A warm, eco-friendly welcome to our wonderfully conscious, environmentally responsible summer edition of Keeping in Touch.

Summer is a great time to expand your horizons and consider going green (or greener, if you're already green!). Our resident naturopath unravels the mysteries behind organic foods and offers a great plan to expand your knowledge on a topic we hear about daily. We explore easy ways for preschool mums to increase their fitness outdoors and look at the benefits of steam treatments on both the body and the environment. A quick trip to the UK showcases an amazing thermae spa, before presenting a quick and easy guide to the codes and guidelines found on products you may uncover while Christmas shopping.

Be sure to check out our 2007 Christmas spa range that incorporates earth-friendly products with packaging that is conscious of our environmental footprint.

From all of us at Aurora, have a relaxing holiday season.

Good Health & Happiness,
Lyndall

Spa Life - Preschool Workout
by Jason Cook, General Manager, Fitness Trainer

Keeping kids happy and active can be an ongoing challenge and is often the very reason why many of us have little time to commit to a regular exercise regime of our own. This summer, we ask those of you with kids to incorporate the fight to get fitter and contribute to the better health of our planet by taking family exercise outdoors.

Outdoor exercise gives parents the perfect opportunity to build children's self confidence, eco-conscious awareness, coordination, flexibility and strength. Research indicates that children who exercise regularly perform better academically, and have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than children who are less fit. Outdoor exercise uses less electricity, less petrol (because we suggest you do it all on foot!) and reduces the carbon emissions we leave on our planet.

The best exercises for our bodies and our planet are those that are outside, engage all participants for the duration of the exercise and increase our level of fitness over time. Play- based exercise (exercise hidden in the form of play) allows for varying levels of participation and incorporates activities designed to keep kids and parents moving.

Play based exercise programs are put together incorporating a series of games in an allocated period of time. When selecting the play-based games that are best for your group, be sure to give some consideration to each of the following:

• preschool children often look to parents to model behaviour, so be sure to show the younger ones how you intend the game to work before you begin
• preschoolers have short attention spans so be sure to keep games moving
• preschoolers appreciate structure and predictable routines so don't try to add too many variables into the game
• preschoolers are unable to wait in lines or take turns without frustration (surprise, surprise!), so if the game requires taking turns, attempt to get the younger ones involved earlier to keep them engaged
• be sure to give children frequent water breaks as they generate more heat and sweat than adults
• Never force a child to participate

Begin your exercise program by making a commitment to regular days and plan the location ahead of time. Some favourites of mine are the local park, beach, gardens and play areas around the local lake that give you a great natural vista while working out. I often double commit to a program I intend on sticking to by allocating a time in my diary labelled 'improve my level of fitness and have fun!' This form of commitment helps me ensure that it's something I do on a regular basis.

When you are confident that you're committed to the program, allocate the amount of time you will be engaged in your exercises. Make sure you have the components you need for your selected games.

Here are some ideas:

1. Catch the tail
   For this game, you need a scarf that goes into the back pocket of someone's shorts or pants as a 'tail'. The others without the tail need to chase it and catch it. You may need to set boundaries in terms of where the runners can go and ensure each child and adult gets a turn.
2. Watch out for the Shark!
   Make a line with a skipping rope. One side is the land, and the other side is the sea. Select a leader. The leader yells out "land" or "sea" and everyone has to jump to that side. When the leader yells out "shark" the others need to run away from the leader, who then tries to catch them.
3. Statues
   This is a great game for teaching direction. Select a leader (preferably not the shark!). The leader calls out "forward", "backwards", "left" or "right" - whatever the group understands. The participants have to run in the direction each time you yell it out. When the leader yells out "statue", the participants need to freeze on the spot in a funny position or shape.
4. Poisonball
   Set up the area with one person on either end and one in the middle. Roll a soccer ball along the ground and try to hit the person in the middle. Ensure you put boundaries on it by noting all hits need to be below the knees. With this one, you can keep rotating who goes in the middle.
5. Touching Ground
   You will need one balloon and a few spares for this game. The object of this game is to hit the balloon and not let it touch the ground. Each round, you can choose a different body part to bounce the balloon on. For example, bounce it with your nose, bounce it with your foot or bounce it with your belly. If you are playing alone, see how many times in a row you can hit the balloon before it touches the ground. If you are playing with a group, no one person can bounce it two times in a row.
6. Scavenger Hunt
   Finally, a game that lets your sneaky snooping come in handy. It's often a great one to do at the end of your program as a reward. Before you go, prepare a group of small fruit-and-nut packs, mixing up energy-filled foods like sultanas, nuts, apricots, etc. Ask the leader to rally up the troops and close their eyes while you hide the goodie bags in spots that you know they'll have to run to. When ready, group your participants together, do the "ready-set-go" thing and see how many they can find. Tip: you may need to re-allocate the packs to ensure everyone gets some sustenance at the end of the game.

