hero media

The best Brisbane day spas to instil deep calm

Release those shoulders in sublime style at our pick of the best Brisbane day spas.

A Brisbane holiday is never short of incredible things to do, making my deep desire to momentarily switch off even more crucial. Delivering delicious dollops of Zen across the city, the best Brisbane day spas are found within the finest hotels and hottest emerging suburbs, as I find a quality fix no matter where my adventure takes me. Here, my list of the top Brisbane day spas to get you floating.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Brisbane day spas, make it The Bathhouse Albion. You’ll lap up always-alluring affordable bathhouse pricing amid one of the most high-luxe, immersive day spa fit outs across the state.

1. KAILO Wellness Medispa

KAILO Wellness Medispa at The Calile Hotel
The spa at The Calile is in a league of its own.

Like you needed another reason to drop into The Calile Hotel. KAILO Wellness Medispa, located within the globally acclaimed Fortitude Valley hotel, is a sanctuary dedicated to self-care. I step into Pinterest-perfected surroundings to discover every spa classic I’m looking for, as well as vitamin therapy, advanced skin treatments, medical treatments, brow and makeup services, and laser. In signature Calile fashion, the space trickles with tranquillity and the service is world-class, mirroring the same soaring bar that puts The Calile into a league of its own.

Address: Level 1, The Calile Hotel, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley

Prices: View their treatment menu here

2. Sukha Skin and Wellness

I don’t visit Windsor often, but stumble across a very cool collective of retailers when I find Sukha Skin and Wellness one weekday morning. Located one level up from the ground level’s buzzing Boy Bear Espresso and the cult-favourite By Roxy brow salon, this Brisbane day spa is as aesthetically blissful as its greenery-speckled counterparts. A softly dressed waiting area soothes before my Sukha Signature Start facial, led by the lovely Sinead, examines my shin in detail and drenches it lovingly with exactly what it’s craving. My favourite bit is the extra-spacious treatment table, layered up with a concealed quilt to provide maximised fluffiness as I drift into heaven knowing long-lasting results are on the way.

Address: Colwill Place, 180 Albion Rd, Windsor

Prices: View their treatment menu here

3. The Bathhouse Albion

Stepping up Brisbane’s bathhouse game to spectacular heights, The Bathhouse Albion dazzles from the moment I enter. A muted palette of Instagram-perfect beige embraces timbers and natural stone to create a dream-like setting. Hopping between the traditional Finnish sauna to the steam room and cold plunge, I’m entirely focused on me (which, with young kids, isn’t always possible) before a herbal tea enjoyed in the Brisbane day spa’s phone-free lounge provides the cherry on top. A 38-degree hot pool is equally wonderful, darkened to allow for the lights beneath to glow as I sink in and lose track of time completely. This place is so beloved, they’ve just opened a Queenstown, New Zealand outpost.

Address: Albion Fine Trades, 64 Narial St, Albion

Prices: 60-minute bathhouse sessions start from $59 and 60-minute float therapy starts from $79. See the full services menu for comprehensive pricing

4. Soak Bathhouse

mineral pools at Soak Bathhouse in Brisbane
Soak Bathhouse invites you to switch off and recharge.

Originally a Gold Coast spa day stalwart, Soak Bathhouse in Brisbane’s West End has been wholly embraced by Brisbane locals and visitors like myself. A photogenic spot for hydrothermal therapy, it’s beautifully designed to facilitate seamless dipping between mineral pools, hot spas, cold plunges, a cedarwood sauna and a steam room. Basic entry will score you 60 minutes to do the rounds at your own pace however 90-minute sessions are recommended, and more in-depth packages include snacks and beverages are also on offer. I also love Soak’s quiet areas, and I recommend booking an LED facial and meditation service to extend your self-care

Address: Level 2, The Eaves at West Village, 111 Boundary St, West End

Prices: A 60-minute session starts from $39 however prices increase depending on when you go (and what you add).

5. SOL Elements

the SOL Elements bathhouse, Tamborine Mountain
SOL Elements bathhouse is a calming wellness destination on a lake. (Image: Timothy Birch)

Just an hour’s drive from the centre of Brisbane, SOL Elements takes my breath away when I visit for Australian Traveller’s exclusive first look. Situated amid rich Tamborine Mountain hinterland and adjacent to a fairytale lake dotted with resident ducks, the Brisbane day spa is a romantic ode to traditional Japanese-inspired wellness. Lean into the Himalayan salt room and float therapy room, or book a treatment before your obligatory saunter between three outdoor thermal mineral pools, a cold plunge and a cedar wood sauna provide idyllic hot-cold therapy. Don’t miss the Earth Lab, where I blend my own body scrub to shower with, or one of the Secluded Suites which elevate the experience via a private sauna, shower, outdoor mineral pool and suite of refreshments

Address: Tamborine Mountain Glades, Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Prices: 90-minute sessions start from $85. View the services menu here

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

AI Prompt

6. Merse Wellness Spa

indoor pools at Merse Wellness Spa, Brisbane
Escape the rush of the city at Merse Wellness Spa.

Located across two Brisbane sites, Merse Wellness Spa is a gorgeous wellness brand that offers bathhouse-style contrast therapy. Spanning traditional sauna sessions, cool plunge pools and hot spas, both locations serve as multifaceted oasis’s of self-focused love. If you’re extra serious about results, investigate their body contouring, magnesium float and compression therapy services. The Brisbane day spa also rolls out massage treatments and spray tanning if you’re feeling cash splashy.

