By Keeva Stratton
Long, lazy summer days are easily sauntered away on the beach, but as winter’s chill sets in, we need to find new ways to unwind. Here are five beach alternatives to warm you up and wind you down this winter:
A warm bubble bath
The indoor equivalent to sun bathing – and without all the harmful UV rays! A warm bath, topped with frothy bubbles, filled with soothing salts, accompanied by a glass of your preferred red, with some candles for mood lighting, and a novel to sink deep into, is heavenly heating.
If bathing is truly your temptation, why not make a break of it and seek out natural hot springs and spa resorts, such as Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria; or, Queenslanders can enjoy Innot Hot Springs, not too far from Cairns.
Hot Stone Massage
The Hawaiians have known for years what we are just starting to discover about the benefits of hot stone massages. Sometimes referred to as volcanic therapy, heated stones are used throughout the treatment to utilise the tension melting effect of thermotherapy. With the warming sensation of heat on your back, you’ll soon think you’re basking in summer’s warmth, and winter will be a distant memory. Many day spas also offer sauna and steam room facilities, for a truly warm treat.
In Sydney, The Observatory Hotel Day Spa offers the ultimate in 5-star stone luxury. Endota Spa is an organic based spa in all states but WA, but Perth people don’t miss out, as they can enjoy their taste of Hawaiian heaven at Keturah Day Spa.
A Warm Winter Cuppa
Bountiful cups of coffee and devilishly good hot chocolates provide absolute warming from the inside out. On July 25, Sydneysiders will be treated to the annual Aroma Festival. Aptly named, the rich aromas of roasting coffee beans infuse The Rocks area with a day spent indulging and appreciating the finest in coffee flavours. If you can’t make the festival, thankfully Australia has some of the best coffee culture in the world, and your espresso is likely just an express walk away.
Lovers of hot chocolate can also find an abundance of their preferred winter indulgence at the various chocolate devoted cafés being welcomed in our CBDs. The Lindt Café, Max Brenner and Guylian are popular choices, and deservingly so, but Balmain locals and devotees of Masterchef alike can satisfy their cocoa cravings with a pilgrimage to the Adriano Zumbo Café Chocolat.
Heart Warming Winter Food
Following your search for the perfect bean, why not spice up your winter nights with fiery rich curries or sizzling Sichuan cuisine. Winter is a great time to explore new restaurants, with rain on the windows adding romance and ambience to indoor dining.
If you prefer a more chili-free choice, nothing warms the cockles more than a wood-fired pizza – and it’s no wonder, with heat from an authentic wood-fired oven reaching temperatures of over 400 degrees. Traditional pizzerias have a heart and soul that beats to winter’s pounding drum, and they make a great site for the perfect friends or family catch-up meal.
A Crackling Fire
It’s a cliché, yet deservedly so. An open fire encapsulates the scents and sounds of winter, and provides the perfect romantic setting, just warm enough that clothes might be optional. If you don’t have one at home – and that would be most of us – you may want to venture to a venue that does. Hiring a cabin is winter’s answer to a beach side shack and you’re only limited by budget and location as the choices abound. News South Wales has The Blue Mountains, and The Snowy Mountains; Tasmania has Cradle Mountain; and Victoria has Falls Creek – all fabulous destinations to enjoy all the snowcapped serenity that adorns the winter season.
