Kirstin, you are now the owner of an award-winning retreat located in the Perth hills bushland….. tell us about your first experience at Amaroo Retreat and Spa.
Have you ever walked into a space or a location and just felt an overwhelming sense of calm? That was Amaroo for me. It was quiet, so quiet, until a call from a red-tailed cockatoo made me jump as it flew overhead. Then there was the scent. The smell of the Australian bush really caught me by surprise. It is heightened here. The void of other stimuli – no noise, no bright lights. Just peace and calm. I fell in love.
What inspired you to take ownership of Amaroo Retreat and Spa?
Community. We are inspired by people. Having the opportunity to interact with guests and work with a leading hospitality team made the decision easy. Being in a position to help people disconnect from their busy and stressful lives is a privilege. We wanted to be a part of that. Not to mention that the Perth Hills is one of the most spectacular locations in Western Australia with a wonderful, friendly, close nit community. We felt at home here.
What makes Amaroo the premier destination it has become? What makes it so special?
Yes – we have five-star accommodation in the form of breathtaking private chalets in the most stunning Australian bush setting and some of the most pampering spa treatments any guest will have experienced. But our secret? It’s our people. We have the most dedicated, professional team here at Amaroo. Our local staff are best served to represent the values and expectations of the hill’s community. With a strong team, everyone is supported to provide a luxurious space where our guests are able to relax and rejuvenate. We provide individualised service in a tranquil bushland setting, and we aim to make people feel seen and heard. Too often we can become bogged down in the slog of the day to day. We aim to take that away as soon as our guests step foot out of their car on arrival. To see the change in people from when they first arrive to when they depart… That’s what we call the Amaroo effect.
Take us on a journey. What health benefits can clients expect from the various wellness spa treatments?
Rejuvenation begins as soon as our guests step onto the original wooden deck and are guided over our tranquil fishpond. The soothing sound of our feature waterfall leads into the luxurious Day Spa. The importance of self-care, and especially of touch, has been well researched. Being touched can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, lessen depression and anxiety, boost your immune system, and even relieve pain. Simply put, being touched boosts your mental and physical wellness. Our experienced practitioners will assess our guests specific needs prior to any treatment and can tailor a holistic spa experience to them. Our couples’ massages and treatments are some of our most popular. We understand our guests live in a world where they put everyone and everything else first. In this space it is all about them.
What spa services are on offer and who can you cater for?
Escaping from a fast-paced lifestyle can be a challenge. Once our guests retreat to our luxurious Day Spa they will find our Spa Treatments will help them to re-balance and re-energise. In our Day Spa we have a wide variety of treatments including soothing massages, cleansing facials and energising body scrubs and wraps. We have treatments to suit everyone, including men and the all-important prenatal treatments for that special Mum to Be. We are also very good at catering to larger group of guests. Brides, weddings, hens days or just because. We’re more than happy to put a customised spa package together for you.
Guests can enjoy luxury chalet accommodation and dining at the stunning onsite restaurant, what can they expect?
As an adults only retreat we have the opportunity to focus on the client. No distractions or interruptions. It’s all about reconnection with their partner, themselves and with nature. We are very good at helping our guests plan the stay of their dreams. All this while being immersed in world class, five star private accommodation. Our beds are comfortable and we only use quality linen. We have a pillow menu – with pillows so good that they often walk out the door! Luxury bathrobes to snuggle into after immersing yourself in your completely private outdoor spa. Our restaurant, The Lounge, offers semi fine dining for lunch and dinner and all stays are inclusive of breakfast. Select from the full breakfast menu and of course we will have barista made coffee delivered to your table. Love the scents and sounds of the Australian bush? Nature walks are available and recommended especially during wild flower season. Then of course are our cocktails. We have the most extensive list of cocktails in the Hills. And our mixologists have even been known to go off menu if a special request can be achieved.
What kind of client visits Amaroo?
Our clients? Well, they are the most discerning of course! In all seriousness we have the most wonderful people come to stay at Amaroo. From new parents who are getting away for their first time together after having a baby, to anniversaries, babymoons, proposals and couples who want to spoil their partner! Future guests often call our beautiful reception team and ask how they can make their partner feel special. And we have all the plans they need. We have mums and daughters book in for some pampering in our day spa while they take a night or two away together from the hustle of everyday life. We are all about reconnection. All ages and backgrounds are represented on our guest list, and we have become very good at catering to even the most challenging request. Discretion is guaranteed and privacy is at the top of our priorities.
What vision do you have for Amaroo Retreat and Spa in the future?
There is a saying: If it’s not broken don’t fix it. Amaroo is an award-winning retreat and Spa and we are very cognisant of its past success. However, we are keen to build on that success too. We have the ability to match the world’s best in terms of hospitality, food, service and amenities. We will be constantly upgrading and pushing for better. We aim to be an integral part of our community. Our team is dynamic, young, and full of wonderful ideas they would like to see materialise. From our chef who loves challenging the menu he produces – we have a new spring/summer menu launching next week – to our general manager who is dedicated to each and every aspect of the operations. The future is bright. And we hope to take everyone along with us.
