Taneesa Williamson Sydney’s internationally renowned Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, has announced the city’s most anticipated luxury wellness Spa: Sofitel Spa.
Opening in January 2023, the luxurious urban retreat will deliver a holistic and totally indulgent revitalisation experience targeting the body, mind and soul.
Sofitel Spa will be set over two levels overlooking Darling Harbour, and will offer a multi-layered wellness experience that embraces the values of care, rest, nourishment and movement with all of its treatments aligning with the seasons.
Boasting seven spacious treatment rooms including two suites beautifully designed by award-winning design firm, Pike Withers, guests can expect a serene and soulful space with a calming palette of soft timbers, sandstone and marble finishes, and Australian made furnishings. An infrared sauna, relaxation deck and meditation zone will also form part of the superb Sofitel Spa journey.
According to Cecilia Ferreyra, launch Director of Spa & Wellness, Sofitel Spa will embrace the global shift in what it means to take care of oneself. SPA+CLINC caught up with Cecilia for a closer insight of the luxurious spa including what challenges were faced.
What is your role in the creation and launch of the Sofitel Spa Darling Harbour?
My role is to execute a Wellness strategy that involves a comprehensive approach to enhance a person’s sense of wellbeing. This means offering experiences based on the pillars of Movement, Nutrition, Treatments and Rest, for those guests that are able to take half-day to immerse themselves in Sofitel Spa’s Wellness Journeys. We will also offer classic treatments such as massages and facials for those guests that are time sensitive.
My vision for Sofitel Spa is to create an oasis where guests can recharge their minds and bodies, delight their senses with the opulent botanical textures and scents, and forget all about the world.
Were there any specific challenges? If so, how did you overcome them?
Coordinating the multiple sub projects that an opening entails has been a little challenging, but nothing that cannot be overcome with good organisation!
Can you elaborate on the half-day wellness journey you will offer and how this offers a unique concept?
Guests will be taken on a personal journey to address their wellness goals, which will be discussed with the Spa Concierge at the time of booking the experience. The session commences with an element of Movement, which can be anything from a session in our Peloton bikes in Sofitel Fitness, overlooking Darling Harbour, to a private yoga class by the pool at sunrise. Guests can opt then to have a session in the infrared sauna to expel toxins after their workout, followed by a replenishing seasonal juice.
From there guests are escorted to their treatment suite to enjoy an indulgent three-hour spa treatment that pampers skin, soothes muscles, leave facial skin glowing. These treatments are exclusive to our Spa and change quarterly, as the elements used are inspired by the seasons.
To conclude their experience, guests are led into the relaxation lounge to enjoy a delicacy by our Chef Sam Moore, to relax and unwind by listening to a guided meditation, and to reflect on their own wellness choices to lead a more wholesome lifestyle.
Who is the target client for the spa?
The clientele we will be attracting will not only be hotel guests and traveller to our beautiful harbour city, but those that want to invest time in their day to having a complete sensory experience. Our Wellness Journeys will be available to those guests seeking half a day of quality time to recharge and rejuvenate. Guests with an interest in regular activities of self-care will certainly be attracted to these experiences, just as a group of girlfriends celebrating an occasion will be.
With the aim of redefining wellbeing, Sofitel Spa will offer customised treatments and experiences that balance French indulgence with Australian authenticity and the Spa’s carefully chosen products are a reflection of this.
Luxury French beauty brand Biologique Recherche has been chosen to provide guests with a clinical approach to personalised cosmetic treatment using pure, concentrated almost raw products, which is the foundation of Biologique Recherche’s methodology. Therapists will be specially trained in using the active-ingredient products, while iconic Australian brand, Waterlily will provide the Sofitel Spa guests with a more sensory journey through aromatherapy and ritual.
We also spoke with Michelle Reeve, founder of Waterlily Spaceuticals on her partnership with Sofitel.
Michelle: “Waterlily is so excited to partner with Sofitel Spa. It has been inspirational to collaborate with the beautiful Cecilia and her team translating her vision of spa wellness into exclusively formulated signature spa rituals. Wellness at Sofitel transcends the spa experience to take a seasonal approach. Our brand pillars of slow skincare, eating beauty and clean and green botanicals have culminated in a thoughtfully curated menu of luxury spa journeys which transforms with the seasons, while honouring physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.”
While traditional treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliations will be available, the Spa’s signature will be half-day wellness journeys that combine the elements of Movement (exercise), Nourishment (healthy cuisine), Care (treatments) and Rest (introspection) to provide a tailored holistic sojourn. We can’t wait to experience this wellness oasis.
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