Australia’s best new spa experiences
Forget your average scrubs, rubs and tubs; the new generation of luxury day spas take relaxation to a new level of pleasure.
Relaxation is a serious business in Australia. We’re a nation that loves to preen, to be pounded and pampered, and the $500m spa industry is set only to grow during the coming years. From over-the-top opulence to traditional healing experiences, we have rounded up the best new spa and wellness offerings for 2023.
Comma, Melbourne, Victoria
On arrival at Comma (fittingly, for Melbourne, it’s tucked down a laneway), a light-drenched minimalist reception area is the first sign of the respite to be had within the southern version of Comma’s original Byron bathhouse.
Designed to facilitate a mental and physical reset –“comma” denoting a pause – the bathhouse doesn’t allow phones, and though it carries over the same emphasis on rituals and clean design from its northern sister locale, it has a distinctly Melbournian bent. Moody grey-tiled walls inside the bathhouse are punctuated by a shaft of natural light illuminating the massive 18,000-litre Scandi-style cedar hot tub that looks fit for a viking. Infused with magnesium, a 20-minute soak melts away muscle tension, any remnants of which are finished off by either of the two saunas on offer in the bathhouse, or a suite of massage treatments which can be added to any visit.
The Finnish version of the former, which gets heated to an intense 80 degrees Celsius, is spacious and traditional, while the infrared, heated on our visit to a more polite 63 degrees, is a less sweat-inducing option, working on a cellular level and evoking the feel of soaking up sun. All is broken up by water; toggle between the tub, shower, or traditional Japanese bathing stool and bucket, the kind made from hinoki wood and used in onsen.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the ritual of washing away impurities this way. Ice-cold probiotic water is on standby, while Japanese indigo linen robes add to the tactile immersion, details founder Susie McIntosh picked up while on a trip to Japan with architect and friend Eloise Fotheringham in 2019. Signing off with a brisk dunk from a pail of pre-chilled water makes for a comprehensive soaking but, rather than an unwelcome shock, leaves you with the sensation of being alert but serene.
Kailo Spa, Brisbane
From the moment you step into Brisbane’s Kailo spa, you can tell that the team behind this luxurious space has thought of everything. From a wide range of treatments, beauty procedures and wellness super-blends crafted by leading health practitioners, the spa’s commitment to all aspects of well-being is part of the design. The aesthetically beautiful space is nestled in the heart of the ultra luxe Calile Hotel, the inner-city oasis of open-air corridors, curved breezeblocks and lush greenery situated in the James Street precinct of Fortitude Valley.
One treatment in particular epitomises the spa’s mission to combine traditional wellness philosophies with the latest in world-class techniques and treatment, the Heat Healer Lymphatic Treatment. The recently launched treatment is a combination of specialised lymphatic techniques and the ‘Heat Healer’ body belt, which uses red light therapy, infrared heat and pulsed magnetic energy to provide the ultimate detoxification.
The 90 minute treatment starts with deep relaxation through breathing techniques, before the body belt is placed on the abdomen whilst the practitioner simultaneously applies a warm lymphatic gua sha body paddle massage to the arms and legs. This is followed by a gentle abdominal massage. The treatment finishes with a 30 minute session in a ‘Heat Healer’ infrared blanket along with a deeply satisfying scalp and neck massage and a guided meditation. And the best part? Post-treatment, the Calile’s famous pool is your to use. The ultimate in relaxation.
Adytum, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
A holistic wellness centre in the middle of the nation’s capital might not sound groundbreaking, but despite all Canberra’s progress in the worlds of food, wine and culture, it has long been missing a great spa. Happily, the arrival of Adytum has changed that. Featuring a vegan elixir bar, yoga lounge and bathhouse, the calm and considered space is a sanctuary for the overworked and stressed out, offering a range of wellness services from relaxation massages and facials to acupuncture and even astrology sessions. Signature oils and custom products are at the heart of the massages, wraps and facials, with Adytum’s own blends complementing every treatment.
The Japanese-inspired bathhouse is a highlight. Inside, you’ll find a traditional hot-rock sauna, Japanese oakmineral bath and a cold-pail shower. Pattern Studio has designed the spa with a focus on natural stones channelling Hellenic ruins, soft lighting and recycled, environmentally conscious materials. The result is one of serenity and calmness: “We believe that wellness is far more than being free from illness, “ says owner Renée Douros. “It’s a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.”
