Overview
You work hard, you play hard and gosh you should get to relax hard too —and what better way to do that than with a healthy dose of luxury down at one of the best spas in Melbourne? Spend your day of self-care kicking around in a comfy robe, being pampered like a boss and having all the time in the world to enjoy yourself, stress-free.
Well, that idyllic image is an easy one to tap into since Melbourne is home to a vast array of top-notch spa destinations (often in some of Melbourne's best hotels). Whatever your budget, skin type, or go-to massage style, there's a luxurious spa treatment for you right near the CBD. Go get your glow on and thank us after you've found your inner peace at one of the best day spas in Melbourne.
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Inner Studio, Collingwood
While Inner Studio doesn't offer massages and beauty treatments, it does have all the essential day spa facilities you need for a proper self-care sesh. You can either drop by to use the different plunge pools and sauna in your own way, or you can sign up for one of its wellness classes. You can take a group breathwork class or yoga workout — followed by plenty of spa time — to help you manage stress, relax and regain some energy.
Individual classes and sauna sessions cost $45 a pop, while the weekly memberships range from $65–$75 depending on whether you just want to roam the facilities or would prefer to also participate in classes. Whichever option you choose, you've got to make a little time for relaxing by the fireplace, sipping on some tea before heading back into the real world.
EQ Wellbeing, South Melbourne
Most Melbourne spas tend to set up cool spaces full of wellness technologies and then simply leave you to choose your own adventure. This can be great for those who know how to use such facilities, but there are a lot of us out there who could do with some guidance.
EQ Wellbeing addresses this by setting up specific wellness journeys throughout its site, each created to target different needs. You'll be told how and in what order to use the hammam, sauna, rain room, lounge, plunge pools, and light and sound therapy dome — as you either seek to relax, re-energise or de-stress. And while EQ prefers not to be labelled as a spa — it basically is. And it is a damn unique one at that.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne CBD
Other Melbourne spas struggle to compete with the total luxury offered at the Ritz-Carlton, and none come close to having such spectacular views — for its spa is located all the way up on the 64th floor. And you don't only get to gawk at the views from the large infinity pool. The men's and women's bathrooms also have views across the city, which you can admire from the plunge pool, sauna and steam room. On top of that, each of the treatment rooms has floor-to-ceiling windows — which is great even if it is a little wasted on you while your head is down on the table.
When it comes to treatments, you've got the lot. Massages start at $230 for an hour, and facials begin at $240, plus there are stacks of add-ons and packages. For example, the Blue Rose Experience includes a foot ritual, mud body wrap, and full body massage with warm jade stones ($540), and the Indulgent Rose Experience includes a foot ritual, rose oil massage, and facial with rose quartz gua sha ($540). The therapists here are outstanding, and worthy of the high price.
Park Club Health and Day Spa at The Park Hyatt, East Melbourne
With five stars to its name, the Park Hyatt is a study in luxury and its onsite Melbourne day spa is no different. This one offers a whole range of therapeutic massages and facial services, along with rejuvenating body treatments designed to blast away toxins and leave that skin in ship-shape condition. Get your glow on with the revitalising wattleseed body polish (a wattleseed and walnut exfoliating scrub designed to brighten, soften and renew the skin, $195), or try the purifying lemon myrtle clay body wrap ($280), that begins with a foot cleanse and exfoliation and is aimed at detoxifying your skin and body. Spa treatments lasting an hour or longer will even get you complimentary valet parking and access to all the wet areas in this luxury Melbourne spa.
Rhiannon Taylor
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Spa, Werribee Park
A trip to the stunning Lancemore Mansion Hotel Spa might just change your definition of luxury. Firstly, it's housed in a grand historic mansion that'll have you feeling like Marie Antoinette. Secondly, the day spa itself boasts an air of exclusivity, featuring gorgeous spaces, ambient sounds, and a menu of primo massages and spa packages designed for maximum pampering. Find yourself easily tempted by lush sounding options like the Sparkling Indulgence ($295): a full body exfoliation followed by a 30-minute neck back and shoulder massage as well as a 30-minute replenishing facial. Conclude your Melbourne spa treatment with a cheeky glass of bubbly in its luxe lounge.
Jess Tremp
Sense of Self, Collingwood
Housed in a stunningly converted Collingwood warehouse, Sense of Self is flipping the script on the usual wellness concept, instead delivering a "no BS" offering centred on inclusivity, connection and restoration. The soaring, light-filled space takes its cues from the bathhouses of Europe, Africa and Japan, with an abundance of greenery designed to soothe and uplift. A massage and mindfulness studio upstairs offers various relaxation and remedial treatments, like the extra deep The Fix massage (from $170 for 60 minutes). Or, you can settle in and get acquainted with the range of bathhouse facilities, including a Finnish sauna, a 39-degree mineral bath and a cold plunge pool. Entry to one of the best spas in Melbourne gets you full use of all these elements, with weekday prices starting from $65 for two hours.
Chuan Spa at The Langham, Southbank
Book in for a treatment at the opulent Chuan Spa in The Langham and you'll also score access to its premium bathing facilities. That includes this stunning saltwater pool and outdoor deck with views across the city. The massage menu heroes traditional Chinese techniques, while multi-treatment options combine things like mineralising salt exfoliations, plumping facials and mud masks. You can even take their online quiz to determine which of their five core elements you resonate most with, which can then be applied to your Chuan treatment. These treatments, the views across the city and the bathing facilities all combine to make this just about the best spa in Melbourne.
