wherever is close, but you’ll usually find me at Plus Fitness Subiaco in the mornings lifting weights. I’m not a runner. Think Phoebe from Friends but somehow with less coordination.
One beauty or wellness treatment you can’t live without?
Deep tissue massage. It resets me physically and mentally. I go to Qi Massage in South Perth – they’re incredible, and it’s super affordable too, we go at least once a week!
You’ve got a big event in 7 days – what’s your plan of attack?
Daily contrast therapy gets rid of any bloat. I fake tan every Thursday without fail – thanks to my English genes, I’m basically see-through otherwise. For hair, I go to Hair Day in Vic Park. Book their head spa – absolute game changer – thank me later!
The view at Lo Quay
What’s your dream day of wellness & happiness in Perth?
Honestly, it’s not far from my real life (how lucky is that?). I’d start with a gym session with my partner Hayden – we rarely get to train together so that would be a treat. Then sauna and cold plunge for a bit of recovery and healthy competition.
We’d walk our dogs to Lo Quay River Café for brekkie by the water – the food is amazing. After that, a farmers market haul (tip: don’t go hungry). Then back home for a spa soak, watching the dogs play in the garden. BBQ dinner with mates, fresh market produce, sunset, and an early night.
I’ll normally fall asleep by 8:30pm trying (and failing) to watch something on TV – I’m currently obsessed with Severance total mind bender!
Thank you so much for sharing Lauren!
If you have any questions for Lauren, please leave a comment below 🙂
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 30, 2025 | Exercise, Fitness, Inner City, Yoga
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If there’s one thing that gets me excited, it’s the opening of a new yoga studio or wellness centre that’s designed to gently dissolve tension and stress (hands up if you also need this daily?) while nourishing the nervous system and leaving you with the ability to breathe a little, or a lot, deeper after class.
So I was very excited to find out that tucked away in a leafy pocket of Inglewood is Perth’s newest intimate yoga studio, Wholehearted Yoga with Mei.
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Upon climbing the stairs to the studio, you’ll find a soft, plant-filled space designed to help you reconnect, ground, and feel gently held, whether it’s your first yoga class or your five hundredth.
Set inside a private wellness studio and filled with natural light, cute plants in every corner, and a view of breezy street-side trees through the window, and with a class capacity of just 10 students, each session has more of a personal touch than you’ll find at some of Perth’s larger studios, and that might be just what the doctor, or your nervous system, ordered.
&heaerts;
What can you expect from a class with Mei?
♥ Yoga and sound healing that integrates breath, movement, and intuitive sound woven into every class
♥ Trauma-informed, compassionate instruction (with pre/post-natal awareness – new mamas, these ones are for you)
♥ An inclusive, all-levels-welcome environment
♥ PLANTS!!!
♥ Mats, props and all equipment provided, but feel free to BYO
♥ Free and easy parking (a true gift in Perth!)
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The energy of the studio is calm and lovely, whether you’re deep in burnout, newly postpartum, or just needing 60 minutes to come home to yourself, Mei has you covered.
If you’ve been craving a return to slower, more nourishing movement, or you’re new to yoga and want to begin your yoga journey somewhere that feels low-pressure and deeply welcoming, Wholehearted Yoga with Mei is one to bookmark, try, and fall in love with.
Bonus: There are also intimate events and workshops planned, so keep your eyes peeled for those!
📍 Location: Inglewood / inner North Perth
💻 More Info & Class Bookings: https://www.yogawithmei.com/
Let me know in the comments if you go!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 23, 2025 | Other
First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
Hi I’m Nicola Garcia, the owner of Temple Lane, a wellness studio in Shenton Park. I’ve been a yoga teacher for nearly a decade and I am also Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master.
The essence of Temple Lane is that I have created a space where you can come to find freedom in your body, peace in your mind and rediscover the joy of your spirit. I only have space for 12 mats, so it’s a small, intimate studio where we can all have a cup of beautiful herbal tea (I use Heart Therapeutics in the studio) together afterwards.
