Atrium on Elliot is a busy shopping mall in the heart of Auckland city. It may seem an unlikely place to escape to for pure relaxation, but that’s what Bliss spa offers.
After seeing the facilities and trying a treatment, I understand why they call it Bliss!
I visited Bliss to chat about the Japanese Stone Spa. While it’s a traditional spa practise in Japan, Bliss is the first place in New Zealand to offer the treatment.
I was lucky enough to get to try out the spa treatment!
Bliss provides a treatment uniform, which is wonderful – no worries about what the appropriate outfit is, plus it’s made of sports-type fabric which doesn’t clog with sweat like some fabrics can. The spacious changing and relaxation room is decorated with a traditional kimono on the wall, and has lockers for safe-keeping of all your goodies.
The spacious spa room is very humid – my glasses fogged up immediately! The temperature’s hovers around 45 degrees, with humidity at around 65%. That’s much cooler than the intense heat you get in a sauna, so it’s much less harsh.
The attendants at Bliss explained that fans of Japanese Stone Spa swear that as well as relaxing you, it’s great for your skin, for weight loss – and even the immune system!
Guests are invited to lie down on plush white towels spread over the hot rocks. The heat and soothing music make the whole process very relaxing – but if it gets too much, you can pop out for a break in the relaxation room.
With heat like that, sweat is inevitable! “You’ll start sweating after about twenty minutes,” explained the attendant. “It’s not the same sort of heavy sweat as when you sit in a sauna- it’s more like water, as the body gently releases toxins.”
I was a little sceptical, but she was right – I’ve been known to work up a sweat on a treadmill, but the Stone Spa was an entirely different experience. Instead of sticky and gross, I felt clean and refreshed. “We call it bathing without water in Japan,” explained the attendant.
After my session, my winter-dry skin felt soft and healthy. Back at the office, my extremely jealous coworkers commented how relaxed and happy I looked (do I usually look stressed and angry? Apparently!), and said my skin was glowing. I know I’ll head back to Bliss!
Today you can grab a Bliss Stone Spa Deal for only $29. Plus, jump over to our Facebook page to check out more pictures!