"Just relax" she said, as she had me in a headlock…read more I breathed in, and out, and during the outward breath she dug her knees in to my back and bent me backwards. CRACK! I seriously thought I was going to break in half! But wow what a feeling. Both exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time, that moment during my one hour "foot massage" was something I won't forget in a long time. I use suspicious looking "quotations" to describe the experience not because there was anything dodgy about it, but because a foot massage at Pho Thai Spa does a lot more than is says on the packet. Sure your feet and legs will get rubbed, squished and pummelled, but so will your shoulders, head and back along with some of those scary cracking manoeuvres. Awesome! I wasn't expecting much when I came here, but was really impressed with the graciousness of the staff and how they really did everything they could do make the experience relaxing and soothing. $80 worth of massage here is like a full body workout and highly recommended for weary bodies needing a little lift. Just don't be scared when they put you in a headlock.

Despite working hard to get me from A to B for 30 years, my feet are never something I consider…read morepampering or giving any kind of real R&R. Plus feet are well feet and kinda gross. Hence when a friend suggested we get pedicures a wave of fear washed over me. Pedicures? I've successfully avoided one for so long why would I start having them now? People touching our feet? And everyone being able to see us? Luckily said friend wasn't suggest mall pedicures, she was taking it up a level and suggested Pho Thai Spa which is conveniently located on Brunswick Street (past the New Farm Cinema and next to Death Before Decaf). Yes, you'll pay a little more but can opt for a quick 30 minute pedi or the hour long (like we did) which includes a neck and head massage, and for the added luxuries - it's worth it. When you arrive you enter a serene space where mobile phone use is discouraged and you remove your shoes before being taken through to the treatment room. You'll be served a cup of warm tea. There's 6 cane lounges meaning there's no mass pedicure turn style happening here. The setting is more day spa than harshly lit salon. You're shown to your lounge and invited to soak your feet before a scrub is applied and wiped off. Then, with your eye mask on, you're transported to a moment of relaxation as the therapists combine gentle massage, pressure point massage and an actual pedicure. While your nails are drying (if you've opted for a nail varnish), your neck and head are gently massaged. Thankfully, we weren't rushed to leave our lounges post-treatment and were given ample time to warm back up to the idea of re-entering the real world. They also do Thai massage and facials so you could easily spend a day-spa day here and leave the worries of the world at the door! And, for the first time in my life, I get the benefits of a pedicure. Says I as I admire how shiny and smooth my feet look.

I had my first session of facial reflexology with practitioner Emma, she covered me with a blanket…read moreof peace. This was my first facial reflexology but it will not be my last. Emma uses a combination of Southern American facial mapping and acupressure to ease your tension and slide your worries away onto the floor, while stimulating your body's natural self-curative abilities. Rad. I felt great! She worked on my face, then my feet! Top to tail! I'm booking all my family in with Emma for their birthdays.

From the owner: Personal and professional remedial body care and wellbeing. Modalities include Foot and Facial…read moreReflexology, Massage and Usui Reiki. Health information, practitioner referrals. Product range of bath and foot salts, ear candles, linseed and lavender heat packs, Homeopathic creams, personal oil blends and foot care for foot flare tools.

Bit expensive so we haven't tried a lot, but what we have had has been nice…read more their lamingtons are absolutely delicious.

Kimberlee's size belies her strength and she is able to give great massage pressure as required…read more While lomi lomi in itself is an amazing health tool, Kimberlee's lomi is truly great & she can also advise on other health issues and essential oils as well. She is a wealth of knowledge & a teacher of lomi lomi worldwide. Cant recommend her highly enough

From the owner: Essential Bodywork is the culmination of 16 years of massage industry experience. I specialise in…read moreHawaiian Bodywork, as well as Remedial and Pregnancy Massage. My quiet studio is conveniently located just 5 minutes away from Gympie Terrace and Hastings Street. I look forward to taking you on a beautiful bodywork journey.