Spa City
Sydney's Massage Mixologists
Australia's most cosmopolitan (and cosmetically inclined) city is experiencing a surge in spas offering handcrafted healing treatments. The new direction is being led by some of the most creative therapists we've seen: These "massage mixologists" combine traditional treatments with something from the mind-body-spirit side of the spa menu (like energy work) -- and often a dash of Australian ingredients. The result: one-of-a-kind spa services that are pretty fabulous, not prefab.
SCENAR HEALTH, Woollahra
In the hands of Maya D'Adam, whose Stone Therapy Massage attracts the city's holistic who's who, your taught, tense body begins to feel more like pliable dough. After placing warm, smooth stones down your spine, D'Adam dives into her speciality massage that combines Polynesian lomilomi and Aboriginal Kathara healing. It's a mind-body treatment complete with a crescendo -- Tibetan singing bowls, used for their healing vibrations. Read more
THE LAST RESORT, Bondi Beach
Simonique Pacanowski delivers an exceptional variation on the facial with the Ocean Renewal treatment. She uses Li'Tya skincare products, made with Aboriginal Australian healing botanicals, applies warm towels soaked in frankincense, aniseed and lavender to the skin, then deepens the treatment's healing benefits with facial massage and reiki energy work. (An Intuitive Massage with Saimaa Khan, N.D., also blends reiki and naturopathy.) Read more
THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS, The Rocks
Megan Larsen, the founder of Sodashi, a top Australia-based beauty line, created the interdisciplinary Crystalus Massage for this spa. The exceedingly slow, deep massage uses Rainforest Jasper, Prehnite and Mookaite crystals, sourced by a metaphysical geologist for their "optimum energetic quality," which are placed on chakras and between the toes. Book it with therapist Sawako Toyoshima, who has an especially intuitive touch. Read more on SpaFinder
