Queensland is the perfect summer getaway for those looking for an end of year escape – why not combine it with a stay at the unforgettable and quirky W Brisbane Hotel and get your beauty fix complete with Skeyndor skincare at the world-renowned AWAY Spa? By Anita Quade.
With the festive season in full swing – it’s the perfect time to party plan and the W Hotel, located right in the buzzing city centre, offers stunning views of Brisbane River. This escape is just a short 1.5 hours flight from Sydney and promises an artistic experience as you wander through the stunning hotel that is a feast for the eyes – from the neon brights to the eclectic artworks adorning the walls including a mural from Melbourne artist Lucas Grogan. Here it is all about location, location, location! And guests are surrounded by chic city shopping, bohemian cafes and modern art galleries all within a short walking distance.
The hotel chain, which is renowned globally for dismantling the “stuffy” five-star service approach and replacing it with a more irreverent and relaxed vibe with the motto ‘Whatever, Whenever’ boasts 312 guestrooms fitted with custom furnishings and Australian inspired vibes based on its design narrative – A River Dreaming. In reception on the first floor you will notice curved wooden beams that channel the Brisbane River, a subtle nod to the local surrounds which is juxtaposed with modern bright accents such as the Instagram worthy giant glimmering silver beach thong sculpture and neon bright cushions scattered across lounges and all encased under moody dim lighting.
The hotel offers 32 suites including the palatial King Suite spanning over 40sq-metres and featuring bright candy-colour décor from the turquoise cabinet housing a drinks bar and bright cushions and the signature W bed, a giant bathtub and the lighted makeup mirror – it’s escapism at its best.
Guests can enjoy cocktails at Living Room Bar – the perfect gathering place – expect cool soundtracks and imaginative concoctions. For a gourmet fix book a table at the famous Three Blue Ducks restaurant featuring it’s paddock to plate ethos.
Level Four is popular with it’s WET Deck and tropical pool vibe complete with a cocktail bar – think Miami meets Riverside chic.
Hotel guests can get into the holiday vibe – with a visit to Robe featuring Australian made staycation essentials such as swimwears, candles, beach towels and sunglasses perfect for the WET Deck area or floating through the hotel corridors.
One the incredible drawcards of this getaway is the AWAY Spa – guests can recline in the relaxation pods with stunning views over the Brisbane River while waiting for their treatment ranging from Deluxe Facials and scrubs to decadent massages. Relax in the steam room pre-treatment or take a dip in the mineral vitality pools while enjoying a glass of bubbles.
The relaxing space, houses the award-winning skincare brand Skyendor used in the decadent menu of facial treatments.
PB chats to AWAY Spa Manager Mathilde Leclercq about the retreat:
Tell us about the vibe of the amazing space.
“AWAY Spa is the ultimate luxury day spa to relax and unwind in, whether you’re overworked, all partied out or just in need of some R&R. We have a range of luxurious services from facials to massages, body wraps and pamper packages to help our guests get their glow on.
There are six treatment rooms, vitality pools, relaxation pods with stunning views of the Brisbane River, as well as his and hers wet rooms complete with a sauna and steam room.
A custom playlist handpicked by W Brisbane’s Music Curator really sets the mood for an immersive experience. A selection of retail products are available for purchase including candles, gift sets and vouchers, perfect for gifting or taking a piece of your ultimate experience home with you.”
What was the ethos when this was set up?
“AWAY Spa is a global concept within W hotels, who are committed to providing the same luxurious, relaxing and rejuvenating experience for customers anywhere in the world. If you fell in love with the AWAY Spa at W Maldives for example, you can be sure to have the same incredible and immersive spa experience within AWAY Spa Brisbane.”
You have an incredible array of treatments – any that are the most popular?
“Our signature and most popular treatment is our Cool Calm and Collected, comprising of two hours of full body pampering. We start with a Himalayan salt polish, followed by Sodashi’s world famous Oud oil back, neck and shoulder massage, after that treating the feet to an acupressure foot massage. Then follows a facial like no other, using Sodashi’s acupressure zone therapy, scalp release massage, hair treatment, completed with hand and arm massage. This extraordinary treatment is specifically tailored to release and alleviate built up emotions and negativity, and improve emotional, energetic and spiritual wellbeing.”
You stock the Skeyndor and Sodashi range in your spa – how do you choose the skincare products for the space?
“We meticulously choose the products for the space to best suit our client’s needs and desires, and to compliment the range of treatments we offer. Skeyndor is a very popular brand in Europe, offering high quality skin care catering to a range of budgets and skin types. Their products are science-based delivering quality results, while aligning with the relaxing and luxe nature of the spa.”
Tell us how you came to manage the spa.
“I have always had a passion for wellness in general and I wanted to apply this passion and desire to help others in my work life. There is nothing more rewarding than offering the best and more luxurious service to a guest. A spa day is such a treat for the body and the soul and to feel like you have taken a guest on a journey to help them relax, harmonise and balance in their busy life is an amazing feeling.”
THE BEAUTY ESCAPE DEAL
W Brisbane have teamed up with Robe luxury resortwear to create the stylish staycay of your dreams – perfect for those looking to indulge in some pampering and glamour this party season!
Guests can kickstart their stay with some complimentary glasses of Veuve Clicquot at Living Room Bar, then step into W The Store by Robe (housed within the hotel) for a personalised styling session to keep them looking fabulous all through their stay. They will enjoy a $100 store credit to spend on bespoke swimwear, chic robes, accessories and more by Australian designer Rebecca Kroon (think accessories from sunglasses, hats, kaftans, sandals to homewares, skin essentials and men’s resortwear).
All shopped out? Guests will be able to refresh and rejuvenate with access to the AWAY Spa vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms and enjoy a discount on all spa retail. For those who are looking for the ultimate girl’s night in, bring the spa to you instead with an in-room pamper session – kick back and relax in our fluffy W robes and slippers with a bespoke W nail polish kit in-room.
Bookings are available Friday through to Sunday until December 23rd, with prices starting from $679 per night.
DETAILS:
Inclusions:
- Personal styling session and $100 store credit for W The Store x Robe
- 2 glasses of Veuve Clicquot at Living Room Bar
- 10% off retail items & gift packs in AWAY SPA
- Bespoke W Brisbane Nail Polish amenity
- Valet parking
Valid Stay Dates: Fri, Sat or Sun nights until December 23, 2022.
Price: Starting from $679 per night for Wonderful King Room (rates vary depending on dates and room type)
For bookings, visit this link.
This article first appeared in the November-December 2022 print edition of Professional Beauty.
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