Top 10 ways to pamper and unwind
With the busy summer holiday period now over, now is the perfect time to spend some time relaxing and unwinding - let us show you how.
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With the busy summer holiday period now over, now is the perfect time to spend some time relaxing and unwinding. The Hills has so many ways to pamper and indulge, from week-long all-inclusive retreats to an afternoon yoga class or a weekend trip to the library. Here’s our top 10 choices, for all budgets and tastes.
The Temple Skincare
Unwind with a range of face and body treatments from the award-winning medi-spa, The Temple Skincare. The luxurious spa is hidden beside the pool at The Hills Lodge. Walk down the jasmine-lined stairs and relax in the tranquil environment while choosing from the extensive menu of beauty treatments, cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments, massages and scrubs and facials. Guests are in good hands, with the spa winning two gongs at the 2016 Australian Beauty Industry Award, for Best Salon (four rooms and under) and Salon Owner of the Year.
Price: Varies
Where: The Hills Lodge, 1 Salisbury Rd, Castle Hill
Picnic in the park
Pack a picnic and relax in the beautiful surrounds of the 55 ha Fagan Park. Explore the 11 themed Gardens of Many Nations, settle in by the lake, visit the original homestead Netherby Cottage and the adjoining museum, walk along a short bushwalking trail or cycle along the bicycle paths. The park is open everyday from 7am until 6.30pm during daylight savings.
Price: Parking is $5.
Where: 38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston
Swami’s Yoga Retreat
A retreat is the ultimate way to unwind after the Christmas and school holiday rush. Escape to the beautiful surrounds of Kenthurst for a few days with Swami’s Yoga Retreats. The retreats include a daily program of yoga, relaxation, meditation and wholesome vegetarian cuisine. Between classes, take use of the retreat’s pool, spa, sauna, gym and tennis and basketball courts. Add in a massage for the ultimate in relaxation. Swami’s also offer casual yoga classes on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at 10.30am and Thursday evenings at 7pm.
Price: Starts from $269 for one night
Where: 183-185 Pitt Town Rd, Kenthurst
A relaxing swim
Cool down with a refreshing dip in Lake Parramatta. The lake is part of the 73 ha bushland and parkland reserve and has a designated public swimming area, which was reopened in 2015. Lifeguards are on duty every weekend until March 25. After a leisurely swim, enjoy a picnic in the reserve or visit the kiosk.
Where: Lake Parramatta Reserve, North Parramatta.
When: The reserve gates are open from 6.30am-7.30pm during daylight savings.
Gold Class Cinema
Indulge in delicious food and an extensive drinks menu at Event Cinemas Gold Class. Arrive early to enjoy a drink in the quiet, low-lit lounge before reclining in the comfortable arm chairs in front of the big screen while a waiter brings you food and drinks throughout the film.
Price: Tickets start from $27.
Where: Event Cinemas, Castle Towers, Castle Hill
Yoga class
For the ongoing benefits of yoga, try a regular weekly class. Hills Yoga offers Hatha, Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga and has classes for all ages and skill levels. Develop strength and flexibility while calming the body with breathing and meditation techniques.
Price: Casual visits from $25.
Where: 261 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill
Billabong Retreat
Winners of the 2013 NSW Tourism Awards for Best Health & Wellness Retreat and Most Unique Accommodation, Billabong knows how to help its guests unwind. The thirty-bed eco yoga retreat set in the serene surrounds of Maraylya offers retreat programs in yoga, mindfulness, meditation and health. Refuel with nutritious, organic wholefood cuisine and relax by the stunning resort-style swimming pool. Stay in the beautiful Treehouse Ensuite or Deluxe Cabin for the ultimate indulgence, with a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and tastes. Billabong offers day retreats as well as programs from one night to seven nights.
Price: Starts from $250 for one night.
Where: 41 Mcclymonts Rd, Maraylya
Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema
Laying on a soft, kingsize bed under the stars while the latest blockbusters play on the big screen is the perfect way to relax this summer. The Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema’s Koala Class offers guests a kingsize bed with a rug to snuggle underneath and enjoy a movie in style. Order gourmet food and drinks from the private butler throughout the film without leaving the comfort of the bed. Movies run on Thursday-Sunday nights until February 12.
Price: $150 for up to four people
Where: Castle Hill Showground, Castle Hill
Craft classes
Unwind and learn a new skill at the same time with a relaxing craft class. From henna workshops to ceramic painting, terrariums and natural candle-making, At the Corner offers a range of classes to suit all tastes set in a beautiful shop in Baulkham Hills.
Price: Classes start at $22 per person.
Where: At the Corner, 16 Arthur St, Baulkham Hills
Library
Settle in a soft chair with a good book to enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the Castle Hill Library in the cool comfort of airconditioning. Grab a coffee from the on-site cafe and peruse the wide variety of books on offer. The library is open from 9.30am-8pm on weekdays, 9.30am-5pm on Saturdays and 1pm-5pm on Sundays.
Price: Free
Where: Cnr Castle & Pennant Sts, Castle Hill. There are also libraries at Railway Street, Baulkham Hills, Pellitt Lane, Dural, and 29 Main Street, Rouse Hill Town Centre.
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