The heat is on already this summer and as we gear up for another couple of months of festivities and frivolity it is often easy to forget the important things in life such as thoughtfulness, kindness and quality time out for yourself and with loved ones.

At Aurora, we believe that it's the little things that make a difference to your everyday. Our Christmas collection of gift favourites has been hand-picked just for you to ensure that we do all we can to make your Christmas gifting just that little bit easier and stress free. Our spa guru also offers some helpful tips on how to remain calm throughout the season. After all, who has time to worry when there is life to enjoy!

We have sourced a delicious recipe for a wheat free apple cake and have untapped the most common ways to achieve a feeling of natural euphoria. Be sure to check out the official low down on some of our eco-spa favourites as well as some detailed information on one of the hottest ingredients featured in many of our Aurora Spa Rituals products.

Finally, we present our NEW Rose Hydration Hydrosol to keep you fresh & hydrated and we introduce our beautiful Oora™ Signature Stone Massage.

From all of us at Aurora we wish you a relaxing and restful holiday season.

Happiness & wellness,

Lyndall

SPA LIFE - Your Guide to Natural Euphoria

Produced naturally by the body, endorphins have been dubbed the body's 'natural opiates' because they act on the same nerve cells as morphine and other opiates, helping muscles relax and dulling pain.

Although more research needs to be done, endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the body & mind: they enhance the immune system, they relieve pain, reduce stress, and postpone the ageing process.

There are many activities that one can engage in that can lead to a rush of endorphins, and these activities will vary from person to person. Whilst some people are drawn to dangerous activities like car racing, sky diving and bungee jumping, we have highlighted some of the more common (albeit less frightening!) ways to seek a natural high.

Work out

People who jog regularly often talk about a 'runner's high,' which is a release of endorphins that happens when they hit a certain point in their workout. The science of endorphins-from-exercise is controversial, and some medical professionals believe the positive feeling you get when you meet a physical challenge, rather than the exertion itself, is what stimulates the endorphin release. Whatever the cause, exercise has been proven to enhance mood. Studies suggest that prolonged activities such as cross-country skiing, swimming, tennis or a long cardio workout provides the best effects.

Endorphin factor: 2 to 4. It's all about intensity and duration.

Get moved

We're not talking about packing up and renting a removalist truck. Being emotionally moved can provide a rise in natural endorphins and can be experienced by activities as simple as viewing an amazing piece of art, seeing a dramatic view or landscape or even listening to an inspiring piece of music. To find pleasure in life, whatever the source, helps to keep endorphins at a healthy level.

Endorphin factor: 2, unless you're overwhelmed with emotion (think swooning, tear-filled eyes and a quickened heartbeat); that counts for 3.

Undergo acupuncture or massage treatments

Acupuncture works on so many levels including emotionally, spiritually and physically. The 'release' that one feels when experiencing acupuncture will vary from person to person, but for most a feeling of general wellbeing is experienced.

Similarly, regular massage not only works on a physical level by keeping the body supple and relaxed but also provides an opportunity to 'let go' of thoughts and emotions that can often prevent feelings of euphoria. By regularly allowing yourself to let go you are likely to feel generally happier.

Endorphin factor: 3. People who use acupuncture and massage tend to be positive thinkers, which adds to the effects.

Eat chocolate

We knew that the cocoa bean had an addictive quality. Chocolate actually has an impact on your brain that triggers an endorphin release. But there's no need to wolf down three bars in one sitting; a bite or two of excellent quality chocolate will create the same response.

Endorphin factor: 1 -- but such a sweet one!

Be afraid

Ever hear people say they like being scared? Whether you're watching a scary movie with your hand over your eyes or feeling a rush of wind in your hair as you plummet down a steep incline on a roller coaster, fear causes endorphin release. Why do you think extreme sports are so popular? No one wants to get hurt; it's just fun (in a twisted kind of way) to cheat death. The thrill of a high-speed ride induces a positive mood state that can leave you giddy. And Freddy Krueger can do it for you too. Who knew he was such a heartthrob?

Endorphin factor: 3 to 5, depending on the personal fear factor.

Catch a few rays

Studies have found that ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger endorphin production, which may be why some bathing beauties are reluctant to give up their tanning time, even given the dangers of skin cancer. Even a few minutes of UV exposure is enough to harm your skin, so sunscreen with a high SPF factor is essential. But with the placebo effect working for you, just knowing it's sunny outside can boost your endorphin production and your mood.

Endorphin factor: 2, because you know you're protecting your skin (and you're happy it's warm).

Have a giggle

Whether it's a quick joke that tickles your funny bone or a long, hilarious comedy film, having a laugh has been shown to trigger an endorphin release that can increase your immune function and make you more resistant to disease. It also puts a smile on your face that makes you look and feel good.

Endorphin factor: 2 to 3. Seems that laughter is one of the best medicines.

SPA CUISINE- Sweet Holidays

Christmas is traditionally a time of wonderful food and great company. Rain, hail or shine you can't go past a delicious homemade cake. This Christmas, get brave and have a go at baking your own (from scratch!). This tantalising recipe for Wheat Free Apple Cake has a wonderfully robust flavour from the oatmeal and barley. Delicious served warm as a dessert with fresh chantilly cream or served cool with maple yoghurt.

