State Of Nirvana At Ikatan
IN Noosa editor-in-chief Deb Caruso visited Ikatan Day Spa just a few months ago, indulging in the Nirvana treatment. Since then, she has not stopped talking about the experience and vowed to gather her girlfriends and return for an INdulgent morning at the award-winning spa.
On a cool spring morning, the IN Noosa team gathered in the serene waiting room of Ikatan Spa ready for two hours of pampering. We were to receive the Nirvana Package, a two-hour treatment that involved either a 60 minute facial or massage in a private treatment room before coming together in Ikatan’s air-conditioned Garden Room for a 60 minute deluxe pedicure.
While the rest of the team opted for a facial, after six weeks of slouching while I fed my baby I needed all those back muscles soothed and my shoulders rubbed, my neck tension released.
The unique thing about Ikatan Day Spa in Doonan (just 10 minutes from Noosa) is you are transported to paradise the moment you step through the doors and into the lush gardens. Soaring palm trees and thick tropical gardens create a cocoon-like environment that hugs you and encourages you to let go of all the stress and tension from the outside world.
It’s cooler here, and more relaxed.
There’s only the sound of the leaves rustling in the breeze and, in the distance, the gentle gong that signals the end of a treatment for another lucky spa guest.
You find yourself continuously moving from one space to another without really feeling your feet touch the ground.
My massage therapist gently guided me to the treatment room asking how I am feeling in a low, hushed tone. I find it calming and comforting. The darkened treatment rooms are inviting and as I lay upon the bed I can already feel the tension melting away and the muscles of my back relaxing back into their normal position.
From the tips of my toes to the top of my head, every muscle is massaged according to the pressure requested.
A 60-minute massage is never long enough. If you can, I recommend booking the longest massage possible to suspend this state of euphoria.
A gentle gong signals the end of the treatment and I am left to dress but I take a moment to keep my eyes closed and savour this beautiful feeling of complete contentment. When my therapist returns (with a glorious glass of champagne in her hand) I am escorted to the Balinese bungalow where the rest of the IN Noosa team start to gather.
Our weary feet, often found pounding the pavement as we search for stories or deliver magazines, are treated to a soak while we choose nail colours for each other from the extensive list. We all opt to upgrade to the Vinylux long wear polish for an extra $10 so that our toes stay summer-sandal-ready for longer.
Our feet are scrubbed with an exfoliator and our toe nails are tamed before being painted a rich blue, vibrant orange or pretty pink.
Once our feet are looking spectacular, it’s time to relax on the couch and indulge in a share platter created with a few of our favourite things; cheese, cheese, cheese and more cheese. Ikatan Spa has a great menu with a selection of share platters, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
As we sit back on the lounge taking in the serene views over the gardens, comparing our beautiful toe nails and nibbling on crackers and cheese, we all vow to return to this blissful state of nirvana very soon.
Nirvana Package
2 hours $250 | 60-minute facial or massage + 60 minute deluxe pedicure (Pregnancy safe)
Includes complimentary glass of champagne or pot of herbal T2 tea during pedicure or after treatments in the gardens. Confirm when booking if you have shellac on your nails as this requires extra time and an extra charge for removing.
Ikatan Day Spa
46 Grays Rd, Doonan
Phone: 5471 1199
ikatanspa.com
Bookings essential
