Soak Never Felt So Good

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday February 6, 2002

ADDING new dimensions to a soak in the tub is a recently opened establishment in Chapman St, Charlestown.

Facilities at the day spa-beauty salon, known as skintones, include a $30,000 thermal body treatment capsule, unique to the Hunter Region.

The only registered day spa in the Hunter, skintones also offers all aspects of beauty therapy including massage therapy, facial treatments, non-surgical facelifts, dermabrasion, manicures, pedicures, waxing, electrolysis, eye treatments and make-up.

The body treatment capsule incorporates a steam treatment facility, Vichy shower and hydrotherapy tub all in one.

Salon manager Toni Gibbons said a variety of other treatments could be incorporated into the use of the capsule such as lymphatic drainage and underwatermassage.

Salt scrubs, mud wraps, aromatherapy steam treatments and body polish are among the other spa body therapy treatments available at skintones.

Ms Gibbons, a beauty therapist and educator, said the new tub also had strong therapeutic benefits, such as the reduction of muscular aches and pains, and easing of swollen joints.

The diversity of spa body therapy treatments at skintones is made possible by the strategic positioning in the tub of optional air and water hydrotherapy jets.

The jets are separated into four treatment zones: foot, lower, mid and upper body.

Each zone can be activated simultaneously or independently, depending on the client's needs.

Each client receives a personal consultation before entering the capsule, and the tub is emptied and sanitised after each treatment.

The huge range of spa, anti-ageing, body and facial treatments available at skintones are enhanced by the use of Sothys skin care products from France.

Individual treatment rooms ensure privacy and comfort. Car parking is available at the rear of skintones.

Hours are 9am-5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am-7.30pm on Thursday, 9am-6pm on Friday and 9am-2.30pm on Saturday.