When selecting the area for your games, you have the ability to make the exercise easy or hard. Once you have gauged the level of fitness for each participant, extend the boundaries of each game to make each person run further, thereby increasing the time they spend in aerobic training.

And remember - children come in all shapes and sizes, levels of coordination, and varying temperaments. They are unique, creative, impressionable, affectionate, and honest. They crave acceptance from adults and want to please them. Respect their differences, try playing some of the games they invent, and give and receive hugs when appropriate.

Find your playful side, jump in, and enjoy your time with your kids!

Spa Cuisine - Why Organic?
By Lindy Cook, Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist

It finally seems that our impact on the environment and the global implications has hit the headlines. Even our newly elected Prime Minister is sitting up and taking note following a long and arduous political campaign. Global warming, climate change, fragile ecosystems and polluted waterways are all issues of major concern. Indisputable evidence tells us that our spiralling carbon emissions and pollutants from industry - along with the way food is farmed and transported - do have an effect on the environment and are contributing to the current climate of concern over our global future. So, what does eating organic food have to do with the state of our environment and why should we choose organic foods over the conventional, cheaper and more readily available alternatives?

But first, what makes organic food 'organic'? Organic or biodynamic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, herbicides or livestock feed additives such as antibiotics or steroids. There is no use of genetically modified components and foods are not exposed to irradiation. Organic animals are always free-range and farming practices are environmentally sensitive.

So, let's take a look at what makes choosing organic foods so beneficial.

It's Better For The Environment!

Organic agriculture provides a basis for sustainable farming

Agriculture provides a basis for sustainable farming

By incorporating environmentally sensitive practices such as crop rotation, composting, biological pest control and irrigation management, issues such as soil erosion are avoided. Organic farmers are helping to repair and sustain our soils, waterways and our fragile environment by using long-term farming solutions that support natural ecosystems.

The conventional, intensive farming practices exhaust the soil, depleting it of vital minerals and nutrients. The resulting soil degradation is the single biggest threat to sustainability.

Reduced food miles

Put basically, food miles refer to how far your food travels - from paddock to plate - and is an indication of how environmentally friendly your food is. Given that most organic foods are grown locally, food freight is minimised, resulting in a reduced consumption of fuel and energy. Less greenhouse pollution is then released, having a positive impact on the global climate. Organic foods are also able to store carbon (CO2) more effectively in the soil and so further reduce carbon emissions.

Always check where your food comes from. Organic imports (tinned foods, biscuits, etc) can still have massive food miles so choose the local option when possible.

It's Better For You!

Organic foods are more nutritious!

Although this has been a controversial issue, it is now widely conceded that organic foods have a much higher nutritional content. Because organic fruit and vegetables are grown for longer than conventional foods, their water weight is generally lower and their mineral content is higher. A comparison of conventional and organic apples, potatoes, pears, wheat and sweet corn again put organic food on top, with far greater amounts of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, molybendeum and potassium. More fertile soils also offer a better feeding ground for animals. Organic milk has higher levels of Vitamin E, betacarotene, antioxidants zeaxanthine and lutein, and cardio-protective Omega 3 fatty acids.

Organic Foods are higher in antioxidants

A recently published survey by Dr Charles Benbrook reveals that on average, organic foods contain about one-third higher levels of antioxidants. These phyto-nutrients play a critical role in preventing and reversing cardiovascular, inflammatory and auto-immune diseases. They also have a profound anti-cancer action.

Pesticides and chemicals are harmful to your health

Most conventionally grown foods contain pesticides and other chemical residues. Over 40% of all non-organic fruit, vegetables and bread tested in 2005 contained pesticides according to the Government's Pesticide Residues Committee. The results for some foods were even worse. For example, chemicals were found in all oranges tested, over 90% of bread, 72% of grapes and 95% of pears. A recently published study shows that as little as parts per billion of a common herbicide can damage the reproductive system. In fact, many pesticides are known as 'endocrine disruptors' due to their ability to impair normal hormone signalling. Particularly affected are the immune, hormone and reproductive systems. Endosulfan, a DDT relative, has oestrogenic properties and is found in more food than any other pesticide. Studies by the US Centres for Disease Control found a cocktail of many toxic chemicals in the blood and urine of most Americans they tested. On a simpler level, any toxic substance imbibed will place stress on the primary organ of elimination - the liver. This reduces or slows the detoxification capacity of your body.

