by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 14, 2011 | Day Spa, Interstate/International, Products, Reviews
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For those who are in the knoW, W Hotels are a chain of worldwide luxury hotels. When I first heard of them, I was intrigued to read that celebrities Heidi Klum and Seal had stayed at the newly opened W Hotel in Bali, Seminyak (where we stayed). From then on, I was very eager to try out the treatments on offer at the on premises amazing sound beauty and wellness centre, the ‘Away Spa‘ and receive some star treatment! I was pleasantly surprised, I was Whisked away by the atmosphere and facilities they have on offer.
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Located on the ground level of W Retreat is the exotic looking entrance to the spa. “Whatever, Whenever” is their motto and it’s no wonder because it’s open 24/7 and is the first of it’s kind. The path to the spa is surrounded by water and colourful stones imprinted with “wish” and “hope” which is what W hotels is about, little surprises that delight! The friendly staff greet us as we step in the door and soon after we are introduced to our individual therapists before our 4 hour long appointment. The only requirement for our Pimp Me Up package is “dress to impress and we do the rest”, and they certainly took care of the rest, because for the next 4 hours we were treated to something very special.
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As I look around the brightly lit blue massage room, there are robes and slippers prepared for us in the corner. There are two massage tables on a platform infront, and shower facilities behind. After changing into a robe, my therapist asks me to choose 6 out of 10 coloured bottles. These bottles are filled with aromatherapy oils to be used in the massage. After 5 blissful days in Bali, I felt refreshed and energised so I pick 6 vibrant colours, which turn out to be the most zesty scents. I chose a bright orange that smelt like an orange being spritzed into a bottle. This playful little gesture of picking colours added another element to the W spa experience. My therapist made sure to check with me that each scent was okay before applying the oils to my body. Uncertain about the bright blue light at first, I quickly get used to it after the first few minutes of my soothing 90 minute aromatherapy massage.
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After a few refreshments the therapist explains to me what is next – the very luxurious Diamond Dust Scrub. The Diamond Dust Scrub is made from actual diamond dust particles and is an exclusive blend. At first it felt quite cold but further into it the scrub was invigorating. My therapist scrubbed my body from head to toe, front and back. A short time later, I stepped into a nice hot shower and rinsed off the scrub, I could still see flecks of diamonds on my skin and it shimmered in the blue light.
Next step in our pimping process, a 24-karat gold wrap. Yes you heard (read) right, a blend of 24-karat gold in a hydrating lotion, massaged on to our exfoliated skin to add moisture while experiencing a bit of glitz and glamour. When the therapist slathered the gold wrap on to my skin, I snuck a peek at my arm and I could see flecks of gold and squealed excitedly to myself. The lotion had a thick consistency and felt soft on my skin was massaged over my entire body. After about 20 minutes I rinsed off (yes shock horror!) the gold lotion in the shower. Hoping that not all the gold had gone down the drain, I came out of the shower and noticed my skin had gold flecks and it was shimmering in the light. A truly unique experience! It’s also good to know that the blend of ingredients in W’s own scrubs and lotions are 100% natural.
Some of the products used in our treatment.
After the whole body treatments, my face was treated to a Bright Eyes facial using a mixture of Priori and W’s products. The Priori range of anti-aging products contain ingredients that are ideal for cleansing and exfoliating the skin and they used a moisturiser that protects and hydrates for more than 8 hours. The Priori eye-serum firms and boosts weary and tired eyes, rich in spirulina, witch hazel and comfrey extracts, thus the Bright Eyes name (not to be confused with the band). A spritz of the ‘Away’ facial mist in a lavender scent to finish the facial, refreshing and light, they also sell the products to take home with you in the salon.
Some of the heavenly face mists.
At last when I opened my eyes, I felt like a goddess that had just woken from a deep slumber, refreshed and rejuvenated. Our therapists took such care with our hands and feet and gave us the most amazing manicure and pedicure using OPI colours. Words can’t even describe how I was feeling after 4 hours of indulgence, it was a truly one of a kind experience.
