I try: the heavenly Comfort Zone Himalayan salt ritual at SO/Spa

A few weeks ago I was invited to inner city wellness destination, SO/ Spa to experience one of its most popular treatments: a 60 minute Himalayan salt-based treatment that will transport you away from the chill of the mid-winter to a much warmer, more welcoming and delicious place. To say I left feeling shiny and new would be an understatement, so read on for all the details…

The spa
If you haven’t been to SO/ Spa before, then I suggest you do so, stat. Nestled two stories underground in SO/ Auckland — former vault for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand — SO/ Spa is a true mecca of beauty and wellness where an array of completely unique, five-star star treatments are performed in truly bespoke fashion. Just sitting next to the spa’s pink Himalayan salt wall lulls you into a state of utter surrender, and the Comfort Zone and now, Waterlily treatments on offer are second to none. Yes I’m a fan, and a big one at that.

The background
Occupying a full 60 minutes, SO/Spa’s Himalayan salt treatment invites you to detoxify and revitalise with pink Himalayan salt in its purest, most potent form.
Believed to be the purest form of salt on earth, pink Himalayan salt contains more than 84 minerals and elements. It has a pinkish hue due to its high mineral content, and as well as being a fabulous condiment, it is one of the most potent natural skincare ingredients available.
Premium spa brand [ comfort zone ] created the treatment, and I always know that anything [ comfort zone ] will be a truly transcendent experience. The Italian brand was created in 1996 by Dr Davide Bollati, pharmacist and chairman of the Davines Group, a Certified B Corporation and yes, the creators of the eco luxe Davines line of haircare. They base themselves out of a botanical garden in a village in Parma, Italy, and are celebrated for their commitment to innovation and harnessing the best that Mother Nature has to offer. All of this has seen them become leaders in the international spa and wellness industry, and you know that when a spa comes with the [ comfort zone ] stamp of approval, then it’s going to be a fabulous one.

The treatment
But on to the treatment, administered by my wonderful therapist, Caitlin. The treatment - or “ritual”, as per [ comfort zone ] speak - begins with warmed Himalayan salt stones which glide over the body to bestow relaxation, alleviate tension, stress and anxiety. Gently easing you into submission, this is followed by an exhilarating salt scrub using a combination of precious pink Himalayan salt and a nourishing aromatic oil. Designed to completely detoxify the body, ease aches and pains, stimulate the metabolism and restore vitality and balance, it left my skin feeling thirty years younger, and just so incredibly soft and revitalised. This was the part of the ritual I didn’t want to end, and wish I could go back every week for a good buff and polish! Himalayan salt is an excellent exfoliator as its grainy texture helps to slough away dead skin cells and debris that can clog up pores, and it also has a unique ability to attract and retain moisture, making it great for those with dry or dehydrated skin. It helps to lock in hydration while it takes away what came before, and after washing it off in the nearby shower, I returned to the bed for more nourishment courtesy of a full body massage using a soothing, replenishing body cream.
After a tea in the relaxation room I was deposited back into the world, feeling a little lighter and ready to take on whatever the blustery day had to throw at me!

The take away
The ultimate treat for those needing a little respite from the cold and the perfect prep if you’re lucky enough to be heading away to warmer climes where you’ll be shedding a few layers, I could not recommend this treatment enough.

Head here to see what is on offer at SO/Spa this winter, I promise you won’t be disappointed.