I wanted to build a dream space where you could layer all your senses – essential oils, candles and music, crystals, all the sky, trees and birds in the view and the beauty of the artwork and craftsmanship in the studio itself. This allows your body and mind to feel safe and secure enough to let go and relax completely.
The Rapid Transformational Therapy I use with clients at the studio has been a game changer in my life. Using a combination of hypnotherapy, CBT, NLP, reparenting techniques and inner child work, the incredible mind can tell us when and where we picked up habits, coping mechanisms or had the experiences that contributed to problems or behaviours we have in our lives today. We can then reprogramme them at the time and record that for the client to take home and repetitively listen to for major changes. Its magic.
I have three amazing boys (15, 13 and 10) and a gorgeous husband who I have been with for almost 25 years now (!). I am fascinated by self-development, love dogs, reading and would do anything to spend time outside and in nature.
What time do you go-to bed & wake up most days / how many hours of sleep do you aim for?
I love my sleep! 9.30pm is my ideal bedtime and 6am would be my favourite time to get up. 8 hours (or more) for me is essential to stabilize my mood and energy.
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What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day?
Hmm… it’s quite extensive, but it’s my favourite thing to have a routine and create habits around
what I love for myself.
I wake up and head up to the studio, which I am lucky enough to have at the back of my house. I do Wim Hof breathing and use my LED mask at the same time. I look quite scary huffing and puffing and holding my breath with the red light and mask but it wakes me up and alkalises my body for the day. Then I meditate for about ten minutes.
I then pull a card (Currently using the Golden Keys of Gaia which I adore – its the same artist as my studio murals). I am reading The Pivot Year by Brianna Weist, so I read a day or two of that wisdom whilst I have a little espresso.
I then journal and go downstairs to wake the kids. I have another coffee and breaky with my husband on our deck outside and we pull an Animal Spirit card each. We have been juicing celery for five years now but we have gotten a little lazy this year on it.
If I have time I’ll then go up before class and try to get in a Melissa Wood Health work out for the day. I just pick a ten or 15 minute one usually to do abs or arms or lower body.
Do you have an evening wind-down ritual?
It changes depending on the evening, whether we are out, the kids need picking up, or I have a class. I always have a cup of tea before bed and I’ve been putting magnesium oil on my feet and have recently begun mouth taping. It was weird at first but it’s definitely helping me have deeper sleep so I am persevering with it.
What are your favourite snacks and drinks to keep you feeling good throughout the day?
I am not a great baker and not really a sweet tooth so a bliss ball, a piece of cheese or dark chocolate would be all I’d have after dinner if needed.
Drinks – 2L of water, Endless cups of herbal teas with clients and before bed, two coffees early in the morning, if I am not having a glass of wine (Cullen Biodynamic wine is my favourite) then I’ll have a Kombucha or a sparkling coconut water.
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Tell us about your daily beauty routine! What are your non-negotiables for looking and feeling
your best?
I use Dianne Caine Australia, made here in WA and all natural. I don’t use their cleanser as I use coconut oil to take makeup off and clean my face, but the toner, anti-age moisturiser, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, bakuchiol oil, transformation oil, and pearl radiance serum is always in my bathroom cupboard.
The Natulique Bond Repair (Step 3) is incredible for hair breakage. I have never been able to grow my hair this long and it’s not greasy at all and I put it in before I dry it every time I wash my hair.
Do you take any supplements, vitamins or special wellness elixirs? If so, we’d love to know!
I have a love / hate relationship with supplements. I have spent a fortune on them over the years but I don’t know enough about the ingredients and how much of the ingredient is in each product to really be able to say they have made a difference. Brands I kind of trust are JS Vitamins, WelleCo and Vimergy. I also don’t know about protein powders, again they are processed, have random ingredients and I don’t know how much they do. I try to stick to real food, wholefoods mostly.
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What are your top 3 wellness non-negotiables?
