Beauty destination: SO/ SPA at SO/ Auckland

Feeling the silly season craziness starting to crash on in? Before it buries you completely, I highly recommend a break away – be that a staycation in your own city (one of my favourite things to do), a few hours forest bathing, or a trip to an unabashedly cool temple to all things relaxing - SO/ SPA at boutique downtown haven, SO/ Auckland.
SO/ SPA says that it offers a sanctuary in which to relax and rejuvenate, and is “the answer to all your beauty, wellness, and relaxation prayers”. They weren’t exaggerating, and when I stopped by one Saturday afternoon I disappeared inside and came out feeling like a new person.
What’s the difference between SO/SPA and many others of its ilk? I allows you to go joyfully towards what you need most but offering a totally bespoke initiative. Knowing that the spa experience is not a one-size-fits-all model, SO/ SPA has put together a new concept in spa packages, design your own.

You are free to choose how long you wish to be there for and make your own package, or sit with one of the spa’s experienced therapists and create a truly bespoke package designed only for you. Whether it’s been a big night and you want to pop in for a quick morning-after eye treatment to get you through the day, or you want to invest a few hours in your relaxation – there’s this, that and everything in between.
The SO/SPA menu features everything from an Urban Detox Facial for the hectic city-dweller to Body Strategist Therapies™ for those wanting to shape up, or the Tranquillity Pro Sleep massage for those who struggle to relax. Massages, facials, wraps, peels, scrubs – the list on offer is endless. All using the B Corp certified ComfortZone product range, and delivered by a team of absolute pros. Whether you’re there for 15 minutes or three hours, the SO/ SPA team will go above and beyond to make every moment count.
Having had a challenging week and thrown myself into exercise as a coping mechanism, I opted for a 90 minute bliss session staring with a body scrub followed by a 45 minute massage. My therapist, Minnie, was incredible, delivering a massage exactly to may specifications that I really didn’t want to stop. If I’d had more time I would have loved to add on a much-needed facial or even a pedicure (hello, sandal and slide weather!, because as I said before, the choice really is yours.

The only thing that would have been the icing on the cake is a quick waddle upstairs back to a room at the seriously cool SO/ hotel, so perhaps I need to be better prepared and tack that onto my next visit for a staycay plus-type situation! After your treatment you are free to use the 20-metre heated lap pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and fitness centre if you feel the need, and definitely allow yourself time to stay and chill after your treatment in the spa’s Serenity lounge with a complimentary naturopathic grade herbal tea prescribed by your therapist.

Such a treat and always a great place to while away a few hours, SO/ SPA is located inside boutique hotel, SO/ Auckland in downtown Auckland and comes highly recommended.