Sense of Self
Step into Sense of Self, a new massage and mindfulness spa in Collingwood where the focus is on self-connection and calm.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Courtesy of Sense of Self
It was during the recent lockdown in Melbourne, a time when a lot of creatives were truly tested and pushed to think outside the box, that Sense of Sense founders Mary Minas and Freya Berwick dreamt up the idea for their massage and mindfulness spa in Collingwood.
“We already had an established look and feel from our brand and the design of the downstairs bathhouse, which was designed as a collaboration between Set Square Studio and Chamberlain Architects, so we took cues from what was already established and applied it to what we wanted to achieve upstairs, coupled with a good dose of symmetry!” says Mary Minas.
The interior? Think Mediterranean softness crossed with brutalism. The spa experience starts with guests entering into a milky-toned reception space, which is centred around a custom-built stone reception table — soft dappled light filters through gauzy curtains. Calming hues of taupe and cream are met with textured, sumptuous details to create an interior scheme designed to encourage balance. This is a space which will leave you feeling elated.
“We wanted to create a space that makes people feel calm, held and delighted—as though they’ve entered a big, warm hug,” says Freya.
The simple and playful interior is a space to reflect and calm. Photo - Sense of Self.
“The upstairs massage studio is a much softer space than the downstairs bathhouse, but it’s definitely in the same vein of Mediterranean x Brutalism.”
Calming hues of taupe and cream are met with textured, sumptuous details. Photo - Sense of Self.
The custom-made reception counter was made Freya’s partner Fraser. It’s made of Guatemala Green Marble set into an ivory concrete, all mixed and made by hand on site. Photo - Sense of Self.
“The milky tones in the reception and mindfulness lounge areas are dotted with unexpected and tactile details. ”
Treatment rooms are moodier and darker, with sumptuous details like the gold brass Sussex tapware and lush velvet curtains. Photo - Sense of Self.