1. Capella, Sydney 

What was once the honeyed sandstone facade of the New South Wales Department of Education now houses not only one of Sydney’s newest hotels but a day spa of note to boot. It sits in the soaring space that was once the Dept of Ed’s art gallery and is dotted with copper-lined heritage lanterns. AKA light that’s 24/7 flattering. The marble entombed pool is flooded with natural light, there’s a yoga platform, day beds galore and treatments that tap into Aboriginal healing wisdom. Making the experience even more exclusive is the fact that the spa is reserved only for guests of the hotel.

Signature treatment: Full Moon Massage, $250 (1 hour).

How they describe it: “A synergistic relaxation full body massage including the scalp with bioenergetic botanical aromas to soothe and calm. Incorporating adaptogenic gemstone therapy, chakra balancing and a grounding and balancing alignment for the head, the heart and hara, to facilitate a deep feeling of wellbeing.”

2. The Langham, Sydney

The 20-metre heated indoor pool beneath a permanent canopy of twinkling stars and bounded by marble columns has long been - and remains - one of the prettiest hotel chill out spots in the city. Attached to it is the Day Spa by Chuan which exclusively uses Babor products and designs treatments according to the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. You do a quiz beforehand to find out where you land on this spectrum.

Signature treatment: Champagne and Gold Indulgence, $740 (4.5 hours).

How they describe it: “The ultimate indulgence begins with our nourishing wellness massage where we apply Babor Shaping Body Cream, packed with Vitamin C for extra hydration, followed by our 90 min Babor HSR Skin Lifting facial. Before surrendering your fingers and toes to a 1hr 15min Deluxe Hand and Foot Spa Therapy you will enjoy a light lunch including a glass of Champagne to complete your pampering.”

3. Crown Spa, Barangaroo

If The Langham whispers old-school elegance, this spa feels ripped from the future. Any treatment of an hour or longer scores you access to the bougie Aqua Retreat with its spa, steam, sauna and whatever the hell a Swiss shower is. After your treatment, there’s a fully equipped hair and nail salon to complete the glow up. This is proper A-list stuff and the environment is contemporary luxury with pastel tones, metallic accents and so much more.

Signature treatment: Shirodhara, from $405 (1 hour).

How they describe it: “A stress-releasing treatment during which warm oil is poured over the third eye, forehead and temples to soothe and calm the nervous system. It assists with treating stress, skin conditions and insomnia, while also enhancing emotional balance, helping to get in touch with your higher being. The experience starts with a facial marma massage, with Subtle Energies’ enriching facial blend, enhancing the benefits of the traditional experience and giving your complexion a fresh and youthful glow.”

4. The Darling, Darling Harbour

In terms of sheer facilities, this place soars above the competition. Eleven treatment rooms, steam room, Jacuzzi, two couples suites and a Moroccan hammam chamber. Add a dark and relaxing aesthetic and it really does feel like you’ve escaped to another dimension. The cleverly designed nooks elevates the notion that you’ve the whole place to yourself. 

Signature treatment: Darling Essential De-Stress, $440 (2 hours).

How they describe it: “A full body massage alleviates muscular pressure, soothes anxiety and invokes profound relaxation. Your skin is then treated to an intense hydrating facial using the BABOR Hydro Cellular range to provide a long-lasting moisture boost. This treatment is amplified with a collagen fleece mask to reduce the signs of aging and improve skin density and firmness.”

5. QT, Sydney

Many day spas - especially those in hotels - can disappear up their own Enyas from time to time. We’re all for a chakra cleanse but it often turns a bit woo-woo. SpaQ nixes that immediately with a cheeky yet cool experience. You see the sense of fun in treatment names such as Plush Prince(ss) and Weekend Warrior. They also doing excellent couples deals and group offerings ideal for bucks or hens groups. 

Signature treatment: Elixir Of Youth, $355 (2 hours)

How they describe it: “This anti-ageing elixir rich in hematite gem extracts supercharges your healing energy together with European organic mud to promote collagen and give your skin the repairing action it needs. Your wellbeing journey commences with a full-body exfoliation using magnesium-rich thermal salts to reinvigorate, soften and smooth the skin. Next up, a fine layer of the age-defying hematite mud wrap instantly hydrates and nourishes the skin before a full-body massage revives neglected skin with a blend of spices, coconut sesame and black cumin to leave you feeling balanced and renewed.”

6. Shangri La, The Rocks

This spa makes the list because it has maintained a sense of quiet quality for years. It’s part of the brand’s Chi, The Spa umbrella. And what it it lacks in punctuation skills - that comma is not necessary - it more than makes up for in dedication and quality products. It sits nearby the indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, gym and sundeck and when you arrive you will have a consultation with your therapist so your treatment can be tailored to your needs.

Signature treatment: Australian Wattleseed Scrub, $175 (45 minutes)

How they describe it: “Born from the essence of Australia, this treatment features a full-body exfoliation therapy with wattleseed and sandalwood - to reawaken the skin and leave one feeling renewed and refreshed.”

7. Venustus, Paddington

We're bending the rules a bit here as this spa is not attached to a hotel but its own shimmering entity. Fresh from a chic makeover, this is where Sydneysiders go when they want to feel like they're on holiday and for that reason alone we think you should know about it. The new digs are accompanied by a slew of new treatments and Jeannie Bourke and her staff are next level in all aspects. For example, every morning before the spa opens it is cleansed in a smudging ceremony with sage, palo santo and incense.

Signature treatment: Osaka To Sydney, $707 (2 hours).

How they describe it: "Weaving together a fusion of Japanese techniques Shiatsu Facial pressure points, Tanaka facial lifting techniques, Reiki healing, Rocking & Lithos Hot Rock. For the full Body, our iconic massage with muscle melting Lithos Hot rocks, Shiatsu Pressure points, Reiki healing, Rocking and cocooning the body."

See also: 

That time I got an invasive spa treatment in Lithuania.

12 amazing spa retreats around the world.