10 Luxe Day Spas in the Hunter Valley To Unwind At Now

Cheese is certainly appetising but a day spa in the Hunter Valley serves as the ultimate pairing to top-shelf wine.

Romantic retreats, girls’ getaways or quality family time. No matter your circumstances, the cherry on top of any Hunter Valley escape is dedicated you-time at a day spa. As an added incentive, any given day spa in the Hunter Valley is extraordinary, encircled with rolling vineyards to instantly evoke zen. From over-too-soon massages and hydrating beauty treatments to wellness programs filled with spoils for the soul, our round-up of the finest options will leave you floating.

1. Elysia Wellness Retreat

The undisputed jewel in the Hunter Valley’s self-care crown is Elysia Wellness Retreat , a magnificent property perched atop a dramatic hill and offering sweeping views of the region.

sweeping views of the Hunter Valley atop Elysia Wellness Retreat — Dramatic views await at Elysia Wellness Retreat.

All-inclusive three to seven-night programs are personalised to individual goals and filled with outdoor and indoor activities, seminars and workshops with experts including nutritionists, naturopaths, psychologists and more, daily meals packed with organic goodness, lavish spa treatments (plenty more on the day spa itself later) and more.

sweeping views of the Hunter Valley from Elysia Wellness Retreat — Take time to sit and be present during your stay.

Your luxurious digs come in the shape of one, two or three-bedroom suites with balconies, king beds, wi-fi and TVs. Visitors should also note that while there’s a valley of ridiculously delicious grape crushing going on right beneath Elysia, the retreat doesn’t serve alcohol. On that note, sugar, red meat and caffeine are also no-nos.

the bedroom at Elysia Wellness Retreat, Hunter Valley — Extend a day of relaxation by staying at a luxe suite in Elysia Wellness Retreat.

Where: 165 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin

Prices: View all wellness package options to find an experience that’s right for you with three-night packages starting from $2,430 per person.

2. Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Day Spa

Taste the luxe life without forking out for a multi-day package by dropping into Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Day Spa for a treatment. Located at the centre of the property, this day spa in the Hunter Valley welcomes day trippers and tallies up more than 50 treatments across 26 rooms, making it an ideal option for large groups. It’s grand yet tranquil, and that’s despite the waiting area welcoming a steady stream of guests.

a woman relaxing at Elysia Wellness Retreat — No time for a multi-day retreat? You can still take advantage of the day spa.

Fourteen individual massage varieties, skin health consultations and facials, deeply hydrating body treatments, extravagant spa packages and grooming including spray tans are all on the menu and utilise beautiful Sodashi and Babor products throughout.

a back massage at Elysia Wellness Retreat Day Spa — There is a selection of spa packages and treatments available to book.

The staff are utterly professional, and their skills stretch to the world of Ka Huna, which is Hawaiian massage, and Zenthai Shiatsu therapy.

two girls enjoying a pamper day at Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Day Spa, Hunter Valley — Expect to leave your treatment feeling completely refreshed.

Where: 165 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin

Prices: View the full spa menu to peruse extravagant treatments with fitting price tags.

3. The Spa at Chateau Elan Hunter Valley

Set against a Greg Norman-designed golf course, The Spa at Chateau Elan Hunter Valley is an extremely chic oasis overlooking pristine scenery. The star of the show is its Hydrolounge and Deck fitted with two outdoor hot and cold mineral spas to detoxify as you sink into its charms.

A collection of 17 treatment rooms house wellness wizardry in the way of relaxation and therapeutic massages, body exfoliations including the impressive 80-minute Marine Mud Cocoon to rejuvenate tired skin and achy muscles, facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, an extensive range of packages, waxing, manis, pedis and spray tanning.

Products from Australian-made skincare leader Thalgo feature in many of the treatments and staff are endlessly attentive, on hand to whip up cheese platters and glasses of bubbles on the deck if you’re feeling peckish.

Where: Vintage Drive, Pokolbin

Prices: View the full spa menu on the website.

4. Reflections Day Spa

Lovedale’s beloved pit stop for delicious olives and tapenades, right off the Lovedale turnoff along the Hunter Expressway, is also home to a lovely day spa in the Hunter Valley. Reflections Day Spa is an ultra-serene spot dotted with several outdoor spaces to unwind.

a suite at Reflections Day Spa, Hunter Valley — Reflections Day Spa is an ultra-serene spot to relax and unwind.

Treatments are dreamy and expertly performed, spanning four styles of massage starting at $119 for 50 minutes, dermablading, sumptuous facials and result-driven peels, body polishes and wraps and affordable add-ons. Plus, there are platters with cheese and fruit so you can make a full day of it.

platters of cheese and fruit with two glasses of champagne at Reflections Day Spa — End your treatment with a platter of cheese and fruit.

Where: Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove, 492 Lovedale Road, Lovedale.

Prices: View the full spa menu .

5. Ubika Day Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

One of the most popular accommodation spots in the region, Rydges on the centrally located Wine Country Drive has opened its own heavenly day spa in the Hunter Valley. Ubika Day Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley sets you on the path to zen from the moment you step through its doors.

a woman getting a facial treatment at Ubika Day Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley — Visit Ubika Day Spa for a relaxing facial treatment.

And while treatments offer remedies to a range of issues, the day spa is especially perfect for couples looking to treat themselves given the lavish Couples’ Suite fitted with a private spa bath and three unique couples’ packages. If you’re on your lonesome, never fear.

the Sanctuary Suite at Ubika Day Spa, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley — Disconnect from the world and recharge at Ubika Day Spa Sanctuary Suite.

