8 Secluded Stays With Saunas You’ll Want To Book Now

Saunas are popping up everywhere from bathhouses to recovery clinics with hot-cold contrast therapy but can you sauna where you sleep, too? You can at these slow stays.

1. Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas

Ladling water over the hot coals, steam rises in front of floor-to-ceiling glass – the only thing separating you from the pristine waters of Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula.

a man sitting in a sauna at Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas — Take in the beauty of Coles Bay from within your private sauna. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Guests at Still at Freycinet – a three-bedroom architectural abode designed with hygge in mind – are invited to indulge in a ‘Nordic cycle’ during their stay: a hot sauna followed by a blast of cold beneath the outdoor shower, then a moment in the outdoor lounge to refuel with cider, chocolate and nuts from the complimentary sauna ritual pack. And repeat!

Exterior of sauna at Still at Freycinet — Indulge in a ‘Nordic Cycle’ during your stay. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Inside the lounge at Still at Freycinet — The modern abode is designed to allow the beauty of nature to flow inside. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Thick, fluffy bathrobes and essential oils add to the spa-like atmosphere while private yoga, meditation and sound bath sessions can be arranged during your stay. A private chef is also available to whip up Nordic-inspired meals post-sauna, either booked alone or part of a three-day self-guided wellness package.

a man sitting in a tub at Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas — The accommodation has been designed with hygge in mind. (Image: Ben Little @bennybnb)

2. Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA

‘Luxurious wellness retreat’ is the vibe of this new three-bedroom bolthole, 150 metres from the sands of Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.

The traditional Finnish barrel sauna at Salty Brush — The traditional Finnish barrel sauna offers year-round appeal. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

The lounge area interior in Salty Brush — Aesthetically pleasing interiors flow through to luxurious outside additions like the sauna and spa. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

The brainchild of two mates from Sydney, a builder and an electrician, the sustainable build – using prefabricated timber installed on ground screw piers to minimise waste and environment impact – is not only aesthetically beautiful inside but a six-person spa bath and a traditional Finnish barrel sauna elevate the al fresco experience for year-round appeal.

a outdoor spa bath at Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA — The six-person spa bath is a luxurious addition. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

Salty Brush is fuelled by rainwater and 80 per cent renewable energy thanks to the onsite solar panels and batteries, while walls are hung with works from Sydney artist, Montana Moore, all of which are available to purchase.

The bathroom at Salty Brush — Every design detail has been made with wellness and relaxation in mind.(Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

the wellness area at Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA — Salty Brush is centred around wellness. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

3. The Pavilion, Spring Beach, Tas

Overlooking a full-size tennis court, The Pavilion not only has the perfect bush-swaddled setting for Pimms in the sun after a few sets, but the west-facing sauna and wellness deck allow you to take in the beautiful sunsets at the end of the day.

the exterior of The Pavilion in Spring Beach, Tas — The Pavilion is set in a laidback bush setting.

Alternate between the traditional Finnish sauna and cold shower, with robe, slippers and a hydration sachet at hand.

a traditional Finnish sauna at The Pavilion in Spring Beach, Tas — Nourish yourself on the sauna and wellness deck.

Then turn your eyes to the sky to spot the resident wedge-tailed eagle, wander down to the sands of Spring Beach, and make use of the supplied pizza base ingredients to cook up a feast in the woodfired pizza oven.

the tennis court view from The Pavilion, Spring Beach, Tas — The Pavilion overlooks a full-size tennis court.

4. Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat, Doonan, Qld

Found 15 minutes from the hubbub of Hastings Street in Noosa, Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat has been designed with wellness in mind. A sister property to Alsahwa Retreat in Noosa (a wellness-focussed farm stay on a regenerative macadamia farm), here a sparkling pool hovers over lush landscaping while a converted shed houses an infrared sauna, ice bath, and private gym.

lush greenery setting outside Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat, Doonan, Qld — Reconnect with nature at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat. (Image: Aimee Dodge Photography)

While it’s open to regular stays, it really comes into its own as a retreat venue. Design your own or call on the in-house concierge service to add a private chef, personal trainer, breathwork sessions or yoga classes.

the surrounding forest at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat in Doonan, Qld — Every element has been designed with wellness in mind.

