Feeling like a holiday but can’t actually afford the trip or the flight or the boat? I did a weekend getaway for my birthday at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach and it was the complete body and mind reset I needed without the costly transport.
On arrival through the spacious foyer with its coastal luxury aesthetic, we were met by the friendliest of staff ready to check us in to our room. Our room was facing Coogee beach, with sweeping views of the ocean, which on this day was being very dramatic (eye roll). The sound of the waves, the warm neutral textures of the room, my body was instantly in relaxation mode.
RELATED: Checking In Above Sydney Harbour At InterContinental Sydney
While we checked in at 3pm, I had a spa session booked for 3:30pm – just enough time to don a soft robe and head to Eliva Spa for a much-anticipated massage. To start with, I sat at the oil bar and with the help of my lovely masseuse, I designed my very own signature blend of oils and scents for my massage.
I chose the Rest aroma blend mixed with macadamia & avocado oil. One blissful hour later, I’m sitting in the recovery lounge with a steaming cup of “Pause” tea (a mix of ashwagandha, lemon balm, licorice & rose) in my hands, wearing an LED mask and compression boots. Sigh.
I have a few more hours to get ready for dinner at Shutters, the hotels’ restaurant and bar, so the music is up, the doors are open to let in the sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing, a glass of savvy b in hand (by Handpicked) — I’m in my element.
Shutters is located on the ground level of the hotel. A convenient lift ride to dinner is how I like to roll. My husband is vegan and while there’s not a huge array of vegan dishes to choose from, the chef has created a stunning dish bespoke for his dietary requirements.
The beetroot carpaccio, potato gnocchi paired with a glass of prosecco and a glass of rose, is the perfect meal but the house-made focaccia is the piece de resistance at the turquoise booth we’re sitting at. The bread is thick, fluffy and so soft…it’s like a bed for your mouth…and that house-made butter, omg. I’m drooling as I write this…
The next morning it’s my favourite buffet breakfast back at Shutters, my new home. With everything to choose from, fresh fruit, pastries, toast, eggs, hash browns, beans, avocadoes with a seed and nut dukkha, and a freshly brewed coffee, and views of the ocean, this is what breakfast should be! It’s going to be hard to go home to my Weetbix after this.
We have a late check-out at 11am, so we head down to Éliva spa to experience the thermal baths, which I heard Prince Harry himself was one of the first guests to visit the spa. Now this is what I call comprehensive wellness revival.
This is the best 60 minutes you can invest in hands-down. Start with a warm, soothing mineral bath, then take a cold plunge, then open your pores in the salt sauna, Infrared sauna or crystal steam room – or like me, do all three with a cold plunge in between each. Finish off your spa experience using the vitamin C-infused shower.
This is the ultimate in looking after yourself and all in the one place. Book yourself in for the ultimate wellbeing weekend — all the indulgence, rest and rejuvenation of an overseas escape, without the airfare or jet lag.
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