Winter wellness: Sanctuaries help beat the seasonal slump
With what feels like an endless run of bleak days upon us, the pull of hibernation is strong. But winter doesn’t have to be a time to let your health slip
We’re in the throes of winter – the fluffy slippers are on, steaming cups of hot chocolate are in hand and we are snuggled under a blanket watching our favourite shows or turning the pages of a can’t-put-down book.
With what feels like an endless run of bleak days as our backdrop, restorative hibernating is on the agenda. But winter doesn’t have to be a time to let your health slip.
We found three Shellharbour health sanctuaries that work alongside freezing temperatures to help you embrace winter wellness and come out the other side feeling better than ever.
Coastal Day Spa
Located along a tree-lined street in Albion Park Rail, you’ll find this boutique spa, owned by Susan and her daughter, Elizabeth, specialising in Japanese head spa therapy, clinical facials and restorative body services. Winter sets the scene for the urge for renewal – try a corrective peel or an exosome rejuvenation product designed to refine texture, soften lines and brighten pigmentation through deep cellular repair. Perhaps a calming massage and scalp ritual will hit the spot – whatever treatment you choose, you are taking a step towards improving your winter wellbeing.
Coastal Day Spa, 7 Windang St, Albion Park Rail, 0492 997 384
Those Floating Saunas
Saunas are so HOT right now and this business at Shellharbour Marina proudly claims bragging rights of being the South Coast’s first floating sauna. Nordic inspired, the floating sauna combines the heat of a traditional sauna with refreshing ocean dips from the space of a private pontoon at Shellharbour marina. If you have never done sauna before, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and try the globally popular Finnish tradition of intense heat followed by an chilly dip in the ocean. It’s said to be intensely powerful and perfect for stress and recovery. Look out for Sculpt x Sauna coming soon.
Those Floating Saunas, 13 Marina Drive, Shell Cove, 0485 706 392
Yoga/Breathwork
There’s no better way to warm the soul and combat a sluggish body than with the slow, grounding, practice of yin yoga. Kat and the team at Shellharbour City Yoga offer this restorative practice for any level, whether you are a beginner to yoga or a long-time exponent. The practice of yoga helps calm the mind and the body, and Kat says the yin yoga session is a beautiful class that allows the body to release long-held tension while working on the energy centre and meridians. Tensions melt away as you learn to quieten the mind and leave feeling grounded, nourished and more connected from the inside out. Also look out for Barefoot Yoga at The Farm, a regular Tuesday morning session held at 9.30am in nature against the stunning backdrop of The Farm, Killalea. Instructor Tanya Smith from Toa Moves says “practicing in nature has a way of grounding us, and I always look forward to soaking up the sunshine and fresh air even in winter. It’s just a matter of bringing something warm to wrap up in during our relaxation time.”
Shellharbour City Yoga, Unit 5 Lvl 1, 15-17 College Ave, Shellharbour City, 0405 250 571
Barefoot Yoga at the Farm, follow on Facebook, Tanya@toamoves.com
