Auckland: Escape to the East

In the second of our series on spas, we visit East Day Spa, in Auckland.

On the hunt for a winter pick-me-up? If an island getaway is off the cards, spoil yourself with a luxurious escape at home.

East Day Spa is a mecca of indulgence, offering a full range of beauty treatments in the heart of Auckland and Wellington. And we're not talking about being waxed and pummelled; here are our top picks for gentle, pampering treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, despite the cold outside.

Silky skin saviour

If winter has your skin feeling like a crumpled paper bag, try the Winter Warm-Up package. The 75-minute revitalising treatment is designed to leave your skin as smooth as a baby's bottom, and includes a luxury facial, cocoa butter foot massage, and a deeply warming hot stone back massage.

Treats for two

Bring your partner along for a pamper session with the East Duo treatment. The perfect winter indulgence, the session includes an hour-long massage and relaxation facial, as well as a warm milk and sandalwood foot soak. This is 135 minutes of luxury that your partner is sure to love.

Manicure magic

Perfect for those who want satiny-soft hands, the Luxe Manicure lets you sit back and relax while your hardworking mitts get a makeover. The session includes a soothing hand soak, exfoliation and hydration treatment, followed by a sophisticated slick of nail polish. And to make sure you're completely pampered, you'll also be treated to a relaxing shoulder and scalp massage.

Manly pampering

Know a busy man who's partial to some pampering? He'll love the Executive De-Stress package. The 90-minute treatment is designed to release muscle tension, and includes a 30-minute back massage, followed by a 60-minute, facial, to leave the skin feeling healthy and hydrated.

Soothing stretch

It's a massage, but not as you know it. Stretch therapy is oil-free, and the treatment involves a series of gentle movements, drawing from Thai, Balinese, Yoga and Shiatsu techniques. If you're envisioning being twisted into a contortionist's pose, think again. This treatment lets you lie back, relax and unwind, and your body will love you for it.

Refresh and Revive

If you want to glow from head to toe, try the Monsoon treatment. The two-hour package starts with a sandalwood foot soak, before your dry winter skin is gently buffed and exfoliated with a 45-minute body polish. To finish, you'll be treated to a 60-minute signature massage. Bliss!

Ultimate escape

Turn off your phone, forget your deadlines, and drift away for five dreamy hours of luxury. The East Retreat Memsahib package includes a massage, body polish, facial, manicure and pedicure, as well as lunch in between to ensure you have enough sustenance to last the distance. Be sure to clear your diary, you'll want to head home for a snooze afterwards.

● For full menu and prices, visit: http://eastdayspa.com/auckland/