Rejuvenate body, mind and spirit at Queensland’s best day spas

This Gold Coast Hinterland resident is considered one of the country’s most well-regarded wellness sanctuaries. The eco-accredited, multi-award-winning Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is spread across 200 hectares, with the 33-room Sanctuary Spa the real jewel in the crown.

The largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere, the indoor/outdoor space ranges in treatment from the more traditional massage to ayurvedic aromatherapy and sound healing.

spaQ at QT Gold Coast

The design-inclined and spa-enthusiasts are tempted through the doors of the QT Gold Coast in equal measure, courtesy of the hotel’s statement-making interiors and much adored spaQ.

Maintaining the modernist aesthetic of the Surfers Paradise favourite, spaQ has adopted a unique approach; you don’t need to select your treatment in advance, but can enjoy something bespoke on arrival. There’s plenty to choose from, a hammam-inspired steam room and intensive facials included.

Spa Anise at Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale

Head into the mountains of Queensland’s idyllic Scenic Rim where you’ll find one of the best Queensland day spas, luxury country escape Spicers Peak Lodge. The country’s highest non-alpine lodge at 1100 metres above sea level makes unwinding all too easy at the accompanying Spa Anise.

Treat yourself to one of the stand-out Signature Experiences; try the two-hour mountain escape, or the peak lodge ritual with hot stones, before retiring to the relaxation lounge with open fireplace.

Editors note: Spa Anise is currently closed.

Reef House Resort and Spa, Palm Cove

After a day spent splashing amidst the Great Barrier Reef, recuperate at The Reef House Resort and Spa. The historic property in which the spa sits rose from humble beginnings but today the colonial-style abode is a part of the luxury M Gallery by Sofitel collection.

The multi-award winning spa serves up an array of treatments, many in ode to its coastal setting of Palm Cove. Try the Ocean Breeze Lullaby with body exfoliation and rain water shower, or the Ocean Wave Ritual, complete with seaweed wrap.

Intercontinental Hayman Island

Step foot inside one of the Whitsundays’ most exclusive resorts with a stay at the Intercontinental Hayman Island – following a $100 million renovation, the luxe accommodation option made its debut in 2019. Nestled within its manicured grounds (complete with 168 suites and villas) you’ll find the Hayman Spa.

Treatments will see you dig deep, but are not short on opulence; take the Awakening Journey for instance. The $1500 offering will see you spend 4 hours in the spa, enjoying an invigorating steam session, full body exfoliation, private bath, and authentic Island Gemstone Therapy before scalp restore and meditation session.

Alamanda, Palm Cove

Fellow Palm Cove resident Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore (the former Angsana Resort and Spa) is nestled right on the beachfront. The resort town being a favourite for honeymooners, it’s no surprise the spa favours couple treatments, especially of the lavish kind.

Like the Palm Cove Escape, a five-hour package where you’ll be treated to a 90-minute massage, body polish and wrap, followed by a leisurely lunch at fine diner Nu Nu Restaurant. Post-meal, finish strong with a facial massage and hair and scalp treatment.

qualia, Whitsundays

Fan of grandeur? Look no further than a stay at the much revered qualia on Hamilton Island. Sitting on the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island, the resort is the definition of sumptuous, spa included.

Qualia is a Latin word for a collection of deeper sensory experiences, with the mantra embraced by its range of wellness and beauty treatments. A focus on balancing mind and body, native ingredients like Kakadu plum and macadamia are favoured, in treatments which merge the contemporary with Indigenous knowledge.

That’s not mentioning the yoga and meditation pavilion, personal trainers, and steam room on hand.

Essentia Day Spa, Lizard Island

Those seeking seclusion will find it on Lizard Island, where the northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef resides. Aside from swimming in the the 24 private beaches here, spend your time relaxing at the award-winning Essentia Day Spa.

The spa favours an eco-edge in both products and treatments, and has partnered exclusively with Blue Mountains brand iKOU, known for its natural ingredients. Like the high-performance body scrubs which feature the likes of lemon myrtle and jojoba and are customised in treatment, followed by a massaging Vichy shower.

O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa, Gold Coast

There are a number of relaxation sanctuaries which call the Gold Coast home, including O’Reilly’s Lost World. Meander the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park and you’ll find this specialty spa which favours vinotherapy, which utilises the powerful anti-ageing power of grapes grown on its neighbouring vineyard.

After time spent submerged in the infinity pool and steam room, trial the signature Vinotherapy Treatment, where grape-infused products scrub and nourish the skin.

Ripple Massage, South East Queensland

Get pampered from the comfort of your own home with a visit from mobile masseuse Ripple Massage. Focused largely around Brisbane and its immediate surroundings, the convenience-focused company proves that self-care doesn’t have to mean leaving the house.

The company’s specialty lies in its chocolate-based offering; a full body aromatherapy massage complete with warmed chocolate-infused oil.

Daintree EcoLodge and Spa, Tropical North Queensland

It’s deep in the Daintree rainforest at the Daintree EcoLodge and Spa that you’ll find one of the most eco-friendly Queensland day spas. The treatment menu has been developed in ode to the elders of the local Kuku Yalanji people, and curated to harness ancient traditions.

The pure waters from the onsite waterfall are harnessed where possible for treatments with the signature healing dubbed the Walbul-Walbul (meaning butterfly), where you’ll find yourself enjoying a soothing massage and body exfoliation before being cocooned in warm mud and washed with rainforest water.

Stephanie’s Spa Retreat, Brisbane

Brisbanites will be all too familiar with Stephanie’s Spa Retreat, long considered one of the best Queensland day spas. Nestled within the five-star Sofitel Brisbane, the CBD resident is heavily French-inspired in design and boasts seven luxury suites, including a twin spa suite for visiting couples.

The signature Opal Rasul Steam Temple is a non-negotiable; picture an hour of skin brushing, steam therapy, cleansing muds, and gentle rain showers designed to detox and purify.

Outback spas

You’ll find no shortage of therapeutic treatments in Outback Queensland. While on your journey across the state’s vast red desert, make sure to stop of a soak in the Artesian Mud Baths of the Palm Grove Date Farm and Winery in Eulo in the state’s South-West. Or a wallow in the spa ‘tanks’ on Nardoo Station nudging Cunnamulla.

There’s also the likes of more formal spas sitting in town like in Mitchell, Bedourie, Blackall, Ilfracombe and Julia Creek – it’s here that water flows up directly from one of the world’s largest underground water reservoirs, the Great Artesian Basin.