Has 2024 made you stressed?
For me, it has been a tough year - of changing careers, and several health issues including suffering a hearing loss after being bitten by a dog during a trip abroad.
Let’s face it, at this time of year we all need a break - and taking care of yourself should not be a luxury and just part of our game of life.
Cherry Chia, a fellow Chow Luck Club member who is also spa manager at Luxe Spa at the Pullman Hotel has come up with an ingenious way to help people relax, unwind and heal from the stresses of this year.
“Retreat & Dine at the Luxe” is a combo package that allows guests to enjoy an hour-long aromatic or deep tissue massage followed by a 15-minute energizing foot massage. Then the guests can go upstairs to Tapestry Grill and Bar for an indulgent two-course lunch plus a glass of juice or tea of choice.
Executive chef Johnny Rouilier heads Tapestry Grill and Bar and offers a comprehensive menu, combining some of New Zealand’s best ingredients, that evolves with the seasons.
The menu offerings range from dry-aged beef to an array of other meats and fish to vegan dishes and also gluten-free options.
Its summer menu is curated with fresh ingredients with seasonal delights - think fresh fish, chargrilled meats and refreshing desserts bursting with colour and sweetness.
For the first course, you get to choose from King Country grass-fed beef carpaccio (Anchovies & Parmesan cream, arugula, parmigiano reggiano), Heirloom (Tomato Buffalo mozarella, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil) and Compressed Melon (Prosciutto, basil).
Then enjoy the mains with choices that include Line Caught Hauraki Gulf
Market Fish (Lemon, capers, summer salad), Veal Cotoletta (Puttanesca Salsa, rocket salad, parmigiano reggiano, truffle oil) and Cauliflower Steak (Falafel crust, toum, date dolmades, tarator).
For those who prefer something sweet, the dessert choices include Basque Cheesecake, Piñacolada and Vegan Black Forest Cake. Personally, Basque always wins.
After a tough year, getting a massage to pamper yourself is the most relaxing thing you can do.
Cherry says to enjoy your spa day at Luxe to the fullest, come early and make use of the facilities before your massage. It’s a wonderful tip I wish I’d known during my time living nearby. Back then, I was a gym member at Pullman, mainly because of my love for swimming and saunas.
What’s even better? Pullman boasts some of the best spa and wellness facilities in town—luxurious yet surprisingly under the radar. This meant quieter spaces, giving me the perfect opportunity to enjoy some much-needed "me time."
The facilities include a 25-metre heated lap pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Cherry says understanding and practicing proper spa etiquette will also enhance your massage and relaxation experience.
These are some of her tips:
Shower before a massage: Besides being a good hygiene practice, this also helps cleanse and prepare the skin for the treatment, and also being able to let the massage oil stay on the skin after the massage.
Dress for maximum comfort: You can strip down to wear your spa robe, and although Luxe Spa provides disposable underwear, it is quite alright to be naked for your massage if that’s what you prefer.
Switch your mobile phone off: No it shouldn’t even be on vibration mode. After all, one of the primary reasons you’ve booked your massage is to relax so focus on your destressing and immerse yourself in the spa experience.
Eat lightly before your treatment: Don’t come to the massage hungry, you don’t want to have a growling tummy. But at the same time a heavy meal can cause discomfort. So have a light snack, and save your appetite for the meal at Tapestry after your treatment.
Go to the restroom first: This would lessen the need for the need to answer nature’s call during treatment. However if you need to use the toilet in the middle of your massage, just inform your therapist and they can pause your treatment.
Cherry says it is also important to communicate with her expert therapists so that they can provide targeted treatment catered to your needs.
LUXE SPA AT THE PULLMAN
Opening hours
Day Spa – 9:00am – 7:00pm Spa Facilities – 6:00am – 10:00pm (last entry 9:30pm)
To book:
Ph: 09 355 1242 Email: luxespa@pullmanauckland.co.nz