Six massage spas guaranteed to give you goosebumps
There are very few things that a 60-minute full-body massage cannot make better.
Bad day? Get a massage. Good day? Get a massage. On holidays or working hard? Massage.
In Darwin, we are blessed with some seriously good spas, market stalls and shopping centre masseuse options.
Here is our guide to getting goosebumps, fixing that knot in your left shoulder and making your day infinitely better.
AMALFI BODYTECA
In downtown Darwin, you might be surprised to find a little corner of Italy. Walking into the serene reception of Amalfi Bodyteca in the CBD is just like walking into a spa in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. One word: Bellissimo. Local visionary Pippa Ainsworth (who also runs The Trader Winnellie Road cafe) founded Amalfi with the ethos, “Feeling well is the ultimate luxury.” A visit to Amalfi for a remedial or relaxation massage is indeed a luxurious experience.
HOT TIP: Try the unique ‘Golden 8 Crocodile Oil Treatment’ for the ultimate glow. Saltwater crocodile skin oil is regarded as a “miracle oil” because it has the same composition as human skin oil, meaning it can replenish and rehydrate to soothe and heal.
PAT’S THAI MASSAGE
Follow the smell of Tiger Balm to the Jape Homemaker Village and book in for a traditional massage at Pat’s Thai Massage. The term “magic hands” was created to refer to the massage therapists at Pat’s, who truly have a gift for loosening tight shoulders. This is my favourite spot for an easy, no-fuss, good-old-fashioned Thai massage in Darwin (when you can’t quite make it to Koh Samui).
LAGOON DAY SPA
You don’t need to be on a holiday to feel like you’re on holidays. At Lagoon Day Spa on the grounds of Mindil Beach Casino Resort, locals and tourists alike can indulge in a break from reality. The luxe treatment space is surrounded by tropical gardens and has direct access to the resort’s lagoon pool and swim-up bar for a post-massage pina colada. This is a special occasion kind of day spa (please note that any ordinary Thursday can be a special occasion if you so choose). Treat yourself to a “Ritual” package such as the “Earth Dreaming Ritual,” which includes a body scrub, a clay cocoon, a deep conditioning scalp massage and a body souffle application. Doesn’t that sound delicious?
AALIYAH BODY THERAPY
A new addition to the Darwin massage scene is Aaliyah Body Therapy on Smith Street. This fresh spot offers all the usuals – deep tissue, aromatherapy, relaxation and hot stone massages – plus some interesting new options, including lymphatic drainage, cupping and ear candling. It’s convenient, clean and super cute. Give it a go – and thank us later.
KOB MASSAGE
You know what pairs perfectly with a market laksa and a mango smoothie? A head, neck and shoulders massage from Kob Massage. The miracle workers at Kob diligently serve the community every week at Parap, Nightcliff and Mindil Beach markets. There’s something particularly special about having your feet rubbed while eating a Spiral Spud as the sun sets over Mindil Beach. Take your market experience to the next level with 20-minutes at the Kob Massage stall.
OCEA ECO SPA
Up a set of stairs in the Star Village Arcade off the Smith Street Mall in the city, you’ll find the oasis that is Ocea Eco Spa. As you would expect from an eco spa, they have herbal foot soaks, hot basalt stones and organic products, but the very best thing about this spa is their tailored packages. Bring your partner for the “Lovers Escape,” your bestie for the “Luscious Ladies,” and a little one for the “Mama & Me Spoilt Spa Package.” Or sneak there solo and stay for twice as long. It’s a win-win either way.
WORDS BY ALLEY PASCOE