Fancy a Japanese hair spa treatment? What about a soak in mineral-rich waters? Or perhaps a facial and shoulder massage combo under infrared lights? Treat you (and your sore muscles) to a spa day at some of our favourite locations spanning from Melbourne’s CBD to the outer region that are most definitely worth the drive.
What are the benefits of a spa day?
While a one-off spa day isn’t going to magically turn your life around, decompressing at a day spa can be greatly beneficial for both your mental and physical health. Depending on the type of treatment on offer, these can include:
- Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated
- Improved circulation and blood flow
- Pain management including easing headaches and muscle aches
- In some instances, a boosted immune system and clearer skin
- Helps you to destress and unwind
Prices of spa treatments
The price of your spa day will differ from clinic to clinic. It will vary based on the package or treatment you choose. The duration of your treatment will also determine prices. For example, a two hour spa package can set you back $340, a 30 minute facial can cost $110, or a 60 minute head spa session can be around $180.
RELATED: How to be kind to yourself beyond the day spa
While these prices might seem exorbitant to some, spa days don’t necessarily need to be taken every month. These can occur as a once-a-year-treat or something you indulge in every so often. With so many options to select, there should be a location and a treatment that can work within your budget.
The best all-round Melbourne day spas
Endota Spa
With at least 20 different locations in Melbourne, Endota is a tried and true spot to indulge. The female-founded spa features a whole suite of offerings ranging from targeted treatments for pregnancy, clinical peels, remedial massages to a 3+ hour spa package for the works.
Botanica Wellness Spa and Clinic
Voted the number 1 luxury wellness spa in Australia, Botanica offers a great range of massage and facial offerings. For all the bells and whistles, they also provide packages. Our favourite is a four hour signature treatment which includes dry body exfoliation, full body massage, facial and scalp massage.
Inner Studio
Less of a traditional spa centre, Inner Studio is a wellness facility in Melbourne’s inner-city. The studio is a place for those to come and chill out with a guided breathwork or yoga class, before jumping into one of the hot (38°C) or cold (5°C) plunge pools and unwinding in the sauna. $75 a week grants you unlimited access to all classes and facilities.
The best Japanese Melbourne day spas
The Head Spa by Hikari
Located in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern, this Japanese head spa uses specialised techniques that focus on the scalp, hair and head to rejuvenate. Choose from two menu items: a 60-minute session or a 90-minute session. These include a scalp analysis, a personalised treatment, an eye mask, neck massage and a facial.
Sensu Spa
This Japanese-inspired wellness Melbourne day spa implements techniques, massages and even decor to help you unwind and relax. Services include a float experience, infrared sauna, traditional massage treatments plus customisable beauty offerings using Babor skincare products.
Sakura Lounge and Spa
Sister spa to Sensu, Indulge in this Japanese-style spa right in the middle of Melbourne CBD offering massage and facial packages including their signature shiatsu massage, plus an onsen soak for couples. They also have an infrared sauna in a Japanese Zen Tatami room for private indulgence.
The best luxe Melbourne day spas
Crown Spa Melbourne
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, Crown Spa Melbourne is one of (if not) the best hotel spa in Melbourne’s CBD. Go all out with the Crown Spa Ultimate package from just shy of $1000. This includes use of the spa, a 30 minute massage, a 90 minute pure gold facial, and a mani and a pedi. Plus, you don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to book.
The Day Spa by Chuan
Located inside The Langham hotel, treat yourself to a range of facials, massages, scrubs, wraps and foot therapies. For pure indulgence, choose the two and a half hour Chuan Ritual which includes a one hour signature massage, a one hour hydra facial and a 30 minute salt scrub.
Holism Retreat
Offering a more holistic approach to wellness, Holism Retreat in the M Gallery Hotel Chadstone offers skincare, massage, meditation, light therapy, plus wellness education so you can stay inside your bubble of bliss long after you’ve gone home. Don’t forget to bring your swimmers as some of the packages include access to the hotel rooftop pool.
The best day spas just outside of Melbourne
Japanese Mountain Retreat
If you’re up for the drive, this luxe day spa and accommodation is nestled in the Dandenong ranges. Choose from an indoor Roman bath or outdoor hot spring bath (or do both!) followed by a relaxing massage before retreating to your luxury Japanese-style accommodation on the resort grounds so you’re never too far away from a treatment.
Peninsula Hot Springs
Drive 90 minutes from the CBD and you’ll arrive at naturally occurring geothermal springs and a day spa. Opt for a soak in the mineral-rich waters from $55 plus you can upgrade to a private relaxation cabana for $100. You even have the option to spend the night in one of their glamping tents.
What is the purpose of a day spa?
A spa is a great way to treat you or your loved ones to a relaxing few hours to unwind, destress and relax. You may also have an underlying reason for visiting a day spa such as to help ease muscle tension, to clear a breakout on your face or improve your health.
If you have a friend or partner in tow, spa days can be a great chance to spend quality time together. Why not make a whole day out of it and enjoy a long lunch afterwards or choose a spa package which includes a night’s stay at a hotel.
Is a spa every day good for you?
This will depend on the type of treatment you choose. Research shows the daily use of a sauna can be beneficial to your health, however a skin treatment every day may lead to skin irritation as professional-grade products are used during facials.
If you’re unsure, speak to the professionals on which treatments can be safely performed every day.
Is a spa day good for your mental health?
It definitely can be. A study conducted by RMIT found participants who bathed at the Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria found 98% of those who were served reported general health benefits and 82% had better sleep. Benefits linking to back pain, arthritis, stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia were also revealed.
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