The best spa holidays in Australia — for treating yourself

hero media
As solo travel gains momentum, we seek out the best resorts for numero uno.

A recent survey by TripAdvisor* has found that one in three Aussie women travel alone for leisure, with 82 per cent saying it’s because they “want to get away from it all". In fact, nearly two-thirds of these women reported that travelling alone had changed them in some way.

 

A bit Eat Pray Love, perhaps, but we get it. Escaping work, kids, commitments, traffic, bills, bills, bills, however fleeting it may be, is liberating. Perhaps Elizabeth Gilbert was onto something after all. Here are eight solo retreats… just for you.

1. Miamo Retreats, Far North Queensland

Botanical Ark Retreat, Far North Queensland.
Botanical Ark Retreat, Far North Queensland.

Frank Frikker and Renee wanted to get away from their former high-flying corporate careers so they made a sea change to Port Douglas 10 years ago, opening up two day spas in the area. Their new venture – Miamo Retreats – goes one step further than your usual pampering treatments with programs designed for corporate people who ‘have lost touch with life and nature’ – sound familiar? – and are ideal for solo travellers.

 

With staff heralding backgrounds in counselling, nutrition and life coaching, the major focus is on mindfulness through education – so participants have skills to take home with them to utilise every day. Nourishment is also on the menu (you’ll feast on organic, locally-sourced food) and there is yoga, tai chi and meditation. The program location alternates between the beautiful Botanical Ark Retreat and Niramaya Resort & Spa, both set in lush tropical north Queensland surrounds.

2. Dirty Girls 4×4 weekend, Queensland

South-west Queensland, not exactly what you think of when you hear the word ‘retreat’, but sometimes the best way to relax is to do something out of your comfort zone. Cue Dirty Girls 4×4 weekends: female-only breaks where you can shortcut stress with some back-to-basics fun.

 

Based in different regions of Queensland (Moreton Island and Fraser Island included) each retreat includes four-wheel-driving on white sandy beaches, snorkelling through shipwrecks, boating, playing beach volleyball and drinking champagne around the, er, glamp-fire. It’s popular with solo travellers thanks to the female-only aspect. BYO 4WD (and courageousness).

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

4. KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, Bridgetown, WA

KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, east of Margaret River.
KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, east of Margaret River.

Having trouble remembering what sleep is? Yes, us too. Perhaps a ‘sound therapy’ treatment here will remind you. Located in the heart of beautiful Blackwood River Valley, east of Margaret River, this secluded retreat has only two suites and offers fully-customisable packages including reiki, shiatsu, kinesiology, therapeutic massage, art therapy and guided meditations.

 

The sound therapy package involves using vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls to send you into a dream-like state. Interesting… but research shows it can detoxify the body at a cellular level. Our PJs are packed. From $580 for two nights.

5. Harmony Hill Health Retreat, Hobart, Tasmania

Travelling solo gives you licence to do exactly what you want (hurray!) so why not spoil yourself silly? Just half-an-hour outside of Hobart’s centre, Harmony Hill Health Retreat is just the place. This modern, light-filled, 42-acre country stay offers a three-night ‘Ayuvedic Retreat’ (basically a fancy term for ‘many massages’ – in this instance, anyway) especially for singles: a Chakra healing experience, an Ayuverdic bundle massage, reflexology, a sauna, spa bath… and all using eco-friendly, organic products.

6. Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW

There’s quite possibly nowhere better to really get away from it all than at this luxurious retreat on stunning Lord Howe Island where you can totally unplug from the world – that’s right, no mobile coverage, no wi-fi and no TVs in any of the 12 suites.

 

Nestled within palms and banyan trees, Arajilla Retreat offers a range of wellness programs with a focus on Ayurvedic spa treatments including our favourite, the ‘Sleep Easy’ package. You can also indulge in sumptuous local produce prepared just for you including ocean-fresh fish.

7. Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Vic

Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Daylesford Spa Country, Victoria
Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Victoria

The Samadhi Retreat, near Daylesford’s spa country, is all about you and only you.

 

Catering to just one person at a time, you’ll have a private, self-contained sanctuary all to yourself. Imagine the serenity! Book the ‘Overnight Wellness Retreat’ to bliss out with a three-hour therapy treatment – think salt scrub, mud wrap, massage with their best korean moisturizer– and meditation. Samadhi itself means ‘infinite peace’ – we like the sound of that…

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

8. Authenticity Spa Resort, Port Elliot, SA

Authenticity Spa Resort, Port Elliot, SA.
Authenticity Spa Resort, Port Elliot, SA.

There’s something instantly soothing about being on the coast, don’t you think? So what better way to recharge the batteries than with a devoted pamper package for one on South Australia’s picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula.

 

A luxe overnight stay at the European-inspired and renovated 1864 villa will get you a relaxing massage, long hot soak in the uber-deep geisha spa bath with mineral salts, full use of the gym, outdoor pool and spa facilities, a three-course chef’s selection dinner and continental breakfast to boot. See authenticity.com.au

 

*TripAdvisor’s inaugural Women and the World Travel Survey

 

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.

How to spend a tasty long weekend in Geelong and the Bellarine

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    hero media
    From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

    As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.

    Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.

    federal mill geelong in autumn
    Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.

    It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.

    Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.

    Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

    Morning

    Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.

    Pavilion Geelong in winter
    Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.

    Afternoon

    After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct, a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery. Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery.

    Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnut
    Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.

    Night

    For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre. Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar.

    Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

    Morning

    Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store. Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.

    Afternoon

    To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective, which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.

    two people trying the wine at Austin's wines
    Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.

    Night

    Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.

    table spread at two noble restaurant
    The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.

    Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

    Morning

    For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker, an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail, visiting local producers like  Bellarine Smokehouse, Flying Brick Cider House and FarmDog Brewing.

    croissants at ket baker
    Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.

    Lunch

    There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.

    Afternoon and night

    Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington, where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel. Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.

    waiter holding mussels at Portarlington Grand Hotel
    Be sure to try Portarlington mussels.

    Start planning your ultimate Geelong & The Bellarine adventure at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.