Want to know where to bliss out on or around the Gold Coast? These spas with a difference will work their wonders on you.
By Katrina Lobley
The Gold Coast is a hedonist's paradise. Take time out for yourself and pamper the mind, body and soul with whatever floats your boat, whether that’s a Moroccan hamman, a spa tucked within a rainforest, a caviar facial or a four-handed massage.
Experience utmost indulgence at SpaQ
The ultra-hip QT Gold Coast hotel is home to spaQ where the array of sumptuous treatments will make it hard to choose just one. The signature Pure Gold experience kicks off with a foot ritual that includes a wild thyme scrub and massage, before a back massage with tangerine and rose-infused oil. After the facial, showstopper lashes are applied before finishing with a mani-pedi that includes a choice of nail polish colours. The Plush Princess treatment takes inspiration from the royal palaces of central Java, with a cleansing potion incorporating ground rice and turmeric, and a face massage with jasmine-infused oil.
Enter through the Golden Door
Across the street from the upmarket Marina Mirage shopping complex on Main Beach is the Golden Door Spa and Health Club. Inside, be pampered with a five hour Total Indulgence package that includes being cocooned inside a layer of volcanic clay, an anti-ageing facial, and a pedicure or hand spa – as well as a healthy lunch. For an instant glow, try the Complete Bronzed Body option – exfoliation and an organic spray tan that lasts up to eight days.
Drunk in the goodness at Lost World Spa
Nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland is the evocatively named Lost World Spa, part of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat that sits within the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Nature-inspired treatments include a signature 90 minute massage that showcases Australian Sodashi products. The spa also specialises in vinotherapy, using grape extracts sourced from O’Reilly’s own Canungra Valley vineyards located a 40 minute drive north. Surrender to the three hour vinotherapy ritual and your body will be slathered in a nourishing red grape and clay mask.
Things get steamy at Lella Hammam
Bundall, a suburb directly behind the iconic Q1 landmark tower, is home to Lella Hammam, a traditional Moroccan day spa. Begin your hammam bathhouse experience with a body rinse and hair wash before a masseuse lathers up black Moroccan soap gel, exfoliates your skin and applies a body mask. Steam fills the room, the mask is rinsed off and the session finishes with a hydrating massage; the experience can be customised with other treatments such as a hot-stone massage.
Live the high life at Q1 Spa
There’s no problem tracking down the Q1 Spa – just look up to find the tallest building along the glittering beachfront. Q1 is the world’s tallest residential building and its poolside spa specialises in dual treatments, accommodating to couples, mothers and daughters, or best friends. Splash out on a luxurious caviar facial or try the Kodo massage that uses ancient indigenous techniques to reharmonise mind, body and spirit. The Hydro Magic experience includes a salt scrub followed by immersion in the Hydrostorm capsule.
Four Hands at Aurora Spa
One of the signature treatments at Palazzo Versace’s Aurora Spa is the Allawah four-handed massage. Two therapists apply aromatic body oils while kneading the back, neck and shoulders. Turn over for a facial and, as a mask rehydrates the skin, enjoy an abdominal and leg massage. To finish, there’s more massaging – this time of the arms and scalp. To extend the pampering, bundle up treatments into a three or four hour retreat or even escape to the spa for an entire day.
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