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Our guide to every dreamy day spa in the Hunter Valley

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
Cheese is certainly appetising but a day spa in the Hunter Valley serves as the ultimate pairing to top-shelf wine.

Romantic retreats, girls’ getaways or quality family time – no matter which getaway calls, the cherry on top is dedicated me-time at a Hunter Valley day spa. As an added incentive, each unique space is encircled with rolling vineyards to instantly soothe my frazzled brain ahead of wine o’clock revelry. From over-too-soon massages and hydrating treatments to wellness programs filled with spoils for the soul, I’ve collated the finest options to get you floating.

In short

If you only have time for one day spa in the Hunter Valley, make it Elysia Wellness Retreat for being the region’s most grand, and beautifully positioned, serenity source ever since the brand rebranded from the former Golden Door in 2019.

1. Elysia Wellness Retreat

the heated indoor pool at Elysia Wellness Retreat
Unwind in the heated indoor pool.

The jewel in the Hunter Valley’s self-care crown is Elysia Wellness Retreat, a magnificent property perched atop a dramatic hill that offers sweeping views of the region and gives serious James Bond villain-home vibes (drama replaced with overwhelming Zen, of course). All-inclusive two to seven-night programs are personalised to individual goals and filled with outdoor and indoor activities, seminars, and workshops with experts including nutritionists, naturopaths and psychologists. There’s also lavish daily meals packed with organic goodness and spa treatments (plenty more on the day spa itself just below). As for your digs, they come in the shape of one, two or three-bedroom suites with balconies, king beds and large bathtubs. Visitors should also note that while there’s a literal valley of grape crushing at Elysia’s doorstep, retreats do not serve alcohol.

Where: 165 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

Prices: From $1,510 per person for two nights

2. The Day Spa at Elysia Wellness Retreat

a facial treatment at Elysia Wellness Retreat day spa
Elysia Wellness Retreat promotes holistic treatments.

I can steal a taste of the luxe life without forking out for a multi-day package at Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Day Spa. Located at the centre of the property, this day spa in the Hunter Valley welcomes day trippers and tallies more than 50 unique treatments across 26 wet or dry rooms, making it an ideal option for the group of four I booked during a recent girls’ trip. It’s grand yet tranquil, and that’s despite the waiting area welcoming a steady stream of guests. Except a buffet of massage types, skin health consultations and facials, deeply hydrating body treatments, extravagant spa packages and grooming including waxing, plus an entire menu dedicated to restorative practices spanning breathwork, energy healing, tarot reading, hypnotherapy and wellness coaching. I especially love how beautiful Sodashi and Babor products are utilised so expertly, where relevant, and the staff are utterly professional every time.

Where: 165 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin

Prices: View the spa menu

3. The Spa at Chateau Elan Hunter Valley

Chateau Elan Hunter Valley from above
De-stress with a view. (Image: Chateau Elan Hunter Valley)

Set against a Greg Norman-designed golf course, The Spa at Chateau Elan Hunter Valley is an extremely chic oasis I’ve also been solidly impressed with during several past trips. A collection of 17 treatment rooms house wellness wizardry in the way of relaxation and therapeutic massages, body exfoliations, facials (including the 80-minute De-Stress Organic Luxury Facial I was last treated to, which included divine scalp and limb massaging), an extensive range of packages, and grooming vitals like waxing, manis, pedis and spray tanning. Make time for the Hydrolounge and Deck area which is fitted with two outdoor mineral spas to detoxify you further. Product-wise, Australian-grown clean beauty label iKou is leant upon, while the staff are endlessly attentive, on hand to whip up cheese platters and glasses of bubbles if you’re feeling peckish.

Where: Vintage Dr, Pokolbin

Prices: View the spa menu

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4. Reflections Day Spa at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove

Reflections Day Spa at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove
Cap off your treatment with a cheese platter.

Lovedale’s beloved pit-stop for plump olives and tapenades, right off the Lovedale turnoff along the Hunter Expressway, is also home to an epic day spa in the Hunter Valley. Reflections Day Spa at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove is an ultra-serene spot dotted with several al fresco spaces to help bring your glorious surroundings directly to your indulgence. Treatments are expertly performed, spanning four styles of massage starting at $129 for 50 minutes, dermablading, sumptuous facials, body polishes, body wraps and affordable add-ons like waxing and tints. Plus, there are platters with cheese and fruit so you can make an afternoon of it.

Where: Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove, 492 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

Prices: View the spa menu

5. Ubika Day Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

Ubika Day Spa, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Rest and recharge in the sanctuary suite.