It's Better For Your Children!

It is a well-established fact that the foetus, infants and small children are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides and chemicals. Because many of their vital systems and organs are still continuing to grow and mature, exposure to pesticides and toxic chemicals during critical periods of development can cause permanent, if subtle, damage while causing no harm in adults.

"More than 1 million children between the ages of 1 and 5 ingest at least 15 pesticides every day from fruits and vegetables. More than 600,000 of these children eat a dose of organophosphates that the US government considers unsafe and 61,000 eat doses that exceed benchmark levels by a factor of 10 or more"
www.environmentaldefense.org

There is no time more crucial to consume organic foods than during pregnancy and childhood.

Organic Foods Just Taste Better!

Because organic foods are grown for longer, their water content is reduced and their mineral content is higher. This gives a richer, fuller taste to foods.

So just how easy is it to buy organic foods? We are fortunate enough to have fresh, nutritious, delicious organic foods readily available. Try one of the growing number of farmers' markets that have popped up recently, or your larger fresh food markets. Retailers such as Macro are dedicated organic outlets, while most major supermarket chains now stock organic fruit, vegetable and grocery lines. Plus there are numerous on-line options that have home delivery services. Too easy! So join the growing numbers that are making the switch. Organic products are the world's fastest-growing food sector. Support your environment, reduce climate change and enhance the health and vitality of your family and those you love. Go ahead and indulge in sumptuous, tasty, organic foods and enjoy knowing you are helping to create a better future for our planet.

Check out a clip on YouTube titled "Store Wars" - a clever spin on the George Lucas cult classic Star Wars - which explores the differences between organic and non-organic produce in a very witty, thought-provoking way.

Spa Body - Summer Steam Therapy
By Leonie Magee, Therapist Trainer

The benefits of steam have been recognised for thousands of years. The early Greek civilizations used steam as a vital part of their physical education program and it formed an integral part of their infamous Greek Gymnasium. Many other cultures have used heat for its strong therapeutic benefits and recognised its influence on our bodies.

Bodily functions and activity depend on chemical reactions and all chemical reactions are affected by heat. Chemical reactions will either slow or accelerate, depending on the heat/energy supply and this will affect our health and well being.

When we become ill, one of the ways our body tries to defend itself is to create a fever which raises the body temperature by 1-2°. Fever stimulates the immune system and forces the growth of bacteria and viruses to slow down. The immune system creates more white blood cells to attack the bacteria and viral agents which are making us ill. The production of anti-bodies increases along with the production of interferon, which is an anti-viral protein. Steam bath treatments simulate similar healing responses in the body, and as a result are often called 'artificial fevers'.

Along with the artificial fever, there are many other benefits to steam which include:

• Reduced mental and physical stress
• Stimulates the circulation
• Warms sore muscles and relieves tension and stiff joints
• Increases metabolic function
• Alleviates sinus and lung congestion
• Stimulates lymphatic drainage of toxins and excess fluid
• Boosts the immune system
• Improves vascular flow, enhancing oxygen, nutrient, and lymph exchange at the cellular level
• Tones and nourishes the skin through increased blood supply and drainage
• Enhances the development of collagen

Today, steam treatments are recognised for their purifying and detoxifying effects on the skin and body; they increase the circulation, stimulate the immune system and relax the mind and body. In addition, steam treatments use far less water than traditional thalassotherapy treatments, making it an ideal choice for the eco-savvy spa goer.

At Aurora, we offer two treatments from our signature range that are performed in a steam room: the Kitya Karnu and the Guku Cocoon.

Along with the benefits that steam has on the body, the effectiveness of the products used on the skin are enhanced. The Kitya Karnu includes an application of an Aurora oil blend over the whole body. Himalayan salt crystals are sprinkled over the body and used to exfoliate and smooth the skin, followed by a creamy body polish rich in oils and protein which will leave the skin feeling silky. The face is cleansed, before a hydrating and nourishing mask is applied, and we finish off with a nourishing balm applied to the hair via a relaxing scalp massage.

