THE ULTIMATE SPA GUIDE

Sometimes all it takes to get back on track are a few indulgent hours of soothing pampering. From saunas to sound baths, lymphatic massage to healing mantras, these rejuvenating treatments at blissful destinations across Australia will transport you to new levels of serenity as Kirstie Clements discovers.

AURIGA SPA

Housed within historic sandstone walls, Capella Sydney has set a new luxury benchmark for hotels in the Sydney CBD, and its wellness offering, Auriga Spa, is equally well-considered. While the spa areas are impeccably designed with earthy tones and finishes, and are dimly lit and soothing, the vast pool area is flooded with natural light and features a hand-painted mural artwork of rolling hills, Landscape Effect, 2022, by Australian artist Max Berry. 

The four treatment rooms appear as stylish cubes inserted into the cavernous space, built from timbers reclaimed from the site. Automatic sliding glass doors and glowing blue ambient lights give the feeling of an upmarket, Zen spaceship, designed to cocoon the frazzled traveller. Other features include experiential showers and a full menu of face and body treatments using Byron Bay brand Synthesis Organics. Guests can follow a spa session with a lobster roll or truffled chicken mousse from the afternoon menu at Aperture.

Capella Sydney, NSW; capellahotels.com/en/capella-sydney/wellness.

SOFITEL SPA