Australia’s best spas and health retreats

Qualia

Hamilton Island, Queensland

In the heart of Queensland’s Whitsundays,  Qualia is one of the country’s most luxurious spa resorts and a much sought after destination for Australian and international visitors alike. 

Guests can choose from a variety of relaxing treatments, including hot stone massages and indigenous therapies, but for those looking to work up a sweat, the resort also has an in-house personal trainer.

Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia

Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW

Golden Door is synonymous with weight loss around the world, but it’s not just about calorie counting at Spa Elysia in the Hunter Valley.

As Australia’s largest day spa, the facility has 26 treatment rooms offering the full range of beauty and massage therapies. There’s also a wellness centre where patrons can consult with experts in fitness, nutrition and alternative therapies.

Lilianfels

Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW

Lilianfels sits on a historic country homestead overlooking the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, and includes indoor and outdoor heated pools, a sauna, a spa, a gym, and English-style gardens perfect for morning strolls.

The volcanic stone treatment in the property’s spa is said to restore physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It can also aid in the burning off of scones and lamingtons, should you choose to combine your massage with a high tea in the ‘ladies who lunch’ option.

Gwinganna

Gold Coast, Queensland

Gwinganna is an eco-tourism health retreat set on 200 hectares in the Tallebudgera Valley, focused on healing therapies that force stressed guests to relax, and offering the occasional glance of co-owner Hugh Jackman hanging around the property.

Activities include the usual suspects, such as yoga and Pilates, as well as more eclectic options, including creative dance, qi gong, or an “equine experience” with Stevie the horse.

Gaia Retreat & Spa

Byron Bay, NSW

Set on 25 acres of Byron Bay hinterland and co-owned by Olivia Newton-John, Gaia Retreat and Spa offers bespoke holistic wellness programs for harried guests seeking a break from their too-busy schedules.

The property’s lush, tropical surrounds are complemented here by a pool, spa, sauna, and fitness centre.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Lithgow, Blue Mountains, NSW

Owned by The Emirates Group, Wolgan Valley bills itself as Australia’s first luxury eco-resort, and thanks to a $125 million fit out, looks the part to a tee.

The property’s Timeless Spa provides guests with an extensive menu of holistic stress-reducing beauty and massage treatments using chemical-free products in six double treatment rooms.

The Lake House

Daylesford, Victoria

Best suited for reluctant detoxers, The Lake House offers guests seasonal wellness retreats, alongside treats from Alla Wolf Tasker’s kitchen.

In the treehouses of the Salus Day Spa, guests soak in pure mineral water in cedar-lined tubs overlooking the lake, before enjoying their pick of hydrotherapy pampering.

Injidup Spa Retreat

Margaret River, Western Australia

Named after the bay it overlooks, Injidup Spa Retreat has 10 spacious villas, each fitted out with a heated plunge pool.

The day spa is a focal point of the retreat, and its treatments, including a Himalayan crystal salt exfoliation and an herbal infusion massage, are the reason many guests return.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

When the day’s snow-bound activities have been exhausted, guests of Peppers Cradle Mountain can retreat to the bliss of a massage table, hot volcanic stones or aromatic oils at the Waldheim Alpine Spa − looking out over the valley with its ghostly snow-clad King Billy pines.

Ikatan Balinese Day Spa

Noosa, Sunshine Coast

Ikatan offers guests traditional Balinese massages, body wraps, facials, and deluxe mani-pedis, in villa-style treatment rooms, surrounded by Balinese gardens.