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SPACE, TIME AND PRIVACY WORK TOGETHER HERE TO SOOTHE AND RELAX GUESTS
Azabu, Byron Bay, New South Wales
The ancient forest of native hoop pines and rainforest surrounding the Azabu guesthouse and spa contributes to this property's serene and spiritual atmosphere. Towering over the five interconnected suites like the steeple of a cathedral, the trees provide an aromatic backdrop for restful contemplation. Positioned in the foothills behind Byron Bay on the north coast of New South Wales, where alternative lifestyles are considered mainstream, Azabu is a boutique luxury retreat with a lot of style. Azabu's hosts believe people today want and need more bliss in their lives and will do their best to provide it. Space, time and privacy work together here to soothe and relax guests.
The guest suites feature polished timber floors and a wall of wooden shuttered windows that fold back to invite the outside forest in. Sunken spa baths jut into the trees to emulate outdoor bathing and a lagoon-like, heated swimming pool and jacuzzi further encourage guests to release themselves to the sensual pleasures of water.
Elevated walkways lead to the spa treatment room and entertainment areas where the furnishings and decor are in an exotic, Asian style. The central building's curved walls in mulberry and earth impart an organic aura, and look as if they might uncurl and slide off into the forest. The loud, rhythmic croak of resident frogs is somnolent, and if there were really such a thing as fairies at the end of the garden you would probably find them here.
Open to visitors and houseguests, Azabu's day spa offers a balanced menu of face and body treatments, massages and treatment packages. Products using plant and flower essences are based on ancient techniques of skincare combined with modern technology.
The guest suites at Azabu open into peaceful wilderness, Nature is ever present in Azabu's treatment rooms
Azabu's heated pool is like a secluded forest swimming hole.
Nature is ever present in the treatment room, seen through a glass wall facing the trees, and contributes to the room's peaceful ambience.
An aura of healing energy pervades this spiritually charged region, where Aboriginal elders once gathered regularly. Legend has it that the area around Byron Bay was too sacred a place for indigenous tribes to live permanently; instead the tribes considered it an important ceremonial site and meeting place. A natural habitat for vast tea tree forests, the brown waters of tea tree infused lagoons are now used for therapeutic bathing by the locals. Whale-watching, bush-walking and surfing in the national parks and sunworshipping at Australia's most easterly point are other attractions this area offers. The closest airports to Byron Bay are Ballina Airport (30 minutes' drive) and Coolangatta Airport (55 minutes' drive). Shuttle buses and coaches are available.
The many facets of spa life in this spiritually charged region, known for its vast tracts of tea tree forests.
ELYSIA IS A CHRYSALIS LIKE NO OTHER, A SECLUDED PARADISE OF OPULENT LUXURY, NURTURING GUIDANCE, MOUTH-WATERING MEALS AND SENSATIONAL SPA TREATMENTS
The Golden Door Health Retreat-Elysia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
The Golden Door Health Retreat-Elysia is something of a butterfly maker-no one leaves unchanged by their experiences here. Whether your wings have fallen off, no longer fit or are in need of a good spring-clean, Elysia is a chrysalis like no other, a secluded paradise of opulent luxury, nurturing guidance, mouth-watering meals and sensational spa treatments.
Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, patchwork valleys and distant mountain ranges, Elysia is like a modern citadel perched high above the marauding temptations and bad habits of the "real world." Totally stylish, hip and pleasing in every way, from the architecture and interior design to the investment art collection, cloud-like beds and sparkling gym, Elysia exudes good vibrations and elicits an "isn't this great and aren't we lucky to be here" energy from guests.
Concentric spiral walkways lead through a sea of lavender to the retreat's highest point, the Meditation Hill. From here, a fountain of water begins its journey through the many synergistic parts of Elysia, passing through the spa buildings, gardens and central lodge, threading them together with a life-giving force. Simultaneously soothing and invigorating, this symbolic river of life dances swiftly over river boulders in some places and is smooth flowing and quiet in others, all the while renewing, reviving and cleansing.
With 26 dry and wet treatment rooms, wellness centre and indoor pool, you're sure to leave the spa a stronger, fitter and energised person. At Elysia, guests will discover what it feels like to experience wellness, balance and vitality.
The tasty, low-fat spa cuisine makes healthy eating at Elysia an easy task.
The first world-class, purpose-built health retreat in Australia and the latest property in the expanding Golden Door Spa and Health Retreat group, Elysia is committed to reshaping our definition of good health. The team achieves this by enabling guests to discover what it feels like to experience wellness, balance and vitality. It's all a matter of choosing and learning the right exercise, nutrition, stress management and relaxation. The beauty of Elysia is that you don't have to worry about a thing. Elysia's comprehensive assortment of professional practitioners excel at making anything you've previously found difficult to do-be it giving up smoking or losing weight-easy, manageable and very enjoyable.
Elysia's spa is a sanctuary of pleasure. The largest of its kind in Australia, the spa features 26 wet and dry rooms, with many unique treatments offered. One of these is the Watsu, a form of aquatic body-work with origins in Zen Shiatsu. A gentle treatment bestowing a delightful sensation of total weightlessness and seaweed-like flexibility, the Watsu can assist with chronic and acute pain, balance body energies, increase circulation and create a deep sense of relaxation through its gliding and flowing movements.
A multitude of activities and equipment are available to guests, including a 25-metre indoor lap pool, pilates studio, tennis courts, mountain bikes and wellness centre, educational seminars, cooking classes, yoga and tai chi. Guests can choose between an independent stay (minimum two days) or the well-known Golden Door programme. The programme is available as a five-or seven-day option and has more guidance and structure than an independent stay.
All packages include accommodation, gourmet spa cuisine, full use of all facilities, a diverse range of fitness, health, education and relaxation
