In the age of all things wellness—we're of the opinion that you don't need an excuse to indulge in a little day spa experience. Taking some time out for yourself, switching off your screen, and investing in self-care is, after all, a necessary part of a balanced life.
We love the luxe life here in Sydney, so naturally, we have some very lush day spas peppered around the city and beyond. As well as the high roller caviar-infused treatments, you'll also find day spas dedicated to a more holistic vision of wellness, incorporating things like meditation, infrared saunas, crystal therapy, and more. So whether you're just visiting Sydney or you are a local looking for an indulgent escape, this list of Sydney's top day spas is for you.
Crown Spa
Barangaroo
Imagine the most luxurious spa day—then times that by ten. That's pretty much what you can expect at Crown Sydney's stunning spa. You'll find this dreamy destination on the sixth floor of the diamond-like Crown Sydney tower in Barangaroo. Designed by Blainey North, Crown Spa takes its inspiration from the surrounding Sydney vistas, like the deep blues of Sydney Harbour and the coral, violet, and lemonade pink sunsets that colour the sky to the west of the tower at dusk.
Inside the spa you'll fine a completely private maze of treatment rooms encircling one of two 37-degree "Vitality Pools". You'll also find two signature "Indulgence Suites", which are large private rooms fitted with enormous spa baths for the ultimate R&R during, before, and after your treatment. There are two "Experience Showers", as well as infrared saunas, steam rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, and yoga and meditation spaces. As for the treatments available, naturally, Crown Spa uses only the most luxurious of skincare lines. You'll find facials using the classic caviar-doting La Prairie, and Australian ayurvedic and aromatherapy-based brand, Subtle Energies.
Signature treatment: "Quartz Hot Sand Therapy", which is based on an ancient Greek practice called "Psammotherapy" and involves two treatments performed on a mineral quartz bed using a base of warm "alpha-quartz" sand.
Venustus
Paddington
Venustus is one of Sydney's most beloved wellness destinations for those in the know. Tucked into a small shop on Oxford Street in Paddington (a new location is currently being built), Venustus isn't a hotel spa, but its treatments rival some of the best in the world. Led by founder Jeannie Bourke, your experience at Venustus goes far, far beyond skin healing and relaxation. Bourke and her super talented team have combined a unique recipe of wellness practices to create something truly transcendental. Practices like reiki, crystal healing, aromatherapy, and more are combined, along with Bourke's own Venustus brand of organic skincare, to meet you and your energy where you are for a bespoke treatment unlike any other.
Signature treatment: We could spend all day spruiking the ritualistic experiences on offer at Venustus, but if we had to pick a single treatment, it would be Venustus' famous six-handed massage. Three therapists perform a personalised massage in sync, choreographed by Bourke. Simply put, there is nothing quite like it.
Slow House
Bondi Beach
Sliding into a more holistic category of rest and relaxation—Slow House at Bondi Beach is more like a wellness gym than a traditional hotel day spa, where you're able to drop in for a little post-work R&R in the same way that you might book a Pilates or hot yoga class. With a calming atmosphere, Slow House is inspired by Roman bathhouses and the slow living movement, and treatments balance heat, ice, and light. Book sessions in small and large infrared saunas, all of which feature large rain showers, or go for an Omnilux Revive LED treatment to kickstart cellular renewal. You can also book yourself in for an ice bath—if you're game. And if you're keen to build treatments into your weekly routine (like Pilates), Slow House offers various packages and memberships.
Signature treatment: We love the "Signature Slow", which combines the best of Slow House with a custom DIY Sans Ceuticals body scrub to use pre sauna.
SpaQ
CBD
Housed within the palazzo-style Gowings Building on Market Street in the Sydney CBD, the quirky QT Sydney is a firm favourite in Sydney's luxury hotel scene. SpaQ is the hotel's day spa—and it's packed with the same punchy personality as the hotel too. What we love most about SpaQ is its Art Deco-style treatment rooms—brass, tiles, and stained glass features give the look of a 1920s-era apothecary, which is a pretty unique look for a hotel spa. Here, facial treatments use results-driven Skeyndor or organic Uspa products, with antiaging, dermal peel, men's, and fully customisable facials all available. There's a Hamman steam room to use before or after your treatment, and an on-theme Sweeney Todd-esque barbershop too for men's haircuts, shaves, and beard trims.
Signature treatment: We love "The Plush Princess" package. You'll be treated to a divine therapeutic salt scrub, massage, and facial massage using a bespoke blend of the purest essential oils and plant extracts.
Endota Day Spa At The Four Seasons
CBD
As one of Sydney's best hotels—with some of the best views of sparkly Sydney Harbour—you're going to love any time spent at the beautiful Four Seasons. For a pampered experience, the hotel's Endota Day Spa is calming and friendly, with six treatment rooms, private saunas, steam rooms, and access to the heated, outdoor terrace pool and whirlpool. With one of the most extensive spa menus we've seen, here you can choose from a range of high-performance facials, designed to deliver real results as well as soothe the soul. There's also an organic facial for pure relaxation, targeted LED light therapies, massages for specific concerns, massages for just rest and restoration, and more.
Signature treatment: For a glow like no other, we love the "Intense Renewal Facial", designed to address sun damage, dehydration, and congestion, revitalising your skin's appearance from deep within.
The Darling Spa
Pyrmont
Located within The Darling Hotel at The Star, The Darling Spa is one of Sydney's more traditional and luxurious day spa experiences. Think classic facials, hot stone massages, and top to toe treatment packages perfect for a weekend staycation or holiday in the city. Dimly lit with hints of shimmering gold throughout, a trip to The Darling Spa includes access to its tearoom, relaxation room, jacuzzi, and heated Moroccan Hammam chamber. Facial treatments are paired with high performance luxury Australian skincare label BABOR, and there are treatments tailored specifically to men too, including a hydro cellular men's facial.
Signature treatment: If you've got the time, the three-hour "Gaea Experience" is an all-encompassing journey that ticks off a full-body wrap and exfoliation, scalp massage, hand and foot treatment, and a facial too.
Keen to treat yourself or someone special? Check out:
Image credit: Crown Sydney, Crown Sydney, Venustus, Slow House, QT Hotels, The Star