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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

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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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining