Australia's best spas

IF the rat race is running you down, then it's time to kick back, peel off your clothes and be pampered back to life with our pick of Australia's best spa experiences.

MOST of us have had the odd facial or body scrub – but when it comes to sheer luxurious indulgence – here's where you'll find the best five-star spa treatment.

Aqua Day Spa, Sheraton Noosa Resort, Queensland:
A member of the worldwide Starwood Spa Collection, Noosa's handsome Aqua Day Spa features streamlined treatment rooms with state-of-the-art facilities and a luxurious Roman-style bath complex. The spa program is built on a sophisticated wellness philosophy, the Seven Pillars of Wellbeing, focusing not only on beauty but life balance and nutrition with a comprehensive treatment menu featuring La Prairie and Thalgo products.

Website: www.aquadayspa.com.au


Healing Waters Spa, Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree, Queensland:
Winner of The Australian's inaugural Best Destination Spa Experience awards in 2004 and 2005, this lovely retreat, located in the Daintree, continues to draw praise from international spa aficionados. Light and airy treatment rooms afford secluded rainforest views while massages and facials have a distinct Australian flavour featuring products made from indigenous plant essences. 

Website:  www.silkyoakslodge.com.au


Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat, Hepburn Springs, Victoria:
Winner of last year's Best Destination Spa Experience award, this facility combines the elegance of an art deco guesthouse with some of the country's leading spa technology. Peppers Springs Retreat features European-made Soft Pak Float beds and three open-air mineral pools with garden views. The spa has a contemporary feel but the hotel reception areas are charmingly old world while guest lodgings include garden and spa rooms.

Website: www.thesprings.com.au


The Sebel Reef House & Spa, Palm Cove, Queensland:
Spearheading Palm Cove's spa renaissance, this acclaimed retreat, tucked away in a stand-alone two-storey building in the grounds of historic Reef House, keeps it simple with only five treatment rooms and low-key plantation-style interiors that impart an immediate sense of wellbeing. A winning formula that combines some of the country's best therapists with Australian-made products has won consistent praise from international visitors. Operated by Queensland spa impresarios Jeff and Carol Fleming, Reef House continues to set the pace with its innovative signature treatments.

Website: www.reefhouse.com.au


Spa at Quay West Resort Magenta Shores, central coast, NSW:
Nestled between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean, 90 minutes from Sydney, this Mirvac property is golfing nirvana (recently named best new resort course in Australia) and elegant spa retreat. The purpose-built facility consists of five beautifully appointed treatment rooms (including a couples suite) complemented by a relaxing spa garden. Guests are accommodated in a series of studio rooms and open-plan villas with views of the golf course, lagoon pool or gardens. As well as the spa, guests have access to a modern gym, steam room and indoor lap pool. 

Website: www.mirvachotels.com


LeSpa at Sofitel Mansion & Spa, Werribee Park, Victoria:
Only 20 minutes from Melbourne and set in the English country house-like grounds of historic Werribee Park, the new look LeSpa at the recently refurbished Sofitel Mansion hotel is one of the slickest in the country. Featuring a Lancome beauty studio, VIP suite complete with hamman (Turkish steam room) and private garden-view terrace as well as comprehensive spa cuisine menu and 17m indoor pool, this designer-smart retreat offers the added bonus of easy access to golf, an on-site winery and the State Rose Garden. Upgraded guestrooms feature the wonderful Sofitel MyBed.

Website: www.sofitel.com.au