Relax and recharge with a wellness weekend in Brisbane

The River City might be known for its sunshine, winding waterway and outdoors lifestyle, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find there’s a lot more than good weather and friendly faces. If you’re looking to rejuvenate, some of the country’s best wellness centres and spas can be found right here in the city – so don’t jump in the car and head for the hinterland just yet (though bookmark this award-winning retreat for next time).

Whether you unwind with a yoga class or a wine in hand; you’re planning pre-wedding pampering, a girls’ weekend, or a much-needed self-care escape; a visit to Brisbane will leave you recharged and ready to tackle life. Follow this 48 hour itinerary for a wellness weekend in Brisbane that will lift your mind, body and soul.

Friday

6pm: Check in, dine out

Whether you’re a local on an indulgent staycation or you just touched down at the airport, there’s only two things on your schedule for the first night of your wellness weekend in Brisbane. Check in, then dine out.

Nothing beats a weekend of rest than booking yourself into accommodation that is a destination in itself. With a bold and vibrant style, a rooftop bar that boasts its own 20-metre heated resort pool, and fun-focus on holistic health, W Brisbane will start your weekend on the right note. From world-class dining and spa services to a ‘wherever, whenever’ ethos that can hook you up with anything from scenic flights to game tickets (as long as its legal), you’ll want for nothing here. And if wellness means bringing your pup along for the ride, you’ll be pleased to know the W is pet-friendly.

If you prefer city views over riverfront digs, five-star Sofitel Brisbane Central touch of French flair is for you. Looking for an urban oasis? The Calile pumps with energy from its vibrant Palm Springs-esque poolside to award-winning Greek cuisine at Hellenika and James Street shopping at its doorstep.   

Nomatter where you stay, you’ll have Brisbane’s best dining on your doorstep. Once you’ve settled, it’s time to wander to dinner - but not before raising a glass at WETDeck, W Brisbane’s rooftop bar with panoramic river views.

Saturday

9am: Take it easy

With plush bedding and river views, it’s all too easy to throw away your mental checklist and slip into your weekend with the ultimate indulgence: room service breakfast, robe on. But with a dining institution just steps from your bed, it’s well worth making your way to Three Blue Ducks’ Brisbane outpost that mixes the River City’s laid back attitude with a paddock to plate ethos. The result is local, honest food – and the breakfast menu features mouthwatering options like Spanner crab scramble, lemon & yoghurt pancakes, avocado toast (with a bit of flair), mocktails, smoothies, Single O coffee and more.  

If you can’t start your wellness weekend in Brisbane without a little vinyasa, rise early and make your way to Shri Yoga in Burnett Lane to align your body and mind for the day ahead.

10am: Spa time

From bed robe to spa robe, it’s time to slip into something a little more comfortable.

Brisbanites will be familiar with Stephanie’s Spa Retreat. Nestled within Sofitel Brisbane, it’s considered one of Queensland’s best day spas. It continues the French-inspired design of the hotel, and if you’re looking to splash out you can’t go past the signature Opal Rasul Steam Temple, which includes steam therapy, cleansing muds and gentle rain shows to detox and purify.

Want to stay tucked away in the W? AWAY Spa will give you more than enough reasons to do so. The place to detox and de-stress, start with a soak in the mineral rich vitality pools before turning the heat up in his-and-hers saunas. Then head in for a tailor-made treatment – the huge spa menu includes massage, body wraps, facials, scalp and hair treatments and more.

Need a little more ‘me time’ after your massage? Escape to the W’s relaxation pods for true privacy – and stunning river views.

Other great Brisbane spas include Sakura Day Spa in Teneriffe, One Wybelena for a serene almost-country-retreat within the city suburbs, or the spa services at The Calile and Westin Brisbane.

3pm: Nails and cocktails

Want a mani-pedi with a martini on the side? Fully relaxed, make your way to Brooklyn Beauty Bar in James Street. This salon boasts a sparkling bar inside, to kick-start your evening with a touch of glamour, and a touch of champagne or the signature gin-based cocktails.

Once you’re feeling fresh and fab, it’s time for some retail therapy in Brisbane’s premier shopping precinct.

7pm: Taste your way 

You’ve fed your soul, now feed your stomach. You can’t go wrong with any of these stellar Brisbane restaurants, but if you’re staying in the James Street area after your window-shopping, make a reservation at sAme sAme in Ada Lane for Thai fusion with an equally exciting cocktail menu, small plates and great drops at Cru Bar and Cellar, or classic Italian trattoria Bianca.  

If you want to make a night of it, treat yourself to some cultural inspiration with a show at QPAC or Queensland Theatre. Over in South Bank, Maeve, Bacchus and Gauge serve the city’s finest wines and bites to match. 

Sunday

9am: Get a fresh start 

Brunch is an institution is Brisbane. And our city of early-risers means the best cafes fill up before most others get out of bed. But to match the warm weather, our cafes serve up delightfully fresh and healthy meals too; perfect for a wellness weekend.

Hidden away in Burnett Lane, Felix For Goodness is just a five minute stroll from W Brisbane and has made a name for its locally-sourced, made from scratch menu. Plus, the café serves brunch until 1.30pm on weekends, so there’s no need to worry if you sleep in.

Nodo in Newstead is a fan favourite for making donuts healthy: gluten-free, baked (not fried) and you’d never know they’re almost good for you. And there’s a seasonal brunch menu that will make you drool too. 

11am: Float away

Imagine floating effortlessly in a dark, quiet pool with 400kgs of Epsom salt in the water. Float therapy may be one of the latest wellness sensations, but they say one hour of floating is equivalent to 4-8 hours of sleep. So if you want to feel well rested and restored, give it a go. The air and water temperature is set to skin temperature, giving you the ultimate gift of sensory deprivation.

Float therapy sessions are available at City Cave, Bliss Float and West End’s Absolute Recovery.

Not quite your thing? Add some paddle power and float where it’s a little sunnier – on Brisbane River. Head to Riverlife Adventure Centre to rent kayaks and get out on the water. 

3pm: Raise your tea cup

It might be time to get out of your robe again, but you can do it in style with high tea.

W Brisbane’s Living Room Bar hosts a uniquely curated High Tea experience with an artistic twist in partnership with QAGOMA. Forget stuffy scones and tea, here you can even paint your own panna cotta while you work your way through creatively flavoured tiers of goodies, alongside cocktails, tea or Champagne. Note: bookings are essential, with seatings at 11am and 3pm on weekends.

Sofitel Brisbane’s signature French high tea, complete with city views, handmade French pastries and champagne. To indulge riverside, make your way to Customs House where high tea is served on Patina’s terrace with Story Bridge views and smoked salmon blinis.

5pm: Walk it off

If there’s time to spare before you head home, take a refreshing wander through the City Botanic Gardens – it’s even more peaceful here on the weekends. Want to raise the heart rate and take in the best views of Brisbane? Summit Mount Coot-tha for golden hour instead – you’ll be rewarded with panoramas across the city and out into Moreton Bay.

Inspired to indulge in more wellness activities?

• Check out these Indigenous health and wellness treatments
• Take it to the next level with on the Gold Coast
• Sign up for a yoga retreat