Resort Review: Pinctada Cable Beach

Chilling out in style on Broome's Cable Beach

It was my first trip to Broome in Western Australia, one of the country's most famous holiday destinations in the Kimberley region, and after a few days exploring the local area, my head was spinning. Not only is it a remote spot, but also beautiful; not to mention the gorgeous winter weather, with hot dry days, and cool nights.

Part of our visit included a trip to one of its most luxurious spa resorts, Pinctada Cable Beach, for a romantic getaway to spend some time indulging in its spa. Part of a $33 million development, the resort was the first full-service hotel to be built in Broome for two decades, opening in 2009. Features include a full-service day spa, a feature pool, meditative gardens, and elegant guest rooms among other key leisure facilities.

Nestled in the heart of the resort, the elegant day spa has both indoor and outdoor areas, and is Australia's only LI'TYA concept spa, featuring a menu of treatments by the Australian Aboriginal inspired brand. It proved to be a highlight of our stay.

The Decor:

The spa treatment rooms are arranged around a private, tranquil courtyard and relaxation area, which has a small plunge pool, wooden decking, luxury custom made day beds, and plenty of plants and trees offering shade as well as a splash of colour.

The Pinctada Spa’s extensive menu of treatments and therapies is based on Australian native botanicals and taps into 40,000 years of indigenous plant wisdom and holistic healing to rejuvenate the spirit. Embracing its unusual location, the treatments are sourced from the earth, the sea, and the Kimberley. The stones in the Kodo massage, for example, come from Kununurra, while the sea treatments include Pinctada maxima, indigenous to the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean off the West Kimberley town of Broome. Treatments options include LI'TYA journeys, facials, massages and other standard beauty treatments. There are couples and individual treatment rooms, with opportunities to enjoy a Vichy shower, a mineral bath, and hydrotherapy experiences.

The Treatment:

Kodo massage is one of my favourites, and a must for anyone experiencing LI'TYA for the first time. It means "melody", and like music it's a rhythmical full-body massage which is uniquely Australian by nature, designed to restore and relax tired muscles, while also steeped in ritual. 

First you choose from three sumptuous massage oils for either re-harmonisation, rejuvenation or detoxification. Then you’re led to your treatment room, where a leaf and twig burning ceremony is conducted to drive out bad spirits and initiate this soothing treatment.

The massage itself can be very gentle or more firm depending on your personal preference. It uses smooth, circular massage techniques which eases tension from your muscles, promotes calmness of the mind, and increases the flow of energy through the body. The hour slips by quickly, and before long I am invited to enjoy the fresh air outside and relax on a day bed with a cup of hot, herbal tea.

The Verdict:

Pinctada is a truly lovely spot, benefitting from ocean breezes and a world class location, and it's a spa retreat with plenty of quiet and privacy making it ideal for anyone looking to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life and is perfect as a romantic getaway in one of Australia's iconic holiday destinations. Our only regret? That we weren't staying there longer.

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