Just in time for springtime escapes into the Greater Blue Mountains, VELA Spa & Bathhouse will open its doors in Windsor on Tuesday, September 22. Located within Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley — about an hour's drive from Sydney — the fully reimagined spot offers an extensive spa resort stay set amid eight picturesque hectares. Wellness scene regulars might also be highly familiar with the location — the previous iteration, Villa Thalgo Day Spa, operated on the site for over 25 years. But after the region experienced a series of devastating floods in 2020 and 2023, short-term measures to keep the spa operating eventually gave way to the much larger project, which is not ready to launch. "Our vision was to create a spacious premium wellness destination that blends nature, relaxation and luxury in an immersive setting," says Stephen Wills, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. "Rather than simply restoring what was there, we saw a chance to build something better, something that reflected where the property, and the whole community, were heading next." With this in mind, VELA's bathhouse circuit is as extensive as it is restorative. Think mineral pools, an outdoor cold plunge and barrel sauna, a traditional Nordic sauna, a steam room and a fire-and-ice room featuring infrared sauna and cold-plunge contrast therapy, alongside indoor and outdoor relaxation zones. Then, a pair of inbuilt float pools sits beneath a ceiling of illuminated stars. To elevate the experience further, VELA offers spa treatments in partnership with renowned Barcelona-born skincare brand Skeyndor. Meanwhile, a health-forward champagne bar invites guests to graze on cheese plates, tuck into a nutrition-rich salad bowl, and sip from a broad menu spanning smoothies, wines, kombucha, gin spritzers, and more. For larger groups, dining experiences are available for pre-order, including a champagne high tea. Of course, this peaceful destination isn't just for day trips. The idea is for guests to soak up the full experience by staying overnight in the lakeside hotel, waking amid nature and taking in views of the distant mountains. And with foundational memberships now available, this bathhouse and spa might become more than a once-in-a-blue-moon escape. VELA Spa & Bathhouse is now open within Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, located at 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.