Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

One of life’s sheer pleasures is just having a bath. Whether you are drinking tea or wine, lying in soothing hot water, gently scented with salts or oils, is the most relaxing of acts and one that can empower, rejuvenate and energise.  On my recent sojourn to Daylesford, I visited the Herpburn Bathhouse and Spa, for bathing, spa-ing and eating. A perfect afternoon, really.

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The Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is located barely 90 minutes from Melbourne in the delightful wellness region, just up the road from Daylesford. The buildings and surrounds were established in 1895 and visitors have been bathing in the mineral water’s of the region ever since. A renovation in recent years means the facilities are modern and tranquil. An amazing place to escape to.

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We started our afternoon at the Hepburn Pavillion Cafe, a quaint cafe on the ground of the bathhouse ideal for a light lunch or sweet treat. Starting with sparkling wine, and finishing with tea, the platters of tapas style tasting plates made for a delicious meal that wasn’t too heavy before we headed to the spa for our treatments. (The cafe also does gluten free scones, so don’t leave before you try them!)

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Up the hill at the bathhouse, private bathing in a mineral bath was a welcome start to our treatment. Using the detox salts, I enjoyed 30 minutes in the water with my eyes closed and bubbles on before heading to the Spa for a Spring Rain Water Therapy.

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An interesting alternative to the standard massage when you visit the region, the Spring Rain treatment sees you lie on a bed where your skin is polished with a sugar scrub and a delicious chocolate mask is smoothed over your body to firm and tone. The Vichy shower overhead then removes the products, massaging while you wash away your stresses and anxieties.

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It is an odd sensation, to be lying on a bed under a shower, but the end result is feeling renewed and fresh. The whole afternoon was a divine experience and one which I’d recommend to anyone for some R&R time. Spoil yourself!

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
Private Bathing from $70pp
Spring Rain Water Therapy $203 (Fri-Mon)
www.hepburnbathhouse.com

The French Facialist

There is a truth universally acknowledged that French women don’t get fat. They also don’t age. I’m pretty sure they look amazing in all kinds of light, and they are impeccably dressed, ALL THE TIME. My aspirations to be a French woman might only be achieved by changing my name when I’m married, but in the interim, I may have discovered the secret to the French skincare regime.

The French Facialist, Christine, is the epitome of fabulous. A skin expert, she has won awards and written books on the topic, and now practises her unique facials in Prahran, which is conveniently local for me. Someone who not only has the ability to treat you like a queen, Christine takes the time to analyse your skin and educate on little changes we can make to improve the appearance of our skin well into the ageing process.

Christine

I arrived on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, after a weekend away at the races where much makeup was worn and much alcohol consumed. I shuddered at what I thought I’d be told off about, having just turned 30 and probably not giving my skin the attention it deserves.

Christine was divine, in asking questions about my routines and providing subtle suggestions as to what I might do to improve my skin care. Based on her dewy complexion, I felt she must be onto something, and listened attentively.

We then commenced the Soin de Peau Royal – the Le Royal Facial. This signature treatment lasts 90 minutes and used LED light therapy to encourage skin detoxification and cellular rejuvenation. There was cleansing, hot towels, steam, creams, exfoliants and MASSAGE. Yes, MASSAGE. Hands, feet, scalp – this treatment really is the works. I suspect I even fell asleep at one point.

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Following the treatment, Christine advised some products that would be good for my skin – my biggest problem is hydration (drink your water too, ladies!!) and I learnt that many of the over the counter products, while adequate, are not enough to provide the levels of hydration my ageing skin needs. I’ve been using my Auriège Paris products for a week now, and they are divine.

I immediately rebooked for a month from now, and are counting the days until I get to experience this wonderful treatment again. A must for anyone who cares about their skin and wants a ‘proper’ treatment, rather than a quick fix facial.

My thanks to Renault for this lovely gift! Visit Christine at First Floor, 296 Malvern Road, Prahran in Victoria, Australia (enter from Essex Street) or call 0410 556 557.