♥ Meditation
♥ Movement
♥ Whole Foods
Your absolute favourite healthy cafe in Perth is…
Wholefood Circus is my go to for coffee!
Best place to get a green juice or smoothie in your city?
Clean Food Store, Shenton Park.
Favourite farmers market or healthy place to shop for healthy groceries and goodies. Herdsman Fresh is my number one but I am always blown away by the Bunbury Farmers Markets down south.
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What’s your fitness routine / favourite way to get sweaty and where do you like to go?
Temple Lane! My favorite class is Working In, a combination of yoga, Bala weights and bangles for ankles and wrists and sliders. It’s a full work out plus you still get the magic of yoga and the stillness of savasana.
I also try to swim once a week at the shark net in Cottesloe and walk / jog in King Park with
girlfriends to catch up.
If you could only wear one brand of activewear for the rest of your life it would be…
Beyond Yoga for sure. They are just super comfy, come in great colours and are aesthetically pleasing. Full synthetic lycra is not something I can hang out in for the whole day.
♥ Chahoya Spa @ The Cable Beach Club
What’s the one beauty or wellness treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to
have it done?
Ooh I love the Almond Oil Lymphatic Drainage Massage at Chahoya Spa at The Cable Beach Club in Broome. We go every year and the first thing I do is book in for that treatment.
What beauty treatment/wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t got around to yet?
Hmmm I won best dressed at the Melbourne Cup lunch this year and was given a facial voucher to Blanc in Cottesloe and I can’t wait to try it.
Are you into any woo-woo wellness trends?
Yep you name them I have probably done them. Crystal healing, palo santo smudging as well as sage, I have about ten decks of oracle and tarot cards, Runes, crystals all over the studio, oils, three hour breathworks, somatic healing, hypnotherapy (obviously), monthly reiki session with my teacher, saunas, ice baths, etc.
You’ve got a big event in 7 days time that you need to look incredible for. What’s your plan of
attack to help you look & feel your absolute best?
High protein, lots of water, salads, lots of sleep, hair mask, face mask, i love the Ele Effect tanning products and I have recently been using the OGEE make up which is organic and like skincare – it makes my skin glow.
If you could have the ultimate day of wellness & happiness in Perth what would it involve and where would you go?
A Temple Lane morning routine then a work out, Bodhi J for a massage, Gibney’s in Cottesloe for lunch, a swim and a nap at Cottesloe, a night in watching a movie with my boys and husband.
♥ Komune Resort, Bali
What’s your dream wellness vacay and what 5 things are you DEFINITELY packing?
I am hosting a retreat at Komune Bali this year and I have been on retreat there before and I am sooooooooooo excited. It’s the dream of health and the ocean and it has the most Out of This World food at the Health Hub.
I cried for two weeks when I got home as I didnt know what to eat as nothing would be as delicious. They served a smoothie or juice and an immunity shot with every meal. It was insane. I also got spa treatments everyday plus two yoga classes and meditations and a yoga nidra session before bed. They’ve also created a sauna and ice bath spot which I am yet to try there.
I am definitely packing my Hunza G bandeau bikinis, my Calm Buddhi yoga mat, a selection of Beyond Yoga outfits, Spell and the Gypsy floaty dresses and my Auric Alchemy oils.
And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking/feeling great?
Mindset.
It makes all the difference. I set an intention to be healthy and feel really good and then I need to take small deliberate actions to build habits to create the rituals that will make me feel that way. From the way I shop, to the products I use, to what I put into my mind through media, news, books.
The mind can only change in two ways, in a relaxed hypnotic state (ie. in hypnosis or in the state between going to sleep and waking up) or with repetition. I make sure that I use a hypnosis recording for any changes I want to make and listen to it before bed or a nap, and then repeat the actions until it is dialled in.
