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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

2. Destination dining

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

5. Newcastle nightlife