Nestled north of Sydney on New South Wales’ Central Coast, Bells Day Spa at Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel offers a unique sanctuary where relaxation and rejuvenation meet cultural and traditional practices. Open to both hotel guests and the general public, Bells Day Spa sets itself apart with its exclusive Indigenous-inspired massage – the Indigenous Clay Earth & Ocean Dreaming Ritual – a service unmatched by any other day spa in Australia. Bells Day Spa: A Harmonious Blend of Relaxation, Culture, and Tradition
A Unique Indigenous-Inspired Experience
The Indigenous Clay Earth & Ocean Dreaming Ritual has quickly become the spa’s most sought-after treatment since its introduction in 2020. Designed to calm the mind and rejuvenate energy levels using the earth’s natural healing powers, this treatment has garnered exceptional guest feedback.
“This treatment is our most popular body treatment and guests return time and time again to receive it,” says Head Spa Therapist Yvette Roberts. “It offers deep relaxation and healing, gentle clearing of impurities with the exfoliant and mud, hydration of the skin, muscle and tension release, scalp and hair conditioning.”
Cultural Approval and Training
In creating this unique spa experience, Bells collaborated with the local Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council to ensure cultural sensitivity and authenticity. Therapists at Bells are trained in Indigenous practices, including the use of a coolamon for cleansing and welcoming guests before the treatment begins.
“Our spa partner, Anne Warren, gained endorsement from our local Darkinjung council for our therapists to include a version of this tradition at the beginning of the treatment,” Roberts explains. “Anne also trained the therapists in native ingredient benefits. Our treatments are exclusive to Bells Day Spa and were created in partnership with Naomi Whitfeld from iKOU.”
iKOU, a 100% Australian-owned and NSW-based producer of organic skincare and natural body care, supplies the native ingredients for Bells’ treatments.
The Ritual: A Four-Stage Journey
The Indigenous Clay Earth & Ocean Dreaming Ritual begins with a traditional smoking ceremony using paperbark, oak moss, and eucalyptus leaves in a coolamon to welcome and connect the guest. The two-hour treatment proceeds through four stages:
- Blue Cypress and Wattleseed Body Exfoliation – A warming exfoliation using native ingredients.
- Native Sea-Kelp Clay Cocoon – A soothing clay wrap to cleanse and rejuvenate.
- Quandong and Bergamot Scalp Massage – A relaxing scalp treatment to ease tension.
- Kodo Massage – A rhythmic sequence starting with the back, neck, and shoulders, and finishing with a nurturing head, neck, and shoulder massage.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
In addition to the Indigenous Clay Earth & Ocean Dreaming Ritual, Bells Day Spa offers a variety of other treatments featuring native and botanical Australian ingredients. The Bouddi Signature Massage, inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques, aims to balance the body and enhance wellness using botanical aromatic oils and pressure point spiraling movements.
Embracing Indigenous Culture
The location of Bells Day Spa on the grounds of Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel attracts curious travelers eager to learn more about Indigenous culture and the use of native ingredients and soothing techniques. The spa’s commitment to offering culturally enriching treatments provides guests with a deeper connection to the land and its traditions, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating experience.
Bells Day Spa continues to thrive as a haven of tranquility, blending modern spa luxuries with the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s Indigenous people.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home.
We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news.
If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us!
Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger.
Chief Executive Officer.
Tel: 0419431649.
Level 1 397 Chapel Street South Yarra 3141.
