A very welcome addition to the facilities at the luxurious Saffire Freycinet hotel, the Spa here boasts an Australasian Spa Association Award of Excellence (2013). This gorgeous sanctuary, which sits in the Freycinet Peninsula mid-way along Tasmania’s East Coast, is a two and a half hour drive from the island’s capital Hobart or a one hour flight from Melbourne.

The Freycinet Peninsula, named after two French explorers who stepped ashore back in 1802, has been home to Aboriginal people for at least 35,000 years and boasts the ancient Hazards mountains and beach, the latter overlooked by Wineglass Bay which, in turn, shelters one of the world’s Top 10 beaches, according to Frommers Travel Guide.

Happily the architecture of this modern hotel has been designed with the spectacular bays and seas in mind, resulting in plenty of references to waves, sea creatures and sand dunes. Walking around, there is even a sensation of ‘flow’ thanks to curves rather than straight lines in the actual structure of the stone and timber building.

There’s almost a seamless feel between the interior of the hotel and the landscape, thanks to the fact the colours of the interior reflect those of the trees and bush outside the large plate glass windows.

As you would hope, all three treatments room in the spa overlook the stunning landscape, as well as the hotel bathing pools, making for a soothing panorama during a massage. That’s if you manage to keep your eyes open, especially during one of the sleep-inducing 90 minute relaxation massages (costing $270).

After an early evening massage head for the exclusive Palate restaurant where you can enjoy dishes produced from local ingredients and a kitchen under the tutelage of international chef Huge Whitehouse.

The Spa, which was also a World Luxury Spa Award nominee last year, offers a whole range of exclusive treatments designed by spa consultant extradordinaire Marionne de Candia (you might know her as facialist to such celebs as Elle Macpherson and Kate Hudson) and bodywork therapist/chiropractor Dr Jean Laing. And those aren’t the only experts here – rest-assured you’re also in good hands with Spa manager Felicity Runciman who was voted first runner-up for Best Spa Therapist in the Spa Association Awards, 2013.

Luxury skincare brands you will find here include the gorgeous Swiss anti-aging products of La Prairie and the Australian-made, natural Naturaceuticals range LaGaia. Other top names include Becca Cosmetics, Spa Ritual, St Tropez and La Biosthetique hair care.

Mums-to-be are especially welcome at the Spa with the retreat having recently introduced an impressive selection of pre-natal care and pregnancy massages to choose from.  And male partners can’t complain about feeling left out either, with Spa programs designed specifically with them in mind.

If you’re lucky enough to stay in one of the hotel’s Luxury Suite packages then a free Spa treatment is all part of the deal. You’ll also find a yoga mat (every room has one) and, if you so desire, a meditation class to sign up to. The more energetic can head to the well-equipped gym.

Review by Jill Sandringham

CONTACT

2352 Coles Bay Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
(03) 6256 7888
www.saffire-freycinet.com.au

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