Address: 1904 Sandgate Rd, Virginia, and 31-49 Logan River Rd, Beenleigh

Prices: View their services menu here

7. Atama Head Spa

Obsessed with that Japanese head treatment on Instagram? Atama Head Spa is your reality fix, a niche Brisbane day spa renowned for its famed traditional head and scalp-based treatments. Broadening the love out to the shoulders, face and neck, this place is basically the massaging messiah of cranium proximity, drawing a cult following for its expert therapists but also the blow dry that’s included in some of their popular spa packages.

Address: 2/92 James St, New Farm

Prices: View their treatment menu here

8.  Away Spa

the Twilight spa treatment room, Away Spa
Get pampered in the Twilight spa treatment room.

Tucked inside the glamorous W Brisbane, Away Spa is a suitably slick Brisbane day spa oozing trademark W-style character. Ultra-modern relaxation pods, complimented with drinks and snacks, overlook the Brisbane River, creating a beautiful kick start to your wellness journey. As for the treatments, there’s a buffet to choose from spanning massages, body exfoliation, facials, peels, hair masks, mani-pedis, waxing, brow beauty and beyond. Want more? Guests are granted access to the hotel’s Level 4 Wet Deck which consists of a pool, gym, saunas and steam rooms.

Address: Level 5, W Brisbane, 81 N Quay, Brisbane

Prices: View their spa menus here

9. Stephanies Spa Retreat

a woman relaxing at Stephanies Spa Retreat
Schedule a wellness day at the French-inspired Stephanies Spa Retreat.

Bypass the Sofitel’s rooftop pool on Level 3 to find Stephanies Spa Retreat, a French-inspired Brisbane day spa. Soft blooms and sweet-scented candles set the scene as 11 treatment rooms including one designated just for couples, a five-person pedicure lounge and a steam room, roll out the classics. Opt for a deluxe package to get the royal treatment, otherwise indulge in their list of massages, body therapy and facials as well as a brilliant 30-minute Sole Healing ritual perfect for those explorative footsies.

Address: Level 3, Sofitel Brisbane Central, 249 Turbot St, Brisbane City

Prices: View their treatment menu here

10. Heavenly Spa by Westin

the spa relaxation pod at Heavenly Spa by Westin
Settle in for a quiet and relaxing treatment at the Heavenly Spa by Westin.

Elevate your self-care routine with premium skincare at Heavenly Spa by Westin in the middle of Brisbane’s CBD. Found within The Westin Brisbane, the day spa features an ultra-luxurious minimalistic fit-out with soft lighting and sheer drapes, plus the staff are delightful. Take your pick from massages spanning hot stone, aromatherapy, remedial and more, plus there are also scrubs, wraps, facials and peels.

Address: Level 3, 111 Mary St, Brisbane

Prices: View their treatment menu here

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

11. Archon

Archon, Brisbane day spa
Rest and rejuvenate at Archon.

Desperate for the out-turn rather than the Zen? Archon in Teneriffe, about a 10-minute drive from the CBD, is a slick space that offers results-based treatments for men and women. The facial menu alone is packed to the rafters, ranging from standard to advanced, plus there’s laser hair removal, micro-needling, waxing, cosmetic tattooing, tattoo removal and more. A day spa in Brisbane for serious beauty enthusiasts.

Address: 100 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe

Prices: View their services via the website

12. Petrichor Day Spa

the treatment room at Petrichor Day Spa, Brisbane
Relax in pure bliss at Petrichor Day Spa.

Making magic with a product range that’s all organic, Petrichor Day Spa is a calming Brisbane day spa built in a beautiful 100-year-old Queenslander. Step inside for instant homely vibes before your treatment commences and total relaxation ensues. There are a few signature packages to consider, with some including a light lunch and beverages, however, if you’re there solely for your favourite fix, choose from massages, facials, beauty treatments and more.

Address: Level 3, 48 Orchard St, Hawthorne

Prices: View their treatment menus here

13. SkinSpirit Day Spa

the SkinSpirit Day Spa, Brisbane
SkinSpirit Day Spa is tucked down a quiet street.

Located on a quiet street in Tarragindi, just a 10-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, SkinSpirit Day Spa is a local gem that’s swept up multiple industry awards. Offering a menu of beautifully performed treatments, the staff are professional and knowledgeable. Find uninterrupted me-time in the way of high-performing facials, massages, hydro-microdermabrasion, LED therapy, body treatments and a large range of beauty services.

Address: Shop 1, 212 Cracknell Rd, Tarragindi

Prices: View their treatments via the website

14. TotalFusion Spa

the treatment room at TotalFusion Spa, Brisbane
Indulge in Ayurvedic treatments at TotalFusion Spa.

TotalFusion, a Brisbane wellness chain with locations in Newstead, Springfield, Chermside, Mt Gravatt and Morningside, TotalFusion Spa is found in three of them, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and results-driven treatments. No matter which venue proves more convenient, expect striking modern fit outs and extremely attentive service. The menu spans facials, massages, facial peels, beauty therapy, laser skin treatments and laser hair removal.

Address: Check the website for Newstead, Morningside and Springfield locations

Prices: View their treatments via the website

15. The Healing Stone

The Healing Stone, Brisbane day spa
The Healing Stone is inspired by the healing power of ancient Japanese rituals. (Image: Supplied)

Inspired by the healing power of ancient Japanese rituals, The Healing Stone offers unique experiences across two locations. One is set within the Emporium Hotel South Bank, and the other is in Paddington and caters to women only. No matter where you land, don’t miss their incredible Ganbanyoku therapy which pops you into a hot stone chamber of Himalayan rock salt to allow for its detoxifying powers to enlighten you. Shiatsu bodywork, reflexology and oil massages can also be experienced across both venues.

Address:  Level 21, Emporium Hotel, 267 Grey St, South Brisbane, and 79 Latrobe Tce, Paddington

Prices: View each location’s treatments via the website

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.
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.
View profile and articles
hero media

Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.