Reviewed: 3 indulgent body treatments perfect for winter

winter spa body treatment reviews

Relax, unwind and forget about the frost

Beauty Crew Editor / June 07 2017

Winter has well and truly set in. And along with colder mornings and nights, you may have also noticed some changes to the skin on your face and body. Dry, perhaps flaky, and possibly even a little dull thanks to dehydration, the cooler weather can certainly take its toll on your skin. 

And while tweaking your skin care routine is definitely a good idea when the season changes, it’s not a bad idea to invest in looking after the rest of your body, too. Exfoliating and moisturising more will go a long way to solving this, but what better way to give your body the overhaul it needs than an indulgent body treatment? Functional as well as relaxing, it could be just what you need this winter. 

We sent three members of the Beauty Crew team to try three different spa body treatments, and here’s what they had to say. 

The treatment: The Autumn Offer package at The Day Spa by Chuan, The Langham Sydney

The review: “I had the opportunity to try a body treatment at The Day Spa by Chuan at The Langham in Sydney, which consisted of a 30-minute Chuan herbal body scrub, a 30-minute Chuan back, neck and shoulder massage and a 30-minute Babor express facial. As soon as I turned up for my treatment, I was greeted by the lovely staff at the front desk, who asked me to fill out a comprehensive form that addressed my current skin care routine, when I last had a facial, as well as my skin concerns. 

I was then taken to the treatment room for my body scrub. I love a good body exfoliation so this was definitely my favourite part of the overall treatment. The scrub was a salt based one, with a light citrus scent and it left my skin feeling oh-so-soft and unbelievably smooth. The therapist left the room so I could shower and then it was on to the back, neck and shoulder massage. I was instantly relaxed and the tension from my shoulders just melted away…and I very nearly faded off to sleep. 

The Babor facial was the last part of the hour and a half treatment, and it included a cleanse, enzyme peel, mask, eye treatment and moisturiser. It was divine and my skin felt instantly hydrated and plump, and looked more ‘glowy’. The therapist used the Skinovage PX range for my particular concerns and recommended a routine for ongoing care for my normal to dehydrated skin type, which was diagnosed during the treatment. 

I’d highly recommend booking in a treatment for yourself coming into winter. The ongoing benefits from a luxe treatment like this extends far beyond the treatment time. You’ll achieve overall relaxation, a more restful sleep and smooth, gorgeous skin for weeks!” - Annalise 

Good to know: The spa has a stunning lap pool that’s available to use for a relaxing swim if you have the time after your treatment. 

The price: $259

The Day Spa by Chuan

The Day Spa by Chuan

The treatment: The Skin Rescue package at spaQ Sydney, QT Sydney

The review: “I had the two-hour Skin Rescue package at spaQ at the QT hotel in Sydney, which included a warm oil back massage, the signature aloe wrap, refresh facial, hair treatment, and scalp, neck and shoulder massage! 

The treatment began with a foot scrub and cleanse, and some turmeric tea (which I was told had medicinal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties). 

The warm oil back massage was divine, and was finished off with the aloe wrap, which went on warm but then had a cooling, soothing change once it was absorbed into the skin. I was then wrapped with a linen cloth so that the aloe solution could absorb into the skin. 

Next up was the refresh facial, which was done using products from the Uspa range. First was a cleanse with the Uspa Nourish Cream Cleanser, and this was followed by an exfoliation and steam. My therapist used warm towels, which put me to sleep – it was so relaxing and detoxifying. This was followed with a treatment product (the Uspa Smoothing AHA Serum), and moisturiser. 

My favourite part was the hair treatment and scalp massage. It was an amazing finish to the overall treatment and helped release tension from my face and head – which I didn’t realise I had so much of!

 My skin was noticeably softer from the aloe wrap, and I felt so relaxed and sleepy, I didn’t want to leave!” - Christine

The price: $295

spaQ Sydney

spaQ Sydney

The treatment: Arabian Oud Renewal Therapy at CHI, The Spa, Shangri-La

The review: “I was lucky enough to experience the Arabian Oud Renewal Therapy treatment – which went for 90 minutes – at the incredibly luxe CHI, The Spa. Hidden behind what appears to be a large wooden wall, the door to CHI opens to reveal a dimly lit waiting room that instantly invites relaxation. After filling in my specifics on a treatment card, my therapist Masumi directed me to the treatment room where I was asked to change into a comfy robe and enjoy some tea while she prepared. 

The treatment was centred around Sodashi’s new deeply therapeutic Arabian Oud Body Oil, which contains a variety of precious Middle Eastern ingredients, including oud wood, frankincense, sandalwood and rose. The combination of ingredients are designed to release stored emotions and negativity and improve spiritual wellbeing, while easing muscular tension, helping with digestion, and detoxifying and improving skin radiance – exactly what I needed! 

Over the next 90 minutes, I was massaged from toe to head with the warm oud oil, with particular attention paid around the back and spine to release any lymphatic blockages. The treatment finished with a relaxing Sodashi facial and head massage (so relaxing in fact that I caught myself nodding off). 

I can quite honestly say that I have not felt this relaxed in years. My skin was left feeling soft and hydrated and the feeling of Zen followed me around for days afterwards.” - Sarah 

The price: $270

CHI, The Spa

CHI, The Spa

Looking for more spa treatment reviews? Find out what we thought about the Jurlique Ultimate Signature Facial and the Jo Malone Hand and Arm Massage

What's your ultimate body treatment indulgence and where do you get it? Please share with us in the comments below.

Image credits: Supplied

Carli was BEAUTYcrew’s Editor from launch in 2016 until May 2020. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and previously on beautyheaven.