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Wellness holidays

Lap up the luxury … ESTE Wategos, Byron Bay.

A health scare led two men to build their dream Byron holiday retreat

You’ll feel like a Rich Lister staying at ESTE Wategos, but bookings are only available “on application”.

  • by Julietta Jameson
Eco Lodge suites have the added bonus of private pools.

Victoria’s hot springs mecca launches three luxury eco lodges

At Peninsula Hot Springs there’s a new premium accommodation experience far from the crowds, and it comes with private soaking pools.

  • by Julietta Jameson
The Barn is a cosy space that sleeps four.

At this High Country retreat, Saturday morning never felt so good

Sauna is a saviour on a wellness weekend in Victoria’s High Country.

  • by Belinda Jackson
You can do nothing on beaches anywhere, but Aitutaki in the Cook Islands takes it to the extreme, with a pace so slow you’d swear time was suspended.

Forget the bucket list: 15 of the world’s best places to do nothing

Over tick-a-box sightseeing while you travel? Here are 15 places where chilling out is nothing to feel guilty about.

  • by Brian Johnston
Urunga Lagoon … this beach playground is still relatively new.

Underrated beach town could be Australia’s next big thing

Urunga is a long way from being another Byron Bay or even a Yamba, but it might be about to burst free from the sleepy secret zone.

  • by David Whitley
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A sauna on the edge of the coast in Nesodden, Norway. On the other side of the fjord is Oslo, the capital of Norway. Outdoor, public saunas are increasingly popular in Norway. Oslo sauna story by Julie Lewis, Traveller Credit: Getty

Why you shouldn’t miss Oslo’s most masochistic pastime

Long before Wim Hof touted the benefits of ice baths, these people knew subjecting your body to temperature extremes felt good – once you got over the buttock-clenching shock.

  • by Julie Lewis
Vietnam has its sights set on the booming wellness industry.

Vietnam’s new wellness resorts luring spa lovers to its shores

It’s clear that wellness has come a long way in Vietnam since my first visit more than 20 years ago. Back then, even massages were viewed with suspicion.

  • by Ute Junker
Elysia’s new ice bath, launched in January 2024.

This upgraded retreat now mixes wellness with indulgence

An ice bath and sauna to play at virtue between visits to local cellar doors? Oh, yes, you can “do you” at this Hunter Valley retreat.

  • by Katherine Scott
Billabong Retreat just had a $1.5 million refurbishment.
★★★½
Hotel reviews

This no-frills bush retreat just got a luxe upgrade

Eco wellness stay Billabong Retreat just got a flush $1.5 million revamp – but there are a few telling signs it’s stayed true to its modest roots.

  • by Katherine Scott
Take a bushwalk through the Gondwana World Heritage-listed rainforest

Rainforest retreat gives frazzled urbanites a place to escape the daily grind

Here’s a camp challenging burnout culture by providing rest and restoration in an immersive nature retreat, where all the work is done for you.

  • by Nina Karnikowski

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/topic/wellness-holidays-l6c