Need a little me time? Yeah, us too. And while there’s nothing wrong with burying yourself under the covers and bingeing another season (or three) of your fave show on Netflix, there are plenty of better ways to give your mind and body the TLC they need. We’re talking about getting out of the house and showing yourself a great time, the way only you know how. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to treat yo’ self, and we know just how to do it.
Soak & Steam A Day Away
Wash away the work week with a leisurely soak at Cenote Casa, a stunning outdoor bathhouse in the middle of Woolloongabba. Don’t be fooled by the busy streets outside—this chilled spot will whisk you away to the natural swimming holes of Mexico, without the exxy flight. Just $45 will nab you two hours soaking in the warm massaging bubbles of the hydrotherapy spa, floating in the magnesium plunge pool, or sweating it up in the two on-site saunas. Not a bad deal, if you ask us.
Get Pampered At A Day Spa
Everyone knows the best way to get some serious R&R is with a visit to a day spa. Thankfully, Brissy has plenty of ultra-luxe options to leave you looking and feeling your best. Get your glow on with a visit to the Away Spa at W Brisbane, and indulge yourself with head-to-toe treatments followed by a rain shower and a visit to the aromatherapy steam room. Check out all our favourite Brisbane day spas here.
Unknot Yourself With A Massage
If the highlight of your trip to the salon is the complementary head massage, treat yourself to the real deal with the aid of a professional masseur. Healing Stone in Paddington is our go-to for a traditional shiatsu massage, whereas No More Knots is great for remedial massage that kneads out those aches and pains. Of course, finding a masseur you can trust with your sore spots is easier said than done, so check out our top picks to narrow down the list.
Find Your Zen At A Pilates Class
Contorting your body into all sorts of weird and wacky positions can be a bit of a challenge, but sometimes, great decor is all the inspo you need to roll out of bed and hold that warrior pose—and you’ll find just that at Brisbane’s prettiest yoga studios. We’re big fans of the airy, light-filled studio that is Bend & Fly Yoga, which might appeal to all the plant parents out there, but the salt wall at TotalFusion Newstead is the perfect place to pose for your obligatory pre-workout selfie. Just a few seconds in child’s pose and you’ll be a yoga convert.
Get Some Greens In
Give your body the energy boost it’s so desperately craving with the help of Brisbane’s healthiest cafes. Get in your daily dose of fruit and veg with a peanut butter acai bowl at Miss Bliss, or load up on healthy fats by scarfing down a vegan crumpet piled with avocado and smoked cashew cheese at Putia Pure Food. Top it all off with a zesty cold-pressed juice and you’ll be riding high all day (or, you know, until lunchtime).
Get Outside For Some Fresh Air
Trade in the concrete jungle for some botanical bliss at Brisbane’s best gardens. You could chase water dragons around the lagoons and lakes at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, or picnic next to a literal bed of roses at New Farm Park. Bring a little inner-city magic to your life with a stroll under the fairy lights at Roma Street Parklands, or head there in the AM for a drool-worthy brekky at the Garden Room Cafe. Your Insta followers will thank you.
Float All Your Worries Away
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, the idea of a floatation tank probably gives you the creeps. But we promise—going for a float won’t send you to the Upside Down. Believe it or not, floating in a tub of 35-degree water infused with goodies like Epsom salt is one of the most relaxing experiences money can buy. Float centres like Alderley’s Fountain of Youth and Beyond Rest in Coorparoo offer sensory deprivation as a form of stress relief, and trust us—it’s totally worth the hype. Read our full breakdown for the best places to get yo’ float on in Brisbane.
Get Creative And Busy Your Mind
Whether you’re eager to learn a new skill or perfect an old craft, creative workshops are an awesome way to show yourself some love. Try your hand at pottery at the Mas & Miek Ceramic House, or learn the art of flower arranging with a workshop at The Soul Pantry. Us? We’ll be whipping up homemade pizza and pasta with classes at The Golden Pig—and making sure it’s up to scratch with a quick taste test. You can see plenty more options for workshops around town here.
Up Your Step Count
There’s nothing better than a breath of fresh air to clear the mind and blow all your worries away. Brisbane’s got plenty of stunning urban walks that are well-worth exploring, but we have our faves. Pull out your active-wear for a walk along the river at New Farm, or head to the bayside for breathtaking sunset shots as you stroll past the ocean. If you’re in the St Lucia area, we’ve got good news—it’s just about jacaranda season, and the University of Queensland is about to be bathed in a sea of purple.
Prefer to treat yourself from the comfort of home? Get gooey raclette delivered to your door with this all-new French meal delivery service.
Image credit: Cenote Casa, Grace Elizabeth Smith