Four bedrooms are in the main residence, while a tiny home with two more double beds is also included in the price, sleeping up to 13 guests.

the bedroom at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat — A good night’s sleep is guaranteed. (Image: Aimee Dodge Photography)

5. Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW

Hovering above a machinery shed on a working farm in the Wollombi Valley, the sauna experience at Little Valley Farm is as down-to-earth and authentic as it is secluded.

the exterior of Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm — The Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm is a secluded hideaway.

Inside the Finnish sauna at Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley — The Finnish wood-fired sauna is crafted by hand. (Image: Lee Besser)

Crafted by hand by co-owner Euan Wilcox, using mostly reclaimed timber, the Finnish wood-fired sauna and adjacent rainwater-fed shower is beloved by guests who report the deepest sleep they’ve had in years – especially snuggled in the king size bed beneath a handmade doona filled with alpaca wool from their farm.

a king size bed at Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW — Get cosy in the king-size bed with alpaca wool blankets.

The Shearers Studio is set 100 metres from their other quirky accommodation offering – a 1950s Sydney Train carriage.

two chairs facing a wine barrel table at Little Valley Farm — Life’s little luxuries are also part and parcel if a wellness weekend at Little Valley Farm.

6. Leighton House, Tas

The sandstone wellness deck at Leighton House in northern Tasmania is so spectacular you could be forgiven for spending all your time outdoors. Here, the stage is set for a rotation between the cedar barrel sauna, outdoor shower and hot tub – either before or after you roll out the yoga mats for a stretch.

Light the fire pit and return with a glass of wine picked up from the Tamar Valley, right on your doorstep. As beautiful as the 121-hectare farm is – with views of Ben Lomond Mountain – the suites in the meticulously restored Georgian cottage and its architectural extension are also worth retreating to on their own.

Sunset at Leighton House — Watch the day slip away from the wellness deck. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Lounge room at Leighton House — The interiors are as stylish as they are comfortable. (Image: Adam Gibson)

7. Dales Run, Jamberoo, NSW

Set between rolling green hills and the ocean just five minutes from Kiama on the South Coast, Dales Run provides the ultimate setting for a DIY wellness retreat.

Views from the balcony at Dales Run near Kiama — Rise to meet views of rolling green hills.

Owner and health practitioner, Jessica McIntyre-Geering, noticed a lot of people struggling with post-Covid nervous system burnout and built a specialised Wellness Room alongside essential oil and tea rituals in response.

Painting ritual at Dales Run near KIama — Dales Run offers a take-what-you-need approach to wellness.

Infrared sauna at Dales Run — The infrared sauna is one of the many wellness options to take advantage of during your stay.

During your stay, you’re invited to pick a ritual card that resonates and jump in the infrared sauna, have a cold outdoor shower, then enjoy the outdoor bathtub and finish around the firepit, sipping tea blended by Jess.

The outdoor bathtub at Dales Run — The outdoor bathtub is a novel way to end the day.

Yoga mats and virtual classes are on hand, while onsite massages, kinesiology and NER (Naturopathic Emotional Release) sessions can also be arranged.

8. Scandi House, Lorne Vic

If there’s one thing five-time Olympian and gold medallist Lydia Lassila knows, it’s the power of recovery. Combine that with a professional athlete spouse, who’s also a Finn, and it’s inevitable that their luxurious Lorne holiday home would come with a sauna.

Scandi House keeps the whole family happy while you treat your temple – give them the plunge pool and inground trampoline, while you take the reformer pilates studio, sauna and deep bathtub overlooking the beach.

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

surfers at Bells Beach in Australia — Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach — Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

surfers out at Bells Beach — Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay — The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum — The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum — The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

surfing at Bells Beach — The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)

8 secluded stays with saunas you’ll want to book now