Jenni Gilbert 
‘When I walked into the reception of One Spa I knew something special had been created for Australia. This spa will be an international award winner.’
This is no mere throwaway line coming from Spa Australasia’s founder and publisher Kirien Withers, a spa authority of many years’ standing with a discerning eye for quality and trends.
RACV Royal Pines Resort’s new multi-million dollar complex One Spa opened on Queensland’s Gold Coast earlier this year. Kirien and I recently had the opportunity to take a look courtesy spa manager Danielle Brigg, and even to this newish editor, just two words came to mind: absolutely spectacular.
‘It is so exciting to see investment like this in a new destination, once again proving the importance of spa, wellness and aesthetics services for destination market appeal and profitability,’ says Kirien. ‘And with Royal Pines’ location being in the heart of a residential and general tourism precinct, the spa is so outstanding in design and special features, and broad spectrum in its services, that it will always draw local market and general tourism business.’
On entry, the immediate impact is the serene white space; lofty marquee-style ‘ceilings’ and rustic wood-panelled walls. Danielle proudly pointed out that all the wood used is recycled and was painstakingly coated with milk paint. The signature architecture uses a tensioned fabric structure reminiscent of the marquees used for major events.
Renowned interior designer Joseph Pang continues the theme inside the spa, where light and shade are the most important elements. It was captivating as we moved from one glorious treatment room to the next.
One Spa is situated overlooking a picturesque lagoon, to take advantage of the lush landscape and natural light. Sunlight filters through the roof fabric and shutters connect with the outdoor landscape while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
Textural materials washed with natural or artificial light create visual interest and a relaxing mood. Underfoot, rock surface tiles create a feeling of ‘back to nature’ and the herringbone effect of woven vinyl matting is like a natural weave.
The One Spa experience begins at the reception and relaxation lounge where cocoon-like seating creates privacy enhanced by sculptural screens. A sense of intimacy and luxury extends from the lounge to the treatment rooms, which are bathed in diffused natural light cast from skylights and screen ceilings across contemporary timber furniture and organic form lounges.
Many of the treatment rooms’ fixtures and fittings were especially crafted and imported from Italy, along with those from leading local spa artisans. These include a geisha tub, Vichy/Lusar shower and four-seater salt water spa. There are dry treatment rooms, wet treatment rooms and two couple’s rooms.
Along with the luxurious communal relaxation lounge, many rooms have enclosed decks overlooking the lagoon so clients can further relax in private following their treatment to maximise the experience.
One Spa provides a comprehensive range of treatments ensuring that members and guests can enjoy the best in both service and setting. Among the product lines used in treatments or to create ambience are Pure Fiji and Wallflower.
Clients can relax, renew, and detox with offerings such body treatments using luscious Pure Fiji products – ocean-inspired body wraps, salt scrubs et al – hydrotherapy water experiences, coconut milk baths, Vichy/Lusar showers, anti-stress, muscle ease or hot stone massages, customised facials featuring exquiste YON-KA phyto-aromatics from France, hand or foot rituals, scalp and foot massages, eye and lip rejuvenation therapies as well as waxing, eyebrow shaping, eyelash tints, spray tans, manicures and pedicures, makeup application using the divine Jane Iredale range and hair styling.
The treatments can be had individually or as packages. There are also special packages designed for men, brides-to-be and their coterie, and Girls’ Getaways.
‘We have had a great response since opening from both past regulars and new patrons – all have been more than impressed with the new facility,’ says RACV Royal Pines general manager John Morris. ‘The Relaxation Room lives up to its name and our Lusar shower has been exceptionally popular, with strong repeat and recommended business. Another standout feature for both visiting and local clientele is our hair salon operated by `Stylist to the Stars’, Raymond, and features Paul Mitchell products.
‘The Spa investment continues RACV’s commitment to providing quality benefits for members and guests in all of their club and resort locations. One Spa follows the upgrade of Royal Pines’ conference and events facilities, the new Executive Lounge, Videre restaurant and the soon to open gym and lobby shop.’
It’s certainly one of a kind.
