A shower massage while being spritzed with warm, aromatic oil? I arrive at the Jurlique Wellness Day Spa in my usual state of high anxiety.
This will not do, coos spa director Jeannie Lee, who left a frantic career in advertising for this sanctuary of wonderful smells. I fill in a form detailing what products I use, problems with my skin and some lifestyle information - for example, whether or not I smoke. I also choose the aromatic style I prefer - floral, woody, spicy or fruity.
Inside, the spa is pleasing to the eyes - very Zen - all natural textures featuring fibrous, ribbed carpeting, wooden slats, cactus and slate.
The hour-long facial is interesting - there is little pushing or pulling of skin, more a combination of Jurlique's famously pure products and physical pressure. Products are made from organic, hand-picked flowers and plants grown in the cleanest place on Earth that the company's founders could find - South Australia.
A warm, compressed towel soaked in aromatic hydrating concentrate, rather than a steamer, is used to open my pores. Joan, my consultant, holds the towel either side of my forehead and presses firmly down, gently wrapping the ends around my face. She does this several times and it's amazingly relaxing.
A face wash is used on clogged areas, followed by a massage with sandalwood oil and then a deep-cleansing mask (below). All the while special attention is paid to massaging my shoulders and arms in a downward motion.
She also places a towel weighted with seeds on my forehead, which seems to push me further into the bed.