The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Perth: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the CBD

After a busy working week, Nardia Plumridge finds solace at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Perth.

Nestled on the fifth floor of the stunning riverside The Ritz-Carlton, Perth in the heart of Elizabeth Quay, this luxurious haven offered a serene escape from the chaos of deadlines and everyday life on a recent Friday afternoon.

From the moment I stepped into the spa reception, it gave the feel of a serene oasis where relaxation seemed woven into the very fabric of the surroundings. The spa design boasts earthy tones with natural wood and marble materials, with Japanese touches including Shoji screens. Regardless of being on the fifth floor, lush green gardens form the backdrop to the reception lounge where your spa journey begins. It’s a tranquillity a world away from the bustling CBD below.

Waterfront wellness

Pre-treatment, it’s worth arriving 45 minutes early to indulge in the spa’s private outdoor infinity pool and sauna. The spa features its own male and female outdoor relaxation space, separate from the hotel’s main infinity swimming area.

After checking into reception and making my way to the lounge, I’m offered a warming herbal tea while completing a pre-treatment form before making my way to the spa’s vitality pool that overlooks the Swan River and The Bell Tower from its terrace tethering it to the sky. The pool has several massage jets, and the warm water is inviting this June afternoon. Having the pool all to myself, the embrace of the water is an instant hit – both relaxing and reinvigoration. Sliding onto the in-pool lounger, I feel a sense of weightlessness, which is bliss. I relish the peaceful ambiance of the space as I have it all to myself. With only four treatment rooms in the spa, you’re guaranteed not to have to share these areas with too many other guests.

The hottest view in Perth

Next, I discovered the sauna leading from the changing room, a sanctuary of heat and healing. Stepping inside, I could feel the gentle warmth rise as I sat on the wooden bench overlooking the green park below. Wall-to-the-ceiling glass windows bring the outside in, which adds to the purifying experience. Feeling cleansed, I was ready for the main event – the Healing Spirit treatment.

Before settling onto the plush massage table in my private treatment room, I was given a foot bath. Using salts, this included a foot massage while my therapist asked a few questions to ascertain the detail of the treatment I was looking for. We went through the essential blended oils on offers to choose a fragrance for my massage to suit my mood.

Healing Spirit

Healing Spirit expertly blends traditional deep tissue massage techniques with acupressure and warm hand-crafted herbal pouches dipped in aromatherapy oils that are worked along your meridian points. This 90-minute full-body massage is designed to unblock energy flow. It’s a harmonious fusion of pure relaxation with added therapeutic benefits. The lavender scent from my oil of choice enhanced the ambiance, transporting me to a state of utter bliss. That sweet spot between consciousness and sleep as my therapist worked magic, with each stroke feeling intuitive to my body’s needs.

Post massage, I’m encouraged to relax in one of the lounge rooms on a daybed-style sofa with pool views. More healing tea arrives, and it’s a calming space to reawaken back into the day.