As our friends in Melbourne and greater Victoria emerge from lockdown, we begin to see life return to the streets and people begin to re-engage with the rituals that keep us whole.

With this in mind, let us introduce you to Sense of Self Massage and Mindfulness - a new massage and mindfulness studio. It's not your ordinary spa, in fact it looks more like a house of interior design than a spa. High, vaulted ceiling, with bold, earthy curtains pair with a mix of textures and tones. It's wabi-sabi-style simplicity meets mid -century tones and accents.

The serene little spot is located above Sense of Self's Collingwood bathhouse - another location launch in early 2021. The airy interior is a now converted warehouse location in Melbourne's trendy inner North. And the treatment menu has been designed for self-connection, purpose-built to be a relaxation space—with naps encouraged. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in Sense of Self’s view of wellness - connection, inclusivity and restoration.

The massage menu includes relaxation, remedial and pregnancy massages. But there are also enhancements such as a scalp massage, dry body brush or foot and arm massages. A Gua Sha facial will be on offer once face masks are no longer required during appointments.

Sense of Self founders Mary Minas and Freya Berwick say the proposition was inspired by a desire to reconnect the people with their bodies.

The space and its interior has been designed to allow guests to take their time. A calming colour palette, with taupe and cream are met with sumptuous textured to create an interior design that promotes balance and rest.

“We wanted to create a space that makes people feel calm, held and delighted—as though they’ve entered a big, warm hug. There are plenty of soft textiles to soften the industrial shell. The milky tones of the interior are met with moody, timber-clad massage rooms to soothe the senses. We were very mindful to maintain a sense of spaciousness, without having it feel stark,” explains Berwick.

For many living within Melbourne, finding the time for indulgence after a difficult few months is key to mental recovery

“Over the last few months, we’ve been developing a layered offering so that we can give guests some much needed TLC from the hands of experts. The massage studio is a true expression of the SOS ethos—to offer a more approachable, no-BS approach to self-care as a practice, rather than a performance,” says Minas.

“We’ve considered every last detail, from the Sans Ceuticals products to hand selecting the most thoughtful team of therapists to create the most welcoming environment possible. We really encourage people to take their time to rest and indulge themselves after such a long period of physical and social disconnection,” she continues.

Sense of Self Massage and Mindfulness studio opened on the 13th of November.