ELEMENTAL BLISS
Elemental Bliss - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Elemental Bliss | |||||
| By: Carol WestIssue, Issue 26 - Autumn 2006 | |||||
| (The Spa, The Mansion At Werribee Park, Victoria) | |||||
| The crunch of gravel, thwack of mallet on ball and thundering of hooves signals my arrival as the historic driveway swoops past polo fields as well groomed as the ponies. Set amid the rolling lawns and the grandeur of The Mansion at Werribee Park, just 30 kms from Melbourne, The Day Spa at The Mansion Hotel is in one of Victoria’s most aesthetically calming environs. The mansion built more than 125 years ago by Thomas and Andrew Chirnside has evolved into The Mansion Hotel, a 92 room boutique retreat and 25 acre garden. The minimalist modernity of the three level, raw concrete Day Spa designed by architects Wood Marsh and Rice & Skinner brings clean lines and a subtle use of colour that converges with the mansion’s neoclassic architecture. Walking past the dramatic 17m rectangle indoor pool, bubble pool and steam rooms, I slip into a soft toweling gown before completing Aveda’s elemental nature questionnaire to pinpoint my aromatherapy pick-me-up. Under the headings Infinity, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, answers are circled in response to questions that include energy level, stress and sleep patterns. Opening this Pandora’s Box of fragrant blends sets the mood for the sensual journey that awaits. In response to demand from couples, there are five dual treatment rooms and a white tiled Vichy shower room for one. Five massage therapists specialize in deep tissue remedial massage the most popular being a 60- minute massage or facial. As I’m about to step on a plane, we decide on a customized hydrating body wrap and facial. Feet are bathed and scrubbed with a gentle walnut paste before the body gets an invigorating rub-down with loofa mits. My skin treat is a deliciously hydrating Aveda herbal body wrap of raspberry, basil and lavender that’s applied in a thin layer. Hot towels warm my back and feet as I’m contentedly cocooned in plastic wrap. A nourishing face mask is applied, the brush tracing a gentle figure eight around eyes and crescents on cheeks. Finally, my hydrated body is polished with replenishing moisturising cream leaving my skin nourished and soft, my feet are invigorated with a lively peppermint rub and ampules of night nutrients give a boost to a fabulous facial. If, as the Dalai Lama states, happiness is a positive mood and calm mind, then I’m in a state of bliss. | |||||
| Details: Where: The Spa, The Mansion Hotel at Werribee Park, Victoria | |||||
| Details: (03) 9731 4140, spa@mansiongroup.com.au | |||||
| Most indulgent treatment: The Retreat, 4 1/2hrs. Perfect for couples. Includes a private spa soak, customized body masque, 60 minute Massage, Elemental Nature facial for radiant skin, foot massage and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, $355. | |||||
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