Imagine for a moment you’re cocooned in a spa sanctuary. Those tired, tense muscles are softening, your busy mind is slowing down and you’re slipping deeper into a state of pure, delicious bliss. Ready to pop on your robe yet? If so, join us, as we take a tour of some of the most popular Gold Coast day spas.
GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT
The spa at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is eco-tourism certified and boasts a bevy of awards to prove its popularity, recently taking out World’s Best Eco Spa at the 2020 World Spa Awards. With 33 treatment rooms, you’ll find an extensive menu of spa treatments ranging from facials to massage to Ayurveda Aromatherapy. They offer treatments targeting stress and emotional wellbeing, holistic services and speciality therapies from the world over, including Ancient Hawaiian bodywork, Reiki healing and Japanese Rockupuncture. It’s one of the most exclusive Gold Coast day spas, reserved for use by Gwinganna retreat guests. But a couple of nights spent dining on freshly prepared organic produce and recalibrating mind and body doesn’t sound too bad does it?
SPAQ AT QT GOLD COAST
Carving out its own reputation as a place of pampering, primping and pure relaxation, SpaQ’s treatment menu is extensive. But if we can make a suggestion, the signature Pure Gold package is the best. Start with a sublime three-hour fusion of a foot bath, warm oil massage infused with a personally selected elixir, custom facial, mani and pedi. Social ‘spa-ing’ is their forte too, with groups invited to take it slow, sip on sparkling (or an herbal tea if that’s more your vibe) and slide into a fluffy robe. There’s an onsite Hammam-inspired steam room and relaxation lounge to contemplate also.
EDEN HEALTH RETREAT
Trade in the gold for green, some fresh mountain air and a more gentle pace at Eden Health Retreat – a private oasis nestled in the sprawling hinterland of Tallebudgera Valley. Celebrities and regular folk flock here and it’s not hard to see why. The world-class spa offers a delicious list of healing therapies; body wraps are a speciality here, which are used in many cultures to balance and heal. Try the Balinese Hydrating Wrap for a unique take on this ancient healing practice, including a full body exfoliation followed by a body masque of cinnamon, chocolate and ginger – now that’s a glow up.
SOAK BATHHOUSE
The newest member on the Gold Coast spa circuit, Soak Bathhouse opened in the seaside hub of Mermaid Beach earlier this year and is designed as an urban bathhouse that promotes recovery, nutrition, movement and connection. More than a spa; it’s a hybrid wellness destination that also moonlights as a co-working space for those who like to mix work with pleasure. Start with a simple soak session ($49 for 90 minutes) in the communal mineral baths, dip in and out of the hot spas and cold plunge pools, sweat it out in the sauna and steam room, or limber up with a yoga class in the custom-built Flowhouse studio. Massages and LED facials are on the menu here too, while memberships are a cost-effective option if you’re likely to be a repeat visitor (and we guarantee you will be).
EARTH & SKIN MUDGEERABA
If organic products fused with a nurturing, holistic spa experience is on your wish list, make your way to Mudgeeraba for an extra special treat. Nestled within a cottage-style Queenslander flourishing with air purifying plants, Earth & Skin is a soothing sanctuary using products that are as kind to you as they are to the planet. Natural, chemical free and not tested on animals, organic products are infused via a range of beautiful signature treatments focused on calming while also stimulating renewal for body, soul, mind and skin. Try the age-defying and ultra restorative Bio Marine – Deep Sea Actives Facial, or indulge in some non-invasive LED Light Therapy that treats skin on a cellular level. There is sugaring, brow shaping and eco spray tans too. Indulgent yes, but education remains at the core of what Earth & Skin offer – so give yourself over to the experts, and get ready to learn while you enjoy what could be the best spa experience you’ve ever had.
LAN SPA
A tranquil interlude from the bustling streets of Surfers Paradise, Lan Spa (or LAN as it’s affectionately known) is a modern haven for R&R. Featuring a sleek and luxurious fit out, with curved architecture, contemporary treatment rooms complete with soaking tubs, and private relaxation booths, you’ll immediately feel a sense of zen the moment you step inside. Massage, facials and all your favourite spa treatments are available here, but it’s LAN’s extensive range of non-surgical, anti-ageing treatments that really sets them apart – from PicoWay laser to the HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) that works hard to tighten, lift, contour and smooth (yes please!). Or for something a little extra special try the Petal Milky Bath with High Tea.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.