Thank you Nicola!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 19, 2025 | Other
Picture this – you’re tucked snugly in bed by 9pm with an alarm set for 4am, and you’re doing this WILLINGLY. Magnesium spray? Check. Weighted blanket? Check. Cosy eye mask? Check. And away you drift into a sweet, early slumber.
Why would anyone do this, you might ask? Well we’ve got the hookup on a free wellness sauna & cold plunge ritual called “Melt at Dawn” that might just transform your health and social life. It’s available at 5am every. single. morning at the brand new Melt Saunas wellness studio in Subiaco, and yes, again, it’s 100% free.
In a world that feels louder and more disconnected than ever, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for yourself is just show up – even better when you’re showing up in a place built for presence, connection and community (that’s Melt BTW).
Softly entering Forrest Street in Subiaco, Melt have made waves in the community by offering free daily sauna and cold plunge sessions to those brave enough to get up before 5am and partake in sweaty sauna self-care, mindful chats with other early birds & the chilliest of waters in the plunge pool. It’s not a trend, it’s not a gimmick, it’s a quiet movement toward something deeper: shared experience, early morning ritual, and real human connection. How cool is that? (Literally).
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Saunas and cold plunges remind us that the focus is not just about physical health anymore. We have to focus on creating a routine for our mental health too. ‘Melt at Dawn’ is for those wanting a little more belonging, a place to recover and connect with themselves, breath by breath. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking clarity and conversation, or simply needing a moment of stillness, this space holds you, without expectation. Melt offers a ‘more chat’ and ‘less chat’ option when entering the saunas so you can choose to be at the right place at the right time, depending how your soul is feeling that day.
It might just be me, but there’s something powerful about being in the dark early morning hours with strangers who slowly become familiar, week after week. You sit in the heat, with areas you didn’t even know could sweat getting in on the action, plunge into the icy cold, and leave with a sense that you’ve done something kind for yourself and can tackle the day head on.
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These sessions are Melt’s way of giving back to the community each day, but if you can and you feel called to give, donations from attendees during these sessions go toward supporting Beyond Blue, helping fund life-changing mental health services across Australia.
Meaning every 5am visit can ripple outward, supporting others too.
So jump into your comfiest PJ’s, hit the hay early, and set that crack-of-dawn alarm – mental clarity, reinvigoration, and maybe even a few new friendships, await. But be warned! These sessions are so popular they often book out a couple of weeks in advance – hop to it and make a Melt at Dawn booking here.
Let me know in the comments if you’re brave enough to take the early morning plunge!
Book
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 7, 2025 | Beauty Salon, Food, North of River, Products, Vegan
Hands up who loves a sparkly, hidden gem? ME. And I’m assuming you, too, since you’re reading this. Most of us have a few fiercely guarded treasures when it comes to our local favourites, heck, I once didn’t want to review a massage place that was offering 2-hour life-changing massages for 50 bucks because I was scared I wouldn’t be able to get a booking after I published the review. And I was right.
But with that said, my oversharing nature once again prevails and I find myself in front of my laptop furiously tapping the keys in order to share some of the latest and greatest local wellness secrets that Perth has to offer.
Read on and share your secrets in the comments… if you dare.
♥ Frozberries, Malaga
If you’re a big smoothie lover like me, you’ll be obsessed with the game-changing Frozberries warehouse, located in Malaga.
Upon entry, you’re greeted by deep freezers filled to the brim with delicious wild blueberries, strawberries, dragonfruit, kiwi fruit, peach, and berry mixes – the list goes on and on and on and on (in the best possible way).
One of my favourite things is that they stock all those hard-to-find frozen fruits that you’ll often see in American or European recipes online, such as guava, elderberries, papaya and so much more. It’s honestly heaven – especially these days when the price of frozen fruit at Colesworth keeps rising, and the 1/2 price specials are few and far between, Frozberries offers much more fruity bang for your buck.
One trip to Frozberries and you’ll be blending up plant-based powerhouse smoothies in a jiffy, and with the weather finally cooling down, you might even be inspired to make a yummy galette or crumble. Invite me over when you do!
