In need of some R&R, but can't decide between booking in for yoga, grabbing a wholesome brunch or pampering yourself with a spa sesh? Lucky for you, there's no need to choose: all three of those options have been brought together under one roof at Willow Urban Retreat, a maze-like wellness centre housed in a restored heritage-listed building in Armadale.
Once you find the stunning white facade on High Street, you can choose to enter via the bustling café (helmed by ex-Supernormal and Top Paddock chef Nick Cree) or the reception, which leads to the yoga studio, infrared sauna and treatment areas. The plethora of options here means you can tailor your visit to meet your specific needs that day; swing by just for a coffee or while away an entire afternoon here with a combination of activities. It feeds into the retreat's self-described "360-degree approach to wellness" that targets wholeness for the mind, body and spirit.
For those eager to improve their flexibility and strength, gain tools to calm an anxious mind or integrate mindfulness and meditation into their daily lives, yoga sessions are offered daily. Teachers here provide classes in various traditions ranging from soft, minimal-movement practices like Summer Yin to more dynamic and energised Flow practices. All classes are suitable for new and experienced yogis alike, and some sessions include herbal teas to be enjoyed in the nearby tea room.
A few treatment rooms are scattered throughout the space, and these are where massages, facials, body therapies and wellness consultations are offered by a team of holistic health experts and spa therapists. You can peruse the full treatment list here, but highlights include a 24K gold infusion facial, deep tissue massages or clay body wraps, and some are designed with pregnancy or remedial treatment in mind. If you're looking to experience a little bit of everything, Willow also offers a variety of all-encompassing packages like the Restore, a 135-minute session that includes a detoxifying body scrub, signature Willow massage and a hydrating facial.
When you're ready for a little pick-me-up, you can make your way to Wholefoods Café to nourish your body with nutrient-dense meals designed with the help of Willow's resident naturopath. Among the tasty options are banana pancakes, free from refined sugar and packed with immune-boosting spices, potassium and fibre; kimchi scrambled eggs on toast, offering up plenty of protein, metabolism-boosting nutrients and gut-loving fermented foods; and warm sticky black rice topped with fresh fruit and granola, ingredients high in antioxidants and vitamins C and A.
There's a lot going on here, but rest assured that it's not overwhelming. Willow is at the ready to meet you wherever you are on your wellness journey, whether that's just for a cuppa and a yoga sesh or a full-blown treatment package. Book in here.
