Spas & Wellbeing

Recharge

Wellness awaits in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, just 90min drive from Sydney. Melding restorative spa treatments and striking vistas, Lilianfels Spa sits adjacent to iconic rock formation the Three Sisters. Deep bathtubs and soothing massages are on the menu at Parklands Country Garden and Lodges’ upmarket day spa or soak your cares away in a traditional onsen at the Japanese Bath House.

Don a linen robe and let Spa Lucca’s skilled therapists work their magic at The Anchorage hotel on the shores of beautiful Port Stephens, a 2.5hr drive north of Sydney. The luxe two-storey spa offers a hydro suite with Jacuzzi and steam room, Sodashi treatment menu and relaxation lounge where vegan chocolates are served before you float back to reality. Nearby the Palm Springs-inspired Bannisters Spa offers an extensive treatment menu featuring products by Australian Organic Spa and supermodel Miranda Kerr’s, KORA Organics.

Book in for a botanical inspired spa treatment at Amy Erbacher’s one-stop organic beauty shop in the burgeoning country town of Orange. The beautician to the stars offers bespoke spa treatments and a beauty line using home grown ingredients.

Byron Bay on the North Coast is NSW’s unofficial spa capital. The luxurious Byron at Byron offers sunrise yoga for guests and has recently unveiled its brand new Eléme Day Spa in consultation with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Sodashi facial and body therapies are on the menu while massage treatments feature custom therapeutic oils by Byron Bay’s Cura Co. Lab. Alternatively book in for ‘the Long Exhale’ treatment (no explanation necessary) at minimalist wellness hub Comma.

Bells at Killcare’s luxury day spa meanwhile is imbued with its signature Hamptons style. Located on the NSW Central Coast, treatments are designed to rebalance mind, body and soul use LI’TYA spa products.

Reboot

Purify mind, body and soul with the support of a small, dedicated team of naturopaths and healers at Byron Bay Detox Retreats. Guests fast on organic cold-pressed vegetable juice assisted by colonic hydrotherapy combined with yoga, meditation, energy healing and detox supplements.

In the Hunter Valley, Bondi yogi Evangeline Yeun runs yoga getaways at Nu Leaf Retreat. Overlooking a shiraz vineyard the boutique retreat offers fitness centre, alfresco yoga deck, heated mineral pool, jet spa, steam room, gym, day spa and outdoor pool with sundeck. Spa Anise at Spicers Vineyard Estate and The Spa at Chateau Elan are also found in the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region and just a 2hr drive north of Sydney.

The World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island is the dramatic backdrop for Charlotte Dodson’s Wellness Weeks at historic Pinetrees Lodge. Yoga is held facing Lagoon Beach which the yogi to the star describes as; “One of the most beautiful and natural locations to practice yoga”. Also on Lord Howe Island, experience Ayurvedic treatments in a traditional yurt beneath a majestic Banyan Tree forest at Arajilla Retreat.

Reset

Where “barefoot meets Armani”, Gaia Retreat and Spa offers exemplary food, boho chic design, stunning day spa and some of Australia’s leading practitioners. Recently the 24-room retreat in the Byron hinterland has upped the luxe factor unveiling new villas with saltwater plunge pools and views for days.

Soma, also in Byron Bay’s hinterland, is a purpose-built retreat led by Vedic meditation teacher, mindfulness expert and founder of Sydney’s Conscious Club, Gary Gorrow. Four programs are offered to rest, recharge and renew.

The renowned Elysia Wellness Retreat meanwhile offers two seven-day retreats overlooking the Hunter Valley’s Broken Back Mountain range. Beyond the gated entrance you’ll find one of Australia’s largest day spas and one of the few places which offer watsu therapy, fast garnering a cult following worldwide.