provides 15 luxurious and private tree houses, some with balcony spa baths. The symphonic chorus of generally unseen but heard frogs, birds and insects renders pan-flute COs redundant. The rain, the forest and its everyday natural life were the inspiration for the spa's design, and water, which flows from the waterfall to the lodge and spa, is harnessed for drinking and for spa treatments.
To complement the spa experience, classes are offered in Ki meditation and yoga. Ki is derived from the principles of Japanese Aikido. It focuses on achieving harmony and direct physical energy with the mind, through a combination of basic breathing exercises, correct posture, true relaxation and meditation. Casual visitors and guests alike are invited to try it out.
With its rainforest location, the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa promises to be the ultimate Far North Queensland restorative and indulgent experience. Exotic tropical flowers and fruit thrive in the gardens surrounding this tropical guesthouse and spa, located approximately 90 minutes' drive north of Cairns International Airport.
A soothing massage in a tropical rainforest is pure bliss.
AN AURA OF ABUNDANCE, SERENITY AND FERTILITY PERMEATES THIS SPA
Healing Waters Spa, Silky Oaks Lodge, Far North Queensland
Cocooned within the vibrant, lush Daintree Rainforest, a landscape that resonates with ancient ceremonies and whispers of sacred healings, this spa takes the concept of "communing with nature" to a special level.
The spiritually-charged energies of the rainforest were revered by the Aborigines of the Mossman Gorge region, who gathered medicinal plants here and bathed in the river which flows below Silky Oaks Lodge. Inspired by traditional, indigenous wisdom and the life-renewing qualities of the Mossman River, known as "the Healing Waters" by local Aboriginal people, an aura of abundance, serenity and fertility permeates this spa.
Nesting in the treetops above the river and connected by a maze of boardwalks and pathways through the enveloping vegetation, the magical beauty and natural wonders surrounding the tree house guest suites and spa hardly seem real, more like the creation of special effects artists.
Healing Waters Spa is located an hour north of Cairns in a timber pavilion at the end of a fragrant pathway. The primary architect here is nature, brilliantly enhanced by a stunningly designed space through which guests and staff flow as naturally as a gentle breeze through the rainforest. Vast walls of glass fill every room with fresh air and natural light, filtered through a geometric tapestry of palms, ferns and flowers. The earthy tones of natural wood, stone floors and chocolate or magenta-coloured lounges, contrasts stunningly with the myriad shades of green foliage, visible at every turn. In a spacious, slate-floored couples suite, an over-sized shower rose cascades water from the ceiling into a sunken bath, just a few feet from the rainforest. For guest's aural pleasure, a well amplified, natural symphony is kindly provided by thousands of insects, birds, animals and rustling leaves.
Treatments using Li'Tya products, based on native berries, herbs and plants, draw on the knowledge of Aboriginal people to nurture and heal, while treatments using Sodashi products, based on aromatic plant essences, focus on achieving a holistic wellness. Naturally, all treatments have been designed to bestow pleasure and relaxation, while leaving your skin feeling enriched, energised and glowing with health.
Australian spa products good enough to eat are used here.
The surrounding forest and light are almost a design element in this spa, ensuring that all who enter are soaked in nature's healing calm.
Simple touches add to the delights provided here, from fresh iced teas to the energy cleansing quartz crystals and miniature wooden coolamons (a basin-shaped dish traditionally made and used by Aborigines) adorning each treatment table. The tropical atmosphere is relaxed, warm and open, while the environment is exotic and exciting. It's the kind of place you will love to revisit and remember when you need a little escape from reality-i'm back there right now.
Guests are pampered with Vichy showers, de-stressing baths, facials and detox treatments, using all-natural products from the all-Australian brands Li'Tya and Sodashi.
ESPA'S NURTURING AND GENEROUS AMBIENCE IS OBVIOUS IN THE LITTLE THINGS
Espa, The Reef House, Palm Cove, Queensland
Discreetly obscured by abundant tropical gardens and gigantic melaleuca gums, the seaside village of Palm Cove in North Queensland emanates a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience. It's as if everyone feels slightly smug about their good fortune to be here. Only a 30-minute drive north of Cairns, Palm Cove is the domain of a growing number of hotel and resort spas, each nurturing an individual character and offering exquisite experiences in beauty, health and wellbeing. With a handful of glamorous spas scattered along the beachfront, the locally bestowed title of "Spa Capital of Australia" fits well.
Thanks to some thoughtful planning, no building here is taller than the coconut palms lining the long, white sandy beach. This ensures that the soul-inspiring view you'll discover from the jetty opposite Espa, is of rainforest-covered mountains sweeping down to meet the sparkling aqua of the Coral Sea.
Framed by fuchsia, origami-like flowers of bougainvillea vines and fragrant frangipani trees, Espa's home is a whitewashed, timber-shuttered building beside a cascading waterfall in the grounds of the Reef House Hotel. Once the home of a brigadier, the hotel's design and service, along with touches such as candlelit corridors and an honour bar adorned with primitive art, reflect the romance of a bygone era.
The casual elegance of the languidly exotic spa could be described as "plantation style meets shabby chic."
Surrounded by tropical blooms, verdant foliage and gentle waterfalls, Espa is the perfect Eden where many a tired soul finds rest and healing.
Enriched by 10 years' experience in creating upmarket apes worldwide, the Espa team now offers design consultancy services that aim at enhancing the environment as part of the total spa experience.
Terracotta-tiled floors, carved wooden candle mounts, white timber furniture and the spicy aroma of Espa's tropical blend of essential oils permeate the five spacious treatment rooms and relaxation areas.
