Independent editorial without retail bias  

Review: On the Park Rejuvenation, Sheraton On the Park, Sydney

Daniel Scott is treated to a 75 minute Deep Tissue Massage at On the Park Rejuvenation.

This was a great birthday present to myself! After recovering from the best hotel buffet breakfast I’ve ever experienced – including, I am ashamed to admit, two scoops of ice-cream – I headed to the 22nd floor of the Sheraton On the Park for my seventy five minute massage.

It’s all style and sophistication at the Sheraton and so it’s no surprise to find the spa exactly the same. On entry to the Health Club I was greeted at the front desk by my friendly therapist, Nina, from Thailand. She guided me to the male locker rooms and gave me a robe and slippers to change into. I’ve yet to be given a pair of slippers that fit me in any spa I’ve visited – and at size 12 my feet are hardly enormous – and these were no exception but that’s the worst thing I can say about my experience at On The Park.

It was in the locker room that I got my first taste of the standout views over Hyde Park and central Sydney from the spa’s location, on the top floor of the Sheraton. Nina was waiting for me outside and showed me to the treatment room, passing the Sheraton’s small but inviting indoor pool as we went.

The treatment room we were using again had great views over the Park but I was soon to forget even those as the massage began. The first pleasant surprise was to find the well-padded treatment table warmed underneath me and the second was the attentive, Thai-inspired style of massage that Nina used. This saw her climb onto the table and kneel on it to begin so as to get a better purchase on my neck and shoulder muscles.

I’d asked for firm pressure and Nina’s touch was strong but not over the top. She got inside shoulder knots and slowly unraveled them, using elbows and robust thumbs. It was a very effective treatment for somebody wanting to de-stress, lose some shoulder, back and neck ache and yet relax as well.

Although not everybody enjoys having their scalp massaged, it is just about my favourite part of any massage and I am often disappointed with how long a therapist spends on this. Not this time. The last five minutes of this massage passed in a state of bliss as Nina worked my scalp and kneaded away the last of my stress.

With both a sauna and a steam room, as well as good hot showers, in the locker room, my good experience of the spa didn’t end with the treatment. On this cold winter’s day I was left feeling thoroughly warmed by a total of about two hours spent at the Sheraton On the Park. It set me up beautifully for the rest of my birthday, including doing my annual (I’m a boy and enjoy doing retail damage to my credit card only in strict moderation) clothes shop and having dinner with friends.

On the Park is thoroughly recommended as a birthday treat or simply to banish the winter (spring, summer or autumn) blues.

Where is it: Sheraton On the Park, Level 22, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney 2000.

Phone: 02 9286 6830.

Website: www.ontheparkrejuvenation.com.au