The best spa holidays in Australia — for treating yourself

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As solo travel gains momentum, we seek out the best resorts for numero uno.

A recent survey by TripAdvisor* has found that one in three Aussie women travel alone for leisure, with 82 per cent saying it’s because they “want to get away from it all". In fact, nearly two-thirds of these women reported that travelling alone had changed them in some way.

 

A bit Eat Pray Love, perhaps, but we get it. Escaping work, kids, commitments, traffic, bills, bills, bills, however fleeting it may be, is liberating. Perhaps Elizabeth Gilbert was onto something after all. Here are eight solo retreats… just for you.

1. Miamo Retreats, Far North Queensland

Botanical Ark Retreat, Far North Queensland.
Botanical Ark Retreat, Far North Queensland.

Frank Frikker and Renee wanted to get away from their former high-flying corporate careers so they made a sea change to Port Douglas 10 years ago, opening up two day spas in the area. Their new venture – Miamo Retreats – goes one step further than your usual pampering treatments with programs designed for corporate people who ‘have lost touch with life and nature’ – sound familiar? – and are ideal for solo travellers.

 

With staff heralding backgrounds in counselling, nutrition and life coaching, the major focus is on mindfulness through education – so participants have skills to take home with them to utilise every day. Nourishment is also on the menu (you’ll feast on organic, locally-sourced food) and there is yoga, tai chi and meditation. The program location alternates between the beautiful Botanical Ark Retreat and Niramaya Resort & Spa, both set in lush tropical north Queensland surrounds.

2. Dirty Girls 4×4 weekend, Queensland

South-west Queensland, not exactly what you think of when you hear the word ‘retreat’, but sometimes the best way to relax is to do something out of your comfort zone. Cue Dirty Girls 4×4 weekends: female-only breaks where you can shortcut stress with some back-to-basics fun.

 

Based in different regions of Queensland (Moreton Island and Fraser Island included) each retreat includes four-wheel-driving on white sandy beaches, snorkelling through shipwrecks, boating, playing beach volleyball and drinking champagne around the, er, glamp-fire. It’s popular with solo travellers thanks to the female-only aspect. BYO 4WD (and courageousness).

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4. KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, Bridgetown, WA

KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, east of Margaret River.
KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, east of Margaret River.

Having trouble remembering what sleep is? Yes, us too. Perhaps a ‘sound therapy’ treatment here will remind you. Located in the heart of beautiful Blackwood River Valley, east of Margaret River, this secluded retreat has only two suites and offers fully-customisable packages including reiki, shiatsu, kinesiology, therapeutic massage, art therapy and guided meditations.

 

The sound therapy package involves using vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls to send you into a dream-like state. Interesting… but research shows it can detoxify the body at a cellular level. Our PJs are packed. From $580 for two nights.

5. Harmony Hill Health Retreat, Hobart, Tasmania

Travelling solo gives you licence to do exactly what you want (hurray!) so why not spoil yourself silly? Just half-an-hour outside of Hobart’s centre, Harmony Hill Health Retreat is just the place. This modern, light-filled, 42-acre country stay offers a three-night ‘Ayuvedic Retreat’ (basically a fancy term for ‘many massages’ – in this instance, anyway) especially for singles: a Chakra healing experience, an Ayuverdic bundle massage, reflexology, a sauna, spa bath… and all using eco-friendly, organic products.

6. Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW

There’s quite possibly nowhere better to really get away from it all than at this luxurious retreat on stunning Lord Howe Island where you can totally unplug from the world – that’s right, no mobile coverage, no wi-fi and no TVs in any of the 12 suites.

 

Nestled within palms and banyan trees, Arajilla Retreat offers a range of wellness programs with a focus on Ayurvedic spa treatments including our favourite, the ‘Sleep Easy’ package. You can also indulge in sumptuous local produce prepared just for you including ocean-fresh fish.

7. Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Vic

Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Daylesford Spa Country, Victoria
Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Victoria

The Samadhi Retreat, near Daylesford’s spa country, is all about you and only you.

 

Catering to just one person at a time, you’ll have a private, self-contained sanctuary all to yourself. Imagine the serenity! Book the ‘Overnight Wellness Retreat’ to bliss out with a three-hour therapy treatment – think salt scrub, mud wrap, massage with their best korean moisturizer– and meditation. Samadhi itself means ‘infinite peace’ – we like the sound of that…

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8. Authenticity Spa Resort, Port Elliot, SA

Authenticity Spa Resort, Port Elliot, SA.
Authenticity Spa Resort, Port Elliot, SA.

There’s something instantly soothing about being on the coast, don’t you think? So what better way to recharge the batteries than with a devoted pamper package for one on South Australia’s picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula.

 

A luxe overnight stay at the European-inspired and renovated 1864 villa will get you a relaxing massage, long hot soak in the uber-deep geisha spa bath with mineral salts, full use of the gym, outdoor pool and spa facilities, a three-course chef’s selection dinner and continental breakfast to boot. See authenticity.com.au

 

*TripAdvisor’s inaugural Women and the World Travel Survey

 

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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.