11 super luxe spa retreats in Australia

Image © ELEMENTS OF BYRON

Oct 1, 2020 Luxury Hotels, Resorts & Boutique Lodges

11 super luxe spa retreats in Australia

No overseas travel? No problem with these super luxe spa retreats around Australia.

Jetting overseas for a luxurious wellness retreat might be off the table for a while, but fear not as there are plenty of sumptuous and relaxing spa retreats to send clients, or yourself, too.

After a lengthy lockdown, HNWI’s are looking for relaxing retreats to take stock, unwind and forget the stress of homeschooling, cancelled trips abroad, and stressors at work. After living mostly indoors through winter, travellers have been counting down the days they can spend their disposable income on a relaxing, rejuvenating stay.

We look at some of the most luxurious spa experiences that are now taking bookings, and what makes them a must-visit this summer.

1. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat (Gold Coast, QLD)

We had to start our list with the largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere. Offering a mix of exercise options in the morning and a restorative afternoon to unwind with spa treatments. For those not yet able to travel (hello Melbourne) they even offer a Wellness at Home Online program. The Seven Night Detox is particularly popular among guests, and the team have pivoted to provide extensive hygiene procedures to comply with a COVID safe environment.

2. Kangaroo Island Health Retreat (Kangaroo Island, SA)

Founder Sue McCarthy has been teaching health and wellbeing for close to four decades. The Dynamic Detox program has a maximum of eight guests, making it ideal for an intimate and safe environment to learn and detox. Best suited for travellers looking for a rest with a lot of walking, mindful eating and cooking. Ideal for those looking to shift those ISO kilos.

3. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley (Blue Mountains, NSW)

Guests can revel in the splendour and enjoy some wellness in the wilderness with a luxury stay at One&Only Wolgan Valley. Private villas and exclusive day spa access where guests can choose from a generous menu of treatments including Chakra Balancing, Sacred Stone Massage and a Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Facial. With a focus on conservation, the resort nestled amongst a 2,800 hectare reserve in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Guests can also take part in a number of hands on Conservation Activity excursions to help them feel both relaxed and purposeful.

4. Injidup Spa Retreat (Yallingup, WA)

Pampering is on the menu for guests lucky enough to stay in one of the 10 villas at Injidup in the Margaret River region.. With stunning views of Injidup Bay and the Indian Ocean, each villa has a private plunge pool and guests area treated to a bottle of wine and a breakfast hamper on arrival. Private chef, along the beach, and right along the Cape to Cape. The in house spa offers luxe packages to help any guest unwind.

5. Peppers Silo (Invermay, TAS)

Tasmania’s newest day spa is a sanctuary. For travellers seeking nature with a passion for Australian products, with a chance to stay in an original 1960s silo. A 35 metre high building that once held oodles of grain is now a nine story hotel. We recommend the Gorge River Room with a private balcony offering views of Launceston. The Silo Day Spa uses locally made Tasmanian essential oils, and the popular Silo Ultimate Retreat offers guests three hours of pure bliss.

6. Gaia Health Retreat & Spa (Brooklet, NSW)

Guests will find themselves in the Byron Bay hinterland at Gaia with orchards, gardens and the ideal setting for zen. Co-founded by Olivia Newton-John, Gaia offers a holistic, tailored retreat experience with 22 rooms on the 25 acre grounds. The onsite spa is globally renowned for its treatments, with other facilities like a naturopathic clinic, fitness centre and restaurant with a daily changing menu. Gaia offers classes in everything from yoga to gardening to clay sculpture, there will be something to salve even the weariest of travellers’ souls.

7. Elements of Byron Resort & Spa (Byron Bay, NSW)

Guests can start their day with First Light Yoga at sunrise, and then visit the $100 million resort redevelopment. The Quench Body Hydration is 75 minutes of pure bliss beloved by clients. The spa is only open to resort guests until February, and guests can choose from one of eight stunning villas. Guests can curate a wellness path to relax, rebalance and revive, and enjoy meals at the Azure Bar & Grill that was named as a 2020 Australian Good Food Guide winner.

8. Harmony Hill Health Retreat (Hobart, TAS)

Anywhere that guarantees to free yourself from stress in 6 days and it in the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness has our vote. Even better is the exclusivity of your private retreat that accommodates just one individual and one couple at any time. The incredible view from the hot tub is dreamy enough. Best for couples or those looking for multiple massages and chakra healing.

9. Eden Health Retreat (Currumbin Valley, QLD)

As Australia’s longest-running luxury health retreat, Eden is set to reopen after a complete refurbishment and a new menu. Eden is best suited to those wanting to detox from life as a non-smoking, alcohol and caffeine free retreat that offers everything across a stunning 380 acres of tropical rainforest. From bush walking to the flying fox to the saltwater pool—Eden has something for the adventurous and the in-need-of-rest guest. The retreat was also awarded both Australia and Oceania’s Best Wellness Retreat at the 2019 World Spa Awards.

10. Amaroo Retreat & Spa (Mount Helena, WA)

An adults only getaway with a full spa service to cater to all clients, husband and wife team Paul and Emma Rashleigh have created a couples retreat less than an hours drive from Perth CBD. Secluded, tranquil, luxury chalets with bubbly on arrival and an onsite restaurant and bar. Couples can be pampered together or enjoy a spa overlooking the bush views and enjoy complimentary breakfast.

Soak up luxury in your chalet style room at this secluded retreat and spa. Enjoy being pampered together, wearing white bathrobes and soaking in your private spa tub. Dine onsite at the resort restaurant and refuel each morning with a complimentary breakfast.

11. Samadhi (Daylesford, VIC)

For those seeking a meditation retreat, look no further than Samadhi which dubs itself the jewel of healing retreats. With only two luxury suites on site, guests are offered exclusive use of the property and enjoy treatments and private dining in your room.