There’s nothing better than the opportunity to unwind and reset, and a day at the spa is an incentive no one would want to pass up.

Here are our top picks of some of Australia’s best spa experiences, ideal for incentivising and invigorating your teams in mind, body and soul during the cold winter months.

NSW

Sofitel Spa

Adding a luxury day spa to its five-star amenities was on the agenda for Sofitel Sydney Darling for quite some time and it has been worth the wait because Sofitel Spa has just released a range of exclusive MICE privileges for events held at the hotel.

Planners can choose from the Corporate Wellness Offer, which offers exclusive spa vouchers for events held at Sofitel Darling Harbour, a ‘Wellness Meeting & Event Break’ which recharges delegates with 45-minute on-site treatments, and complete spa buy-outs with a choice of two packages specially curated for MICE teams.

Up to 15 delegates can enjoy a 45-minute treatment of their choice, such as the deeply exfoliating Sugar Body Polish, a clarifying Petit Spa Facial or a classic Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage. Alternatively, there’s the 60-minute treatment option for up to 20 delegates, with the choice of Customised Phyto Facial by Waterlily or a Swedish Massage targeted at relieving tension. Both packages also include access to the Sofitel SPARelaxation Lounge which overlooks Darling Harbour and herbal teas and refreshments.

Spanning two floors with floor-to-ceiling windows taking in spectacular harbour views, Sofitel Spa is decked out in soft blonde timbers with sandstone and marble finishes throughout for an inviting and calm space. Featuring seven spacious treatment rooms, including two suites, the spa offers a multi-layered wellness experience through specialised treatments that align with the seasons.

The suite of services includes massages, facials body wraps, exfoliations, cosmetic treatments by luxury French beauty brand, Biologique Recherche, and aromatherapy rituals from Australian brand Waterlily. Guests can also enjoy the infrared sauna, relaxation deck and meditation zone, with full or half-day wellness journeys and corporate buy-outs also available.

Tried and tested!

I recently had the very indulgent pleasure of experiencing a treatment at this gorgeous spa. The space itself is like a Nordic-inspired sanctuary where the views across Darling Harbour and the city skyline are just breath-taking, yet the bustling city streets below feel miles away. After changing into a plush robe and slippers, I was whisked away by my therapist into a treatment room where a heated treatment bed welcomed me before my 90-minute Basil and Mint Skin Smoother treatment commenced. This deeply exfoliating full body treatment begins with an all-over body dry brushing to buff the skin and boost circulation, followed by a deliciously smelling sugar scrub. After the sugar scrub is gently cleaned off with a hot towel, my therapist massaged a body balm into my freshly exfoliated and scrubbed skin, which was utterly soothing and deeply relaxing. The treatment uses Australian brand Waterlily products, which are handcrafted in Queensland from natural ingredients. This was a deeply nourishing treatment which left my dry skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated and I highly recommend it, especially during the cold season.

QLD

Heavenly Spa by Westin

The Westin Brisbane offers a tranquil haven for weary guests to completely unplug and unwind in its aptly named Heavenly Spa. Here, the spa experience is centred around engaging the five physical senses as well as the psychological senses of emotion and meaning, with the goal to leave you feeling replenished in body, mind and soul. The full-day package treats delegates to a top-to-toe sensory journey that starts with a hydrotherapy bath and ocean salt peeling scrub, includes a light lunch hand-picked from a chef-designed Eat Well Menu, and concludes with a massage, facial and pedicure.

For an incredibly luxurious treatment, opt for the spa’s renowned Precious Collections Facial which features an infusion of three precious metals; rose gold, gold and platinum and naturally rich oils which are massaged into the skin, leaving it re-energised and radiant. With five treatment rooms, including two couples’ rooms, this is an ideal opportunity to treat hard-working corporates to something truly special.

AWAY Spa

Vibrant and stylish just like the hotel in which it resides, W Brisbane’s AWAY Spa boasts world-class facilities, premium products and an extensive list of treatments that will leave you glowing from the inside out. Signature services include crystal and oil therapies using renowned Sodashi products with a range of deep and therapeutic massages, including a traditional lymphatic massage as well as a novel “Rub and Roll” massage technique that utilises a combination of hands and bamboo sticks to improve joint flexibility while relaxing the body.

Full-day packages, including lunch, are available, as well as shorter, more targeted packages, including one designed specifically for men. Start your AWAY Spa journey in one of the his and hers steam and sauna rooms followed by a soothing soak in the mineral-rich vitality pools to prep your skin for getting the full benefits of the treatment. Afterwards, float on down to the relaxation pods and bliss out with a curated music playlist and beverage while soaking up the views of Brisbane River.

VIC

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne city, the recently opened Alba Thermal Springs and Spa on the Mornington Peninsula is the ultimate day spa destination. Nestled withing a beautifully landscaped 15-hectare property, the geothermal pools are the main highlight here, offering a range of contemporary indoor, open-air and outdoor bathing experiences. Alongside these pools of varying sizes and temperatures, there are 22 single and double treatment studios where you can enjoy everything from half-day rituals to luxurious full-day self-care packages and a range of other treatments and facilities including hydro-thermal therapies, hammam and Vichy shower.

Complimenting the experience is Thyme, the spa’s 120-seat restaurant helmed by renowned chef and author Karen Martini and showcasing the best locally-sourced, seasonal produce. Alba welcomes corporate groups of 10 to 200 guests with half-day and full-day packages available, with a range of wellness experiences that help boost the immune system and promote a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

Chuan Spa

For a deeply relaxing experience in the heart of the city, Chuan Spa at The Langham, Melbourne provides the perfect respite for busy lives with its award-winning traditional Chinese medicine approach. Based on the holistic Five Elements theory – which works to make you feel connected and rejuvenated through the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water – the highlight of the experience is the tri-bathing ritual which involves a zero-edge jacuzzi, dry sauna, colour therapy snail shower and steam room.

There are eight treatment rooms with three spa lounges and relaxation areas for in-between sessions. The space comfortably accommodates up to 13 guests at once and larger groups can take advantage of the treatments available over several sessions. The spa can also work with you to arrange additional luxuries such as sparkling beverages, desserts, platters and take-home gifts.

WA

Crown Spa Perth

Delivering an uber-luxe spa experience in opulent surrounds, Crown Spa Perth takes its inspiration from the crystal-clear beauty and cleansing power of water. Taking a holistic approach to wellness, treatments range from one to three hours and include everything from meditation and marma massage to facials using luxury Swiss La Prairie products and full body exfoliation and detoxifying wraps.

The Aqua Retreat area offers separate male and female wet areas including an aroma steam room, Roman hot tub, sauna, vitality pool, rain shower and secluded relaxation area. Guests can select their own enhancements to create bespoke experiences that best suit their needs and will be in good hands with the highly skilled team of therapists who combine their expertise in marma and chakra balancing techniques to leave you feeling brand new.