Treatments span body rituals featuring luxurious Vichy showers, facials with award-winning Skeyndor products, muscle-melting massages starting at $155 for 50 minutes, and a range of beauty vitals including waxing, tinting and express pedicures. There are also three men’s packages so everybody’s covered.

vichy shower at Ubika Day Spa, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley — Take advantage of the Vichy shower at Ubika Day Spa.

Where: 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale

Prices: View the full spa menu on its website .

6. Spa Anise Day Spa at Spicers Vineyards Estate

Calming interiors inspired by natural elements bring the best of the outdoors into Spa Anise Day Spa . Located at the heart of one of the region’s most elegant boutique stays, Spicers Vineyards Estate, the day spa in the Hunter Valley is intimate and carries an air of exclusivity throughout its two treatment rooms and secluded courtyards. It’s a magical spot to bring a small group as you’ll have the entire space for yourselves.

Treatments utilise Brisbane-made products from Waterlily and Spaceuticals and include the standout, and extremely fitting Vino Spa Ritual which kicks off with a full body exfoliation using Champagne sorbet and is priced at $360 per person. Corrective skin treatments, massages, body wraps and affordable add-ons to indulge every limb are also available.

a boutique stay at Spa Anise, Hunter Valley — Book a rejuvenating treatment at Spa Anise.

Where: 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Prices: View the full spa menu .

7. Heavenly Hunter Mobile Massage & Meditation

Nailed your cellar door call sheet and desperate to hibernate already? Bring the day spa to you with the help of Heavenly Hunter Mobile Massage & Meditation . Specialising in the art of Hawaiian massage with a Bodyworks qualification under her belt, owner Amanda Drew leads a team built to fulfil your mobile pampering wishes.

Amanda Drew doing a Hawaiian massage at Heavenly Hunter Mobile Massage & Meditation — Amanda Drew works wonders through the art of Hawaiian massage.

Amanda is also a Reiki Master and qualified in nutritional coaching, so services are designed to be holistic in addition to Zen-inducing. Treatments include a wide range of massages, facials, healing therapies and even astrology chart readings and prices start from $165 per person for 60 minutes of magic.

Amanda Drew during a meditation session at Heavenly Hunter Mobile Massage & Meditation — Heavenly Hunter treatments and meditation sessions are guaranteed to help you relax.

Where: They travel to accommodation within Pokolbin, Broke, Lovedale, Mount View, Rothbury, Wollombi and surrounding suburbs.

Prices: View the full treatment menu .

8. Nu Leaf Retreat

Consider Nu Leaf Retreat a blank canvas to help you craft the wellness retreat of your dreams. Located in the thick of Hunter Valley’s action on Hermitage Road, this picturesque slice of nature caters to groups between eight to 24 people looking to escape and reconnect with themselves.

You can BYO experts – chefs (or food), therapists and coaches – but Nu Leaf can also connect you with the staff you need to tailor your experience.

Ten rooms inside The Lodge feature private patios and ensuite bathrooms, plus there’s a communal lounge, an undercover entertaining area with a barbecue, a Day Spa with a magnesium pool, spa and steam room and an outdoor pool. Prices start from $1950 per night if your group is no larger than 12 people.

two people undergoing massage treatments by the pool at Nu Leaf Retreat, Hunter Valley — Settle into Nu Leaf Retreat to unwind.

Where: 647 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Prices: Visit the website to explore options and tailor your retreat.

9. Miliya Hunter Valley

While their semi-regular wellness retreats have attracted a solid fanbase, Miliya Hunter Valley also boasts its own sophisticated day spa. Situated within one of Argentille Boutique Accommodation’s stunning buildings, the Stables, the chic build houses an assortment of lavish treatments (paired with similarly elevated price tags) and utilises a bunch of high-performance products. The focus is set on massage here however you can also book in for a facial or body scrub and there’s an infrared sauna to bask in.

If you do catch a ride on board one of Miliya’s wellness retreats, you’ll be treated to yoga, Pilates Reformer, spa treatments, three daily meals, cooking classes, workshops, accommodation at Argentille and more. Some are even specifically skewed towards a fitness discipline so make sure you check the website for up-to-date scheduling.

Where: 283 Wilderness Road, Lovedale

Prices: View the full spa menu .

10. The Wellness Farm

Another beautiful space dedicated to a scattered program of year-round wellness retreats, The Wellness Farm is set on 37 glorious acres in Broke.

Specialised practitioners set up shop over the course of a few days and run workshops and seminars while utilising the accommodation’s magnesium float pod, hot tub, sauna, Pilates Reformer machines, ice bath, fully equipped gym and general food-for-the-soul vibes.

The retreats vary in guest size depending on which practitioner is leading, so it’s best to stay across the website for upcoming dates and specific inclusions (and exclusions!).

Where: 130 Hill Street, Broke

Prices: Visit the website to explore the space and forthcoming retreats.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

10 luxe day spas in the Hunter Valley to unwind at now

Cheese is certainly appetising but a day spa in the Hunter Valley serves as the ultimate pairing to top-shelf wine.

1. Elysia Wellness Retreat

2. Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Day Spa

3. The Spa at Chateau Elan Hunter Valley

4. Reflections Day Spa

5. Ubika Day Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

6. Spa Anise Day Spa at Spicers Vineyards Estate

7. Heavenly Hunter Mobile Massage & Meditation

8. Nu Leaf Retreat

9. Miliya Hunter Valley

10. The Wellness Farm

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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

1. Gosford’s glow up

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

3. New Central Coast experiences

4. Central Coast accommodation

5. Shopping on the Central Coast