Kelly Bertrand treated herself to a little self-care at New Zealand’s Spa of the Year – is it worth it? She headed to Chuan Spa at the Cordis Auckland to find out!
When it comes to a good spa day, if you’re taking time out of your insane schedule to treat yourself, you want to make sure you’re packing in as much value (and pampering) as possible.
Enter: Chaun Spa at the five-star Cordis Auckland – and don’t worry, your girl has thoroughly tested this all out (someone has to do it?!).
I’m currently lying by the Cordis’ heated pool, basking in the sun after – and I don’t say this lightly – one of the best massages I’ve ever had. I’m here because Chuan Spa has just been awarded New Zealand Spa of the Year at the Travel and Hospitality Awards but because I’m a cynical journalist, I figured I’d be the judge of that myself.
I’m big on taking time out for self-care – although I will preface this with the fact that I’m self-aware enough to know as a woman without children it is a LOT easier for me to carve out a half-day for myself every now and then. But as an aunty to many small children, I also know that my gf’s need that time even more, so we try out best to make it happen as much as possible.
IMHO, if you’re planning on a solo self-care day, or one with the gals, you can’t go past Chuan Spa – here’s why:
THE SPA: Ok, to the nitty gritty of why this spa has won such a big award – the treatments. If I have a choice I always go for a massage; it’s the best way I find to wind down, escape constant distractions and just be while someone else takes care of me for an hour or so. Chuan Spa blends Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with modern wellness techniques and is inspired by the five elements of Wu Xing—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The spa’s treatments are designed to restore harmony to the body and mind and who doesn’t need more of that right now!? You start off your treatment in the soothing, calming lounge before heading into gorgeous treatment rooms, and the real magic begins. I opted for a Chuan Harmony massage with a gorgeous scented oil that made me think of Christmas and I came out of it so relaxed I forgot which way to turn out of the room.
Look at this happy little serene face
THE FACILITIES: Chuan Spa and Cordis really shines, however, when it comes to everything else you get on top of the treatment you book. Included in your spa experience is valet car parking (a relief) as well as access to the rest of the spa’s facilities. Make sure you tack on a few hours to enjoy the herbal steam room (my personal favourite), the sauna, snail shower, ice experience and the heated outdoor pool (and there’s food and beverage service up there, too!). If you can, take my advice and head there on a Monday-Wednesday – it’s quiet with minimal kids around, so you can really relax.
An hour in the sun with a book and a snack?! YES.
THE HOTEL: If you’re going all out and planning on staying over, fab choice. I didn’t stay this time but I’ve been lucky enough to have done so a few times, and it always hits. The hotel’s famed restaurant Eight is a buffet on steroids – it literally comprises of eight international kitchens and my advice is to come very, very hungry – or else the house bar, Our Land is Alive, features only New Zealand food and beverages. I can also vouch for the fab room service because let’s be honest, is there anything more indulgent than breakfast in bed that you didn’t cook and didn’t have to beg your partner/kids to make?! You can also book in for high tea with an ever-changing and fascinating menu in the lobby which will make you feel like a Disney princess for an hour or so.
After writing all of this I can’t resist going back, I’m off to book myself a little mid-winter solo staycation – so see you there, I guess?
