Onsen Ma

Working and living in the city is great for many reasons: you’ve got access to hundreds of restaurants, an increasingly competitive cafe culture, awesome bars and you don’t have to drive. Yet one thing city living is not renowned for is its tranquility. Andrea Borazio is trying to change that with Onsen Ma.

The sister of Jerome ‘St Jerome’ Borazio, Andrea worked with her brother for years in the bar scene, until she decided to try something with more feng shui. This led to studying shiatsu and trips to Japan, where she discovered Onsens, the traditional Japanese bathing houses.

Back in Melbourne Andrea found a disused space in Meyers Place above Senoritas and painstakingly renovated the neglected space into the first floor sea of good vibes that is now Onsen Ma.

Opening two weeks ago, Onsen Ma offers city folk a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. Swapping your shoes and strides for a pair of slippers and a robe, guests can either choose to spend time vegging out in the warm baths (sexes are segregated) or go the whole hog and treat yourself to an hour shiatsu as well.

Or if you like, just sit on a tatami mat and sip some tea in the cute outdoor garden. It’s all pretty nice, and a nice break between the bars and buzz that pulses below.

So when a Kit Kat isn’t enough of a break next time, you might want to try Onsen Ma.

ONSEN MA
Level 1, 12 – 18 Meyers Place
9663 8777
Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm
Sat – Sun 10am – 6pm
facebook.com/pages/Onsen-Ma

Photography by Elke Meitzel