Find Zen effortlessly with our pick of the best Brisbane day spas

Release those shoulders in sublime style at our pick of the best Brisbane day spas.

A Brisbane holiday is never short of incredible things to do, making my deep desire to momentarily switch off even more crucial. Delivering delicious dollops of Zen across the city, the best Brisbane day spas are found within the finest hotels and hottest emerging suburbs, as I find a quality fix no matter where my adventure takes me. Here, my list of the top Brisbane day spas to get you floating.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Brisbane day spas, make it The Bathhouse Albion. You’ll lap up always-alluring affordable bathhouse pricing amid one of the most high-luxe, immersive day spa fit outs across the state.

1. KAILO Wellness Medispa

KAILO Wellness Medispa at The Calile Hotel — The spa at The Calile is in a league of its own.

Like you needed another reason to drop into The Calile Hotel. KAILO Wellness Medispa , located within the globally acclaimed Fortitude Valley hotel, is a sanctuary dedicated to self-care. I step into Pinterest-perfected surroundings to discover every spa classic I’m looking for, as well as vitamin therapy, advanced skin treatments, medical treatments, brow and makeup services, and laser. In signature Calile fashion, the space trickles with tranquillity and the service is world-class, mirroring the same soaring bar that puts The Calile into a league of its own.

Address: Level 1, The Calile Hotel, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley

Prices: View their treatment menu here

2. Sukha Skin and Wellness

I don’t visit Windsor often, but stumble across a very cool collective of retailers when I find Sukha Skin and Wellness one weekday morning. Located one level up from the ground level’s buzzing Boy Bear Espresso and the cult-favourite By Roxy brow salon, this Brisbane day spa is as aesthetically blissful as its greenery-speckled counterparts. A softly dressed waiting area soothes before my Sukha Signature Start facial, led by the lovely Sinead, examines my shin in detail and drenches it lovingly with exactly what it’s craving. My favourite bit is the extra-spacious treatment table, layered up with a concealed quilt to provide maximised fluffiness as I drift into heaven knowing long-lasting results are on the way.

Address: Colwill Place, 180 Albion Rd, Windsor

Prices: View their treatment menu here

3. The Bathhouse Albion

Stepping up Brisbane’s bathhouse game to spectacular heights, The Bathhouse Albion dazzles from the moment I enter. A muted palette of Instagram-perfect beige embraces timbers and natural stone to create a dream-like setting. Hopping between the traditional Finnish sauna to the steam room and cold plunge, I’m entirely focused on me (which, with young kids, isn’t always possible) before a herbal tea enjoyed in the Brisbane day spa’s phone-free lounge provides the cherry on top. A 38-degree hot pool is equally wonderful, darkened to allow for the lights beneath to glow as I sink in and lose track of time completely. This place is so beloved, they’ve just opened a Queenstown, New Zealand outpost.

Address: Albion Fine Trades, 64 Narial St, Albion

Prices: 60-minute bathhouse sessions start from $59 and 60-minute float therapy starts from $79. See the full services menu for comprehensive pricing

4. Soak Bathhouse

mineral pools at Soak Bathhouse in Brisbane — Soak Bathhouse invites you to switch off and recharge.

Originally a Gold Coast spa day stalwart, Soak Bathhouse in Brisbane’s West End has been wholly embraced by Brisbane locals and visitors like myself. A photogenic spot for hydrothermal therapy, it’s beautifully designed to facilitate seamless dipping between mineral pools, hot spas, cold plunges, a cedarwood sauna and a steam room. Basic entry will score you 60 minutes to do the rounds at your own pace however 90-minute sessions are recommended, and more in-depth packages include snacks and beverages are also on offer. I also love Soak’s quiet areas, and I recommend booking an LED facial and meditation service to extend your self-care

Address: Level 2, The Eaves at West Village, 111 Boundary St, West End

Prices: A 60-minute session starts from $39 however prices increase depending on when you go (and what you add).

5. SOL Elements

the SOL Elements bathhouse, Tamborine Mountain — SOL Elements bathhouse is a calming wellness destination on a lake. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Just an hour’s drive from the centre of Brisbane, SOL Elements takes my breath away when I visit for Australian Traveller’s exclusive first look. Situated amid rich Tamborine Mountain hinterland and adjacent to a fairytale lake dotted with resident ducks, the Brisbane day spa is a romantic ode to traditional Japanese-inspired wellness. Lean into the Himalayan salt room and float therapy room, or book a treatment before your obligatory saunter between three outdoor thermal mineral pools, a cold plunge and a cedar wood sauna provide idyllic hot-cold therapy. Don’t miss the Earth Lab, where I blend my own body scrub to shower with, or one of the Secluded Suites which elevate the experience via a private sauna, shower, outdoor mineral pool and suite of refreshments

Address: Tamborine Mountain Glades, Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Prices: 90-minute sessions start from $85. View the services menu here

6. Merse Wellness Spa

indoor pools at Merse Wellness Spa, Brisbane — Escape the rush of the city at Merse Wellness Spa.

Located across two Brisbane sites, Merse Wellness Spa is a gorgeous wellness brand that offers bathhouse-style contrast therapy. Spanning traditional sauna sessions, cool plunge pools and hot spas, both locations serve as multifaceted oasis’s of self-focused love. If you’re extra serious about results, investigate their body contouring, magnesium float and compression therapy services. The Brisbane day spa also rolls out massage treatments and spray tanning if you’re feeling cash splashy.

Address: 1904 Sandgate Rd, Virginia, and 31-49 Logan River Rd, Beenleigh

Prices: View their services menu here

7. Atama Head Spa

Obsessed with that Japanese head treatment on Instagram? Atama Head Spa is your reality fix, a niche Brisbane day spa renowned for its famed traditional head and scalp-based treatments. Broadening the love out to the shoulders, face and neck, this place is basically the massaging messiah of cranium proximity, drawing a cult following for its expert therapists but also the blow dry that’s included in some of their popular spa packages.

