The Healer of Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is one of those places that has the ability to slow the hands of time. It’s relatively untainted by modern, mass-produced urbanisation, maintaining the vibe of a quaint fishing village. I like that!

My family and I stay at Peppers Pier Resort, which overlooks Hervey Bay’s most notable landmark, Urangan Pier. This charming, weather-beaten old pier stretches forever and makes for a lovely afternoon stroll. Our massive suite has stunning views of the pier and the bay, looking out to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, enormous balconies that overlook the resort pools, and an even more enormous open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, there is no risk of stepping on each other’s toes. Our first reaction is to call reception to see if we can stay for another night! This place is perfect for a family holiday.

No family holiday is complete without a Parents’ Retreat and I find this in the tranquil confines of Spa Botanica. Owned and operated by Shirley Stubbs, Spa Botanica is within the resort, just off the main reception lounge, making it very easy for resort guests to indulge. The Spa has wet and dry treatment areas, as well as indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and the treatment menu is vast. Finding it hard to pick a treatment, I leave it to Shirley to decide what she thinks is best for me. Little do I know she will send me to a tropical island, only to return totally rejuvenated with my skin feeling divine and smelling good enough to eat!

I have the pleasure of being treated by Shirley herself, a nurse by trade before becoming a Spa owner and therapist. She is a born healer and, under the firm strokes of her magical hands, I begin to feel the tension leave my body and vigour seep in. I have a Tropical Body Treatment, which includes a lot of pampering, body masque, massage and hydro-jet shower. The only thing missing is the pina colada and the floral lei!

The treatment begins with an all-over body cleanse, which is removed by hot towels. My skin now feels ready to eat whatever it is fed. The first course is Pineapple and Papaya De-Ageing Saltmousse, which exfoliates my skin, while also providing a powerful antioxidant. When we are exposed to environmental pollutants, sun and stress, our skin surface builds up harmful positive ions. The negative ions in the salt help neutralise this and restore balance. This is followed by the pleasurable process of removing the Saltmousse with more hot towels.

Shirl’s deft hands begin the generous serve of the second course. Seriously, I’m starting to salivate now! The products responsible for this sensory joy ride are from Pevonia’s new Green range, which uses organic ingredients. You can literally taste the tropical fruit and vanilla ice cream in the Papaya-Pineapple Crème Fraîche Wrap. I’m told this exquisite tropical body wrap counteracts premature ageing and sun damage. It contains a host of anti-ageing ingredients, such as collagen, elastin, Vitamin A and pomegranate extract. While I’m cocooned in this wrap, enjoying the beautiful aroma, my feet, hands and scalp are massaged. This is pretty much where I’d like to stay forever! All my senses are piqued and happy.

Ah, but all good things must come to an end. It’s time to wash away the yummy Crème Fraîche in the hydro shower. Strategically-placed jets massage all my pressure points as the warm rainwater washes over me. I am then towelled off and spritzed with an invigorating De-Ageing Mist.

Continuing the tropical fruit theme, my final course is a rich and creamy De-Aging Balm. My skin feels amazing, like silk. At the risk of sounding cliché, I’m totally glowing. You can take your pick of ‘R’ words to describe this treatment – restoring, relaxing, rejuvenating, replenishing… but the one word that comes to mind now is regret! Regret that it’s over and I must return from my escape! Thankfully, the aroma and results continue long after reality bites.