New South Wales

9 Spa retreats in NSW for a reinvigorating weekend away

Are you interested in Turkish baths, essential oils or maybe crystal healing? You're sure to find a treatment to suit you from our top picks of spa retreats in NSW.

Sydney is renowned for its natural beauty, and most of its residents take full advantage by maintaining an active lifestyle. But between all those coastal walks, Pilates classes, and al fresco happy hour drinks, there’s not much room in the weekly schedule for relaxation.

That’s where the art of the weekend getaway comes in! After a long week of work and social commitments, sometimes you just need a weekend away from hectic city life in order to detox and relax in a more tranquil environment.

Thankfully Sydneysiders have plentiful options when it comes to spa weekend getaways, all just a short drive or flight away from the big smoke. From mountains to valleys to the coast, here are eight of the best spa retreats in New South Wales – all set amongst some seriously stunning natural landscapes.

Soak in healing energy at this Byron Bay resort

Starting at the northern reaches of New South Wales, Byron Bay is renowned for its healing energy and makes for an ideal setting for a rejuvenating weekend away – say, at The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa.

Set amongst 45 acres of subtropical rainforest, it’s easy to forget that this luxury resort is actually located in one of Australia’s most iconic beach towns as you stroll down boardwalks surrounded by the jungle. Rooms and suites are all equipped with a kitchen and two enclosed balconies.

Crystalbrook Byron

Top rated
Byron Bay
9.6 Excellent (1294 reviews)

Ocean views from your Port Stephens hotel

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Further down the coast, Port Stephens is just a few hours’ drive from Sydney and is home to The Anchorage Port Stephens, a Hamptons-style waterfront boutique resort that recently underwent a million-dollar renovation in 2017.

With all rooms featuring balconies with 180-degree ocean views as well as a full-service spa on-site, a stay at The Anchorage is like living in the lap of luxury. During your stay, be sure to dine at one of the resort’s restaurants and sample some of the local and regional seafood on the menu, like the Port Stephens Oyster Tempura.

Anchorage Port Stephens

Top rated
Corlette
9.4 Excellent (2117 reviews)

A Hamptons-inspired spa retreat on NSW Central Coast

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Clocking in at about an hour’s drive north of Sydney, Bells at Killcare is a luxurious boutique hotel and spa sanctuary with a Hamptons-inspired design. This Central Coast retreat makes for a fantastic getaway of all sorts, whether it’s romance, a city escape, or pampering you seek.

Its cottages are set amongst the lush gardens and are tastefully furnished with ample blue-and-white striped linens, carpets, and cushions – a nod to the Hamptons. Bells at Killcare is also home to a multi award-winning Italian restaurant and bar, making it a foodie destination of sorts. Their wine list, in particular, has been named “Best Regional Wine List” on more than one occasion.

Bells at Killcare

Top rated
Killcare Heights
9.5 Excellent (390 reviews)

A dose of luxury at this Blue Mountains spa retreat

If mountains appeal to you more than the beach, then Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa might be the luxurious weekend escape you’re looking for.

Set in a gorgeous garden with views of the Jamison Valley, Lilianfels makes for an ideal base for exploring the Blue Mountains region. It’s also a destination in its own right, particularly for foodies, with its multi-award winning restaurants and bars serving local produce and wines.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains and Spa - Blue Mountains

Top rated
Katoomba
9.1 Excellent (2218 reviews)

A Blue Mountains hotel offering a unique spa experience

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Situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, this Crowne Plaza hotel is a cosy spot in the valley of the Hawkesbury River. Whether you’re looking to get amongst nature, unwind with some spa treatments, or partake in various physical activities, the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley has something for everyone.

Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley

Top rated
Richmond
8.8 Excellent (2089 reviews)

A luxurious NSW spa retreat set in nature

The Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is, in their words, “an ultra-luxury conservation-based resort occupying just 1% of a 7000-acre nature reserve in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.”

This resort is comprised of several luxurious villas, all of which contain a double-sided fireplace, a private swimming pool, and thoughtful touches like a set of binoculars for spotting wildlife in the valley. The three-bedroom villa serves as a self-contained lodge and includes private butler service.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Top rated
Lithgow
9.6 Excellent (120 reviews)

Eco-friendly luxury at this Kangaroo Valley spa retreat

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Two hours south of Sydney you’ll find Crystal Creek Meadows, an eco-friendly luxury accommodation option in Kangaroo Valley. On offer are four private cottages set amongst picturesque gardens and orchards, all with a fireplace, kitchen, and private garden. Wildlife spotting is practically a guarantee at this property, with wombats and kangaroos often making their way through the grounds.

Crystal Creek Meadows

Top rated
Shoalhaven
9.2 Excellent (57 reviews)

Rural escape on NSW South Coast

Comprised of five boutique suites set on a working farm amidst the rolling hills, Mt Hay Retreat makes for a truly unique and exclusive rural escape in the South Coast region.

All suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that let in a generous amount of natural light, a private garden, and a private deck with interrupted views of the property and surrounding countryside. The pièce de résistance, though, is the outdoor bathtub – the perfect way to relax and soak up the stunning vistas.

While there isn’t an onsite spa on the property, guests do have the option of adding an in-suite massage to their accommodation package. There’s also an indoor heated pool and spa, giant chess set, and a “sky scraping” swing for guests to enjoy.

There are attractions galore near Mt Hay Retreat, starting with the village of Berry, a must-visit especially for foodies with a penchant for exceptional wine and local produce. If you time your visit for the first Sunday of the month, the Berry County Fair will be on. Otherwise, there are wineries, beaches, and waterfalls galore around the South Coast, which are best enjoyed on a scenic drive.

Mt Hay Retreat

Berry
9.9 Excellent (66 reviews)

Feature image courtesy of Impact Photography / Fotolia