Refurbished two years ago, having opened back in summer 2008, the Red Ochre Spa is a popular desert oasis (literally seeing as it actually sits within sight of the breathtakingly beautiful Ayers Rock). It may be slap bang in the middle of a desert, but this haven of tranquillity is no mirage. It’s all real and touchable. And, happily, it’s there to be wholeheartedly indulged in.
A little oasis indeed, it offers the total pampering package and promises to both renew energy and evoke relaxation. Since it first opened it’s had a renovation resulting in a now-private and spacious reception area.
The other big change was to increase the number of treatment rooms available. There are now two extra spaces (to cope with increasing number of visitors over the years, say the staff). Certainly, getting stressed waiting for a massage room to become free defeats the purpose of a spa one would have thought!
Regardless of whether you’re getting the Express Pick Me Up ($90 for 30 mins) or the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift ($180 for one hour 15 mins) your treatment will kick off with a lovely little foot massage (said to calm body and mind). Or perhaps that was the low lights, soft music and gorgeous smell in the room? Whatever, it worked.
One of the more popular treatments is the Pro-Intense Lift Effect Facial ($170 for one hour). This specifically targets the cheeks, chin and neck area and can be performed with their Elemis products or the spa’s own range which involves a combination of local organic products.
It’s not in every salon you can enjoy a milk bath – but you can here and afterwards find yourself being parcelled up smelling good enough to eat thanks to the wonderful exotic coconut and milk ritual wrap (costing $155 for one hour).
Another popular treatment at the Red Ochre Spa is the hot stone therapy. It may have been around for two decades now but this is still a fabulous indulgence where the therapist very meticulously places warm basalt stones on key energy points on your back and legs.
In between treatments you can order a pot of peppermint tea and indulge in a selection of fruit, or macadamia and hazel nuts. At this point it’s a nice idea to take a stroll outside to the pool area where plenty of swaying palms provide a cooling breeze (it’s as if the Spa has managed to manipulate Mother Nature into providing further facilities).
A bonus with this spa is that it’s possible to make up your own package by ‘adding on’ small treatments to suit your timetable, such as 15 mins of body brushing, a 10 minute scalp massage or a quick eye treatment etc.
For a real treat why not book up for the two-hour long Desert Awakening package? This includes a facial, full body massage and eye reviving treatment.
Review by Jill Sandringham
CONTACT
174 Yulara Drive
Yulara NT 0872
1300 134 044
www.ayersrockresort.com.au/around-the-resort/red-ochre-spa
