A relaxing massage at the Spa at the Byron at Byron Resort is just the ticket after a week’s work.

If Verandah Magazine wants to experience some therapeutic time out, where do we go? To The Spa at the luxurious Byron at Byron resort of course, which not only has the best verandah in town, but an amazing menu of treatments to choose from as Georgina Bible discovered.

I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve booked in for a ‘relaxing’ spa treatment only to find myself standing in front of a salon situated on a bustling street in a busy suburb surrounded by shops. Not the most conducive atmosphere for a therapeutic indulgence after a long week at work slumped over a computer.

So it was with anticipation that I accepted the offer of a road test on a day of pampering at The Spa at The Byron at Byron Resort. For anybody visiting the Byron Bay area a visit to the resort is a must – even if it’s just to have a drink or coffee on their beautiful Balinese-style wooden verandah with its massive exposed beams and rainforest backdrop. It’s situated within a lush 45-acre rainforest behind the unspoilt beauty of Tallows Beach, and to my mind it offers the perfect environment for body and soul rejuvenation.

My ‘experience’ started the moment I stepped out of my car, and was ushered past the resort’s stunning open-air restaurant pavilion and along the sparkling infinity pool towards The Spa. I could feel my whole body begin to unwind as I relaxed over a cup of The Spa’s signature herbal tea in the cosy lounge area.

As the undisputed capital of the Australian wellness industry, Byron Bay offers a rainbow of therapeutic treatments to choose from and The Spa at The Byron at Byron is no different – the menu is packed with every type of facial, massage and alternative healing modality imaginable. Signature treatments include Flannel Flower Relax and Native Flora Journey, where a ring of native clay is placed on the lower back and hot therapeutic oil is continuously flowed into the ring then massaged over the body.

My journey into relaxation continues with a warm shower, fluffy bath towels, bath-robes and a pair of super-soft spa slippers. I could have had a sauna but decide to opt out, instead I finish my tea until it’s time for my treatment. I’m pleasantly surprised when my therapist begins the appointment by asking if I have any ‘problem’ areas and if I prefer a ‘softer’ or a ‘firmer’ massage. It’s a pleasant change to be asked. In the past, I’ve had several massage therapists pummel into my back as if they were kneading dough.

I’ve selected the ‘Integrated Massage’ from the spa menu, which combines several massage styles, including relaxation, remedial and healing techniques. Native Australian oils are heated and then poured over my back before each stroke technique is applied, bringing instant relaxation and relief from sore muscles.

The treatment lasts 1.5 hours but it honestly seems more like five minutes, it passes so quickly. Fortunately post treatment is taken seriously at The Spa – I’m invited to ease myself back into the day by taking a dip in the pool, spending some time in the sauna or lounging in the spa bath – it’s my choice.

And that’s what The Spa at The Byron at Byron is all about – choice. With more than 30 spa treatments or sessions on the menu, ranging from massage to specialised facial treatments to esoteric healing, there is something for everyone. I choose to ease myself back into reality by lazing on one of the over-sized lounges perched next to the pool over a lunch of Yamba prawns.

Georgina Bible

To book a treatment, call 6639 2110. The Spa is open 9am – 6.30pm daily and is located at 77 – 97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay.

Georgina Bible was a guest of The Byron at Byron Resort

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