Indah ahhh… at ikatan Spa
There’s a good reason why ikatan Spa keeps winning accolades and awards from around the globe. Deb Caruso discovers their latest package is a trio of tantalising treatments that will transport you to another world.
The moment you drive into ikatan Spa at Doonan, you instantly feel a sense of calm. If you’ve experienced a treatment here before, it’s probably due to your emotional or muscle memory recalling a previous visit.
And, if you haven’t experienced ikatan Spa before, the sense of calm is probably due to the tropical oasis and sounds of nature that quickly envelop you as soon as you arrive.
After more than two decades nurturing our minds, bodies and souls, ikatan Spa owners Katrina Thorpe and Nicholas Pilditch show no signs of slowing down in their quest to redefine the day spa experience in Australia.
“From the start, we wanted to create a Balinese village-style day spa with your own private villa and lush tropical gardens,” Katrina says. “A place where everyone feels calm and relaxed. We want people to leave their world behind and surrender into ours.”
In the first five years of operation, ikatan Spa was nominated for Best Destination Spa Australia by the Australian Tourism Travel Awards and the accolades haven’t stopped since.
As a former therapist Katrina is very hands-on, particularly with regards to creating treatments as well as understanding and supporting her team.
“Happy therapists mean happy clients – and that means a happy boss and a good business, and that’s my formula for everything,” she says.
Keeping the team as happy and engaged in the business as they can be is important to Katrina and Nick, with regular training, feedback sessions and product development aiding personal growth.
Which brings me to why I am fortunate enough to again be sitting in the serene surrounds of ikatan.
Due to many requests for particular treatments, Katrina developed the new ‘Indah’ package.
Named after the Sanskrit word often used to describe natural beauty, the Indah package promises to have you sighing ‘ahhhh’ for days after the two-hour treatment is over.
Combining a Facial plus Foot Therapy and an Asian Head Massage, it is a true top-to-toe immersion of the senses.
I’m shown to my private villa by my therapist who helps me choose the right facial and products for my skin. I choose ASAP for its anti-ageing properties and, once cocooned on the bed, let the bliss begin.
One of the things I love about any treatment at ikatan is the element of ritual. Starting and ending with light pressure, the therapist ‘walks’ their hands down my body from head to toe; immediately grounding me and reminding me to release any tension I am holding from the outside world. I surrender to the table as a warm towel connects with my feet to cleanse away the day’s stress and I am ready to drift away.
I do just that and actually drift into a state of deep relaxation (with perhaps a micro nap or two!) while my face enjoys a deep clean, micro exfoliation and peel.
As an ikatan VIP, I choose a complimentary eye boost and while the treatment mask, nourishing serums and moisturisers work their magic, I enjoy a series of soothing massages focusing on my hands, feet, scalp, neck – all the places that are holding tension – I just didn’t realise how much!
The products are divine and feel so spectacular on my skin that I decline the opportunity for Inika organic, vegan mineral makeup – I want to see the natural glow!
This is a facial that feels so good on a deeper level, I feel lighter, refreshed and extremely relaxed overall – can it get any better?
The answer is ‘yes’ because the Indah Package also includes a Foot Therapy and Asian Head Massage!
I’m escorted to a beautiful garden room where the therapist provides me with a complimentary champagne or tea to enjoy a 30 minute foot scrub, soak and massage – I’m again in heaven!
Tootsies tingling, it’s time for the grand finale in this tantalising trio of treatments and it is by far my favourite way to end the day – a 30 minute Asian Head Massage!
Created at ikatan Spa and using a combination of the best techniques from Bali, China, Japan and Thailand, this massage aims to help clear the mind and release tension.
I choose one of the energy-balancing Chi Oil blends, Chi Aroma with lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint to help clear the mind and enhance my ability to stay focused and present.
The only thing I’m focusing on is how amazing this feels as my mind unloads and I drift deeper into a state of bliss as my head, neck and upper shoulders get the unwinding and attention they so desperately need.
With its cosmeceutical and therapeutic benefits, the Indah Package is one of those treatments that could – and absolutely should – form part of a regular self-care ritual.
WIN! INDAH FOR YOU!
INDAH PACKAGE | 2 Hours | $320
– 60 minute facial of choice
– 30 minute Foot Therapy
– 30 minute Asian Head Massage
Enter your details here by 24 April to go in the draw!