The pores of the skin are opened while in the steam, to enhance the effects of the double exfoliation. In addition, the steam helps to detoxify the skin and replenish it with increased blood flow and the properties of our nutrient-rich products.

Our steam treatments are deeply relaxing and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised both inside and out.

Eco Spa - The Essential Green Guide
By Vivienne Serafin, Eco-friendly Spa Therapist

The eco industry in Australia is thriving with products and services under the label of 'eco-friendly', 'environmentally friendly', 'sustainable', and 'green'. In order to standardise the eco industry, codes and guidelines are being developed to create standards that dictate what these terms actually mean and who can use them on their products.

The following is a brief list of certification-standard organisations which may be a useful reference guide for your future purchases, whether it be for white goods, grocery items or booking your next holiday.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
www.fsc.org

The FSC was founded in 1994 and is an international body which accredits certification organisations in order to guarantee the authenticity of their claims. In all cases the process of certification is initiated voluntarily by forest managers who request the services of a certification organisation. The goal of the FSC is to promote environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests by establishing a worldwide standard of recognised and respected Principles of Forest Stewardship.

We are proud to use a print supplier that is certified by the FSC.

Energy Rating
www.energyrating.gov.au

Energy Rating is a standard of the National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (NAEEEP). NAEEEP is funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The program covers various end-use energy efficiency standards, both mandatory and voluntary. Its main resource is the Energy Rating comparative database for white goods which is a major source of information looking to compare the energy efficiency of different products. The more stars on the Energy Rating stamp a product is given, the more energy efficient it is.

With the sultry summer heat here to stay for a few months, this will be an invaluable source of information when shopping for air conditioning to ensure you make the right choice for your home and for the planet.

Australian Certified Organic
www.australianorganic.com.au

Certification ACO is Australia's largest certifier for organic and biodynamic produce. ACO has over 1300 operators within its certification system. ACO provides certification services to operators from all sectors of the organics industry. Certification ensures compliance with national standards and allows trace back of products to their origin.

Free Range Farmers Association
www.freerangefarmers.com.au

The Free Range Farmers Association Incorporated is a group of egg producers committed to creating a standard of animal welfare and food integrity within the egg industry.

Natural behaviours for laying hens requires the ability to roam widely in search of insects, dust bathe, wing flap and socialise with other hens. Because our hens are not mutilated in any way they are able to follow their natural instincts. The free range system incorporates natural poultry keeping methods. It is land based to ensure that the hens are happy, healthy and free and limited stocking density per acre is to provide both land and environmental sustainability.

FRFA have an accreditations scheme which is designed to enable consumers to readily identify the product of farms that comply with the Associations published standards for free-range egg production. Such farms will have been inspected by an appointed Independent Inspector to ensure that all management practices are appropriate to the concept of free-range egg production. Additionally processes will be in place to ensure that only eggs produced on an accredited farm are sold as accredited free-range eggs. This includes an audit trail for eggs delivered and bought in from other accredited farms.

Good Environmental Choice
www.aela.org.au

The Good Environmental Choice label was founded in 2000 and is a non-profit non-government organisation with a national outreach. The full product life cycle label is product focused with standards in a range of consumer, building and industrial products. The program is self declared to comply with ISO 14 024: International Standard for Third Party Environmental Labelling and Declaration Programs (this means they have not been independently ISO accredited but claim to follow this standard).

Green Globe
www.ec3global.com/products-programs/green-globe/

Green Globe 21 is the Global Benchmarking, Certification and improvement system for sustainable travel and tourism. It provides companies, communities and consumers a path to sustainable travel and tourism. Green Globe provides benchmarking and certification for over 20 business sectors in the travel and tourism industry and has participants in all continents and 48 countries.

Green Power
www.greenpower.com.au

The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) was established by the NSW government in 1996 to promote products and services that reduce energy related greenhouse emissions while achieving economic, environmental and social benefits for the NSW community. SEDA pursues this objective by fostering sustainable energy supply and end use through education and market transformation, targeted energy efficiency programs, and financial support to emerging sustainable energy technologies.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
www.msc.org

The MSC's role is to re-organise, via the certification program, well-managed fisheries and to harness consumer preference for products bearing the MSC label of approval. The MSC is a non-profit international organisation. Australia hosts the first fishery certified by the MSC standard (West Australian Rock Lobster Fishery) and has some 25 products from certified fisheries available in Australian retail outlets including fish from the NZ hoki fishery and the Alaskan salmon fishery.

