Social Spas Are The Hottest Trend In Wellness Right Now

Day spas are moving away from “me time" to become social hubs in their own right, revealing a wider wellness trend that elevates connection to the ultimate act of self-care.

Spa with a bar

The reception desk at W Sydney’s Away Spa is decidedly different to most day spas – it’s a marble-topped bar shaped like a horseshoe with blue velvet stools inviting you to sit and unwind. This ‘Beauty Bar’ is a metaphor for what wellness is in 2024. It’s about treating your temple inside as well as out, while providing a platform for connection – much missing during the pandemic years.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, in the 2023 Global Wellness Trends Report: The Future of Wellness, social wellness was the leading trend, with a focus on nixing loneliness and offering experiences that serve as social icebreakers.

The bar inside AWAY Spa Bar — The marble-topped bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks a well as light bites.

With a menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic tipples as well as light bites, at Away Spa you can mix manis with martinis, sitting in one of the curvaceous (and very Instagrammable) nail booths, or retire to the bar after a sauna, steam room and experience shower.

At The Spa at Salt on the Tweed coast in northern New South Wales, groups swap cafes catch ups for ‘Sip and Lounge’ sessions in their Elements lounge, enjoying an alcoholic beverage alongside the spa, sauna, LED light therapy, ice bath and zen room, where you can DIY yoga or breathwork.

SpaQ at QT Sydney is also seeing guests seeking a social sanctuary over solo treatments, which is why their Metamorphosis package includes lunch delivered from Parlour or Gowings to keep the wellness experience going all day.

SpaQT has crafted a Metamorphosis package that includes lunch to cater to the growing appetite for social spas that last all day.

Unknowingly pre-empting the trend, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa introduced its Social Spa pre-pandemic in 2019. Designed for groups of up to four, the space allows you to reconnect over soothing stone therapy and massages.

Couple at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa — Reconnect in groups of up to four at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.

Bathhouse vibes

Bathhouses are having a major moment in Australia, and these public soak and sweat sessions have become facilitators of moral support. Places for mum groups to unwind free of kids, or friends to treat someone dear to them going through difficult times. They’re also attracting more men – many who would have never considered going to a day spa.

Group gather for a spa at Sense of Self — Bathhouses are having a major moment in Australia right now.

“Bathhouses have existed for centuries and are a great means to go back to basics and embrace social well-being because it has never been more vital," says Melbourne’s Sense of Self owner and director, Freya Berwick, Freya Berwick.

Sense of Self co-founder Freya Berwick — Sense of Self owner and director, Freya Berwick, believes the desire for social well-being has seen bathhouses explode in popularity.

Whether visiting as a group or a solo bather seeking time-out with like-minded souls, guests at the calming Collingwood sanctuary can book a massage, opt for a self-led Sud & Mud kit to amplify the bathhouse experience, or simply enjoy two hours in the mineral bath, Finnish sauna, cold plunge and Hamman – all free of phones.

Sense of Self — The Collingwood bathhouse has a no-phone policy.

As well as providing an IRL social platform, bathhouses also make wellness more fun. At Tank Bathhouse in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, guests come as much for the sauna and plunge rotations as the river cruise, tapas and cocktails. At The Banya in Mullumbimby, a monthly book club combines a dose of self-care with novel dissections over pots of herbal tea.

Aerial view of a group at Tank Bathhouse on the Sunshine Coast — Tapas and cocktails are all part of the fun at Tank Bathhouse in Mooloolaba.

Sunrise swim community

Coffee, cards and an ocean dip at dawn is the recipe for wellness according to Generation SPF . The sunrise swim community, which gathers near Noosa every Wednesday, was founded with the pure purpose of connection. Feeling increasingly isolated while working from home and inspired by Perth’s Cold Nips , entrepreneur Lolita Daskalu-Glover and her partner, photographer Alex Van Kampen, started the group in search of “those everyday stranger interactions".

Members of Generation SPF in Noosa go for a sunrise swim — Generation SPF was founded with the pure purpose of fostering connection. (Image: Alex Van Kampen)

“It’s been two years now and each week we get around 50-100 people," says Lolita, adding that at least 80 per cent stick around for the coffee and card games afterwards. Once a month they team the swim with guided breathwork and another week they do yoga. It’s even drawing wellness seekers from Brisbane and travellers from interstate.

“So many people each week say they specifically plan their trip to Noosa to come to our swim," she says. “The common thread is they [participants] just want to meet new people and it’s such a nice way to start your morning."

Generation SPF T-Shirts — Coffee, cards and an ocean dip are all part of the morning routine.

Will run for food

During peak Covid, a new breed of running club emerged – social groups, less focused on PBs or training for a marathon. Great for those who have moved to a new town, they even offer up delicious incentives. In various parts of the country, you can run for rewards in the form of croissants , gelato, a beer, or even a steak at the pub .

Unfit Rub Club was founded in September 2020 by Cory Wittleton, who, as a boutique courier company owner, wanted to help his cafe clients who saw their businesses dry up. Now Unfit Run Clubs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Sydney attract up to 900 people each week.

The Unfit Run Club rewards participants with delicious incentives. (Image: mbark)

“The beer runs are the most popular at the moment," says Cory who credits the relaxed nature of the events as their biggest drawcard. He admits fostering connections between runners was never his first goal but one that’s happened organically. “We see all these WhatsApp groups and people going to each other’s weddings and all sorts," he says. “It blows my mind."

Unfit Run Club in Noosa — Unfit Run Clubs have popped up all over Australia.

Given it’s been proven that positive relationships keep us happier and healthier, and even live longer, a run to the pub or a drink in a day spa could just be the best thing you do for yourself this year.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Social spas are the hottest trend in wellness right now, here’s why…