8 Winter Spa Getaways

Best for: Couples wanting a secluded romantic getaway surrounded by nature, but cocooned in luxurious style.
Signature treatment: Kodo (meaning “melody”) Massage, $140 for 60 minutes; $175 for 90 minutes.

They say: “A divine rhythmic body massage inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques that work to bring the body back into balance, enhancing mind and body wellness.”

We say: “While the decor reflects a chic Hamptons vibe, the massage is a uniquely Australian treat for the senses. The combination of native aromatic oils, smoke and sounds with the purposeful, spiralling hand movements of the attentive masseuse will transport you to another world of relaxation. Take the couples option so your loved one doesn’t get jealous!”

Don’t miss: A delectable gourmet experience at Manfredi at Bells, the boutique hotel’s restaurant, with its sumptuous menu containing fresh produce grown on site, before retiring to the sophisticated cosiness of your private cabin.

Visit bellsatkillcare.com.au

Best for: Taking time out for yourself with a wide range of activities and exquisite, organic cuisine.

Signature treatment: Watsu, $200 for 50 minutes.

They say: “A specialty aquatic bodywork treatment in a private heated pool. Your therapist will support your body in the water, relaxing your spine in ways that aren’t possible on land, and create a deep sense of relaxation with gentle gliding and flowing movements.”

 
We say: “After a car accident on the drive from Sydney, my nerves were a little on edge (to say the least!). The treatment was unlike anything I’ve experienced, and it was surprisingly relaxing having my body manipulated by a therapist while warm water cascaded over me. Immediately after emerging, I felt heavier due to being weightless for 50 minutes, but my muscles felt more relaxed and I was pleasantly chilled out afterwards.”

Don’t miss: Tai chi/qigong at sunrise, followed by a guided walk past scenic bushland and picturesque wineries before a healthy yet hearty breakfast.

Visit goldendoor.com.au

Best for: A luxe yet laid-back experience. Expect quirky interior design, poolside cocktails and lots of pampering.

Signature treatment: USPA Concept Facial, $195 for 90 minutes.

They say: “It runs like this: a welcoming back massage, a deep cleanse, exfoliation, masks, a therapeutic face and scalp massage, followed by an eye contour wrap to take care of the delicate eye area, and hydration treatment to nourish and protect.”

We say: “After a day spent in the sun and surf, my complexion needed some serious coddling. The combination of stimulating massage techniques (who doesn’t love a scalp massage?) with a deep exfoliation and a replenishing mask gave my skin the moisture surge it needed. My face was noticeably beaming, so I skipped the make-up application and headed straight to the bar!”

Don’t miss: The QT Concierge app. Download prior to your stay for the best places to eat, play and shop, as recommended by the hotel’s chic staffers.

Visit qtgoldcoast.com.au

Best for: Kickstarting a health and fitness regimen and escaping the daily grind.

Signature treatment: LI’TYA Signature Ritual – The Dreaming, $385 for 170 minutes.

They say: “The ritual includes a facial, Mala Mayi body wrap, Kodo body massage, scalp massage and hand and foot treatment. Embracing traditional Aboriginal healing techniques and native plant essential oils and extracts, earth ochres and desert salts, these deeply therapeutic elements work to nurture, revive and restore.”

We say: “The fusion of traditional Indigenous customs with soothing massage techniques left my skin polished and supple, and relaxed my sore shoulder muscles. The radiance-boosting facial left me looking dewy and luminous – other guests even commented at dinner!”

Don’t miss: The chance to explore the idyllic Gold Coast hinterland. Hike up to the lookout for stunning views of the Tallebudgera Valley and watch the sun rise over the ocean during an early session of qigong.

Visit gwinganna.com

Best for: World-class pampering and fine dining in a serene setting. The hotel, restaurant and spa have won a plethora of awards and the area’s revitalising mineral springs offer a distinctive experience. 

Signature treatment: Salus Signature Bliss, $200 for 90 minutes.

