Gold Coast day spa with a treatment list that’s far from ordinary

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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Gold Coast glamour meets serious zen at this next-level retreat.

A luxurious new day spa has arrived on the Gold Coast, promising a full body reset inspired by the region’s elements. CIEL Spa blends a unique bio-wellness philosophy with the surf, sand, sound and sun that its locale is so famous for, providing a sensory experience that’s both restorative and indulgent.

CIEL Spa at the Mondrian Gold Coast, Qld
The Gold Coast’s day spa scene just got even better. (Image: Justin Nicholas)

The newly opened sanctuary in Burleigh Heads is set to redefine the Gold Coast spa experience. With treatments grounded in science and biology, paired with the wisdom and intuition of world-class spa therapists, guests can expect optimum results.

“CIEL Spa is more than a destination spa," says Amy Hides, Director of Spa and Wellness. “It’s a commitment to improving longevity and connection through the power of holistic biohacking and traditional therapies. We’ve curated every treatment, hand-picked every product and tailored each guest experience to deliver a wellness offering that feels personal, elevated and deeply restorative."

CIEL Spa at the Mondrian Gold Coast, Qld
Each luxurious treatment is tailored to individual needs.

Just browsing the menu here will put you in a state of zen. All the usual suspects are on offer – deep-tissue massages, hair care, skin needling, LED facials and a variety of cosmetic procedures – all delivered with a holistic approach and tailored to individual needs. There is also a list of elevated offerings for deeper immersion, including treatments for couples.

But what makes CIEL so unique is its exclusive range of touchless therapies. These non-contact treatments are designed not only to be less invasive, but also to increase mental clarity, improve sleep, reduce inflammation and accelerate overall recovery. Think everything from sauna sessions and zero-gravity dry floats to mitochondrial light therapy and a custom-built Himalayan salt room.

Experience the soothing weightlessness of a zero-gravity dry float. (Image: Justin Nicholas)

CIEL Spa will also be the first of its kind in Australia to showcase the haircare range from globally recognised skincare brand, Augustinus Bader. The collection will include facial, body massage and headspa scalp therapies – all fully exclusive to CIEL. Products by Melbourne-based clean science brand Synergie Skin and celebrity facialist Lejla Cas’ Knesko range will also be available.

The new day spa is situated on the second floor of the recently opened Mondrian Gold Coast, one of Australia’s most highly anticipated brand launches of 2025. Despite its location, CIEL welcomes both hotel guests and members of the public – an especially hospitable offer considering the Mondrian’s other amenities.

The Mondrian Gold Coast, Qld
CIEL Spa is located within the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast. (Image: Content Lion)

This means that spa guests can take full advantage of the five-star hotel’s Haven pool club on level three. The beautifully designed space is the perfect post-treatment appointment – relax on sun-drenched loungers, take a dip in the pool, grab a cocktail from the bar and enjoy views across one of the Gold Coast’s best beaches.

Plus, if you’re feeling a little too languid after your day of well-deserved indulgence, simply book a stay in one of the Mondrian’s exquisite rooms upstairs. When it comes to self-care, does it get any better than this?

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    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.