This spa's modern and organic design features many spaces dedicated to reflection and relaxation.
This spa was founded on the philosophy of helping people feel fabulous, wherever they are in their lives. As the original spa director, Luisa Anderson, said, "Our treatments are wonderful to give, magical to receive and deeply healing. We also hope they provide an exquisite transforming experience."
Much about Dunk Island complements the post-spa state of mind, which in my experience meant being so relaxed I could barely walk or talk. Fortunately there are plenty of divine spots to do nothing more than contemplate the view in bliss and oblivion, while someone brings you delicious things to nibble and sip. This is the perfect place to enjoy a generous slice of spa lifestyle.
Stone, wood, leaf, flower, water—The Spa of Peace and Plenty knows that the best things in life are the simple ones. Flowers and herbs used in treatments are grown on the island. Relax with someone you love.
THIS RESORT AND SPA ENVIRONMENT IS LAID BACK IN THE BEST AUSTRALIAN SENSE-WARM, RELAXED AND DOWN-TO-EARTH
The Sun Spa, Hyatt Regency Coolum, Queensland
Designed as a luxury destination spa in the late 1980s, this grand dame of Australian resort spas continues to lead the way into unchartered spa territory. Recent expansion has created a visually thrilling spa filled with many unusual features, such as colour therapy lights which change the colour of a room.
Located about ninety minutes north of Brisbane Airport and only half an hour from the trendy resort town of Noosa, the Sun Spa has 19 treatment rooms and optional spa suites (booking one is a must). A place of sun-dappled walls and glowing skylights, spa suites feature baths in secluded courtyards overlooked by native trees, while the sight and sound of falling water is ever present.
Set in 150 hectares of Queensland rainforest and bushland and facing miles of deserted ocean beach, this picturesque resort is lauded for its great service, excellent conference facilities and fantastic childcare options. The Sun Spa's "adults only" facilities, spread over 8,000 square metres, include a 25-metre heated outdoor lap pool, aquasize pool, gymnasium, aerobics and yoga studio, squash courts and hair and beauty salon. The resort also has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, bicycles, bushwalking tracks and nine swimming pools.
Treatments are naturally inspired by the sun. Essential oils used during body treatments and massages combine with the sun's daily phases, for example the invigorating Sun Rise blend combines lemon, grapefruit, orange, lime and basil oils, while Sun Day is a reflective blend of eucalyptus, lavender, niaouli, tea tree and peppermint.
Sun Spa lifestyle services include personal training, fitness checks, swimming or golf lessons and daily physical classes such as aerobics, yoga, belly dancing or tai chi.
Laid-back, kid-friendly and with the Queensland sun overhead, the Hyatt Regency Coolum has something to offer guests big and small.
SPACE, TIME AND PRIVACY WORK TOGETHER HERE TO SOOTHE AND RELAX GUESTS
The Spa and Total Living Centre, Couran Cove
Resort, South Stradbroke Island, Queensland
Couran Cove is a resort for the new century: an unspoiled, environmentally sensitive five-star luxury retreat without the stuffiness. A short boat ride away from Queensland's Gold Coast, Couran Cove has established itself on an island that has every type of Australian bushland (except desert) represented within its boundaries.
The resort combines wonderful natural playgrounds, like 20 kilometres of shell-covered surf beach, mature native bushland and tropical rainforest, with activities from rock-climbing to hydrocycling to Olympic-standard athletic facilities.
The Spa building is recognisably Queensland, incorporating corrugated iron, timber, batten sunshades and painted weather-board. Inside, fresh air and natural light predominate. The high-angled ceilings, large sun decks, polished floorboards and plantation louvre panels contribute to the beach holiday atmosphere. As part of the island's Total Living Centre, the aim of which is to help you "live better longer," the spa offers treatments and massages, naturopathic and lifestyle consultations, yoga and tai chi classes and three-or five-day resident lifestyle programmes.
A blissful hydrotherapy treatment can be experienced in the open, tiled flotation pool. Another spa specialty is a full body exfoliation and massage in the steam room, followed by a detoxifying thalassotherapy treatment in the hydrotherapy bath. Two waterside massage huts opposite the main spa have floor-to-ceiling blinds that open, so it seems there is nothing between you and nature.
The resort's founder, the former Australian Olympian Ron Clarke, has succeeded in his aim of bringing people and nature together in a relaxed family environment. The extent to which the resort goes in its commitment to adopt the motto "as nature would have it" is astounding, and includes worm farms, solar power and televisions that tell you how much energy your unit has used.
Pedal or foot power is the best way to explore Couran Cove's 161 hectares and to enjoy the huge range of sporting and leisure activities. Participate in as much or as little as you choose and when the day is done, a selection of restaurants offer delicious spa cuisine or other higher-calorie options. The choice is yours. Relax and enjoy.
Suspended above a tidal lagoon, close to the resort's harbourside epicentre, the well-equipped spa is modern and smart in design and opertaion.
THE DOME RETREAT'S PHILOSOPHY IS BASED ON AYURVEDA, AN ANCIENT METHOD OF HEALING PRACTISED THROUGHOUT INDIA FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS
The Dome Retreat, Marriott Hotel, Brisbane
Agentle atmosphere welcomes guests as they open the front door of this inner-city sanctuary. Peaceful music, hushed voices and calm staff in earth-coloured, natural-fibre uniforms can have the worries of the world slipping from your shoulders faster than you can say "replenish me."
The spa's creator, Meaghan South, wanted to provide a place where people could "escape for a day that's pure" and leave feeling rejuvenated, revitalised and renewed. The Dome Retreat's philosophy is based on Ayurveda, an ancient method of healing practised throughout India for thousands of years. Emphasizing preventative and healing therapies, along with various methods of purification and rejuvenation, Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance, harmonise and nurture the body and soul.
Attentive,