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Shoal Bay Spa Resort, New South Wales, Australia

A Guest Review for SpaIndex.Com, by Phoenix Arrien, Travel Writer.  -- Sept. 2004
It’s exciting to discover a world-class spa in a little known location. On the east coast of Australia, a few hours north of the bustling metropolis of Sydney, sits a gem of a spa resort tucked into a pretty waterfront overlaid with atmospheric cafes and delicious restaurants.

I had heard about it only as a giggling whisper from newlyweds - romantic and stunningly beautiful - and decided I needed some serious post-baby’s-birth pampering in lovely rural surroundings.

It wasn’t until I found myself under the professional hands of my well trained therapist cocooned in state-of-the-art hydro equipment that I realized I had stumbled on the best kept secret in this vast country. Pete also came out of his treatment relaxed and looking and feeling better then he had for months.

As well as a good selection of treatments, the spa offers hot and cold spa pools and a 25-metre lap pool. The staff are friendly and helpful -- from the reception desk to the cleaners of the water view apartments -- including accommodating our baby – something often missing at adult focused spas. From our balcony of our well-appointed self-contained rooms, we could see across the warm blue waters of Shoal Bay, ringed by peninsulas of green forest and blue hills. It’s a stunningly picturesque place, hence the attraction to honeymooners; however I now recommend it as also worthy of anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate in luxury and beauty.

Yonka Skin Care Institute & Day Spa, Neutral Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Reader Review submitted by Georgia C., 2007
The Yonka Skin Care Institute and Day Spa specializes in the products of the same name. Although they do appear to have some auxiliary product lines, these take a back seat and, in my experience, they won’t even mention them unless you specifically ask. They are mostly lifestyle-oriented products in any event (home fragrance, candles and the like).

The point of fragrance brings me to the products. If you aren’t a major aromatherapy fan, it is unlikely that this spa will please you. Although these products are not artificially fragranced, they are certainly not shy on aroma. I have had body massages at this spa that have cleared my sinuses (their body products contain copious amounts of rosemary and I gather other similarly “punchy” plants).   That is my main point -- the scent of rosemary will hit you the moment you walk through the door.

In my experience, the spa has always been nice and warm and the décor is an interesting mix between clinical (white laminate cabinets, frosted glass) and homey (wood but lightly colored floorboards). Each treatment room has a small mounted radiant heater. The spa is scrupulously clean and there are numerous air purifiers (possibly to tone down the rosemary).  

I enjoy quiet spas. Equipment-wise things are fairly basic. They are well fitted out, but there are no lifting, slimming machines and the like.

All the treatments are “hands on” and I prefer this approach. So far I’ve always been treated on time. My aesthetician recommends basic products very politely. They are not pushy on selling anything (at least not to me) which means I need to make a point of asking questions. Once asked my aesthetician will happily talk and advise away – worth keeping in mind if you do attend.   The product catalogue from the manufacturer is good to take away and study if you’re so inclined. Then on your next visit you have a base to work from.  

It seems they only have a very small clientele and the few staff appear to have known one another for a long time.