Wheat Free Apple Cake

1 organic lemon, grated zest and juiced
85g (1 cup) oatmeal
85g (1 cup) barley flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
200g raw sugar
3 free range eggs
120g unsalted butter, melted
100ml (dairy or soy)
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
50g walnuts, roughly chopped

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Lightly grease a 24cm springform cake tin and line the base & sides with baking paper.

Peel, core, quarter & finely slice the apples. Toss in a bowl with the lemon zest and lemon juice & set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the oatmeal, barley flour and baking powder and whisk together.

Using electric beaters, whisk together the sugar & eggs until thick & creamy. Slowly pour in the cooled, melted butter and the flour mixture. Beat or whisk gently until the flour is incorporated and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Gradually add the milk (you may not need all of it) and the vanilla. The batter should be quite moist with the consistency of a pancake batter. Pour or ladel one-third of the cake batter into the tin and top with one-third of the apple mix, discarding the juice. Repeat twice so that all the batter & apples are used up and you end up with a layer of apple. Sprinkle with the cinnamon & walnuts. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until the centre is cooked. Leave the cake to cool for 15 min in the tin before turning out to a wire rack to finish cooling.

SPA BODY - The Natives Have It...

Cehami, an all Australian native botanical extract, is one of the hottest ingredients on the market in skin care formulations.

In the late 18th Century Australian Aborigines discovered the benefits of the native plant Centipedia Cunninghamii to assist with various skin and chest complaints.

Through extensive scientific research and specialised processes, the plant extract Cehami, has been developed using a unique method of extraction without the use of alcohol or chemical solvents. The result is an extract, which contains potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and cell renewal properties for use as a botanical remedy to soothe, heal and protect the skin.

Cehami extract has achieved outstanding results in various laboratory tests of healthy skin. Its cell renewal properties are exceptional and have been proven by cell production tests that revealed the extract increases the growth rate of human skin fibroblast cells by up to 50%. This means that using a product with Cehami extract in the formulation offers the presence of a strong growth stimulatory substance which assists to treat various conditions and maintain naturally beautiful skin.

Cehami is found in Aurora's spa-inspired range of hydrating body creams including the Ultra Rich Body Cream which would make a luscious Christmas gift at $65.

ECO SPA - Green is the new black

Embrace the green revolution with our hand picked collection of treatments and products that are green by look and by nature.
 
 

1. Nettle Cleansing Concentrate

One of our best-selling cleansers, this nettle-enriched liquid cleansing concentrate is a miracle concoction. Suitable for normal, dry and oily skin types for the face or body it works by softening the thickened keratin layer on the skin and makes removing the dead keratin cells more efficient, at the same time reinvigorating the skin. Exceptionally refreshing, regenerating and makes the skin silky. This one's a winner. $36 for 125ml

2. Detox Body Wrap

Escape the stresses of everyday life and recharge your immune system with our intense detoxifying body wrap. The journey begins with stimulating dry body brushing and an application of active seaweed extracts and body wrap to purge toxins from the system and infuse active marine extracts. Cocooned in the warmth of a thermal blanket, this treatment focuses on cleansing the skin and stimulating the release of toxins. The treatment continues with a nourishing application of botanically rich body cream to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. 1 hour $135

3. Aurora Spa Rituals Relax candle

Aurora's signature Relax blend candle is a unique combination of pure soy wax infused with the finest therapeutic grade essential oils of delicate sweet orange rounded by French lavender, may chang and precious patchouli. Meticulously blended and individually hand poured, this 60 hour slow burning candle infuses a spa inspired ambience that helps soothe away stress and calm the mind. $65.00

4. Ilcsi Seven Herb Treatment Mask

Aromatherapy in a jar! This wonder mask contains the active ingredients of 7 herbs – aloe, stonecrop, elderflower, yarrow, coltsfoot, plantain and spearmint. A fresh smelling mask that will help prevent blemishes and leaves your skin with a healthy, smooth and hydrated glow. Suitable for normal & sensitive skin types. $94.50 for 50ml

5. Aurora Spa Rituals Rosemary & Clove Thermal Balm

A super soothing botanical blend of menthol, camphor, Australian beeswax and natural body butters fortified with pure essential oils of rosemary, clove & peppermint. Assists with temporary relief of muscular inflammation and joint pain, warms the muscles, increases circulation and reduces swelling. $24.90

SPA GURU

This time of year gets so hectic and sometimes quite stressful. Is there anything I can do to remain cool, calm and collected?

The festive season is traditionally a time of fun and frivolity but can leave you feeling like a frazzled and burnt-out version of someone that used to be you. In addition to the day-to-day activities of going to work or looking after the children, running a house, buying the groceries and cooking dinner we have to magically create the time and space do some thoughtful gift buying, attend parties, work functions, get the garden looking Christmas-ready etcetera, etcetera, etcetera! It's exhausting just thinking about it!

It is important to balance your energies over this period and make the time for all the usual things that you do to keep your health and wellbeing in check. Never use lack of time or a too-busy party schedule as an excuse not to exercise, meditate or practice yoga.

