W Magazines Best Spa Destinations to visit in 2020

Sandra Ballentine has mapped out 7 spa destinations to visit which are both transformative and stylish, and our beloved Kokomo Private Island get’s a mention (for very good reason) Here’s what she wrote;

Kokomo Private Island Fiji

Who goes: Reclusive honeymooners, sea-sports enthusiasts, crazy rich Asians, fancy Australians. Oh, and a Victoria’s Secret supermodel or two.

Why: Treatments at the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary, such as the Pacific Mastery Massage, are just an added bonus—everything here promotes communion with nature.

Food: Dock–to–sushi bar—the daily catch usually includes tuna, red snapper, or wahoo; vegetables are grown on the property.

Setting: Kokomo is surrounded by its own stunning coral formations, ideal for snorkeling. For divers and fishermen, the Great Astrolabe Reef—one of the most pristine in the world—is minutes away by boat.

Rooms: With just 21 villas and 5 luxury residences—each with its own pool—this is as close as it gets to having your own island.

Standout feature: Marine biologists tend to a garden of heat-resistant corals that help repopulate reef areas.

Don’t go if: Flying is not your thing. Fiji is not exactly around the corner, and the hop from the mainland is by private seaplane or helicopter.

See the full list here https://www.wmagazine.com/story/the-best-spa-destinations-2020

Sigourney visits spaQ Gold Coast

Thanks for the great write up Sigourney.  Always a pleasure to host you and I know Sarah and Jenny were thrilled to look after you!

"Spread across the first floor of the fun and lively QT Gold Coast, spaQ is a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of Surfer’s Paradise. In fact, the whole hotel manages to respectfully reflect the best of the nearby famous strip (the beaches and the chilled-out vibe) while cosseting guests from the worst (the nightclubs and the tourist traps). And spaQ is like a cool oasis of comfort from all of it.

Stepping out of the lifts on level one, I quickly spot the neon signs of spaQ – beckoning me to a bright, welcoming space furnished with pops of colour and beachy cane decor. I’ve just checked into the hotel for two nights with the family and am already slipping into holiday mode. When I left Damien on kid-duty poolside (on a big white daybed, mind you) no one even complained. Cue: backing away slowly and bolting for the lift. 

Now, as Sarah, the Spa Manager, welcomes me calmly and shows me to my locker, I start to feel the stress from the hectic flight slip from my shoulders. I don a white satin robe (not unlike the ones a boxer wears to a championship fight) and a pair of cushy rubber slippers and pad out to meet Jenny, my massage therapist.

On the way to my treatment room (there are 6 at spaQ – and external non-QT guests are welcome to book treatments) I peek my head into the Hamaam. Arrive ahead of your treatment time and bring your swimmers if you want to spend some time there. There’s also a row of manicure stations overlooking the pool, a lovely array of Uspa products alongside Issada mineral makeup and trendy Louvelle shower caps. 

As a firm-massage aficionado, I’m ashamed to say that in the past I’ve been guilty of judging a masseuse by their stature. One look at Jenny -  a pretty and petite brunette - may suggest her technique might be more light nudge than heavy kneed, but minutes in to my thermal massage, I could tell I was in for something special. She explained that the U-Spa oil she was using contains a blend that would help relieve the tension from my muscles while relaxing my mind. At least I think that’s what she said, because by that stage my mind was hovering somewhere between the eleventh floor of the hotel and a sublime Alpha-state. The hour whipped by with astronomic speed and I almost cried when she said softly, “How are you feeling Sigourney?” – which is massage-therapist-speak for,  “Lady, your moment of bliss is O-V-E-R – but allow me to show you to the Relaxation Room.” 

The Relaxation Room was very nice and almost enough of a compensation. I snugged down into a smooshy sheepskin covered Acapulco chair and sipped my Serenity Mayde Tea. ‘You could definitely fall asleep here,’ I think as I watch some seriously cute kids playing happily in the pool below…. ‘Hey… they look kind of familiar.’ 

The exquisite Bay of Fires Lodge Spa - Open Oct 1st, 2013

In late September I arrived in Tassie with the spa team to put the finishing touches on the Bay of Fires Lodge Spa facility to open in time for the first walk of the season.  The Bay of Fires Lodge is located in the northeastern coastline of Tasmania (about 2.5 hours from Launceston) and it is drop dead gorgeous.   The Lodge Spa facility is equally beautiful.  It consists of a large lounge which serves as an arrival, chill-out and post treatment space with a fireplace (it can get chilly down in those parts) stunning views of the Bay and a full library of art, landscape, heath and wellness books mostly from Tassie.  There is one treatment room and a outdoor bath that has to be one of the most beautiful on the planet (see pictures below)  Li'tya products are on the menu and Cecilia and Monica the therapists taking care of the weary walking guests, are exquisite too.  

The concept delivers a wonderful wellness experience enhanced by the pristine natural surroundings.

Whether you are a walker or not (I am told the walk is achievable for most with a moderate level of fitness) this experience is a must.  It is untouched, eco "glamping" with beautiful azure waters, lots of wildlife, open fires, cosy rooms, great wine and the food is delicious.  

I am booking my walk for the New Year and the presence of the spa, has sealed the deal! I'll be needing that as a lure and as a reward!   Check it out http://www.bayoffires.com.au/lodge/spa/ 

spaQ Port Douglas launch... Easter 2013

Cairns Post, Wednesday April 03, 2013, page 28

Block out your worries with a pamper session 

The Far North's latest spa at Port Douglas refects the vibrancy of the town's newest hotel group, QT Hotels and Resorts. Located at QT Port Douglas, spaQ is described as "vibrant, fresh, modern and relaxing" by development and operations manager Naomi Gregory. It extends the family of spaQ which includes the Gold Coast and Sydney. "Rather than insisting on a pre-selection of treatments, spaQ encourages guests to reserve a block of time and not make a treatment selection until they've used the therapist's knowledge to fit in with the groove of the individual,"  Ms Gregory said. "SpaQ Port Douglas cleverly uses design, colour and quirky features to mirror the vibrant beach-chic personality of Port Douglas."  Ms Gregory said.  The spa features an understated canvas of muted tones and complimented with splashes of orange, yellow. blue and green. "The effect is striking and cheerful yet still manages to create a tranquil feel and is the ideal platform to relax," she said.  The spa serves La Gaia teas, including an exclusive spaQ blend, served in quirky, mis-matched cups. Snug sheepskin rugs adorn the relaxation lounge chairs and the team is decked out in light and bright yellow and red bamboo-print uniforms. The look of the spa is definitely light-hearted and fun and so it was very important to fill tile space with a quality guest experience and to deliver that in a fresh way," Ms Gregory said. "We played up the designer concept by including an accessories section on the menu and introduced a consultative and personalised approach with the freshly picked spa experience."  SpaQ facilities include five spacious treatment rooms with one dedicated to couples, a reception and retail area, male and female change rooms and a relaxation lounge. The menu features four different massages, a range of facials and body treatments by USpa, an accessories section with a creative range of 30 minute add on treatments, organic sunless tanning and four signature packages including The Weekend Warrior and The Plush Princess. 

Hotels and Resorts is the concept of AHL, one of Australia's premier entertainment, hospitality, tourism and leisure companies. 

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

I had the most extraordinary introduction to my new Eco Spa Consulting project Bay of Fires Lodge, Tasmania.   For those of you who are unaware, Bay of Fires is walk-in/walk-out gig only (or helicopter for bigger supplies) so my the trip was very memorable.  The location is breathtakingly exquisite and the project potential vast.  Stay tuned, this is going to be a beauty!