One of the most luxurious accommodation spots in the region – centrally located Wine Country Drive – is home to another heavenly day spa in the Hunter Valley. Ubika Day Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley set me on the path to Zen from the moment I stepped through its doors. And while I visited solo, the space is especially perfect for couples. I was very jealous of guests being led to the swish Couples’ Suite fitted with a private spa bath that’s often lit up via candlelight. If you’re like me and travelling stag, however, never fear. Treatments span body rituals with fancy Vichy showers, facials, muscle-melting full-body massages starting at $160, and a range of add-on extras including head and scalp treatments and eye masks.

Where: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Prices: View the spa menu

6. Spa Anise at Spicers Vineyards Estate

Spa Anise at Spicers Vineyards Estate
Relax and rejuvenate at Spa Anise. (Image: Spicers Retreats)

Sleek interiors inspired by nature bring the best of the outdoors into Spa Anise at Spicers Vineyards Estate. Located in the heart of one of the region’s most elegant boutique stays, Spicers Vineyards Estate, the day spa in the Hunter Valley is intimate while evoking exclusivity via just two treatment rooms that flow into private courtyards. It’s a magical spot to bring a small group as you’ll have the entire space to yourselves. Treatments utilise Australian-made products from Waterlily and Spaceuticals and include the standout Vino Therapy facial which works to kick start collagen and smooth fine lines as it leans into pure shiraz pressings. Could there be any more fitting a Hunter Valley day spa option? Massages and ‘Extra Spice’ add-ons are also encouraged to indulge every limb.

Where: 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Prices: View the spa menu

7. Heavenly Hunter Massage & Wellbeing

a massage treatment at Heavenly Hunter Massage & Wellbeing
Heavenly Hunter treatments and meditation sessions are guaranteed to help you relax.

Nailed your cellar door call sheet and desperate to hibernate already? I feel you. It’s why I must point out the region’s best mobile massage services which start with Heavenly Hunter Massage & Wellbeing. Specialising in the art of Hawaiian massage with a Bodyworks qualification under her belt, owner Amanda Drew leads a team built to facilitate deep in-house R&R. Amanda is also a Reiki Master and qualified in nutrition coaching, so services are designed to be holistic as they melt you. Treatments include a wide range of massages, facials, healing therapies and yoga.

Where: It travels to accommodation within Pokolbin, Broke, Lovedale, Mount View, North Rothbury, Wollombi and surrounding suburbs.

Prices: View the website for comprehensive pricing

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8. Thai Nature Mobile Massage

Another popular pick in the local mobile massage game is Thai Nature Mobile Massage, which operates out of two Cessnock locations in addition to travelling to your Hunter Valley accommodation. If you’re heading to their brick-and-mortar operations, choose from a stack of massages: hot stone, deep tissue, Thai, remedial… you name it, they’ll nail it. There are also packages that bundle several options up and one of those trendy Japanese head spas. The same options are available if you’re ordering in, like I have in the past, as most services (sans the head spa) can be replicated via mobile massage beds. My tip? Make sure you enquire with plenty of notice as these guys are busy.

Where: 40 Cumberland St, Cessnock and 81 Vincent St, Cessnock, and the team travel right across the Hunter Valley

Prices: Visit the website for all pricing

9. Nu Leaf Retreat

a couple's massage at Nu Leaf Retreat, Pokolbin
Nu Leaf Retreat offers relaxing treatments for couples looking to decompress together.

Consider Nu Leaf Retreat a blank canvas to help you craft the wellness retreat of your dreams. Located in the thick of Hunter Valley’s action on Hermitage Road, the picturesque slice of nature caters to groups of up to 24 people. You can BYO experts – chefs (or food), therapists and coaches – but Nu Leaf can also connect you with local wellness and beauty professionals to help facilitate your experience. Ten rooms feature private patios and ensuite bathrooms, plus there’s a communal lounge, an undercover entertaining area with a barbecue, a magnesium pool, spa and steam room and an outdoor pool.

Where: 647 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Prices: Visit the website for comprehensive pricing

10. Miliya

pilates with Elizabeth at Miliya
Strengthen your core with a trained Pilates practitioner. (Image: Miliya)

Another choose-your-own-adventure day spa in the Hunter Valley, Miliya hosts wellness retreats that pack in self-care indulgences and also open the space to guests who are keen to craft their own itineraries. It’s decked out with everything a private group may need including a hot yoga studio with 18 mats and all the gear, a reformer Pilates studio with eight machines, a gym, an ice bath, two treatment rooms with massage tables, an infrared sauna and all the technology to hook up your beats and tutorials. Additionally, the fit out is Instagram-awesome as soft drapes let natural light flood in, and minimalistic styling makes for perfect mirror selfies from every angle.

Where: 283 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

Prices: Enquire through the website

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.