When you are under pressure, try to be aware of your thoughts. Anxieties can be magnified when you're burning the candle at both ends. It can be helpful to write lists to help you transfer all your thoughts and ideas from your mind and free yourself from the challenging task of trying to remember everything all at once. Keeping a pad and pencil by your bedside so you can write down thoughts that may be keeping you awake is a wonderful way to relieve your mind of stressors and endure you get restful, quality sleep time.

Add to your diary all the things you need to do and ensure that you balance out the tasks evenly. You may set aside one hour during the week in the lead up to dust the shelves or do a Christmas menu plan. You may choose to wake up 30 minutes earlier in the morning to ensure you take a brisk walk or practice yoga. You may like to stay up 30 minutes later after everyone else has gone to bed so you can run yourself a relaxing bath and take some time out for yourself.

By maintaining your usual rituals to keep yourself balanced you will almost certainly carry yourself through the festive season with a spring in your step and a spirited sparkle in your eye.

Happy Christmas!

...and have yourself a merry little Christmas

Give the radiant gift of spa this Christmas with a treatment gift voucher and gift pack of luxuriously pure, botanically rich products from Aurora Spa Retreat, Australia's leading urban lifestyle retreat at The Prince hotel in St Kilda.

Purchase online or by phone on (03) 9536 1130 with express post and courier delivery options available.

1/2 hour treatment of choice gift voucher (voucher only).

3/4 hour treatment of choice gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

1 hour treatment of choice gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

1 hour Signature treatment of choice gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

1.5 hour treatment of choice gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

2 x 1 hour treatment of choice gift vouchers & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

3 hour Aurora Retreat voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

1/2 day Aurora Retreat gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

Full Day Aurora Retreat gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

Full day Spa Signatures Retreat gift voucher & your choice of Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle boxed gift pack.

For each of the Christmas Spa Packages please select from one of the Shimmer, Shine or Sparkle gift packs, valued at over $100.

Aurora Spa Rituals Ultra Rich Body Cream (200ml), Vitality Treatment Bar & Natural Bristle Body Brush.

Aurora Spa Rituals Botanical Hair & Scalp Masque (150ml), Rejuvenating Body Mitt and Rose & Lime Invigorating Bath & Body Oil (200ml).

Aurora Spa Rituals Exfoliating Body Mitt, Remineralising Buff & Bath Soak (200g) and Ultra Rich Body Cream (200ml).

NEW Oora™ Signature Stone Massage

Aurora's NEW full body hot stone massage is the ultimate in total body relaxation. Using individually chosen basalt stones sourced from the shores of southern New South Wales, the Oora Signature Stone Massage facilitates relaxation of body & energy flow through a rhythmical flowing treatment.

Relieves muscle tension by bringing heat into the body and encourages the elimination of toxins. Designed to bring the body into balance by clearing blocked energy paths and opening the chakras.

1.5 hours $220

ClubSpa Membership

Our increasingly popular ClubSpa Memberships now have even more flexibility. We now offer our memberships for 6 months as well as 12 months with direct debit payment options available.

Our ClubSpa Memberships make a thoughtful gift and are a great way to commit yourself to taking regular time out for yourself.

Aurora's ClubSpa 12 month membership is the ultimate in achieving & maintaining optimum health and wellbeing for the mind, body, heart and spirit.

With your choice of any one hour treatment* every month, for 12 months you will be well on your way to feeling rested, relaxed and focused.

ClubSpa 12 month membership benefits include:

• Your choice of any one hour treatment* every month for a period of 12 months
• Overnight night stay at The Prince hotel St Kilda** staying in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two at Circa Restaurant
• 3 complimentary vouchers*** for your choice of a geisha spa, aromatic steam, meditation hand soother or guided meditation wrap
• 12 x complimentary car park passes for use with each monthly visit
• Introduce a friend offer giving a friend access to a 10% treatment discount when visiting with yourself ****

ClubSpa 6 month membership benefits include:

The ClubSpa 6 month membership is designed for those who like to have the same treatments regularly. With three options to choose from we can help you to work towards achieving your wellness goals with a one hour massage, facial or body wrap each month for 6 months*.

12 month membership Upfront payment: $1,880
Fortnightly direct debit: $80 per fortnight
(minimum of 26 payments required)

6 month membership Upfront payment: $675
Fortnightly direct debit: $60 per fortnight
(minimum of 13 payments required)

For full details and terms & conditions visit the Aurora website.

Rose Hydration Facial Hydrosol

A calming and balancing hydrating mist to revitalise the skin throughout the day. Enriched with organic rose otto, organic calendula and rosewood essential oil.

A gentle and hydrating non-drying blend of healing rose otto, soothing rose absolute, balancing rose geranium, moisturising calendula and rosewood for its ability to assist with cell renewal. Rose Hydration Hydrosol is an effective skin toner that rebalances and rehydrates skin while neutralising surface impurities. Suitable for all skin types especially dry or sensitive skin and can be applied over makeup. Use throughout the day for instant skin hydration.

$35 for 135ml

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