The Whitening Clinic, Sydney, New South Wales
Skin confidence is one thing, but confidence in your smile is another transformation entirely. And outside of costly cosmetic dentistry, the fastest way to achieve a smile makeover is through teeth whitening. The main barrier? Fear of sensitivity.
But for anyone who has struggled with the shooting pain of teeth whitening – be it at-home kits where the peroxide escapes onto your gums, or the strength of peroxide administered in the dentist chair that can penetrate the enamel and cause nerve sensitivity –salvation is here in the form of a breezy spa-like sanctuary in Sydney’s eastern suburbs that specialises in pain-free teeth whitening.
Prior to opening the brick and mortar clinic, owner Alissa Brandtman had a healthy business as a mobile whitening specialist, which she has parlayed into this salon-inspired location that delivers pearly whites without aggravating sensitivities, to which we can attest.
For the treatment process, gums are first protected with a hardening gel (which can be easily flicked off afterwards), before a six per cent hydrogen peroxide gel is applied using a twist pen. Next, a cool blue LED light activates the peroxide during three 25-minute intervals, while you zone out on the reclining lounges listening to your favourite podcast. Thanks to the lower level of peroxide used on teeth and the 1.5-hour treatment time, the majority of clients get little to no sensitivity post treatment, though first-timers are recommended two 1.5-hour treatments within two to four weeks for optimal results.
Chuan Spa, Langham Gold Coast, Qld
Devotees of traditional Chinese medicine swear by the practice’s transformative healing benefits, but only if they’ve spent a couple of hours at Chuan Spa can they attest that it can also be blissfully luxurious.
The newest of Australia’s Chuan Spa offerings, within the newly opened Langham Gold Coast, offers all the treatments you might expect from a luxury hotel day spa but with an holistic twist.
Magnetised gold facial beads, gua sha, acupressure and massage are combined with clinically proven skincare. Treatments are grounded on the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and customised depending on which of one’s elemental forces are most out of balance.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure if you have too much fire or are in need of some earthing; your therapist will determine this via a questionnaire and sensory testing before customising treatments to restore those with even the most unbalanced Qi.
If you have the time (or are in desperate need of some rebalancing) try the Chuan Ritual. It’s 2½ hours of bliss, including a signature massage, iKOU facial and your choice of body wrap, herbal salt scrub or foot treatment.
Aurora Spa and Bathhouse, Sorrento, Vic
Step inside Sorrento’s Aurora Spa and Bathhouse and reassess everything you thought you knew about bathing. The contemporary space offers every kind of water and heat-based therapy imaginable. This would be quite overwhelming without the spa’s recommended 10-step bathing circuit, especially for newcomers who can’t figure out whether to visit the halotherapy room before or after a stint inside the glacial mist chamber.
The circuit is almost like a high-intensity interval training session without the loud personal trainer and requisite energy expenditure.
And if you ever dreamt of spending a whole day being primped, pampered and doused in a hedonistic quantity of skin soothing serums and scrubs, try the Aurora Immersion Ritual, a heavenly 6½-hour bathing, facial and massage experience punctuated by a scrumptious wholefood lunch and a glass of bubbly.
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Fingal, Vic
The Mornington Peninsula’s newest wellness destination is a homage to water and its transformative properties.
The spa is vast, with 21 treatment rooms offering everything from hammam floats to bespoke facials. The Alba Artisan massage is a highlight of its treatments, incorporating hot volcanic stones coated in its signature botanical oil blend of juniper berry, petitgrain and spearmint.
But it’s the myriad thermal springs that really set Alba’s wellness offering apart.
Nestled in 15ha of native landscape are 31 unique pools, ranging from warm geothermal, plunge, salty and even herbal-infused botanical meres, each boasting unique restorative properties.
For night owls an evening session submerged in The Eve, a sunset pool offering both relaxation and the chance to bathe under the stars, is a must. And as tempting as it might be, try to refrain from capturing the twilight beauty for Instagram and just enjoy the view and relaxation; Alba encourages guests to digitally detox.
Mukti Beauty Rooms, Mullumbimby, NSW
You could be forgiven for thinking your GPS is on the fritz as it guides you to the very unlikely location of Mullumbimby’s most decadent day spa.
