Spa Vacations

We all need time out now and again, and Australia makes good use of the naturally soothing properties of its forests and beaches to come up with a choice of spas and specialist health resorts that are among the world’s best, providing the ultimate in rest and relaxation.

Healing spa

Centrally located in Daylesford, the spa capital of Australia, the Massage Healing Centre is a total health centre known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and its effectiveness in massaging away the stresses that can build up from everyday life.

You’ll begin with a consultation that leads to a treatment tailored specifically for your needs. The centre, under the direction of Isobel Esmore, has health care professionals from many different areas, each with their own speciality. The range of treatments includes various massages, such as relaxation, therapeutic, remedial, Bowen, shiatsu and reiki spiritual healing. Diet and herbal advice is also available, as well as tarot and astrology consultations. Spa baths with salts, aromatherapy or essential oils are another option, and vega testing is available on the premises.

Clients are sent away with recommendations for future maintenance of their body and a guarantee of a wonderful release of stress.

Day spa

Whether you’re looking for the warm oil stream of Ayurvedic Shirodhara or a relaxing massage with hot stones on chakra points, Australian day spas offer a complete range that varies from the esoteric to more well-known aromatherapy, remedial and lymphatic massages. And, if treatments promoting skin vitality are what you’re looking for, deep cleansing mud wraps and sea salt exfoliations are also easy to find.

In Sydney, try Venustus beauty and body lab - favourite of Eartha Kitt, Nicole Kidman and the Corrs, the Zen Day Spa - a hit with Matrix star Carrie-Anne Moss or Aveda Day Spa preferred by Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue. Or, if you’re travelling out of town, a stopover at The Golden Door Resort Spa in the Hunter Valley for treatments including a refreshing Vichy rain shower or fragrant floral bath is highly recommended.

In Melbourne, relaxation and wellbeing are on offer at Stephanie’s Skin Fitness South Yarra, Crown Day Spa and Spa Chakra at Southbank. In Daylesford, at the Springs Retreat Spa house, red hot granite is plunged into a copper cauldron of lavender water to produce clouds of skin-cleansing steam.

Rejuvenate and rebalance in Adelaide, at Visible Changes, where expert therapists pamper as well as treat specific concerns, in Perth’s Keturah Day Spa, Highgate and Fremantle, or the award winning Outshine in Brisbane well-known for warm oil essences, microdermabrasion and reflexology.

Fountain of health

Located in the Southern Highlands about halfway between Sydney and Canberra, Solar Springs Health Retreat is a health resort with the emphasis on food, fitness and pampering.

Beginning with a comprehensive physical health assessment that identifies individual strengths and weaknesses and recommends guidelines for future improvement, Solar Springs offers a total approach to physical and mental health. Treatment involves exercise, diet and relaxation therapy. A dietician is available to give a complete, personal analysis of dietary intake. The analysis process generates a computer printout that highlights all aspects of diet including intakes of fat, fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Exercise classes at Solar Springs include aquaerobics, aerobics, power walking, bushwalking, cycling, tennis, swimming, pool volleyball, basketball, weight training, tai chi, yoga meditation and archery. Personal training sessions are developed for each client, and guests are encouraged to focus on their personal goals with the assistance of a lifestyle program coordinator. An intensive program of skin and body care - including massages, body wraps and peels - is another speciality at the resort.

The surroundings are sublime. Solar Springs Health Retreat is located in Bundanoon on the edge of the Morton National Park, a rugged area of inspiring natural beauty. The retreat is surrounded by landscaped grounds that have been designed to enhance and complement the relaxation process. Meals score high marks for flavour as well as health.