REVEALED: Inside Brisbane’s newest ultra luxury ‘wellness’ spa

Queensland’s “wellness’’ boom has stepped up a notch after the founder of major gym chain Fitness Cartel unveiled a luxury wellness spa centre in Brisbane’s north, complete with magnesium float pools, infra-red saunas and more. SEE THE PHOTOS

Fitness Cartel has launched the first of what will be a national chain of wellness spas.

Queensland’s “wellness’’ boom has stepped up a notch after the founder of major gym chain Fitness Cartel unveiled a luxury wellness spa centre in Brisbane’s north, complete with magnesium float pools, infra-red saunas and more.

It expands on a recent trend in Brisbane to wellness centres, with two alone opening in Newstead in recent months.

Merse Wellness Spa is housed next to the massive Fitness Cartel Virginia gym on Sandgate Rd.

Merse has just hosted its pre-launch pool party with some of Brisbane’s top influencers and local business leaders.

CEO Nathan James, who also founded Fitness Cartel, said it was the first of what he hoped would become a major national chain.

Mr James, who has an extensive background in the gym industry, said there was an emerging trend to complete fitness with recovery sessions.

“As lifestyles become more hectic, people are recognising the importance of holistic wellbeing,’’ he said.

Inside the new Merse wellness spa.

The high-end showers and lockers.

Marble and high-end fittings abound.

“It’s not just about hitting the gym any more. It’s about finding a space that caters for relaxation, recovery and recharging.

“Wellness centres like Merse are emerging as crucial destinations where individuals relax, but also recover from intense workouts, heal from injuries and simply unwind.”

The centre offers contrast therapy, infra-red saunas and more.

Inside the wellness spa.

Inside the wellness spa.

The Virginia spa features traditional and infrared saunas, magnesium flotation therapy and cold plunge pools set at a chilling 6C and 12C.

It also offered contrast therapy which, when combined, offered the benefits of hot and cold immersion.

Compression therapy was also on offer at Merse. It used Normatec boots to enhance circulation, reducing swelling and promoting quicker muscle recovery.

Merse has employed professional massage therapists and even has an automatic spray tan booth.

The luxuriously fitted out spa, on Sandgate Rd, opened on January 31, with operating hours from 5am-9pm on weekdays and 7am-5pm on weekends.

It offered VIP, gold, platinum and diamond membership packages, casual visits as well as gift cards and an Immerse Yourself experience which allowed users to follow a guided wellness protocol.