2024 has been the year of self-care. Whether it is a 15-minute facial between your endless errands or a full-on pamper session at your favorite spa, nothing feels better than giving your body the love and attention it needs.
Much like Quit Clinics can rid you of a bad habit, spa retreats can relieve stress and tension, making you feel renewed and refreshed. As the end of the year approaches, there is no better time than now to prioritize self-care and become the best version of yourself.
Nature’s Energy, Sydney
Nature’s Energy, in the vibrant city of Sydney, has been crowned Australia’s Best Day Spa for three years running, and one visit to this fantastic location will quickly show you why. This spa-cross-bathhouse is not only the pinnacle of relaxation, but you are unlikely to find a spa with a more affordable treatment list that doesn’t compromise on quality and experience.
For just $60, you will be given an hour to explore your chosen bathhouse, each featuring a traditional Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, ice bath, and jacuzzi spa. All guests can enjoy the perks typically associated with any pricey hotel spa, including fluffy robes, secure lockers, fresh towels, hair dryers, and herbal tea on tap. Massages can be booked with one of their many talented therapists, while spiritual readings and energetic healing services are available for those looking for something slightly more esoteric.
Nova Holistic Spa, Hobart
Nova Holistic Spa in the Tasmanian capital, Hobart, describes itself as a ‘boutique wellness haven.’ Despite its central CBD location, guests will be met with an impressively tranquil and relaxing atmosphere upon arrival. The holistic spa offers a range of interesting and enticing treatments that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.
These services include Hobart’s only outdoor, all-weather Therapeutic Thermal Therapy, which features an infrared sauna, magnesium spa, and ice bath, along with Tasmania’s only mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Airpod and FDA-approved Infrared BioMat Airpod.
Soak Bathhouse West End, Brisbane
Bathhouses have quickly become the hottest wellness trend in 2024, and Soak Bathhouse in Brisbane is leading the way along the East Coast. While it won’t necessarily offer the traditional day spa experience, it does provide a serene and tranquil space to relax and rejuvenate after a busy week.
During the 90-minute wellness experience, you can alternate between the indoor and outdoor communal mineral baths, which both sit at a balmy 34 degrees, hot spas at 38 degrees, cold plunges at 12 degrees, the steam room, and the traditional dry cedar sauna. If you prefer to stay dry, book yourself in for a relaxing deep-tissue massage instead.
Crown Spa, Melbourne/Perth/Sydney
If you want to escape into opulence and luxury, the Spa at Crown Towers, located in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, will tick every box. Treatments by La Prairie and Subtle Energy offer the common facials and massages found in most spas, along with a collection of more unique offerings like the Detox and Adrenal Boost Journey, which begin with a foot ritual and meditation before an invigorating body scrub, mud wrap, and massage.
Any treatment lasting more than an hour is complemented by time in the Aqua Retreat, which comprises a steam room, Swiss shower, and vitality pool. All guests are provided with a fluffy white bathrobe and access to a relaxation lounge with delicious snacks and other refreshments.
Stephanies Spa Retreat, Brisbane
Stephanies has been a powerhouse in the spa scene since 2007, and this award-winning hotel shows no signs of slowing down. It pampers locals and visitors alike with bespoke rituals, including its signature Opal Rasul Steam Temple experience.
The location draws inspiration from Turkish hammams, with stunningly intricate candlelit, mosaic-tiled domed rooms designed to create a meditative atmosphere similar to a starry night sky. After the ultimate steam session, enjoy a wide range of treatments, including massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials.
Japanese Bath House, Blue Mountain
Tucked away on the slopes overlooking Lake Lyell, just north of Katoomba, is not likely a place you would expect to find a traditional Japanese onsen. However, once you enter this authentic day spa and bathhouse, you will instantly feel like you have been transported to the foothills of Mount Fuji.
The facility uses naturally mineralized water drawn from underground springs and heated baths infused with herbal treatments to soothe sore muscles and power the soul. Massages, skin treatments, and private baths are available to book, as well as traditional accommodation, should you want to make a weekend out of it.
Venustus Beauty & Body Lab, Sydney
You are unlikely to have experienced a spa retreat like what awaits you at Venustus. Owner Jeannie Bourke opened the first iteration of her iconic spa more than 30 years ago, quickly earning herself the reputation of one of Australia’s most sought-after therapists.
Venustus 2.0 proudly carries this reputation. Your healing experience begins from the moment you step through the door. The main attraction of this location is the noise-resistant, egg-shaped treatment pods, where you can choose from a range of exceptional massage treatments to heal the entire body.
