Situated on the edge of the oldest living rainforest, the Silky Oaks Lodge and Healing Waters Spa in Mossman, Australia, ushers you into a wildly different frequency . . . seamlessly. Pitched among the treetops, humming with tweets—not of the cyber species—the gentle currents of the Mossman Gorge River swell with the highest vibration of life.
Nikolett Fellner, Healing Waters Spa Manager and Sodashi Spa Therapist of the Year, embodies this healing energetic presence. Nikolett administered my “Soul to Sole” treatment with relaxed attention and grace. A nourishing scalp mask, the exfoliating power of jojoba beads for the hands, the soothing oils of mint and arnica for feet and legs, but most of all, the expert application of touch helped to realign my energies. All products were from the Australian-made luxury line Sodashi that is chemical-free and packed with great flower, plant, and herbal essences. As for Nikolett’s massage approach, she did not describe it in conventional terms. As her earlier training was that of a physiologist, she uses the language of energy healing: transforming pain into physical and spiritual contentment. Some have described her abilities as “mystical.”
The setting of this five-star luxury eco lodge is sublime . . .
The Healing Waters Spa offers a roster of indigenous treatments, including Vichy therapies, hot stone massages, anti-aging facials, and also a much-in demand Couples Room.
Certainly the setting of this five-star luxury eco lodge is sublime. Barbara and Paul Van Min deserve a lot of credit for renovating the facility in 2009. While the dining service at Silky Oaks can be sporadic, the menu offers many vibrant Asian influences and accents from the area. While I did not have the opportunity to smile at a crocodile at dinner or have a bite of “roo,” I did enjoy a delicious, if not wildly exotic, barramundi.
The Treehouse bar menu is a bit underwhelming for a late lunch. Offerings such a as a light, weedy salad or somewhat leaden pizza, break the high vibration mood a bit. But the most disappointment, I encountered food-wise was off the menu.
Upon departure, from my charming treehouse-y cabin room, a bright green apple caught my eye. I imagined it would travel well in my suitcase and make a nice snack at some point. However, when I arrived at the airport in Queenstown, New Zealand, a Customs official was interested in a different kind of green. I was charged $400 for my little green souvenir. I had committed an infraction of the law. No fresh fruits were allowed to be carried into New Zealand. (There is a long history of agricultural protectionism that I quickly learned about.) But, ouch! I swallowed hard and took a deep breath. And I reminded myself, I had been to the Daintree Rainforest, escaped wild boars (in my imagination), swum with the sharks at Great Barrier Reef (true), and had my energies realigned. Perhaps this was a small price to pay . . .
As for Silky Oaks Lodge and Healing Waters Spa, I’ll be back. But next time, the apple stays.
Juliet Heeg
Juliet Heeg, LCSW-R, is a psychotherapist who practices in Manhattan. She is a member of The International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP). Juliet looks forward to expanding her work with those who are struggling with loss, meaning, and the journey towards healing. For more information: http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/44591.