Review of The Darling Spa, Sydney
Darling Harbour’s staycation
I have a new favourite destination. It’s not Saint-Tropez, Positano or Cartagena. It’s the Darling Spa in Darling Harbour. Stepping into the lemon grass-scented reception; I’m already feeling my shoulders relaxing. I’m led down a long dark corridor with muted lighting and the sounds of woodwind instruments. I could be in Bali or Bangkok. The water, and the dark colours, all add up to the tranquillity of a high-end spa in an exotic Asian destination.
Feeling the fluffy robe caress my tired skin, I take in a deep breath knowing that the transformation magic has already begun.
Prior to my treatment, I sit in a candle-lit lounge sipping cucumber water and eyeing off tiny containers of banana chips, nuts, and fruit. Yes. I could definitely stay here for a few days, even a week dining on miniature portions of dainty food and delighting in the warmth zing of ginger tea. I could roll from one treatment to the next whether it be facial, massage, or wrap. Working my way through the menu would be the ultimate to produce holiday envy on my social media as my skin becomes fresher and more sparkly every day.
The Darling Spa Erde Balance Treatment
My therapist, Agnes introduces herself and snaps me out of my holiday daydream. Now is the time to be in the moment and not fantasise about living here. The Erde Balance treatment awaits. I am soon to experience a full body exfoliation, express body massage, and express facial in 90 minutes.
Agnes holds the door open to the treatment room where a large steaming bowl of hot water and rose petals are ready for my feet. They soak up the aroma as Agnes holds out her hands and asks me which oil I would like. I choose the citrus before unrobing and flopping onto the heated massage bed covered in thick fluffy towels.
The salt exfoliation is as divine as sinking my feet into the sand and my body into a scented wave but it’s what comes after which is my highlight. The firm hands stretch out the tightness in my sore shoulders and glutes. While I could have a full body massage, I opt for just the back for thirty minutes. The Darling Spa therapists have the most skilled masseurs of any spa I have visited throughout the globe so I make the best of their expertise on my sorest spots.
The Health Glow Express Facial at the Darling Spa
Before too soon we are on to the final treatment. It’s the Healthy Glow Express Facial with Babor products. Babor was developed in Cologne by Dr Michael Babor in 1956. This chemist developed HY-OL which is a way of using natural oils to cleanse the skin. I zone out while Agnes works her skills on flaking my dead skin away with divine scented products.
The ninety minutes disappear way too soon and I find myself back in the zen room with ginger tea and banana chips. This time I eat them wondering if I stay here all day will they notice? As a guest of the spa you have access to the Darling Hotel’s outdoor swimming pool and steam room. There is also a Moroccan Hamman but it is currently undergoing repair. It’s next on my list to try when it reopens.
Unfortunately, I realise it is time to go back out into the world. Parking is included at the spa which is a huge plus. I hop back into my car and call up the menu for my next treatment. There are so many facials to choose from including The Darling Cleanformance 60-minute facial which is a full vegan facial incorporating pre and probiotics for healthy skin together with the antioxidant benefits of red maple extract.
The Gaea Experience
What catches my eye is the three-hour Gaea experience which is a three-hour spa journey that consists of Full Body Exfoliation, Body Wrap, Scalp Massage, Hand & Foot Treatment, and a Facial. My muscles twitch with excitement at the thought. I fantasise about a week-long holiday at the spa and put in an online Powerball entry. Maybe I might get to live the dream.
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