With southern Australia gripped by shorter days and colder nights, leading Australian luxury hospitality group Crystalbrook Collection is introducing ‘The Light Retreat’, the country’s first spa experience specifically designed to help Australians combat the emotional effects of winter. Available exclusively at Eléme Day Spas in Byron Bay and Cairns, this limited-time treatment combines light therapy and sensory treatments to offer the ultimate antidote to the winter blues.
Developed in consultation with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Kieran Kennedy, the Eléme experience targets Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that affects many during the colder months, often leading to symptoms such as low energy, depression, and disrupted sleep. With SAD hitting its peak in deep winter, ‘The Light Retreat’ aims to balance science-backed insights and indulgent experiences by restoring emotional balance and boosting moods during the July, August and September months.
Passionate about helping Australians find new ways to relieve stress and anxiety, particularly during the cold, dark winter months, Dr Kieran Kennedy, said of the experience: “Seasonal changes can affect our mood and mental health, impacting many Australians during winter, especially in the southern states, where shorter days and limited sunlight often leave people feeling low, tired, and emotionally drained. That’s why experiences that utilise light therapy elements and sensory rituals can help boost energy and improve mood. A spa treatment that explores these rituals and the ways seasonal shifts affect our mood can be a powerful way to encourage self-care in winter.”
Designed to lift mood and restore energy, ‘The Light Retreat’ experience begins with a 60-minute ‘Autograph of Eléme’ massage, a rejuvenating treatment that features the day spa’s signature ‘Va Va Voom’ essential oil blend, comprised of energising sweet orange, ylang ylang, coriander, and lime. Guests are then invited to participate in a 15-minute light therapy session, with daylight-mimicking light panels designed to improve serotonin levels and restore emotional balance.
Catering to individual wellness concerns, the treatment also offers a choice from three 30-minute enhancements: an Elevated Hair & Scalp Treatment that conditions and calms, a Grounded Foot Treatment, and an Express Facial.
To complete the experience, guests are treated to a range of dopamine-boosting refreshments, including a selection of Mayde Teas, a vitamin-rich fresh fruit platter, and organic chocolate.
Guests can couple their spa experience with a unique stay – chasing the sun to Cairns or retreating to the rainforest in Byron Bay, with each Crystalbrook destination offering a unique take on winter wellness. At Crystalbrook Riley, resort guests can relax beside a 1,000-square-metre man-made beach lagoon, while Crystalbrook Flynn boasts two glass swimming pools overlooking the iconic Esplanade and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. At Crystalbrook Byron, resort guests can unwind with rainforest bathing, an infrared and Finnish sauna, and a heated infinity pool nestled in nature. Paired with ‘The Light Retreat’ experience at Eléme Day Spa, each location offers a rejuvenating escape designed to lift spirits and restore energy this winter.
‘The Light Retreat’ experience will be available at Eléme Day Spas at Crystalbrook Byron (Byron Bay), Crystalbrook Riley and Crystalbrook Flynn (Cairns) from week commencing 7 July for a limited time, with packages starting from $320. For bookings and more information, visit crystalbrookcollection.com/eleme-spa/offers/light-retreat