One of the lovely therapists.
To top off the 5 star treatment, we were served gourmet style tapas in the spa’s dining room accompanied by a choice of a smoothie, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
And if you thought that wasn’t enough, the spa also has a hot stone bath and cold jet set vitality pool to keep your relaxed, so you don’t have to stop there.
With an extensive list of treatments offered there are endless possibilities at Away Spa & Retreat in Seminyak/Bali, and you’ll come out feeling like a million bucks, (or literally worth a million bucks after the over the top gold wrap!) it is certainly worth the trip.
W also provide the SWEAT Fitness Centre which is also open 24/7. The gym is fully equipped with treadmills, cross-trainers, weight machines, yoga mats and speed ropes for gym junkies that like to go on holiday and keep up with their exercise routine. They also offer personal trainers as part of their Whatever/Whenever service at any time of day. Where else can you get that kind of service?
I would like to extend my gratitude to W hotels and their absolute commitment and accommodating staff and Wellness WA for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderful spa, an ideal escape for a honeymoon or a getaway with a girlfriend for a well deserved break.
AWAY® Spa
Ambience: Sophisticated and Luxurious
Spa Dining: Light Snacks and Drinks at Chill Bar and Decompression Lounge
Special Facilities: 5 Treatment Rooms, 2 Spa Suites, Nail Lounge, and Hair Salon
Spa Hours: 24 Hour
Cost: 4,600,000 aka roughly $495 AUD
More Information: Pimp Me Up
Have you ever been to a spa in Bali? Any other recommendations for us? Share your knowledge below!
Review by Kelly-Anne, newly awakened Balinese princess. Photos by Tegan Taudigani.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 11, 2011 | Beauty Salon, Day Spa, Inner City, Reviews
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My sister recently gifted me a “Spa Pedicure” at Royal Beauty Day Spa (Royal Street, East Perth) for my birthday. I had a wedding to attend on the long weekend and, with dread, realised that my post winter feet were not in any way peep-toe ready… it was time to put my present to good use.
I called on the Monday (short week due to CHOGM) and was given a Thursday afternoon appointment, which was greatly appreciated given so many were closed due to trips away for the long weekend.
As it was a short week and I was busy at work, I ran late for my appointment. The central location (opposite The Royal) and great available parking in this section of East Perth made it a lot easier. The therapist owns and runs the Day spa herself and was very gracious even considering my lateness. I was immediately escorted into a treatment room which was simple, but very well decorated and felt very relaxing. The whole Spa is lovely, clean and very inviting.
Would my feet be ready for these in time for the wedding?
The Spa Pedicure ($60 & 40ish minutes) included: exfoliation, foot massage, nail file and paint and, as an added bonus, a great chat. I was told that due to my being late she could not take the time she would usually like to during the treatments as she had another client coming in, but that did not stop it from being thoroughly relaxing! When someone else arrived (noting, as mentioned earlier, that it is sole owned and operated) the therapist said I was more than welcome to stay and relax in the room whilst my nail polish dried.
When she returned after attending to another client, I realised that despite the short period of time there, I was fully relaxed and my feet that were previously atrocious were now polished and ready for my favourite heels!
I am definitely planning on returning and the whole place does make you feel very special knowing that you are more than likely going to be the only one booked in and have the therapist’s full attention. She was very knowledgeable and even gave me tips to keep up my newly pampered and polished feet. It was a very lovely birthday present indeed!
Contact Details
Website: http://www.royalbeauty.com.au
Address: 8/33 Royal Street East Perth WA 6004
Phone: (08) 9221 5900
Review by the pedicure loving, twinkle toed Imogen.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 8, 2011 | Hairdresser, Inner City, Reviews
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For the low-maintenance lady with a love of sun-kissed locks, balayage has been pretty hard to beat. A popular hair trend that has seen a slew of Erin Wasson hair doppelgangers emerging from salons since 2009, I too jumped on the band-wagon. But this summer, I wanted something different. I’ve seen another band-wagon travelling past, and I have jumped straight on. If balayage was the zeitgeist of a care-free summer beauty routine last year, this summer will see 90s style pastel pretty hair making a come back. You might have also seen it referred to as Ombre, from the French ‘to shade’. It’s basically a dip-dye effect where the hair is dyed from light to dark, or dark to light.