NASAA Certified organic
www.nasaa.com.au

NASAA is an international organic certification body that provides certification services across Australia and South East Asia.

(Information sourced from www.eco-shout.org. Another indispensable guide for day-to-day items and services is the Green Pages Lifestyle 2007 www.greenpages.com.au, which holds the key to some 5000 'green' businesses, organisations, products and more or Email Us with your ideas for eco-friendly living.)

Spa Events - Wish Upon A Spa

Make a wish come true this Christmas with an eco-friendly, environmentally responsible Christmas spa package and spa treatment gift voucher.

Here's our 2007 Christmas Collection, all available on-line at www.aurorasparetreat.com or by phone on (03) 9536 1130.

Best of Spa $99

A hand-selected collection of eco-friendly spa favourites: Aurora Organic Lemongrass & Peppermint tea, Bison herbal tea bowl, Stainless steel tea infuser, Aurora Balance oil, Lemon Myrtle body salts sachet, Eco-Linen wash cloth and Vanilla lip balm.

Spa Soother $160

1 hr treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora Organic Chamomile & Peppermint tea, Native flower & peppermint body salts and Natural fibre body mitt.
Signature treatment upgrade $190.

Botanical Bliss $235

A 1 hr & a ½ hr treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora Bliss oil of chamomile, clary sage & bergamot, Lemon myrtle exfoliating body salts and Tangerine soy pocket candle.

Planet Spa $300

2 x 1 hr treatments of your choice gift vouchers, Pure Pact organic spirulina hair mask, Orange blossom olive oil soap, Mexican fibre spa sponge and Aurora lip salve.

Fresh $395

3 hr Aurora retreat gift voucher, Anne Ronjet ceramic oil burner, Aurora Bliss essential oil blend and Lavender & olive oil soap.

Natural Surrender

A full or half day spa package and Aurora Spa Pyjamas with matching carry bag.
½ day package $455
Full day package $660

ClubSpa Package $1,800

A 12 month Spa Membership that includes a 1 hour treatment of choice per month, 1 night's stay at The Prince hotel in a deluxe room including breakfast for 2 at Circa restaurant, complimentary parking for each monthly spa visit, 3 complimentary spa vouchers and discounted services for a friend. Terms & conditions apply.

Aurora Spa Retreat is open 7 days, Monday to Sunday, 8.30am till late and open 23rd and 24th December for last minute gift shoppers. We are closed Christmas Day (25th December), Boxing Day (26th December) and New Year's Day (1st January).

Spa Shop - Our favourite eco-friendly items for Summer

Flax fibre body mitt

Flax fibre is extracted from the skin of the flax plant's stem. Flax fibre is soft, lustrous and flexible, making it ideal for exfoliating. Use this mitt in the shower or bath with an organic soap or body wash to help skin stay smooth and buffed over the summer months.

RRP $15.00

Soléo Organics Sunscreen

Soléo Organics SPF30+ sunscreen is water resistant and broad spectrum UV-A and UV-B and is made using only organic and naturally sourced ingredients, according to naturopathic principles for wholistic health and well-being. It is suitable for children of all ages.

A healthy choice:

• NO chemical UV-absorbers
• NO synthetic preservatives
• NO titanium dioxide
• NO benzoates
• NO petrochemicals
• NO artificial fragrances
• NO artificial flavours

Because Soléo Organics products only contain organic and naturally sourced ingredients, they are ideal for young children, people with sensitive skin and those who are simply health conscious.

Soléo Organics formulations use the revolutionary nanofine zinc technology to provide comprehensive sun protection, without leaving your skin white.

RRP $34.95 for 75g

Aurora Spa Rituals Body & Bath Salts

A mineral-rich exfoliating body and bath treatment. Use a small amount in the bath to restore the delicate balance between mind, body, heart and spirit or in combination with an Aurora oil blend to remove dead skins cells and refine skin texture.

With your choice of Lemon Myrtle or Native Flower & Peppermint, prices start from $19.95 for the lemon myrtle body salts sachet and $24.95 for the Native Flower & Peppermint body salts jar.

Greenridge Liverplex Herbal Tonic

The liver is the chief purification organ in the body. Greenridge Liverplex Herbal Tonic is the ideal support for you through the festive season. It also assists with liver function and improves detoxification. It is ideal for adults who wish to adopt a liver- cleansing program to assist with dietary/alcoholic indulgences or for people who work in environments that contain pollutants.

