Best spa hotels in Brisbane for a relaxing weekend retreat

There’s a distinctly French flavour at the five-star Sofitel Brisbane Central, making it a welcoming spa retreat in Brisbane’s bustling business district. Kick-start your wellness getaway with a visit to on-site Stephanie Spa, where you’ll be greeted by the smell of fresh flowers and flickering candlelight.

Begin with an hour-long Opal Rasul Steam Temple, a downright luxurious mud therapy session, exclusive to Stephanie’s and a popular selection for couples. Extend the blissful vibes with a rose petal foot exfoliation followed by reflexology and an Indian scalp, neck and facial massage. Mums-to-be can put their feet up for a soothing Baby Moon Massage Ritual or 100 minutes of Beautiful Bump Therapy.

Once suitably zen, enjoy an organic la Vie élixir herbal tea as you treat your toes to a pedicure. The hotel’s glimmering pool is nearby should you want to revive with a dip, or you can take your spruced-up self straight to Cuvee Lounge Bar to continue the day’s indulgences. Settle into a sleek leather chair and sip exquisite Bollinger Special Cuvee as you tuck into a heaping cheese plate.

In your Prestige Suite, slide into an opulent stone spa bath stocked with Hermes amenities, then select your night-time accessories from a decadent Sleep Menu. After a sound sleep in your King Sofitel MyBed –lit by the atmospheric glow of the intelligent lighting system– you’ll be up early to dine on a Club Sofitel breakfast of an omelette and sweet fruit juice.

The super sleek George William’s Hotel proves that spa breaks don’t need to cost the earth –or even a paycheque. Even the premier Queen Terrace Rooms with extra sofa bed are surprisingly easy on the credit card, so set down your bags in your light-filled space and claim a spot on the sunny terrace while the rest of your crew piles in.

It’s safe to assume, it’s really the spa you’re after, so make your way to the on-site Shiera Wellbeing Centre for some serious pampering. Forget about time as you indulge in a healing hot stone massage, ethereal reiki therapy or a regenerating Shiera Skin Care Package.

All that relaxation will build up an appetite, so gather the group and call into 51st Street for a Mighty Manhattan burger and a vodka-based Cotton Candy Cocktail. Call dibs on the hot shower back in your spotlessly clean en-suite, then chuck on your snuggliest pyjamas for a sleepy movie marathon.

You’re close enough to the city centre to easily play tourist, so set off in the morning with a five-minute amble to the magnificent Museum of Brisbane. Take in vast views over the river from nearby Victoria Bridge, then refuel with a flaky almond croissant at fan-favourite Frisky Goat Espresso. Meander among the shops of Queen Street to top up your wardrobe with some new pieces, then return to your room to deposit any acquired items and enjoy a half-hour with your feet up on the comfortable queen-size bed.

Effortless elegance and unbeatable hospitality are key features of the five-star Stamford Plaza Brisbane. Feel yourself instantly relax as you step into your Junior Review View Suite, where three grand picture windows and a polished marble bathroom lend your stay an air of luxury.

Bust city stresses in the fully-equipped gym, then taper off your workout with a few laps in the turquoise pool under the sun. That’ll make it high time to unwind with one of the Petrichor spa treatments. For all out relaxation, try the Luxury Indulgence package, which includes a milk foot soak, hot stone massage, facial and deluxe pedicure.

Lunch is a laidback affair with spicy Singapore laksa in The Pav Bar’s French-inspired courtyard. Wander along the waterfront as your meal settles and watch boats bob quietly from a bench in the city’s famous Botanic Gardens. Delve into the park’s centre and seek out the stately Walter Hill fountain for a photo op, then call in at Moobar for a classic Tom Collins as the day takes its leave.

Once night falls, head back to your suite’s large lounge for on-demand movies and a cheeky delivery from room service. Sink into your sumptuous king-size bed when your film finishes –we bet you’ll be asleep the second your head hits the pillow. You’ll find breakfast made to order in the hotel’s own Brasserie on the River come morning, where you can wash down nourishing bircher muesli with a strong espresso as the sun sparkles on the river. Make a mental note to return later to sample the eatery’s decadent chocolate high tea buffet.

There are 239 sumptuous suites at the four-star Capri by Fraser Brisbane, but you’d never know it from the tranquil feeling. There’s a sense of serenity from the moment you enter, and every single suite is designed to provide max relaxation for the duration of your stay.

If this is a romantic trip, book into a Studio Deluxe Room to start every morning with steaming cups of Nespresso before a shared rainfall shower with complimentary Malin+Goetz toiletries. Spick and span, head to Black Fire Restaurant for a leisurely late breakfast of spicy Spanish omelette with a sneaky sparkling Mimosa.

For those day-spa-à-la-Brisbane feels, dive into the indoor heated swimming pool –resplendent in glimmering mosaic tiles– and get your heart rate up with some energetic laps. When you feel you’ve earned it, set your personal dial to relax mode and seek out the steamy sauna. Allow your mind to clear of all concerns, then freshen up and slip into your Saturday Best for a refined evening of tapas and crema Catalana.

The next day will bring meanders around the city’s Botanic Gardens, followed by a stop at the sprawling Riverside Markets to pick up a souvenir or six. Should this stir your desire for a bit of retail therapy, you can stretch your legs with a seven-minute walk to Queen Street Mall. Catch a cooling iced latte at Brew Cafe & Wine Bar, then balance out your day with a wander through culturally rich exhibitions at the Museum of Brisbane.

Street art might not spring to mind when you think of relaxing escapes, but TRYP Fortitude Valley manages to blend sanctuary spaces with mod designs and striking colour creations. Grab the girls and check into the King With Outdoor Spa Suite for a weekend of off-the-clock indulgences.

Mix up some bevvies from the minibar and carry them out to your private terrace spa for boozy catch-ups in the bubbling water. You’ll have complimentary ZAMBELI toiletries when you want to freshen up for a night on the town –though you might just descend on the hotel’s own Archie’s on Constance for delectable fish tacos and ice-cold Chardonnay.

Burn off the champers in the morning with a brisk 40-minute walk to the Gallery of Modern Art –try to pinpoint what inspired your hotel’s pop-art aesthetic. Take time to wander the city’s sun-soaked South Bank, browsing the eclectic Collective Markets for wood-wick candles or a henna artist to give you a delicate tattoo.

Recharge around a pitcher of Fat Yak pale ale at Southbank Beer Garden, then catch the bus back to the hotel from Cultural Centre Station in time for sunset at the rooftop bar. Sample succulent seasonal canapés and cheers a fresh round of champagne as twinkling stars wink into view over the city.