With its eco-conscious design and invigorating treatment menu, the Aveda Spa in Sydney's Paddington takes pampering to a whole new level.

The Aveda Spa experience is unique. There are Aveda Spas in almost every country in the world, including four in Australia. Years of research have gone into every aspect of these spas - from the treatments right through to the décor.

The Aveda brand is now owned by the Estee Lauder group, which has carried on all the traditions laid down by its founder Horst Rechelbacher. It is certainly a company that is continually improving its offerings to clients and its contribution to environmental causes.

Aveda Spas were the first ‘Green Spas' and they still push the environmental envelope. The company has recently introduced its own recycling program for bottle tops and caps, and every April Aveda donates sales of certain products to Earth Month, a global initiative to help people most in need around the world. This year Aveda is launching its special edition Earth Month Candle around the world. It hopes to raise US$3 million in 30 days in honour of the company's 30th anniversary.

Going to an Aveda spa is about the total experience, not just the treatments. Upon entering the Paddington Aveda Spa you will be offered a cup of Aveda Comforting Tea, before being taken into a room with its own adjoining bathroom and given a luxurious robe to slip into. Next up comes a pampering foot bath and scrub using Aveda Caribbean Massage Lotion.

Then you are ready for your treatment. The treatment menu is so vast it is hard to know where to start. If you're feeling stressed and overworked then a Chakra Balancing Massage is for you. Chakras are the seven energy centres used in Ayurvedic medicine, which are believed to connect your subconscious with your physical body. This massage incorporates chakra foot reflexology, chakra energy work and deep tissue massage, leaving you feeling totally at peace and rebalanced.

For the ultimate face and body treatment, you have to try the Self -Renewal Face and Body Experience. This treatment includes scalp, face, feet and hand massages using Ayurvedic massage techniques. Advanced flower and plant technology enhanced with indigenous wisdom and acupressure complete the treatment. Every part of you feels renewed.

The facials at the Paddington Aveda Spa are an experience unto themselves. They are customised to your skin's actual needs - whether dry, oily, pigmented or aged. Based on the Aveda Elemental Nature Philosophy all the products, essential oil aromas and facial massage techniques used are based on your individual skin concerns. Your skin feels baby-smooth after one of these facials.

If you're keen to do battle with facial lines and wrinkles, the Green Science Skin Renewing Treatment is the ultimate anti-ageing treatment. The Aveda five-phase massage is combined with high-tech plant products to instantly ‘lift' and firm your skin and reduce the appearance of age spots.

An amazing body treatment is the Rosemary Mint Awakening Body Wrap. Your body is exfoliated, smoothed, softened and wrapped with products and aromas saturated with rosemary and mint, before being topped off with a scalp and foot massage. It's ideal for anyone under stress or suffering from muscular aches or fluid retention.

Many of the treatments are also offered to men, with some designed specifically with men in mind. One of the most popular treatments for men is the Himalayan Rejuvenation Treatment, which is also available for women. First a Neti massage is performed, which combines aromatic steam inhalation to ease tension and sinus congestion with facial pressure points and lymphatic drainage techniques. This is followed by a full-body dry exfoliation and a rhythmic friction massage with your specific massage blend. An Aveda Plant Pure-Fume Steam Tent warms with aromatic steam to release impurities and detoxify the body. Finally a continuous stream of customised warmed plant oil is directed to the centre of your forehead (the ‘third eye' chakra). Based on Ayurvedic Shirodara, it is designed to elicit a deep sense of calm and relaxation.

As an addition to any of the face and body treatments, you can have the Perfecting Plant Peel hand treatment, a stress-relieving scalp massage or the Botanical Tan, as well as a smorgasbord of other tempting treatments. And your pampering doesn't end after a massage or facial. You'll even be offered a makeup touch-up so you can go straight back to work - no doubt looking and feeling a whole lot more refreshed and rejuvenated than when you started your day! bella

For further information, contact Aveda Day Spa in Paddington on 02 9380 5550.

Bella Beauty Magazine #14