Refreshed, relaxed, revived, remotivated... that's how you should feel after a holiday. But if a towel on the beach doesn't quite do it, it's time to call in the experts.
Hedonistic as it might seem, there's been an unabashed resurgence in the pursuit of relaxation, beauty-therapy and ways to simply make you feel good - and where better to join the chase than the Gold Coast?
You can either make a week of it, or just sneak away for a few hour's pampering and cosseting at the hands of the experts at one of the plethora of day spas which are springing up. Forget the words 'beauty salon' - it's very '50s. These days, a spa or retreat offers everything from acupuncture to Zen.
On the Gold Coast, you can choose between everything from intensive week-long retreats away from the temptations of life to ultra-mod day spas and small beauty-therapy centres. If money is no object, you can immerse yourself in the pampering experience by staying at a retreat or at a hotel with a day spa. If your choice of accommodation doesn't run to such luxuries, pop into one of the many centres offering pampering by the hour or by the treatment. A quick stroll through the new Chevron Renaissance shopping arcade in Surfers Paradise reveals several beauty therapy centres to cater for those who are so inclined.
For those who want to indulge in style, at the top end of the market the 'six-star' Palazzo Versace hotel at Main Beach has its own basement spa, Salus Per Aquum (it means 'health through water'). This is a European-style day spa where you might rub shoulders in the jacuzzi with a celebrity or two.
Salus Per Aquum offers 'the ultimate in pampering services, personal training and holistic treatments' such as iridology and acupuncture. Or you can put yourself under the hands of two therapists for the spa's signature treatment, a blend of salt glow, body-wrap and Vichy shower.
If you're a golf widow, take revenge at the new day spa at Royal Pines Resort, spending time on a make-over while your partner's out on the course. Be sure to book ahead, for word has it that golfers of both sexes are becoming keen on the spa treatments and appointments are essential as a growing number of men discover there's something to this business of self-indulgence.
Treatments include aromatherapy salt scrubs, mud masques, marine algae wraps, seaweed body polish, massage (Swedish, aromatherapy, Shiatsu and more) and wet treatments like Vichy and affusion showers and hydrotherapy.
For a more serious look at your health and lifestyle, health retreat Camp Eden, in the Currumbin Valley, has long stay programs, from six to 13 days. Packages include pampering sessions, meals, adventure and nature-based activities plus health and lifestyle advice on such topics as nutrition, exercise and weight loss.
For an island getaway, Couran Cove Island Resort's Total Living Centre, on South Stradbroke Island, has half, full day and week-long spa retreats. Five day spa programs include luxury accommodation, meals, program activities, and five pampering treatments. Find your way around the resort by bike, and get help with goals such as weight loss or quitting smoking.
Even if you don't get a chance to stay at a Spa Resort, pop down to the Royal Pines or Versace day spas, where you can be pampered to your hearts content.
Leslie, Logan City.
4WD
