My first time at The Spa

SPOIL YOUR SENSES AT THE SPA

SPA EXPERIENCE - A SHARED INDULGENCE

On entering The Spa for the first time you will be struck by the peaceful atmosphere - tranquil music spills from the overhead speakers and there’s a fresh, sense-provoking aroma emanating all around you.

And this is when you start to get slightly nervous - what will I have to wear, what will they do to me, who will see me half-naked, and will it hurt? 

Your worries will all be whisked away within moments.  You are greeted by your therapist, who has the uncanny knack of instantly making you feel at ease, despite handing you a gown and disposable underwear.  You actually start to feel a touch of excitement at the anticipation of what lies behind the door.

Once you’ve shed the burden of your real world attire and strutted your way to the treatment room, this is when the mouth starts to water and the mind starts to wander.

The sense that has the privilege of being stimulated first, is smell.  Your nostrils will be greeted by a mild, calming incense, instantly making you feel relaxed.  Next, your eyes will adjust to the dimly lit room, with an inviting massage table ready to receive you.  Your eyes and nose are working overtime, so it’s difficult to also take in the pleasant, relaxing tones emitting from the speakers.

Your therapist calmly, yet authoritatively, tells you what indulgent pampering your body is about to undergo.  As you lay down on the massage table, you begin to appreciate the full meaning of ‘pampered self-indulgence’.

For her, this means a delicious and decadent Cocoa Relaxing Body Treatment.  First you will be treated to a honey and sugar exfoliation, to leave your body feeling clean and crisp.  Next to be applied is the rich dark chocolate melted cocoa butter, which will make you feel divine.  Finally, the mouth-watering delicious hot cocoa wrap is applied.  Now it’s time to simply lay back, with your eyes covered, while you body is snugly wrapped and your mind is free to wander, as you soak in the wonderfully warming and bubbling effect of the mask.  After what seems like a lifetime of luxury, your body is treated to one last joy - a hydrating Cocoa Milk application.

Meanwhile, he is in man-heaven, preparing for his body to become home to a riverbed of warmth …

He is about to understand what pampering relaxation is all about.  The Hot Stones therapy is renowned for revitalising the senses and relaxing both the body and mind.  His specialist therapist begins to circle heated Balinese stones all over his expectant body.  Lying on a heated massage table wrapped in soft cotton towels, his left arm screams with jealousy as his right is treated to the ultimate indulgence.  The stones are wrapped in aromatic bags and warmed in oil and spices, evoking an aura of warmth and wellness. After an hour of complete luxury, he leaves the treatment room wishing he had an extra arm and leg, so the experience wouldn’t end.

He and she then meet for a shared pedicure … buff, cut, file, exfoliate, and for her paint … the final indulgence in their afternoon delight.

They came in to The Spa in daylight, leaving in darkness, totally oblivious to the constraints of time.  Pampered, content, self-indulged and planning their return trip to The Spa at Hanmer Springs.
 

FIRST-TIMER HOT TIPS
For all you Spa virgins who are a bit nervous about what to expect at The Spa, it all boils down to a few helpful tips:
•    Don’t worry if you haven’t shaved your legs - the products used in your massage will stick to your legs more easily
•    Keep your preparation to a minimum - don’t bother cutting your toe nails before a pedicure, as it gives the therapist less to work with
•    Everyone is in the same boat with the latest in designer, disposable underwear.  For girls, expect a ravishing g-string and for the guys, boxers are the flavour of the day
•    Allow yourself at least two hours of pampering - you have to make the most of everything on offer
•    Take time out in between each treatment to use the Relaxation Room and while you are in there reading a magazine, make sure you drink plenty of water
•    Make sure you have something to eat before your Spa visit.  When you are relaxed your tummy tends to rumble and if you are indulging in the Cocoa Relaxing Body Treatment, the smell of chocolate will get your taste-buds tingling
•    If you want to soak in the hot pools, it’s best to do it before you visit The Spa, so you don’t undo all the therapists’ good work
•    All shapes and sizes visit The Spa - don’t feel self-conscious about your body, as your therapists are shock-proof. Lie back and simply, relax and unwind
•    Men - don’t be afraid to try something new.  Once you’ve had a pedicure, you’ll be converted for life
•    Treat yourself to the top shelf at The Spa.  If you want a massage, go the extra mile and have a Cocoa Relaxing Body Treatment or a hot stone massage.  You are worth it! 
 

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