Address: 2/92 James St, New Farm

Prices: View their treatment menu here

8. Away Spa

the Twilight spa treatment room, Away Spa — Get pampered in the Twilight spa treatment room.

Tucked inside the glamorous W Brisbane, Away Spa is a suitably slick Brisbane day spa oozing trademark W-style character. Ultra-modern relaxation pods, complimented with drinks and snacks, overlook the Brisbane River, creating a beautiful kick start to your wellness journey. As for the treatments, there’s a buffet to choose from spanning massages, body exfoliation, facials, peels, hair masks, mani-pedis, waxing, brow beauty and beyond. Want more? Guests are granted access to the hotel’s Level 4 Wet Deck which consists of a pool, gym, saunas and steam rooms.

Address: Level 5, W Brisbane, 81 N Quay, Brisbane

Prices: View their spa menus here

9. Stephanies Spa Retreat

a woman relaxing at Stephanies Spa Retreat — Schedule a wellness day at the French-inspired Stephanies Spa Retreat.

Bypass the Sofitel’s rooftop pool on Level 3 to find Stephanies Spa Retreat , a French-inspired Brisbane day spa. Soft blooms and sweet-scented candles set the scene as 11 treatment rooms including one designated just for couples, a five-person pedicure lounge and a steam room, roll out the classics. Opt for a deluxe package to get the royal treatment, otherwise indulge in their list of massages, body therapy and facials as well as a brilliant 30-minute Sole Healing ritual perfect for those explorative footsies.

Address: Level 3, Sofitel Brisbane Central, 249 Turbot St, Brisbane City

Prices: View their treatment menu here

10. Heavenly Spa by Westin

the spa relaxation pod at Heavenly Spa by Westin — Settle in for a quiet and relaxing treatment at the Heavenly Spa by Westin.

Elevate your self-care routine with premium skincare at Heavenly Spa by Westin  in the middle of Brisbane’s CBD. Found within The Westin Brisbane, the day spa features an ultra-luxurious minimalistic fit-out with soft lighting and sheer drapes, plus the staff are delightful. Take your pick from massages spanning hot stone, aromatherapy, remedial and more, plus there are also scrubs, wraps, facials and peels.

Address: Level 3, 111 Mary St, Brisbane

Prices: View their treatment menu here

11. Archon

Archon, Brisbane day spa — Rest and rejuvenate at Archon.

Desperate for the out-turn rather than the Zen? Archon  in Teneriffe, about a 10-minute drive from the CBD, is a slick space that offers results-based treatments for men and women. The facial menu alone is packed to the rafters, ranging from standard to advanced, plus there’s laser hair removal, micro-needling, waxing, cosmetic tattooing, tattoo removal and more. A day spa in Brisbane for serious beauty enthusiasts.

Address: 100 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe

Prices: View their services via the website

12. Petrichor Day Spa

the treatment room at Petrichor Day Spa, Brisbane — Relax in pure bliss at Petrichor Day Spa.

Making magic with a product range that’s all organic, Petrichor Day Spa  is a calming Brisbane day spa built in a beautiful 100-year-old Queenslander. Step inside for instant homely vibes before your treatment commences and total relaxation ensues. There are a few signature packages to consider, with some including a light lunch and beverages, however, if you’re there solely for your favourite fix, choose from massages, facials, beauty treatments and more.

Address: Level 3, 48 Orchard St, Hawthorne

Prices: View their treatment menus here

13. SkinSpirit Day Spa

the SkinSpirit Day Spa, Brisbane — SkinSpirit Day Spa is tucked down a quiet street.

Located on a quiet street in Tarragindi, just a 10-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, SkinSpirit Day Spa  is a local gem that’s swept up multiple industry awards. Offering a menu of beautifully performed treatments, the staff are professional and knowledgeable. Find uninterrupted me-time in the way of high-performing facials, massages, hydro-microdermabrasion, LED therapy, body treatments and a large range of beauty services.

Address: Shop 1, 212 Cracknell Rd, Tarragindi

Prices: View their treatments via the website

14. TotalFusion Spa

the treatment room at TotalFusion Spa, Brisbane — Indulge in Ayurvedic treatments at TotalFusion Spa.

TotalFusion, a Brisbane wellness chain with locations in Newstead, Springfield, Chermside, Mt Gravatt and Morningside, TotalFusion Spa  is found in three of them, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and results-driven treatments. No matter which venue proves more convenient, expect striking modern fit outs and extremely attentive service. The menu spans facials, massages, facial peels, beauty therapy, laser skin treatments and laser hair removal.

Address: Check the website for Newstead, Morningside and Springfield locations

Prices: View their treatments via the website

15. The Healing Stone

The Healing Stone, Brisbane day spa — The Healing Stone is inspired by the healing power of ancient Japanese rituals. (Image: Supplied)

Inspired by the healing power of ancient Japanese rituals, The Healing Stone  offers unique experiences across two locations. One is set within the Emporium Hotel South Bank, and the other is in Paddington and caters to women only. No matter where you land, don’t miss their incredible Ganbanyoku therapy which pops you into a hot stone chamber of Himalayan rock salt to allow for its detoxifying powers to enlighten you. Shiatsu bodywork, reflexology and oil massages can also be experienced across both venues.

Address:  Level 21, Emporium Hotel, 267 Grey St, South Brisbane, and 79 Latrobe Tce, Paddington

Prices: View each location’s treatments via the website

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

The best Brisbane day spas to instil deep calm