Social Spas Are The Hottest Trend In Wellness Right Now

Day spas are moving away from “me time" to become social hubs in their own right, revealing a wider wellness trend that elevates connection to the ultimate act of self-care.

Spa with a bar

The reception desk at W Sydney’s Away Spa is decidedly different to most day spas – it’s a marble-topped bar shaped like a horseshoe with blue velvet stools inviting you to sit and unwind. This ‘Beauty Bar’ is a metaphor for what wellness is in 2024. It’s about treating your temple inside as well as out, while providing a platform for connection – much missing during the pandemic years.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, in the 2023 Global Wellness Trends Report: The Future of Wellness, social wellness was the leading trend, with a focus on nixing loneliness and offering experiences that serve as social icebreakers.

The bar inside AWAY Spa Bar — The marble-topped bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks a well as light bites.

With a menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic tipples as well as light bites, at Away Spa you can mix manis with martinis, sitting in one of the curvaceous (and very Instagrammable) nail booths, or retire to the bar after a sauna, steam room and experience shower.

At The Spa at Salt on the Tweed coast in northern New South Wales, groups swap cafes catch ups for ‘Sip and Lounge’ sessions in their Elements lounge, enjoying an alcoholic beverage alongside the spa, sauna, LED light therapy, ice bath and zen room, where you can DIY yoga or breathwork.

SpaQ at QT Sydney is also seeing guests seeking a social sanctuary over solo treatments, which is why their Metamorphosis package includes lunch delivered from Parlour or Gowings to keep the wellness experience going all day.

SpaQT has crafted a Metamorphosis package that includes lunch to cater to the growing appetite for social spas that last all day.

Unknowingly pre-empting the trend, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa introduced its Social Spa pre-pandemic in 2019. Designed for groups of up to four, the space allows you to reconnect over soothing stone therapy and massages.

Couple at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa — Reconnect in groups of up to four at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.

Bathhouse vibes

Bathhouses are having a major moment in Australia, and these public soak and sweat sessions have become facilitators of moral support. Places for mum groups to unwind free of kids, or friends to treat someone dear to them going through difficult times. They’re also attracting more men – many who would have never considered going to a day spa.

Group gather for a spa at Sense of Self — Bathhouses are having a major moment in Australia right now.

“Bathhouses have existed for centuries and are a great means to go back to basics and embrace social well-being because it has never been more vital," says Melbourne’s Sense of Self owner and director, Freya Berwick, Freya Berwick.

Sense of Self co-founder Freya Berwick — Sense of Self owner and director, Freya Berwick, believes the desire for social well-being has seen bathhouses explode in popularity.

Whether visiting as a group or a solo bather seeking time-out with like-minded souls, guests at the calming Collingwood sanctuary can book a massage, opt for a self-led Sud & Mud kit to amplify the bathhouse experience, or simply enjoy two hours in the mineral bath, Finnish sauna, cold plunge and Hamman – all free of phones.

Sense of Self — The Collingwood bathhouse has a no-phone policy.

As well as providing an IRL social platform, bathhouses also make wellness more fun. At Tank Bathhouse in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, guests come as much for the sauna and plunge rotations as the river cruise, tapas and cocktails. At The Banya in Mullumbimby, a monthly book club combines a dose of self-care with novel dissections over pots of herbal tea.

Aerial view of a group at Tank Bathhouse on the Sunshine Coast — Tapas and cocktails are all part of the fun at Tank Bathhouse in Mooloolaba.

Sunrise swim community

Coffee, cards and an ocean dip at dawn is the recipe for wellness according to Generation SPF . The sunrise swim community, which gathers near Noosa every Wednesday, was founded with the pure purpose of connection. Feeling increasingly isolated while working from home and inspired by Perth’s Cold Nips , entrepreneur Lolita Daskalu-Glover and her partner, photographer Alex Van Kampen, started the group in search of “those everyday stranger interactions".

Members of Generation SPF in Noosa go for a sunrise swim — Generation SPF was founded with the pure purpose of fostering connection. (Image: Alex Van Kampen)

“It’s been two years now and each week we get around 50-100 people," says Lolita, adding that at least 80 per cent stick around for the coffee and card games afterwards. Once a month they team the swim with guided breathwork and another week they do yoga. It’s even drawing wellness seekers from Brisbane and travellers from interstate.

“So many people each week say they specifically plan their trip to Noosa to come to our swim," she says. “The common thread is they [participants] just want to meet new people and it’s such a nice way to start your morning."

Generation SPF T-Shirts — Coffee, cards and an ocean dip are all part of the morning routine.

Will run for food

During peak Covid, a new breed of running club emerged – social groups, less focused on PBs or training for a marathon. Great for those who have moved to a new town, they even offer up delicious incentives. In various parts of the country, you can run for rewards in the form of croissants , gelato, a beer, or even a steak at the pub .

Unfit Rub Club was founded in September 2020 by Cory Wittleton, who, as a boutique courier company owner, wanted to help his cafe clients who saw their businesses dry up. Now Unfit Run Clubs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Sydney attract up to 900 people each week.

The Unfit Run Club rewards participants with delicious incentives. (Image: mbark)

“The beer runs are the most popular at the moment," says Cory who credits the relaxed nature of the events as their biggest drawcard. He admits fostering connections between runners was never his first goal but one that’s happened organically. “We see all these WhatsApp groups and people going to each other’s weddings and all sorts," he says. “It blows my mind."

Unfit Run Club in Noosa — Unfit Run Clubs have popped up all over Australia.

Given it’s been proven that positive relationships keep us happier and healthier, and even live longer, a run to the pub or a drink in a day spa could just be the best thing you do for yourself this year.

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .

Social spas are the hottest trend in wellness right now, here’s why…