In fact, ‘Mullum’, as locals know it, also seems like a fairly odd spot to open a luxe wellness hub, especially one devoid of beaded curtains and the distinct aroma of hemp.
It’s this fact that probably makes stepping inside the heavenly confines of Mukti Organics Beauty Rooms all the more invigorating. Located within the town’s industrial hub, the newly opened space also flanks the popular skincare brand’s HQ and warehouse, so you can be sure they always have your favourite products in stock.
This northern NSW retreat was established to showcase the extensive Mukti Organics skincare range, and a facial here is essential. If you can’t decide on a treatment, start with the Signature Facial. Each step can be customised to your particular skincare concerns, and its neck and shoulder acupressure massage will have you and your glowy, hydrated visage floating out of the place.
Bodhi Wellness Spa Retreat, Yallingup, WA
If you live in the west and are partial to infra-red saunas and a spot of hydrotherapy, you’ve probably heard of, or experienced, Bodhi Spa Retreat, which is spreading its wellness philosophy throughout the state.
Testament to its popularity, is that the company has just opened its sixth offering, arguably the best yet. With an outlook over the tranquil Lake Gunyulgup, six treatment rooms and a soothing white space punctuated by luxe velvet furnishings and wood finishes, you’ll wish there was overnight accommodation too.
On top of the spa’s traditional roster – massages, LED light therapies, facials (including a stunning brightening facial using Emma Lewisham’s famed skincare collection) – Bodhi also offers a range of wellness treatments designed to relax, balance and re-energise. From reiki and chakra balancing, to cleansing infra-red sauna sessions, and time spent in the spa with a glass of champagne, there are options aplenty for those looking to recharge their batteries. If you have only an hour, book in for the tension release massage. The ultra-serene surroundings and music clash exquisitely with an intense and pinpoint technique bound to unspool even the deepest of stresses.
Sofitel Spa Sydney, NSW
It is not possible to personally attest to the treatments and experience offered by Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour’s new wellness spa, because at the time of writing, it hasn’t even opened. But with Sofitel’s reputation for luxury and world class amenities, there are very high expectations for its opening later this month or early February.
Spread across two levels, the scenic wellness retreat will include seven treatment rooms, a relaxation deck, meditation zone and infra-red sauna, all designed in a soft palette of warm timber and sandstone.
Underpinning its rituals is a wellbeing approach guided by the seasons, which the hotel’s director of spa and wellness, Cecilia Ferreyra, says will be achieved “by introducing unique sensory elements across the spa that honour the natural rhythm of our bodies”.
sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au
Osborn House Spa, Bundanoon NSW
The first thing to notice when booking a treatment at Osborn House Spa is the unexpected names. Forget your typical menu peppered with the usual adjectives such as ‘bliss’, ‘relaxation’ and ‘serenity’. Instead you’ll choose from treatments like OMG – which is, as its name implies, a massage designed to have you uttering the holy abbreviation throughout the 60 or 90 minute experience. The Rock Star massage involves – you guessed it – rocks; specifically hot granite stones designed help relieve tense muscles and limber you up. For a high powered anti-ageing facial, try The Benz; a facial incorporating active LaGaia skincare plus Akwaterra massage, a therapy originating in the south of France involving the use of heated ceramic tools to stimulate the skin.
The spa is located in the newly opened Osborn House – a boutique hotel within an immaculately renovated historical Bundanoon estate – and guests can also enjoy a steam, sauna and dip in the scenic indoor pool, which boasts uninterrupted views of the beautiful Southern Highlands bushland.
Crown Spa Sydney, Barangaroo, NSW
Eschewing the trend of boho-Mediterranean style wellness spaces, the atmosphere at Crown Spa is one of unapologetic opulence.
Grey marble with gold inlay, pops of lilac and harbour views set a relaxing mood as you arrive on the sixth floor of Crown Towers Sydney.
A stint within the Aqua Retreat, with sauna, steam room, ‘vitality spa’ and Swiss shower, is a must, but for those looking for something unique, try the Quartz Hot Sand treatment. The 90-minute treatment is conducted on a bed of quartz sand, which is purported to relax muscles and detoxify the body.
For those after a more beautifying experience, the Spa also offers a range of La Prairie facials, mani-pedis and a hair styling service.