They say: “This treatment reduces tension and relieves muscle aches with a combination of soothing rhythmic strokes using hot volcanic rocks and warm oil. The body is then polished with lime and ginger salts to remove rough skin. Then, while you’re wrapped up, receive a soothing face and scalp massage. A vichy shower completes this nourishing experience.” 

We say: “No wonder this is the favourite of the therapists – it features the best of the spa’s offerings. The relaxing massage melted away tension in my back and shoulders, and the scrub invigorated my senses. The unique vichy jets and waterfall shower were the perfect end to the treatment. I felt recharged and my skin was ultra supple.” 

Don’t miss: The locally sourced produce at the Lake House restaurant, which overlooks the iconic Lake Daylesford. Finish off with a cheese plate on the deck and a glass of local sparkling. Then take a leisurely walk around the grounds to complete a truly relaxing day.

Visit lakehouse.com.au

Best for: Getting away from it all. Treatments are tailored to your needs at a hillside hideaway in the heart of WA wine country. The vista sweeps across the Margaret River region’s world-famous surfbreaks, and suites have beach access, plunge pools and breakfast hampers packed with lovely local goodies.

Signature treatment: The Luminous Package, $205 for 90 minutes.

They say: “An exquisite facial sequence for glowing, healthy skin with a 30-minute back massage. This one-hour Pure Radiance Facial treatment will take you on a unique aromatic journey of the senses. Your skin will feel calm, hydrated and radiant as a result of Sodashi’s finest plant essences designed to soothe and replenish.”

We say: “The facial began with a consultation to appraise my (thirsty) skin for a tailor-made treatment. Heavenly essential oils and a soothing face massage dropped me into a state of bliss as waves crashed on the beach outside. My skin drank in the plant-derived products, emerging supple and hydrated.” 

Don’t miss: The meditations led by a former Buddhist monk and the opportunity to truly unplug and unwind. Tucked away in a national park, there’s no mobile reception and the iconic Cape to Cape Trackis right on your doorstep.

Visit injidupsparetreat.com.au

Best for: Advocates of traditional Chinese therapies and those who don’t have time for a holiday.

Signature treatment: Harmony Massage, $159 for 60 minutes.

They say: “A peaceful relaxation massage using Chuan’s traditional Chinese medicine sequence. It combines flowing relaxation movements with therapeutic acupressure techniques to leave you calm and revitalised.” 

We say: “After a stressful work event, this was exactly what I needed to unwind. The therapist began massaging my limbs with an essential oil that I’d chosen, and I’m not sure if it was the comforting aroma or the tension-relieving techniques, but I floated out of the spa feeling uber Zen. I had the best night’s sleep in a long time and my skin was still soft the next day.”

Don’t miss: Your chance to experience the Chuan Tri-Bathing Ritual. The three-step system involves a soak in a jacuzzi overlooking iconic Flinders Street Station, a dry sauna and a 12-jet river stone shower to help you unwind.

Visit langhamhotels.com.au.

Best for: Those seeking an ultimate five-star indulgent escape where every need is catered to.

Signature treatment: Ligurian Honey and Almond Wrap, 90 minutes, $270.

They say: “A unique Kangaroo Island spa experience inspired by the Aboriginal Dreamtime, utilising island-sourced natural ingredients, from the Bay of Shoals mineral salts for the body exfoliation to the rich, restorative Ligurian honey.”

We say: “It really feels like there’s nowhere else on the planet quite like The Southern Spa. Set apart from the lodge with panoramic views over the wild Southern Ocean and rugged bush, you feel cocooned in your own private world. The massage was easily the best I’ve ever had and the full-body treatment – which used local organic produce – left my skin tingling all over. But the finale of standing under the open rainwater shower in the midst of this other-worldly location was simply outstanding.”

Don’t miss: Going walkabout. If you can tear yourself away from the lodge’s aptly named Great Room soaking up the luxe finishes, take the time to explore the island. There’s a reason it’s referred to as Australia’s Galapagos, from seeing the sea lion colony and spotting kangaroos to pristine beach walks and stunning coastal scenery.

Visit southernoceanlodge.com