• Pre-party tonic
• Post-party tonic
• Protects the liver against damage from toxins
• Aids digestion
• Contains anti-oxidant herbs
• Improved liver function may assist weight control
• Promotes healthy skin

RRP $23.40 for 100ml

Spa Competition - Win a Vitality Massage upgrade

An invigorating, stimulating, full-body massage to activate the senses and restore energy to fatigued and tired muscles. This rejuvenating treatment includes a purifying herbal mask to the legs, active muscle balm and essential oil blend of lime, white grapefruit, sweet basil and rose. Assists to kick-start start the metabolism, detoxification and increase energy levels.

Be one of the first 50 emails to book and pay for a 1 hour Vitality massage during summer and receive a complimentary upgrade to the 1.5 hr Vitality massage.

Call (03) 9536 1130 to make your booking.

Conditions of entry: All entries must be paid in full at time of booking. Not valid for bookings made with gift vouchers. Valid for the one hour vitality massage only with upgrade to the 1.5 hour vitality massage only. Not transferable to a different treatment. Valid for bookings made during the months of December 07, January & February 08 only.

Spa Travel - Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK
By Lyndall Mitchell

Overview

When I went to experience this spa, they had a setback with their timing, in that they were expecting to open two months AFTER my visit. I was very disappointed at the time; that setback ended up being three years, with the grand opening finally occurring in August 2006.

The final result for this spa is brilliant. This spa manages to blend the past, present and future in a unique spa experience that blends Britain's only natural thermal waters with the world heritage city of Bath, just as the Celts and the Romans did over 2000 years ago.

Thermae Bath Spa has a range of spa treatments that are designed to ease the body and soothe the mind while you bathe in the warm, natural, mineral-rich waters.

Environment/Facilities

The leading-edge architecture of this spa embraces the local spa/bathing history, while creating a place for itself in the future. The facilities span over four floors, incorporating an outdoor rooftop bathing pool.

All of the baths are fed by the natural, mineral-rich thermal hot waters from the springs that have made the city famous. The temperature of the water in all the baths is approximately 35-36 degrees centigrade and all the baths are 1.35 metres deep.

They have so many facilities available to experience within this beautiful facility. The ones of note for me are:

• The Minerva Bath, with the invigorating power of the whirlpool, massage jet and gentle current intermingling with flowing curves, grand columns and soothing waters.
• The open-air rooftop pool, with breathtaking views of the city of Bath, the Abbey and the surrounding hills. It is enhanced by bubbling jets and air seats - brilliant by day and by night.
• The four steam rooms use dramatic contrasts of light and steam to create a magical setting. Each steam room has walls of circular glass and is gently infused with an essential oil such as mountain pine, eucalyptus mint, jasmine or lavender.
• A central 'waterfall' shower provides a variety of sensations, interspersed with fibre optic lighting - the lightest misting of water or a tropical shower.
• A series of foot baths gently massage weary soles and feet.
• The Cross Bath is a stand-alone building that is completely separate from the New Royal Bath and accommodates up to 12 people. An intimate, open-air thermal bath with its own changing facilities, the Cross Bath provides an alternative to the more extensive spa facilities in the New Royal Bath. Here you can bathe in a unique environment that restores the original use of this Grade 1-Listed building. Where the Cross Bath now stands, the Celts revered their goddess Sul, in whose honour the Romans named their new spa, Aquae Sulis. As you relax in the oval Cross Bath, you can watch the natural thermal waters cascade from a specially commissioned poolside fountain. The Cross Spring is now recognised as an official sacred site.
• The New Royal Bath, the fusion of glass, stone, light and water creates a special environment in which to enjoy a spa session. Here, you can relax in two spectacular baths, fed by the natural thermal waters.
• You can choose from over 50 spa, health and beauty treatments. These feature thermal treatments including a specially designed set of packages.

Highlights and improvements

It's just great to finally see this spa open after many setbacks. From what I have heard it is amazing - I have it on my 'to-do' list, so until then I will reserve my view.

Overall score for concept, out of 10: 10

Website address: www.thermaebathspa.com

Aurora Spa Retreat
2 Acland Street
St Kilda VIC 3182
T 03 9536 1130
F 03 9525 3729
E info@aurorasparetreat.com