Cullen Bay Day Spa - Larrakeyah, Northern Territory

Aimee

Arrived at 1:30pm for my 1:40pm appointment. Front door locked and greeted with a sign with instructions on how to get ready for your treatment (outside in the hot Darwin sun). Eventually the door opens by the manager who is also the receptionist and masseuse. Tells me to come in and sit down and gets me a refreshing coconut drink. When I finish it, I attempt to follow her to the room but she sharply turns around and tells me “sit down, you’re early and your treatment hasn’t started yet” It’s 1:43pm at this stage and I’m confused.

Eventually moves me to a more comfortable chair overlooking the water and I can hear her banging on the shower door of the previous customer telling them to “hurry up” and asking “are you finished yet ?”

After a while, I’m finally brought in for my massage which started at 2:06pm and finished at 3:15pm. Just over one hour. (Going by the tiny black clock in the room)

I had booked the 60 minute aromatherapy hot stone massage with a $49 add-on (Bare Foot Botanical Indulgence) which I presumed would be a seperate treatment and not incorporated into the one- hour massage. So basically $256.15 for a 1 hour massage !!

Then afterwards you’re hit with an additional 10% weekend surcharge which is apparently mentioned on the website.

A badly run, overpriced business in my opinion. It’s a shame, because the spa itself is beautiful and location is stunning and the owner does seem knowledgeable with the essential oils and reflexology etc.

Advanced Body Image/ Spa Lotus Berrimah do an amazing package for 2hrs 15mins including facial, massage, steam temple with clean white bath robes and slippers, toiletries and shower etc for $220.

Go to Spa Lotus and get your moneys worth and feel truly pampered.

A J.

Beautiful location with really nice setting and atmosphere. I tried their Trifactional skin resurfacing (basically a micro-needling and radio frequency combo for acne scars and fine lines)

I was hesitant at first because this was my first time trying advanced facial. But they were very knowledgeable and skilled during the whole process. Good communication before and after the treatment, which made me feel much more at ease.
The pain was barely noticeable too. Very happy with the experience and I even fell asleep halfway through the session. Definitely recommend! can’t wait to see the results!

Pamela D.

I was given a present in Nov 2022 of an online voucher for a 90 minute facial by my children. It was through Red Balloon. The voucher expiry date was 11 Nov 2027. I mislaid the voucher for a while (about a year) but wanted to make a booking the next time I went to Darwin knowing I had until 11 Nov 2027 to use it.
Booking the appointment online was rather difficult and I ended up getting my husband to do this for me. He was told that because the appointment was after 18 months from the purchase date there would be an extra charge of $45. Disappointing but it was in the fine print. Very tiny fine print!!!
My husband and I drove 320km to Darwin and got to the spa 20 mins early, expecting an inside waiting area to be available to cool off and go to the toilet before the treatment. Instead, there was a bench outside with instructions of how to prepare for the session, including the need to tie back hair. I didn’t have any ties as I hadn’t thought of that. We sat down to wait. It was 43°c so a little bit sweaty!
After about 10 minutes a lady opened the door and told us we were early but did let us in, offering us a drink and showing us where toilet facilities were.
I was rather nervous because I’d never had a facial before (I’m 69) and didn’t understand some of the terminology when filling out the form the previous day so I asked what the facial entailed as we were shown the seating overlooking the marina. We both went to sit down and I thought my husband (75) would be comfortable for the 90 min session but the lady told us he couldn’t stay, for security reasons she said.
“Husbands don’t usually stay”, she said.
“Where will he go then?” I asked.
“He can drive around”, she said!!
This is when I decided that I wasn’t really interested any more in having a facial and told the lady that I was uncomfortable with the situation and after travelling 320km to get to the place, I didn’t expect my husband to then go driving around for 90 mins so we politely said our goodbyes and left.
I think the customer service at this place stinks and would not recommend it to anyone. The decor is lovely and the view over the bay is amazing but the reception and treatment of us as customers was appalling.

izzy B.

Really loved this wellness center. They've got some super cool skin treatments like the Dermapen and radio frequency microneedling. The LED sauna was a vibe too! The location is so calm and relaxing, and the practitioner knows their stuff for sure. Definitely worth it if you're into good skincare and a peaceful atmosphere

Lou

Cullen Bay Day Spa is such a miracle find. Marii is so profound in her approach to wellness, health and beauty. Her knowledge and advice is life changing. An incredible collection of very high quality sourced products and treatments. The prime location overlooking the water exudes tranquility and has a very healing essence from the moment you enter. Marii is an inspiration for beauty and peace, so it is evident in her knowledge and practice. I highly recommend booking in to transform your skin and life to become more beautiful.

Victoria

The service was exceptional, and the staff was incredibly friendly and professional. The atmosphere was welcoming, and it was clear they take great pride in what they do. They sell beautiful skin care products too like dp dermaceuticals, o cosmedic, Vanessa Megan etc! Worth to look at when you’re in darwin since it’s hard to find a good brand.

Shane H.

First experience in January was not great, I booked in for a facial, which was good. However, I was put off by the therapist (who I assume is the owner) manner and general attitude. She was rude but I thought perhaps she was just having a bad day. However my experience this week has cemented my views, word to the wise, as a business owner you are not better than your customers, you would not exist without them. Be kind, be humble, and get some manners.

Bernadette R.

Amazing service from the moment I stepped foot onto the premises. Professional and experienced staff. By far the best day spa experience I have ever had. Highly recommend the exfoliating scrub combined with one hour massage.