I am, much to my colleagues’ amusement, a fairly active person. Most weekends
are spent tramping areas of New Zealand which means most Mondays I limp in
with various bruises and achy spots. But not this Monday. Why not? Because on
Sunday I experienced the Japanese stone spa at Bliss Stone Spa.
The Japanese stone spa delivered on many counts for me. It left me utterly
relaxed with all aches and pains deliciously melted away by the hot stone I lay
on for 50 minutes. With a treatment room of only eight bays, kept private with a
frosted glass screen between them, it’s a peaceful and tranquil experience.
Upon arrival, I was walked through the process by a very friendly and
knowledgeable member of staff. I was given my Bliss uniform (shorts and t-shirt
set, perfect for anyone reluctant to show off a winter body), a bottle of water and
locker key. I was then guided into the stone spa, shown where to lie down and
left to relax for 50 blissful minutes.
When it comes to heat, I’m the first to put my hand up and admit to being a
bit wimpy. When 100% humidity hits Auckland, you’ll find me in the nearest
air conditioned place guzzling ice-cube laden water. My success rate with
saunas and steam rooms isn’t that impressive. But the Japanese stone spa is at a
perfectly comfortably temperature – enough to feel like your skin is getting rid
of the toxins but not enough to be uncomfortable. You’re aware that you’re hot,
without that obvious sweat you get from a sauna.
You start on your stomach, letting the hot stone you’re lying on warm you from
the tummy out. You can literally feel the heat permeate throughout your body.
If, like me, you have sore spots it’s the absolute best way to ease any tension. At
the end of my 50 minutes, I was seriously relaxed, bordering on sleepy, and felt
completely noodle-like – soft and deliciously stretched.
Afterwards my skin had that smoothness and softness I usually associate with an
expensive facial. As I walked out into the chilly Auckland night, I felt warm and
toasty inside and out thanks to the total body treat that is the Japanese stone spa.