Frozberries is located at 9 Industry Street, Malaga and is open to the public.
♥ Vajaycial @ Sweet Lab, Applecross
This one caused a rift in the group chat, with some outraged that such a treatment exists (women are perfect as they are!), and while I consider myself a strong feminist and don’t disagree, it appears the primary reason for this vajaycial to exist is to keep the area ingrown free.
Thankfully I haven’t had an ingrown hair in about 20 years thanks to the magic of IPL, but I acutely remember the pain of regular ingrowns when waxing was on the menu, and as such, can understand the desire to have someone else deal with the issue for you.
The V-Facial / vajaycial is available at Sweet Lab in Applecross, Perth.
Sweet Lab is the go-to in Perth for sugar waxing, or sugaring, which is an eco-friendly, super hygienic and (supposedly) less painful & less ingrown hair-y alternative to waxing. Despite all this, sometimes a sneaky ingrown can still pop through, and this is where the V-Facial comes in.
Once you whip off your bottoms and bare all, your lady-zone will be treated to a gentle steam to soften the skin, cleanse, serum, chemical peel, ingrown extractions, high-frequency electrical current and a hydro jelly mask. It’s a lot.
So whether you choose to sport a beauty of a bush, go dolphin smooth, or somewhere in between, the vajaycial at Sweet Lab is on hand to help keep you ingrown free.
What’s your take? Lemme know in the comments!
♥ My Health Market Health Food Store at Midland Gate
Hear me out. There’s health food stores and then there’s epic health food stores. My Health Market is most definitely the latter, and is situated, perhaps unexpectedly, in good old Midland Gate.
The store is large, spacious, perfectly lit, and contains almost every health product imaginable. There’s also a cute cafe with hot drinks, smoothies and a small range of vegan and gluten free / keto options on offer.
Of strong interest to me is the incredible selection of unique kombuchas, local vegan cheeses, choccy cacao drink mixes and more tea options than you can imagine. And that’s not even scratching the surface. Snacks, home goods, beauty products, organic pantry essentials and so. many. supplements.
The staff are all friendly and happy to help, they’ll even call you when products come in if you put your name down (rare in this day and age!), and of course there are naturopaths and nutritionists aplenty.
If you find yourself out in the 6056, then a stop in at the Gate to check out My Health Market is an absolute must.
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♥ Hinata Cafe, East Fremantle
On a hidden street in East Fremantle is a hidden cafe that every local knows about but those from further afield may not have had the pleasure of discovering. Hinata Cafe is Fremantle’s own little Kyoto.
Be instantly transported to a homely and cozy kitchen where you are welcomed with heart, serving authentic Japanese fare and the best iced matcha latte in town. The Hinata brunch set (based on seasonal delights) is unmissable and caters to allergies with vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free options.
There’s usually a small line at Hinata Cafe as it’s walk-in only but don’t be deterred, a short wait is worth it, trust me. This is my birthday lunch, celebrations, solo reading date, and impress-a-friend spot. THE DRINKS alone are a highlight with top favourites being: Japanese whisked matcha, black sesame soy latte, homemade ginger ale, and Yuzu (Japanese citrus) soda float.
Make a beeline for the fridge inside beside the counter for homemade Japanese desserts (including hard-to-find classics like sakura anpan buns and taiyaki waffles) and you’ll see examples of the savoury dishes available.
Follow Hinata Cafe on Instagram for announcements of Omakase Dinners – nights with long-table style shared food. After you’ve feasted your soul, head to Booyeembara Park nearby for some nature/ lying under a tree time. You’ll find me there dreaming about the mochi and yuzu cheesecake…
So what do you think? Have you been to any of these ‘secret spots’? Which one is your fave? Lets chat in the comments below!
Be well,
xoxo
Annette
Co-written by Andjelka – a tea and moss lover who is writing her first book about pilgrimaging, read her latest pieces on Substack — The Magic of What Happens.
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