Spa Secrets
Spa Chakra Sydney
Suite 2, Cowper Wharf Rd
Woolloomooloo NSW
02 9368 0888
http://www.spachakra.com
First impressions count – and at this swanky wharf-side spa, the complimentary valet parking, comfy rattan chairs and ultra-classy vibe spells serious pampering. Guerlain products are used in the treatments, which run the gamut from Terracotta Tan to Purifying Back Therapy, but seekers of super-soft skin head straight for the decadent Vichy Shower experience, the spa’s most popular summer indulgence. The Spa Facial – which involves everything from an eyebrow shape and foot massage to paraffin hand treatment – is also one for your wish list, as are the three, five or seven-day urban health retreats on offer. Now that’s what we call bliss!
Gaia Retreat and Spa
933 Fernleigh Rd
Brooklet NSW
02 6687 1216
http://www.gaiaretreat.com.au
Nestled in the green valleys and hills in the subtropical hinterland of Byron Bay is the Gaia Retreat, an holistic, live-in experience offering luxury accommodation, yoga and more. The Amala Day Spa is one of the retreat’s big draw cards, offering a multitude of renewing treatments from Hawaiian bodywork, to body wraps, polishes and luxurious facials. Come for a complete overhaul and detoxify from the stresses of everyday living with the renowned Detox Treatment, a three hour cleansing and toning routine, (including massage, steam, body mask, and detox tea) designed to restore balance and harmony to even the most off-kilter.
Azure Spa
Lizard Island
Via Cairns Qld
07 4043 1999
One of Australia’s most exclusive holiday destinations, Lizard Island is home to a luxury spa retreat too, the aptly named Azure Spa. With intense tropical seas as far as the eye can see, it’s no wonder the treatments at this luxe venue pay tribute to the big blue; Sodashi and Phytomer are used in to rebalance and restore. This natural wonderland inspires such spa treatments as the Soothing Breeze, a couples treatment starting in a private steam room, followed by a double massage, then his and hers facials. Paradise. Full beauty salon services are also available to maintain your castaway chic.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
20 Daintree Rd
Daintree Qld
07 4098 6100
http://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au
While spa treatments seem so ‘now’ a trip to the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa may cause you to ponder. Drawing on rainforest ingredients and the wisdom of the local Ku Ku Yalanji people, the spa and resort offers a unique opportunity to experience nature. On a guided rainforest walk, you’ll see native nuts, berries, fruits and flowers, some of which are used in the all-natural treatments; the restaurant also serves a rainforest salad featuring quandongs, munthari berries and rosella flowers. The internationally lauded nature spa has added a waterfall platform accessed only by foot, offering the ultimate outdoor spa indulgence.
Chuan Spa
Langham Hotel
Southbank Vic
03 8698 8111
http://www.chuanspa.com/en/
At Chuan, treatments are based around the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, plus the five elements: fire, earth, water, wood and metal. Luxury is probably the sixth element as Chuan offers the full fluffy-robe experience; even filling out your details is soothing as you sip herbal tea whilst reclined on plush daybeds. Treatment rooms take opulence up a notch or ten – some are suite sized with backlit spas and Feng Shui inspired fit-outs. Choose from a range of al-a-carte services including waxing and male specific pampering, or turn to the escape menu for themed therapies and extended indulgence.
Peninsula Hot Springs
140 Davenport Drv
Fingal Vic
03 5950 8777
http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com
You don’t have to venture into volcano country to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of thermal bathing – it’s all within 90 minutes of Melbourne in a tranquil coastal setting. Drawing natural mineral water from 637m underground, the Peninsula Hot Springs boasts indoor and outdoor baths ranging in temperature from 38°C to 43°C. So pure you could drink it, the water forms the basis of many treatments such as the Red Wine and Black Beer mineral baths. (But no, don’t bring a glass for those.) Then once you’ve simmered gently, enjoy a range of other therapies including mud wraps, salt scrubs and warm stone massage.
More spas from WA, SA & TAS
From Spa Secrets Australia published by Deck of Secrets – Australia’s favourite insider’s guide for locals and visitors.
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