Soak away stress at the best day spas on the Gold Coast

There’s something about being by the ocean that soothes the soul; its waves lulling the body into a sense of calmness. And though many corners of the Gold Coast bustle, there’s always somewhere quiet to sit back and take it all in – one of our favourites being a day spa.

Whether it’s the abundance of plant-based food, thriving fitness culture, or endless outdoor spaces to hike – the Gold Coast is well in tune to wellness. Looking for the chance to unwind? Let us introduce you to the best day spas Gold Coast has to offer.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat

When it comes to Gold Coast day spas, Gwinganna is hallowed ground. A multi award-winning, eco-certified retreat with a focus on sustainable living – Gwinganna was crowned the World’s Best Eco Spa yet again in 2022.

Put down your phone and embrace the quiet among 500 acres of lush Tallebudgera Valley beauty, where peace of mind is guaranteed. The expert team offers spa treatments that range from traditional massage to ayurvedic aromatherapy, movement and relaxation classes, sound healing, a soothing infinity pool overlooking the valley, and nourishing, organic meals served out of its restaurant.

If you can’t dedicate the time to one of their life-changing multi day wellness retreats, be sure to indulge in a day experience instead.

Where: 192 Syndicate Rd, Tallebudgera Valley

Azure Spa at The Star Gold Coast

Glittering Gold Coast hotspot The Star holds its own when it comes to spa offerings, too.

Azure Spa offers a step into tranquillity within this bustling resort and entertainment centre, and the indulgent menu includes facials, massage, signature body treatments, and mani pedis. Everything you need before a glamorous night out, or for just a little ‘me time’.

Treatments use luxury sustainable skin care brand BABOR, and for the ultimate day spa Gold Coast treat, add the Azure Cabana Experience and bliss out in total luxury, poolside.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach Island, Broadbeach

Soak Bathhouse

While many day spas on the Gold Coast are all about self-retreat and silence, Soak Bathhouse bucks the trend and sets the scene for a social wellness outing.

The ethos here is all about making wellness part of your regular routine, not something to indulge in every once in a while. As such, bath access is affordable and you can purchase multi-pack entry passes to save a few more dollars, too.

Expert therapists offer a range of spa and beauty treatments, but if all you want to do is soak and sip champagne with your mates, make yourself at home.

Where: Shop 20 Pacific Square, 2532 - 2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach. Soak Bathhouse has a second outpost in Brisbane’s West End.

OneSpa at Royal Pines Resort

Put your feet up and enjoy a moment of life without distraction at OneSpa, the Gold Coast day spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

This is a quiet, serene sanctuary for those looking to ease body and mind. OneSpa offers locally inspired rituals, unique water therapies, and massages – with a relaxation area that overlooks the sprawling resort grounds.

Splash out on the 3.5 hour Driftaway Ritual which includes body exfoliation and hydration wrap; scalp, neck and shoulder massage; full body massage and facial. It’s sure to put you in holiday mode.

Where: Royal Pines Resort, Ross St, Benowa 

SpaQ at QT

In the heart of Surfers Paradise, QT is renowned for making a statement with its on-trend, design-forward surrounds, and buzzy restaurants and bars. spaQ is no exception, doing things a little differently to help you sink back into your own groove.

Treatments here pack a therapeutic punch, and are customised to however you’re feeling on the day, kicking off with a personal consultation and ending with post-treatment recommendations so you can keep the bliss going long after you walk out the door.

spaQ’s signature experiences are the specialty, combining a range of treatments for the ultimate indulgence. Our personal favourite? The Weekend Warrior – for over two hours you can relax into a coffee and sea kelp scrub, massage and Uspa facial.

Spa packages are available for couples and groups too.

Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Chuan Spa at The Langham

The newest contender for best day spa on the Gold Coast is Chuan, located within recently-opened, sparkling 5 star beachfront hotel, The Langham.

Take a break from everything on your to-do list and retreat to comfort in a place that feels like your home away from home – just a little more luxurious. Guided by principles of Traditional Chinese Massage, Chuan Spa takes a holistic approach to wellness and designs personalised treatments based on your mood and individual needs. Shut out reality for a few hours for a facial, herbal salt scrub, mud wrap or massage.

Where: The Langham, 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat 

If you find it hard to take a moment of pause in life, journey 1,000m above sea level to the treetops of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Stare out the windows of Lost World Spa and into Lamington National Park and you’ll feel like you’ve lost touch with the rest of the world – in the best way possible.

This is your opportunity to sink into relaxation among World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest, and it feels like a reset on your entire soul.

Lost World Spa offers seven state of the art treatment rooms, including two couples suites, where you can choose from massage, hot stone therapy, facials and more. Given O’Reilly’s has its own winery nearby, it makes sense that a signature treatment is vinotherapy, where grape-infused products scrub and nourish the skin.

If you have a little extra time up your sleeve, stay the night. Check into a treetop villa, complete with a private spa and national park views.

Where: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park Rd

Greenhouse The Bathhouse

Life’s pressures melt away every moment you spend at Greenhouse the Bathhouse, a self-described boutique bathhouse and communal rejuvenation space. And while it’s a great spot to duck away solo, the bathhouse is also available for private hire and group bookings.

A signature soak session offers 90 minutes to go at your own pace, with access to hydrotherapy spas, steam room, red cedar sauna, magnesium plunge pool, sun deck and lounge area. Stay a little longer and add on treatments like organic body scrubs, organic clay face mask, massage and more.

You can even enjoy a plant-based lunch by Greenhouse Canteen – one of the Gold Coast’s best vegan eateries – served on the sundeck alongside bubbles or kombucha.

Where: 7/37 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads

The Bathhouse at Ground Currumbin

If you’ve spent time on the southern Gold Coast you might have visited Ground, an ecovillage in Currumbin Valley home to an organic café, grocer, artisan store and more. But did you know it boasts its own relaxation haven, too?

The Bathhouse is a hydrotherapy and healing centre surrounded by nature. Settle into the mineral enriched plunge pool, traditional hot tub, wood fired hot stone sauna, infrared sauna, and hydrotherapy spa baths. Massage therapists are on hand for those seeking an expert’s touch.

Where: 2 Village Way Currumbin Valley

Earth and Skin Organic Day Spa

Soothe body and mind at Earth and Skin, an organic day spa Gold Coast locals rave about.

Situated in a gorgeous Queenslander building, iconic to the heritage village of Mudgeeraba, Earth and Skin sets the scene for relaxation from the moment you step inside the light-filled space, full of living greenery and soothing music. They provide a full range of luxurious spa treatments including men’s and women’s facials, body treatments, sugaring, tanning, skin needling and more – with a focus on only using sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free products.

Where: 2 Regency Pl, Mudgeeraba

Need a little more time out than a day spa? Check into one of these luxurious Gold Coast retreats for a holiday that nourishes you inside and out.