Sakura Lounge, CBD
Sakura Lounge is a Japanese-style day spa (sans onsen) tucked away down Warburton Lane. And the Melbourne spa is a winning option for those looking to go all out, offering an array of all-day packages that won't break the bank. Think: traditional Japanese massages, invigorating foot treatments and hydrating facials rolled out one after the other until you've well and truly found your inner zen. With tea and sweets served throughout, and sushi and champagne as optional inclusions, you'll finish up at Sakura feeling more pampered than ever. Try the 2.5-hour Decadent Detox package (foot treatment, chocolate body treatment and hot-stone massage), which clocks in at a reasonable $200.
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Fingal
If you like the idea of rounding out a wine-filled Mornington Peninsula getaway with some pampering, you'll have to add this luxe spa and thermal springs destination to your coastal itinerary. Fingal's Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is the latest addition to Melbourne's spa scene, opening in September 2022. Expect new and sleek amenities throughout their modern facility. Along with its series of 22 geothermal springs and pools, Alba's offering a premium spa experience, with an impressive menu of treatments and therapies to suit all needs. Drop by for a hydration massage or invigorating facial before or after a soak, or set aside a few hours to indulge in one of the top-to-toe spa packages.
Botanica Day Spa, CBD
A serene urban oasis within the InterContinental, Botanica Day Spa offers a variety of packages to suit whatever mood your mind and body are in. That includes the tension-melting Botanica De-Stress ($250), featuring a full-body massage, aromatherapy foot massage and heavenly frangipani scalp massage — a trio we could probably all do with every now and then. You can find your groove with a selection of targeted skin and beauty therapies or lose yourself for a few blissful hours with a multi-treatment Melbourne spa journey. What's more, the calm, contemporary surroundings will do just as much for your mood as any muscle-melting hot stone massage.
Saltair Spa, Port Melbourne
Nestled in the cosy coastal suburb of Port Melbourne is the luxury two-storey day spa Saltair Spa — sure to be a go-to when you're in need of indulging in a little self-care. With its elegant and contemporary design, the two-storey day spa creates an atmosphere of sophistication and calm. The skilled therapists provide tailored treatments using Babor skincare products, and treatments on offer range from massages to facials, skin needling, waxing and much more.
Saltair Spa also offers real treat yourself-packages for couples and groups as well as individual day passes and facial programs — ideal if you're in the market for some primo pampering.
Endota Spa
Endota Spa, Various Locations
Endota Spa sites are located all over Australia and New Zealand — with over 20 sites in Melbourne alone. And even though it is a huge chain, it's surprising to see how quality is not lost. Yeah, you won't find pools, saunas and other luxe day spa facilities at any of these spots, but they do a whole host of treatments at fairly affordable prices. Get around some of its facials, massages or more luxe treatments without breaking the bank. Just prepare for the spa therapist to lightly spruik Endota's own wellness products at the end of your treatment (which are actually pretty good, to be honest).
Skin Day Spa, St Kilda
If you're after a spa destination that's clean, minimalist and ultra-relaxing, Skin Day Spa on Chapel Street has the goods. This little sanctuary offers a hefty menu of spa and beauty treatments (we're talking lash and brow tints, waxing and spray tanning), but when some unwinding and full-body pampering is on the cards, we recommend settling into the one-hour, muscle-soothing deep relaxation massage ($149). There's also LED light therapy to revive and de-stress skin, dedicated pregnancy massages and luxurious facial treatments to suit a whole range of needs. The whole host of premium treatments helps make it one of the best spas in Melbourne.
Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, Sorrento
A new flagship for the award-winning Aurora Spa Group, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is set within the Continental Sorrento. This cutting-edge, 500-square-metre bathhouse is a luxe indoor wellness precinct boasting numerous mineral pools and one of the largest saunas in the southern hemisphere.
Offering a modern take on traditional bathing practices, Aurora is kitted out with a suite of state-of-the-art facilities and experiences for you to explore. Along with that Nordic-style sauna, you'll find features like an icy plunge pool, an aromatherapy steam room, the 36-degree sky-lit Daydream Pool, a reflexology pool and a suite dedicated to halotherapy — a treatment that involves breathing in salty air. Meanwhile, the adjoining spa is offering treatments ranging from holistic facial therapies and massages, to algae body wraps and botanically-charged scrubs.
Natskin, North Ringwood
Hidden out in North Ringwood, Natskin might just be one of Melbourne's best kept wellness secrets. This warm and inviting Melbourne spa oasis offers a diverse menu of treatments, from stimulating skin therapies to stress-relieving massages. You can tailor your experience or opt for one of the many multi-treatment packages, that range from a classic massage-facial combo to a couples' retreat offering in one of the spa's duo suites. Really earned some down-time? Book in for the 2.5-hour Rejuvenator package and escape reality with a skin-boosting exfoliation, tailored body wrap, scalp massage, hour-long body massage and fresh juice to rehydrate ($310).
Japanese Mountain Retreat, Montrose
Escape the hustle with a jaunt out to the Yarra Ranges. Just over an hour away from the city lies Japanese Mountain Retreat in Montrose, a luxurious mineral hot springs haven boasting a series of fully private outdoor mineral pools, meaning you won't have to share your soak with any strangers.
There's also an opulent Roman-style bathhouse for those who prefer an indoor dip, and a range of add-on dining experiences available to amp up any visit. You can even stay the night, with a variety of pamper-filled accommodation packages on offer.
Top image: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa courtesy of Visit Victoria