Award-winning luxury Queenstown day spa, So Spa, recognised for its innovative and effective treatments, has released its summer skin damage remedy to combat the harsh environment synonymous with the Southern Lakes.

So Spa manager Suiza Sevilla, says the new duo treatment includes a body massage followed by a facial, and is in line with the day spa’s focus on combining ancient wisdom, mother nature and modern expertise to restore beauty and balance.

The spa was named Luxury Destination Spa for Australasia in the 2018 World Luxury Spa Awards for the third consecutive year.

“What makes So Spa so unique and internationally recognised is our expertise in crafting individual treatments and spa journeys that cater to each client’s own personal needs,” she says. “Clients can choose to come in for half-an-hour or for an entire day, it is a matter of deciding what treatments and rituals from our ‘gastronomy inspired a la carte menu’ would best serve them at the time.”

The spa is located in Sofitel Queenstown and has been designed to reflect the tranquillity and beauty of New Zealand’s native forests and mountains.  It comprises a traditional hammam steam room and cedar wood clad jacuzzi, a discovery bar and relaxation rooms.

“The relaxation journey starts immediately with water features, ambient lighting, luxurious interiors and welcoming staff soothing the senses,” says Suiza.

Massages, rituals and treatments use exclusive product ranges from France and New Zealand.

Suiza cites as an example the freshly released massage and facial that uses products from the new Lime and Watermelon range created by the Paris based beauty brand Sothys.

“During this 90-minutes of relaxation and rejuvenation the body is treated to lime and watermelon oil that delivers vitamins and minerals to revitalise and combat sun damage while the face is exfoliated, massaged with shea butter and lime extract and treated to an oxy-vitamin radiance treatment to reactivate cell generation.”

The most enduringly popular treatments on the So Spa menu appeal particularly to international visitors, due to the natural products used.

“The Greenstone Massage uses warm pounamu, a greenstone native to New Zealand, blessed by a Maori elder to ignite the spiritual healing properties, and is consistently popular,” says Suiza. “The Ataahua Beautiful body treatment and the Healing Manuka Honey Facial are also widely chosen as they use New Zealand manuka honey which is known for its healing and antibacterial properties.”