I’ve had enough body treatments in my life to be unworried about being half naked in front of strangers. However, doing it twice in a weekend is a new sensation.

On a recent sojourn to Daylesford I embraced my inner princess and subjected myself to a facial and a massage in two very different settings.

The Mineral Spa Wellness Retreat in the Peppers Springs Retreat in the neighbouring town of Hepburn Springs holds a commanding lead in the provision of spa services in the area. Its award-winning facilities include a spa and plunge pool outdoor area with a view overlooking manicured gardens (including a hedged maze); steam room and stone sauna, along with a variety of treatments.

The latest treatment offered is the Li’Tya Mirri facial done in a soft pak bed. Sounds comfy? It is – but it’s a bed with a twist. You lie on a bladder which, after your therapist exfoliates your skin and applies a mask, is wrapped over your body and is filled with body-temperature water.

You’re left to ‘float’ for 10-15 minutes, water completely surrounding you. It’s an ethereal experience – completely weightless, warm and enveloped. Occasionally I pushed my butt down to ‘ground’ myself – it’s easy to believe you are lost at sea.

The Li’Tya range of products uses natural products in keeping with an Indigenous Australian philosophy of staying in touch with nature. Native flora including lillypilly, macadamia and kelp are key ingredients.

If you’re looking for a massage, try gay-owned Queensberry Studio. A secluded day spa in a private garden setting, here you can choose from a range of pampering choices starting with a 1.5-hour Relaxation Package up to the 3.5-hour Total Pamper Package.

The double aromatherapy spa is deliciously large (don’t feel guilty, Daylesford gets plenty of rainfall), and frivolous when filled with essential oil bath foam. The outlook is to a secluded garden – just the place to be when a thunderstorm hits. The accompanying massage is tailored to suit, with varying oils to soothe, relax or revive. Owned by partners Margaret Kildea and Leanne Shaw, you’ll be in good hands – literally.

But of course there are other ways to pamper yourself. The region is well known for its gourmet produce and local vineyards. Take a drive to Big Shed Wines at Glenlyon – apparently their 2004 Reserve Shiraz is to die for. Or, for an organic experience, try Captain Creek wines a few kilometres out of town. Or, if all that travelling sounds too complicated, settle in for a gourmet meal at one of the excellent restaurants or boutique hotels in the region.

Fast Facts
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are only 1.5 hours north-west of Melbourne.
Mineral Spa Wellness Retreat: www.peppers.com.au/Springs
Queensberry Studio: www.queensberrystudio.com.au

by CATHY ANDERSON