Just as our houses benefit from a yearly spring clean, the same kind of cleansing ritual can be wonderful for our bodies. Spring is the perfect time for some body care and pampering and you might be surprised how macadamias can play a role.
Spring is a time of renewal. We all feel more refreshed and energetic and slowly surface from our winter hibernation. Winter coats, long sleeves and heavy shoes are gradually put away in favour of bare shoulders, skirts and sandals, and the skin we kept hidden through the cold months can emerge dry, rough and undernourished.
Macadamia oil is the perfect treatment for neglected skin. It has a ph level close to the skin’s own and is extremely nourishing and hydrating. It contains high levels of palmitoleic acid, which is an omega-7 fatty acid believed to help skin retain suppleness (2). It also contains vitamin E and squalene, nutrients that help reduce inflammation in the skin. It has also been found to slow the signs of aging (1).
Macadamia oil treatments are easy and inexpensive to do in your own home. However, if you have time for an indulgence, you can experience an extra level of relaxation (and an extra healthy glow) by visiting one of the spas and retreats in the beautiful macadamia growing region of northern NSW.
Here are some insider tips on the best spa treatments that harness the amazing healing benefits of macadamias.
Elements of Byron
Pampering and refreshing from head to toe, the Osprey Spa at Elements of Byron will re-centre your mind, as well as prepare your body for spring. Their spa treatments use luxurious LaGaia products which are said to rebalance the ph of the skin using natural ingredients such as macadamia oil. However, the treatment is more than skin deep. Yoga and meditation are part of the experience at this beachside resort, allowing you to rebalance your mind and body to achieve that glorious springtime glow.
Elements of Byron
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
elementsofbyron.com.au/osprey-spa/
Gaia Retreat
Deep in the heart of macadamia country, the spa at Gaia Retreat features locally sourced cold-pressed macadamia products for many different aspects of their treatments. Founded by Olivia Newton-John, Gaia Retreat is surrounded by abundant macadamia farms, and is a tranquil escape that offers several rejuvenating spa experiences.
Gaia uses macadamia oil in all their massages including their relaxing and nourishing scalp massage which is said to be “great for headaches and busy minds and is very relaxing and nurturing”. In keeping with the retreat’s glorious surroundings, Gaia features many other Australian native ingredients in their treatments, like their nourishing Lemon Myrtle and Wattle Seed Body Polish or the reviving Australian Desert Clay masques.
Gaia Retreat & Spa
933 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet NSW 2479, Australia
gaiaretreat.com.au
Halcyon House
Located in a spectacular setting on Cabarita Beach in northern NSW, Halycon Houseis a luxury boutique hotel. Their relaxing spa is able to craft unique spa journeys that revive and revitalise the skin through luxurious, all-natural ingredients.
You’ll be glowing after luxuriating in the Sodashi products used in this spa. This carefully crafted West Australian skin care range is rich in macadamia oil, resulting in treatments that are moisturising, healing and nourishing, particularly for mature skin.
Halcyon House
21 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach NSW Australia
halcyonhouse.com.au/halcyon-spa/
The Byron at Byron
Specialising in relaxed luxury, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa uses a range of sumptuous spa products, including the Jindilli brand. These hydrating and restoring products are developed on a family-owned farm in the heart of macadamia country. The brand uses pure macadamia oil that is sourced from sustainably grown trees, cold-pressed and carefully filtered to preserve the skin-essential nutrients, making it a nourishing treat for the skin.
At The Byron at Byron, you can also nourish your skin from the inside out, by complementing your skin treatment with delicious, health-filled food from the in-house restaurant that celebrates the climate, produce and seasons of the surrounding countryside. Daily yoga also helps revive the soul and leaves your skin glowing.
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
77-97 Broken Head Road Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
thebyronatbyron.com.au/spa-byron-bay/