♥ Model Dree Hemingway
I decided to make the switch on a whim, and having heard wonderful things about King Street’s Head Studio, I book myself a last minute appointment. Having called at 10am, I manage to get myself down to their swanky studio by 10.45am. If I wasn’t thoroughly impressed already with their flexibility, Head Studio’s antique decadence leaves me feeling like I’ve entered the royal frontiers of Perth’s hair dressing salons. Perhaps not the place for those looking to relax, Head Studio feels a lot like a busy Northbridge café, with a playlist made in indie heaven (I believe I listened to Wolfmother’s first album) and a staff of very fashionable and talented young things. With some of the hair dressers responsible for the glorious manes of Perth’s Fashion Week, I know I’m in good hands.
♥ Model Charlotte Free
I’m greeted by two lovely ladies who escort me through as we discuss exactly what I want. I’m thinking more along the lines of a subtle hue a la models Charlotte Free and Dree Hemingway rather than My Little Pony, so we decide upon a tasteful and understated magenta. After a complimentary head and shoulder massage (bliss!), my colourist retouches my balayage so the magenta will come up brighter. After that’s developed and I’ve caught up on the latest Oyster magazine, we then get down to business. The magenta is actually a mixture of pink and blue mixed in with toner, and I’m told that sadly, will fade within a few washes.
After a light trim, my hair is then dried and loosely curled with a GHD.
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The colour completely washed out after 3 washes, but my hair is notorious for being hard to maintain colour. I’m not too disappointed though – the staff were perfect conversationalists, and if you check in on Foursquare you get a free milkshake! I’ll definitely be back there soon!
Cost: $235 for cut/colour/blow dry
Web: www.headstudio.com.au
Salons:
PERTH SALON 08 9481 6464
64 King St, Perth CBD
SUCCESS SALON 08 9498 7577
Shop 20A, Gateway Shopping Centre, 816 Beeliar Drive, Success
ROCKINGHAM SALON 08 9527 1697
Shop 4/7 Railway Tce, Rockingham Beach
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/headstudio
Twitter: @headstudio
Pastel hair – 90s raver faux pas? Or fashion forward? What do you think?
Review by Camilla Peffer, pastel haired princess (for a brief time anyway) and curator of Cunning Copy.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 7, 2011 | Beauty Salon, Reviews, South of River
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Have you ever paid big bucks for a facial? I have. I have also laid there during said facial and thought to myself, “hmm cleanse, tone, moisturise, mask… pretty sure I do this myself each week for a fraction of the cost” immediately after having that thought, the beautician is turning up the lights and asking you to meet her in the foyer for payment. Facial over.
Yup, it’s a common occurrence, and the main reason I stopped getting facials on a regular basis. With all the amazing products out there, why would I pay someone else to do it for me? Enter Guinot. A luxury skincare range hailing from France, Guinot facials are certified vegan and only practiced by trained therapists. Guinot is a professional range and can only be sold within salons, which definitely means I wouldn’t be able to do it myself at home!
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Recently I had the opportunity to receive Guinot’s Signature Hydradermie Facial, at the beautiful Light Aesthetics Skin and Body Clinic in Southern River. Owner/manager Erin administered my Guinot facial and talked me through the process as we went along. Erin explained to me that the Hydradermie facial was a favourite among clients as it really penetrates deep into the skin, creating long lasting results that you can really see.
