Santai Retreat Spa, Casuarina, NSW

Where Is It: Santai Retreat, Casuarina, NSW.

Why Go: Balinese inspired decor, the Lanai, quality therapists.

Best For: Couples or friends.

Three Things We Loved: The couples treatment room, the Lanai, the massage.

The Ultimate Factor: It’s located in a stunning resort retreat.

Overview:

Santai Retreat is one of a new breed of luxury self-contained apartment resorts in Australia. Set back from the beach on the picturesque Tweed Coast, besides enjoying an inviting Balinese-inspired decor, the retreat also boasts a lineup of hotel facilities including a well-regarded on-site Day Spa (read our full review of Santai Retreat). Whether you’re staying at the resort, or somewhere else locally, there are plenty of reasons to schedule some time for indulgence in this lovely haven. For one, the spa has a lineup of luxurious and holistic spa treatments designed to balance mind and body as well as promote health, vitality and rejuvenation, both inside and out. The menu has “rituals” to choose from, which combine a lineup of head-to-toe treatments to get you in great shape, or you can pick from individual treatments include massages, a facial, treats for your feet, hair and more. And its skincare partner is LaGaia, an Australian made owned organic brand. The spa is open daily from 10am but we’d recommend you book well in advance, especially on weekends and during peak holiday periods, so as not to be disappointed. And as a real treat, when weather permits, you can book your massage by the pool!

The Decor:

Santai Retreat draws heavily on Balinese culture and style, with its spacious suites and terraces built around gorgeous palm-fringed pools and lush gardens. This offers an intimate environment in which to relax and unwind, which is a great start to any spa visit. The facility, which is just off the spacious, poolside Lanai pavilion, has three treatment rooms; two of them combine to create a spacious couple’s room, complete with a spa bath, so you can enjoy treatments at the same time. The decor follows the same palette of soft, warm earth tones as the rest of the resort, with plenty of creams, greys, biscuit and gold, with tropical plants and rich coloured wood. The Lanai has a range of comfortable cocoon seats, armchairs and sofas in which to relax before and after your visit; there’s also a yoga class held here daily at 7am (you’ll need to call to reserve a spot but it’s free).

The Treatment:

We were booked in for an 80-minute relaxation massage on the afternoon of our arrival and it was a fitting way to embark on a two-night stay at the retreat. We arrived about 10 minutes ahead of our allotted time at the Lanai, and were met by our therapists. After completing the necessary paperwork, we were taken to the couples room to enjoy our treatment together. The massage is based on traditional Swedish techniques, designed to release muscle tension, improve circulation and ease stress; ideal for both of us after some earlier dramas at home, and the drive to Casuarina. The mark of a good therapist in our book is one which works intuitively when it comes to massage. For both of us this was a box which was convincingly ticked, along with applying just the right pressure to suit, while also being therapeutic. At the end of our treatment we enjoyed some herbal tea on a private balcony, then slipped back to our room to prepare for the evening.

The Verdict:

You know you’re having a great spa treatment when the time goes by in a flash. Afterwards we both felt relaxed, those usual telltale knots you’re aware of on a Friday night missing from our necks and shoulders. Next time we visit we’ll do this again, and perhaps try one of the other indulgences on the menu.