Spa horizons
By GRETEL SNEATH
14aug04

SOMETIMES, it takes more than a simple holiday to unwind. Health retreats and day spas are the new deluxe destinations for the work-weary, and the good news is that they can be found right across South Australia.

When you consider Cleopatra's obsession with the salts and mud of the Dead Sea all those centuries ago, it is clear that self-indulgence has long been considered good for the body and soul.

And today, whether you hail from the corporate world or the chaos of parenthood, pampering continues to prove the universal solution to destressing.

While massages, makeovers and mini facials are nothing new, the concept of combining the lot under the one roof is a growing trend. And while the basic principles of spa treatments have changed little, techniques and ingredients have become more varied and sophisticated, making good use of modern equipment and recent scientific breakthroughs. Popular for some time in the eastern states, the idea has also taken hold in SA.

The Mt Barker-based Jurlique International is leading the trend, establishing its first Wellness Sanctuary at Glenelg's Holdfast Shores in early 2000.

The same products used in treatments can be bought over the counter.

Day-spa facilities offering products from other major brands such as Thalgo and Aveda have also been set up at a number of metropolitan locations but, in many cases, the country centres are rivalling – and possibly outshining – their city counterparts.

Mt Gambier's Body Retreat, located in the heart of SA's largest regional centre, opened in April. It offers Australia's first spa jet experience based on the principles of Roman emperor Nero of achieving health through water.

"The spa jet offers revolutionary spa and skin-care treatments including rejuvenation, cellulite treatment, detoxification, weight loss, stress reduction and muscular aches," explains owner Katina Sims.

Customers have been queuing for the experience, with clients travelling from as far away as Sydney and Port Fairy in coastal Victoria, to reap its benefits.

The indulgence can last anything from 15 minutes to more than an hour. However, if you would prefer a total escape complete with accommodation, you may wish to consider Heathfield Estate, located at Port Elliot.

Authenticity Health Retreats have been operating out of the 1864 bluestone mansion for seven years, offering personally tailored services which target rest and rejuvenation, energising and actualising your potential. Mini-workshops on everything from identity issues to addictions are available, in addition to personal training, a daily exercise class and day spa services. They cater for a maximum of 10 guests and provide a range of gourmet vegetarian cuisine. Across Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island Health Retreat also offers the perfect setting for a new beginning. Opened in 2000, and purpose-built for up to six guests to cleanse, rejuvenate, lose weight and destress, all rooms overlook magnificent Emu Bay, Shoal Bay and all of the rural headlands from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw.

The centre, which has been named in the world's top 100 retreats by British magazine Harper's and Queens, provides a variety of body-pamper packages and cleanse and rejuvenation programs.

Since June, it has also offered demonstration cooking in a viewing kitchen, featuring organically grown wholefoods plucked straight from the garden.

Guests can also make use of facilities including sauna and spa, yoga, massage, aerobics, swimming (pool and ocean), beach and bushwalking, and nutritional instruction. Retreat operator Sue McCarthy draws from her knowledge of all forms of fitness regimes, diet, yoga and other holistic disciplines. Sue uses motivational and teaching skills to help nurture a sense of wellbeing, helping with weight loss, while promoting increased energy levels with essential nutritional and exercise tips. She also has an established record in helping people quit smoking for life.

Others may prefer to go it alone. If that's the case, they should head to the opposite end of the state, to one of Australia's most remote delights, Dalhousie Hot Springs.

Located on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the thermal mineral spa pools surrounded by shady eucalyptus and melaleuca trees are an incredible, steaming 35-38C. They are easy to access, and boast a smooth and sandy bottom with depths similar to a swimming pool.

"There can be no more relaxing experience than discovering the natural colour of sand dunes or rugged ranges, seeing the native wildlife and soaking away your cares under an outback sky," says Flinders Ranges & Outback SA Tourism marketing manager Lisa Pearson.

Not a comfy bed in sight, but the experience of camping in swags under a million stars after a steaming hot swim is hard to beat.

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