Here’s Bay Area (Cali!) esthetician Sarah Jane of Advanced Beauty Care using the rollers during the galvanic part of the Guinot facial
While Erin was talking she had placed plant based gels onto my skin which would assist with calming the sensitivity and dehydration that I struggle with. To really assist the gels absorption, Erin uses a galvanic current which passes into the skin through rollers that are moved all over the face and neck. Yes, rollers were used. For me this was the highlight of the Guinot Hydradermie facial, as the rollers omit a subtle current which makes the body tingle just a tad and really cements the feeling that you are receiving a thorough facial.
After a round with the rollers Erin uses a glass probe on my skin which omits high frequency, oxygenating my skin and zapping any unwanted blemishes.
By now I have been in the salon for close to an hour. I really have swallowed my facial pride and I decided that I can definitely justify the $110 a month for this facial. Just when I think it can’t get any better, the Hydradermie facial finishes with a customised mask and a relaxing massage. Sigh.
Swanning out to the foyer I wanted to hug Erin for giving me comfortable and amazingly hydrated skin, something I never get to feel. I was also lucky enough to be sent home with a little care pack of follow up Guinot products which I am still using as I write this.
My facial snobbery now something of the past, I feel I can highly recommend the Guinot range of facials which can be customised to your every need. If you live South of the river, pop out to see Erin and her team for a truly relaxing treat.
What about you readers, do you like to give your self at home facials? Does the Guinot range sound like it could help your skin care needs?
Review by Jacqui, blogger, makeup artist and Guinot facial convert!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 4, 2011 | At Home, Products, Reviews
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This week marks the start of World Vegan Month (November!), and what better time to share some of my favourite vegan beauty products with you?!
For a product to be vegan it has to be be free from any animal ingredients, including things such as honey, beeswax and cochineal (a common additive in lipsticks and blushes which comes from crushed, bright red beetles), and the product must have undergone no animal testing. It’s something that most people don’t think about in relation to beauty and body products, so it’s good to bring our focus back now and then to realise that yes, animal prods are often used in the beauty and wellness industry, but that there are some companies who are reversing the trend and going animal free!
Lets start with one of the pioneers of mainstream vegan beauty and body products… a long time favourite: LUSH!
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Take a stroll into your local Lush, or a squiz at the online store and their commitment to veganism is evident. While not all of their products are vegan (80% vegan, 20% vegetarian), the ones that are can easily be found by the green “Vegan” stamp – doesn’t get much easier than that!
The Comforter by Lush – one of my all time fave animal free bathing products!
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♥ Wotnot Vegan Makeup Brushes
You may or may not know that most makeup brushes are made from animal hair, think horses, goats, calves etc. Apparently products stick to this type of hair better than synthetic versions, but we say that the hair should stay on those who it’s intended for – our animal friends – and that we should get by with synthetic versions!
One such company that has taken this approach is Wotnot. Their vegan makeup brushes had me very excited when I first found out about them, and upon trialling them I think everyone should consider making the swap from animal hair to these! Made from bamboo and cruelty free synthetic fibres, the brushes also boast that they are strong and waterproof, individually handmade, eco friendly AND Australian owned.
The kit is $79.95 contains the following brushes: powder/bronzer, foundation, blush, 3 x eye shadows brushes, eyebrow & lip!
Their natural facial wipes are pretty damn special too!
“Don’t steal ma hair plz!”
♥ Echolife
The Echolife online store is one of my faves and they have L.O.A.D.S of vegan products! It’s my first stop if I’m looking for something natural and organic, too.
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♥ Be Genki
We’re already huge fans of Be Genki at Wellness WA, and it helps that their products are also vegan, yay!
The latest product to be inhabiting my world is the Tranquility Bath & Shower Oil. While it’s an ‘oil’, when it is added to water it disperses into a milky consistency and fills the bathroom with the dreamiest, relaxing scent that completely embodies ‘tranquility’ in the purest sense of the word!
It’s a cruelty free bathing treat that I indulge in on a very frequent basis (at least once a fortnight!)
That’s it from me for now, although I know there are PLENTY more amazing vegan beauty products around.
Do you know of any? What are your favourites? Do share with us 🙂
Happy World Vegan Month!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
