By June Ramli
Sydney, Oct 18: When you think of a spa, you might envision a place where a skilled masseuse works their magic to help you unwind and relax.
However, I recently had the opportunity to experience something entirely different at the Indie Spa, nestled within the charming Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet, along the scenic Great Ocean Road near Melbourne.
The Indie Spa is not your typical spa with massage tables and soothing music.
Instead, it offers a unique and interactive “do-it-yourself” spa experience.
Normally, this spa treatment is designed to be shared with friends and family, making it a memorable bonding activity.
If you’re comfortable baring it all with friends, you can certainly go au naturel, but my advice is to bring along a bathing suit for the ultimate Indie Spa experience.
The recommended color is black, given the mud you’ll be applying to your body, which tends to stick.
So, it’s essential to prepare accordingly.
The night before my spa adventure, I learned about this unique experience and had to rush to Kmart to grab a swimsuit since I hadn’t packed one for my trip to Melbourne.
While all the black swimsuits were sold out in my size, I found a green one that turned out to be just as effective for the spa – a lucky find indeed.
The Rasul treatment is a hot-and-cold combination DIY experience.
You’ll apply three different lotions to your body and one for your hair, with intervals of 10 minutes for each lotion.
Afterward, you’ll head to a cold steam bath, similar to an ice bath but more bearable.
Following the cold steam bath, I went back and forth between the sauna and the cold bath, and it was soon time to wrap up my treatment.
A quick change and I was ready to go.
The treatment room is well-equipped, but there’s no hairdryer.
If you need one, simply ask at the reception, and they’ll gladly loan you one for use either on-site or back in your room.
The Indie Spa experience is available for both in-house guests and travelers passing through the Great Ocean Road who want to make a pit stop and enjoy some relaxation before continuing their journey. While the spa provides towels, the ice room has a shower facility for a post-treatment rinse.
If you’re on a stopover, it’s advisable to bring a change of clothes, including a fresh set of undies, for your comfort.
The hotel also offers other treatments and can serve cocktails on-site, making it a versatile option for a range of preferences.
Once your spa treatment is complete, you’ll have the chance to unwind in the cozy lounge area, complete with a fireplace, and enjoy some tea and water.
After some downtime, you’ll be ready to head out.
The Rasul experience at Indie is a concise yet delightful spa experience, whether you’re going solo or with friends.
I particularly enjoyed my personal time in the steam room, where inspiration flowed freely.
I left feeling refreshed and invigorated, and I’m hopeful that the ideas that came to me during this spa retreat will materialize in the months ahead.
In summary, Indie Spa offers a unique and refreshing twist on traditional spa experiences.
So, whether you’re seeking relaxation, bonding time with friends, or a spark of creativity, make sure to pack your bathing suit and an extra set of clothes for your visit to this charming spa on the Great Ocean Road.
June Ramli is the editor of DailyStraits.com. To stay in touch with June, look her up on Twitter @junesairaramli