Overview
There's a sensation that sweeps over you when you enter one of the best spas in Brisbane. It feels strange at first — probably because it's not something you treat yourself to that often. Your phone is out of reach, your body is encased in a soft robe, calming scents waft through your nostrils and the loudest sound you'll hear is your own content exhalations. It's called relaxation.
Thankfully, there are plenty of Brisbane day spa experiences for indulgent stints of tranquillity — you just need to know where to look. Whatever your budget, skin type or preferred massage style, there's a place just waiting to wash all your stresses away. And don't wait until someone buys you a gift voucher or leave it for your next holiday. Pamper yourself whenever you want and for whatever reason at the best day spas in Brisbane.
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LOST WORLD DAY SPA AT O'REILLY'S RAINFOREST RETREAT, LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
A Queensland day spa that shares its name with the sequel to Jurassic Park? Sign us up immediately. There are no dinosaurs stampeding across your back at O'Reilly's Lost World Day Spa, but what you'll get instead is a gorgeous, greenery-filled outlook over Lamington National Park, the McPherson Ranges and the Great Dividing Range — oh, and an infinity pool, steam room and couple's treatment suite, that includes a hand-crafted wooden tub and a private nature-inspired shower. It's easily one of the best day spas near Brisbane.
Treatment-wise, splashing out on a three-hour vinotherapy ritual ($395) is certainly tempting. There's no drinking at this day spa experience, sadly, but it does soaking in blends made from grapey goodness.
AWAY SPA AT W BRISBANE, CBD
When W Brisbane opened back in mid-2018, Brisbanites were instantly taken by its epic façade and impressive geometric pool — and wanted to book a night there straight away. But even if you don't want to shell out for a night at the riverside hotel, you can check into its luxury Away Spa for an hour or two.
Located on a quiet spot on level five, the Brisbane spa has six treatment suites, relaxation pods, a sauna, steam room, a pool and a bar. Prices start at $180 for a 60-minute massage and go up to $850 for a whole-day spa package. The most luxe spa package includes; a 90-minute wrap; a back, neck and shoulder massage; complementary drink; a 60-minute facial; an eye rise treatment; lunch; a manicure and pedicure; and a hands and feet scrub. It's one of the most luxurious Brisbane day spa experiences.
THE HEALING STONE DAY SPA, SOUTH BANK
Drinking, swimming, getting a massage — they're all better when you're 21 storeys up. That's where you'll find Emporium South Bank's day spa, The Healing Stone. And yes, it's on the same level as the towering venue's sky-high bar The Terrace, if you're keen on a super-indulgent visit.
Here, at one of the best spas in Brisbane, choose from your preferred type of massage (shiatsu, relaxation, oil, foot or acupoint) from $115 for 45 minutes, or opt for an hour-long hot rock ganbanyoku treatment for $65. For an extra $80, you also get access to the infinity pool, hotel sauna and bar. It's an easy way to make a proper day of it.
KAILO WELLNESS MEDISPA, FORTITUDE VALLEY
With resort-style cabanas and poolside dining, The Calile is a great place to sit back, relax and forget that you're smack-bang in the middle of Fortitude Valley's James Street. Of course, if you want to complete the faux-holiday experience, you'll need to make a beeline to Kailo Wellness Medispa — one of the best spas in Brisbane within on of the best hotels in Brisbane.
Here, wraps, massages, exfoliation, aromatherapy, facials, manicures, pedicures and cosmetic procedures are all on the menu, as is a range of quick options if you're just stopping by for a short visit rather than checking in for a staycation. An express facial, which takes 30 minutes will set you back $$142 — and leave your face looking fresh, hydrated and smelling like essential oils. You can also get IV vitamin therapy, laser treatments, facials and a whole host of beauty pampering experiences at this luxury day spa in Brisbane.
STEPHANIE'S VINTAGE SPA, CLEVELAND
An award-wining Brisbane spa located in the waterside suburb of Cleveland, Stephanie's Vintage Spa features eight treatment rooms across two very quaint Queenslanders. You can duck into the infra-red sauna, get your nails done in the pedicure lounge ($95–160) or have a quick 40-minute facial for $120.
Fancy a longer stay at one of the best day spas in Brisbane, but not quite sure what you're after? Try the aromatic revival ritual ($215), which includes a massage and full body exfoliation. Plus, if you can't get out to the bay, Stephanie's also has locations in Bulimba, the CBD, Noosa and Clear Mountain.
AQUARIUS HEALTH & MEDISPA, CBD
Get a massage, treat your skin and soak in an Asian-style onsen at the super luxurious Aquarius Health & Medispa. The Brisbane spa is located on Mary Street in the CBD, and we're not knocking all of the usual bits and pieces when we say that it's the latter that's worth the trip.
The Brisbane bathhouse comes complete with a temperature-controlled 22-metre indoor pool, male and female steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, and a dry Finnish sauna. And, casual daily entry only costs $39 — or you can sign up for ten-entry passes ($299) and 12-month access ($1295). Make one of the best spas in Brisbane your home away from home by getting on this yearly membership.
SPA Q AT QT HOTEL, GOLD COAST
We know, we know, the Gold Coast isn't Brisbane — but sometimes, you just want to pair your indulgence with a trip somewhere beachy. Just a stone's throw away from the surf and sand in Surfer's Paradise, QT Gold Coast's Spa Q will have you unwinding in no time, including in its steam room.
Social spa-ing — aka group bookings — is one of their specialities, so gather up four of your mates and head on down. Prices range from $165–$225 each, depending on whether you each want a massage, a facial or a foot treatment, or a few different combinations of each.
Top image: Lost World Day Spa