Choosing a spa destination can be quite a feat but when it comes to a wellbeing haven which ticks all the right boxes, you can't look past The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, which won received the Best Resort Accommodation in the Australian Travel & Tourism Awards in 2008 and 2009.
To find out whether this highly-acclaimed haunt can live up to expectation, Health & Wellbeing packed up and headed out for a little rest and relaxation.
The spa
Nestled into the grounds of a 18-hectare rainforest, The Byron at Byron is the ideal place to feel blissfully lost in a tropical paradise. It may only be a five-minute drive to Byron's cluster of restaurants and shops, but the lush surroundings give off the vibe of being a million miles from anywhere.
Upon entering the spa, we're immediately given a beautiful kimono to change into, before choosing whether to chill out in the relaxation room with a cup of delicious, herbal tea or hit the outdoor jacuzzi and steam room. The whole area oozes relaxation thanks to its seclusion and beautifully kept, tasteful and understated style.
Native Flora Journey (Foot ritual, massage, scalp treatment)
This deluxe journey starts with a tootsie restoration treatment and stimulating body brush and then the indulgent 90-minute massage begins, in which hot, therapeutic oil is flowed into a ring of native clay placed on the lower back. This helps to release tension in the sacrum, spine and hips — something us office workers know a lot about! The hot oil is then massaged firmly over the back, neck and shoulders to release all the tension and send you off into a trance-like state!
Our therapist Fransisco has magical hands, sending us to sleep on many occasions. He also adds his personal touch to the treatment by incorporating hot stones into the massage, which helps loosen the muscles even further.
The 90 minutes of bliss concludes with an iKOU Essential Scalp Oil massage and we float out the door to the poolside.
Rainforest Rocks (Hot Stone Therapy)
Hot stone therapies were once a novelty but today are a popular pick on spa menus. And The Byron is no exception. It's a must-try experience that offers tired and jaded muscles the perfect antidote. The ancient technique involves placing hot stones on specifically targeted areas of the body.
The back is the first to be treated — the temperature of each stone varies from hot, warm to cold which works to loosen muscles. It's a strange but pleasant sensation which seems to penetrate those achy spots more rapidly than a regular massage.
After a few minutes the therapist gently uses the stones to help massage skin. The treatment promotes an overall sense of wellbeing and as we discovered, kept knots at bay for days afterwards.
Chinese acupuncture
Unlike many spas, The Byron at Byron also specialises in alternative treatments — Chinese acupuncture is one such example. Unlike more cosmetic treats such as facials, it can be difficult to imagine something more alternative could have equally as far-reaching benefits.
We were prepared to go with an open mind, and we were very pleasantly surprised. Firstly the therapist feels the pressure points and queries any organ problems that you may have experience in the past or present. Having deduced the areas that need work, fine, sterile needles are inserted into points along the body's 'life force' meridians to clear blockages.
The placement of these needles differs according to the individual's needs but in our case, two needles were placed in the feet, two in the knees, two in the wrists and a dozen in the face. Reassuringly, there was little more than a tiny painless prick upon entry. Once all the needles have been inserted, you will be left to relax for 20 minutes. Effects are not felt immediately, however just as scepticism was about to set in, waves of relaxation being to ripple over the body; limbs start to feel heavy and the body completely relaxed.
By the time the therapist re-enters the room, you feel you are sinking into the bed. Needles are removed so swiftly you barely realise it's happening. In terms of results, energy levels are noticeably higher — a feeling that lasts long after your visit to the spa.
Rainforest Body Ritual (Invigorating scrub, scalp treatment, Vichy shower and body moisturise)
Even meticulous home exfoliation can leave skin leaving a tad dull. This treatment gives your entire body an overhaul, leaving skin plump and renewed. However, given that the process uses forceful jets and coarse salts to get the results it doesn't exactly sound like a chilled-out option.
The treatment begins in a warm wet room where the therapist buffs you from head to toe with a cocktail of mineral salts and essential oils. Surprisingly soothing, the combination of the gentle scrubbing and wafts of natural plant extracts leaves you feeling relaxed.
The remnants of the scrub are then showered off in the custom-built shower that pumps out fast flowing water from seven powerful jets. As well as invigorating your skin, you're left feeling full of beans. Following the salt glow, you will notice your skin feels smoother and silkier after the body moisturise — perfect for a pre faux-tanning session.
Everglades escape (Signature facial with foot bath, back and scalp massage)
When it comes to making a choice the spa's treatment menu is worth pondering over. If it's your skin you want to treat, try the Everglades escape. Far from your average facial experience, if a treatment could be royalty, this would be it. Upon entering the dimly-lit treatment room, you're given a gentle foot bath and exfoliation.
Once comfortably on the bed, the therapist analyses your skin to ensure she can target the problem areas. Before the complexion rejuvenations begins, you're treated to a 20-minute back massage — this is just a little extra that the spa likes to offer to ensure you are as peaceful as possible. The actual facial is equally as relaxing.
A thorough cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, massage, luxurious mask and ampoules treatment ensue — all topped off with a leg, foot and scalp massage. Serenity by name and nature, this leaves skin feeling calm, looking radiant and in our opinion, even managed to shave a few years off.
The verdict:
In terms of location and treatmends, The Byron at Byron is one of the country's top spa contenders. Thanks to the magical hands and fantastic attitude of the staff, it's the ideal choice for a break from the buzz of everyday life or as the perfect treat to celebrate, be it pregnancy pampering, a birthday present or bride-to-be time.
Prices
- Native Flora Journey — $255 for 2 hours.
- Rainforest Rocks Hot Stone Therapy — $199 for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Chinese acupuncture — $150 for 1 hour.
- Rainforest Body Ritual — $190 for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Everglades Escape — $230 for 1 hour 45 minutes.
Visit The Byron at Byron to book your treatments.
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