Top off your sun, sand and surf break with a visit to one of these top spas.
1. spaQ at QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
SpaQ is not your average ‘set-menu’ spa – it’s all about making each treatment specific to you. As part of the ‘Freshly Picked’ menu, you can individualise your ‘me time’ on arrival, after you’ve cleared your head in the complimentary hammam-inspired steam room and ice fountain. Did we mention the Australasian Spa Association’s Therapist of the Year is on staff? Hello Rebecca McMurtie.
Try the ‘Skin Rescue’ Too much Goldie sun? Your skin will love you for the rehydrating facial and nourishing aloe vera body wrap; your hair will adore you for the protective treatment; and your muscles will cherish you after the back, scalp and shoulder massage. $255.
2. The Golden Door Spa & Health Club, Main Beach
This little gem of a spa is actually the Gold Coast’s largest. It has a steam room and spa bath for your arrival (enjoyed with herbal tea) so you are fully blissed out even before your treatment begins and offers tailor-made ‘à la carte’ facials using ‘high-tech’ products by BABOR.
Try the ‘Kahuna-style Lomi Lomi’ Say aloha to a reinvigorated version of yourself. After a full body sea and mineral salt scrub, take a long soak in a herbal bath, then fall into deep relaxation with a dynamic Lomi Lomi massage – an ancient Polynesian treatment with flowing movements. $250; goldendoor.com.au
3. Q1 SPA, Surfers Paradise
Voted in the top 10 spas by Conde Nast Traveller UK, Q1’s menu is inspired by the indigenous Dreamtime, using Australian LI’TYA products. They specialise in ‘dual’ treatments so you can enjoy the divinity with your plus one.
Try The ‘Mala Mayi’ This Aboriginal inspired treatment begins with a cocoon of warm Mapi mud along with a Paudi head and scalp massage; a soak in a relaxing Vichy shower, followed by a kodo massage said to tone, re-align energy flow, and promote harmony for the mind, body and spirit. $248.
4. O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa, Lamington National Park
Stepping into this eco-friendly spa – surrounded by the Gold Coast Hinterland – is enough to induce utter relaxation. The Couples’ Suite comes complete with a wooden tub and nature-inspired shower that overlooks the valley to the Great Dividing and McPherson ranges. Everything at O’Reilly’s is au naturel; treatments are performed with chemical-free Sodashi products.
Try the ‘Vinotherapy Body Infusion’ Grapes from O’Reilly’s vineyards are said to contain anti-ageing qualities – sadly not when drunk, but when applied as a delicious red grape and clay body masque that nourishes your skin while you enjoy a head and scalp massage. $195.
5. Aurora Spa Retreat, Main Beach
The Palazzo Versace may be all glitz and glamour, but its Aurora Spa is as serene as they come. It won Best Luxury Day Spa in Australia at the World Luxury Spa Awards and is known for its signature steam treatments, which encourage toxin release and deep muscle relaxation.
Try The ‘Kitya Kamu’ After a private steam room session, enjoy full body exfoliation and massage, nourishing hair treatment and hydrating facial. Cool lava stones are then gently glided over the body to awaken your lymphatic system (which will no doubt have fallen into a deep sleep by then). $195.
