If the daily work grind has left you feeling a little blue, why not treat yourself to some pampering with a weekend stay in a spa hotel? Forget the at-home attempt of cucumbers on the eyes—these places mean business when it comes to offering that perfect treatment.
From the Blue Mountains to downtown Sydney, here are some of our favourite spa and wellness hotels that will leave you feeling simply fabulous.
If you’re hoping to come away from your spa treatment feeling like a class-A celebrity, QT Sydney is a good place to start. The hotel simply oozes style, and its in-house spaQ is no exception to this. All the usual treatments are available, but if you want to share some relaxation with your respective other, why not opt for the (soul)mate escape? Enjoy a 60-minute massage, followed by a 30-minute accessory of your choice. Accessories include an express hair treatment, a thyme foot therapy, and a mini-facial.
In keeping with the hotel’s style, rooms pair bold patterns and colours to create a unique aesthetic. The QT Deluxe King features a luxurious Gel bed, bespoke furnishings, and MALIN+GOETZ bathroom amenities.
The Blue Mountains has not only become synonymous with the Three Sisters, but also with many spa and wellness hotels. One of our favourites is the elegant Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa. Here you can appreciate an award-winning day spa that’s certain to give you that necessary dose of Zen.
Different face and body treatments are available, with all using products from the KERSTIN FLORIAN range. For her, we recommend the Cocoon Bliss which includes an aromatic full-body massage and a deep-cleansing facial to exfoliate and revive. For him, we suggest the Gentleman’s Oasis, which comprises of a full-body exfoliation and a mud mask refresher facial.
Amidst the frenetic energy of Pyrmont lies a sanctuary of relaxation—welcome to The Darling. This modern hotel has a lot to be proud of. Firstly, it is the only hotel in Sydney to have been awarded the prestigious Forbes five-star rating. Secondly, the in-house Darling Spa packs a punch as far as spas in Sydney go.
The spa features 11 treatment rooms, a steam room, and a Moroccan Hammam chamber. Four signature treatments are available, but if you’re looking for that A-list kind of experience, we suggest the La Prairie Ultimate Caviar Luxury. This includes a caviar body massage followed by a La Prairie Caviar Lift Facial. Flaunt your glow a little later at the hotel’s coveted in-house restaurant, Sokyo.
The Langham provides a hotel experience that can best be described as timeless elegance. Nestled in the heart of the Rocks district, the hotel features a classic aesthetic, blending antique furnishings, printed fabrics, and marble bathrooms.
If you’re staying in the centre of Sydney it comes as no surprise that you’re probably going to need a little downtime, and this can best be achieved with an experience at the hotel’s in-house Day Spa by Chuan. Opt for the Spa Socialising Package, which starts with a massage or facial, and concludes with an Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood in the hotel’s Palm Court. But before leaving the spa, we recommend taking a dip in the beautiful indoor swimming pool, which features a star-lit ceiling!
Nothing quite evokes the fantasy of a wellness retreat more than Spicers Vineyards Estate. Set in the heart of NSW’s famed Hunter Valley, this five-star estate is the ideal place to catch up on a little R&R time. Check into the Luxury Spa Suite, which features bluestone fireplaces, vineyard views, and a spa bath with a rain shower.
It goes without saying that a stay at Spicers should involve a visit to the healing Spa Anise. This brand-new spa offers body and face treatments as well as a series of spa ritual packages. Our pick is the Vineyards Signature Vina Spa Ritual which starts with a champagne sorbet full-body exfoliation and flows into an invigorating anti-ageing facial. Come evening, head to Botanica Restaurant for some modern Australian cuisine. How could you say no when dishes such as zucchini flowers and Hunter Valley beef fillet are featured on the menu?
If you’re happy to drop some serious cash for your next wellness weekend away, Wolgon Valley Resort & Spa awaits you. The retreat is housed in a classic stone building, reminiscent of a rural Australian homestead. Think wide verandahs, exposed stone walls, and timber flooring. The 40 individual suites are equally impressive and feature private decks that come with your very own swimming pool. Heaven!
For some added relaxation, head to One&Only Spa. Choose one of the many treatments that use products from Australia’s own 100% chemical-free skin care range, Sodashi. Opt for the Sole to Sole treatment, which focuses on relieving stress and tension through pressure point massage.
Feature image courtesy of Boggy / Fotolia