Viewers around the world have been hooked on the thrilling mini-series Nine Perfect Strangers, filmed in Australia’s very own beautiful Byron Bay, and starring a host of Australian actors, including Nicole Kidman.
So, with the series wrapping up last week it’s no surprise people are now dreaming about planning their own wellness escape. Whether it’s a couples retreat, an Indigenous experience employing some of the oldest wellness traditions on earth, or just a simple massage, we all deserve to take some ‘me time’.
With so many incredible wellness retreats located throughout Australia – from just outside the capital cities, to remote destinations surrounded by nature – travellers can plan a restorative wellness holiday that could transport guests to their own version of Tranquillum – including the actual AirBnB in Byron Bay used as the set for the series!
Whichever kind of wellness experience you’re after, Tourism Australia has listed some of the best retreats across the country.
ACT
- The whole package at Hale Spa at Brassey Hotel, Canberra
Feel rejuvenated after a pamper day at Hale Spa. With a wide variety of treatments, from facials to massages and everything in between, you can guarantee leaving in total zen. Explore nine luxurious treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and the cave-like plunge pool to drain all those stresses away. The packages are comprehensive, with something for everyone! You can also bring a friend or loved one for the couples package – complete with massages, aromatherapy and a glass of champagne.
New South Wales
- Book the set of Nine Perfect Strangers, Soma Retreat, on Airbnb, Byron Bay
Fan of the show? Viewers can actually book to stay at the set of Tranquillum in NSW’s Byron Bay region. With 22-acres of pristine rainforest and the uber-modern architecture, guests will feel like they’ve been dropped into the show itself – minus the drama. A large 16 seat dining table is sure to fit the largest of group sizes, and with 10 bedrooms, guests will enjoy the privacy they desire. Check out the Yoga dome, custom Zen-garden and massive fire pit to find your centre in the most boujee way possible.
spaQ is not your traditional spa. The hotel curates packages that are designed to be ‘narratives’ for guests to adventure deeper within and find internal bliss. The Metamorphosis package is exactly that, with a full day of pampering including a steam, massage and facial, finished off with a two course lunch. Or maybe the Weekend Warrior is more your style, with a coffee scrub, full body massage and facial therapy to alleviate the weekday stress.
- Feel the Nine-Perfect-Strangers vibes at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains
Tucked away in the iconic Blue Mountains sits this all-inclusive wellness retreat that is sure to provide the ultimate rejuvenation experience. Featuring all-inclusive gourmet meals and an extensive spa menu, there is every chance guests will refuse to go home. Apart from the seasonally inspired and locally sourced menu, guests can expect to partake in a variety of experiences, from guided meditation, to hiking tours, to wine and cheese tastings.
- Step into your spirituality at Currie Country, Mullumbimby
Offering experiences designed to explore, discover and renew, Currie Country’s wellness retreats combine love and curiosity of spirit with rest and cleansing of toxins to provide a comprehensive experience for guests. Respectful Indigenous values encompass this retreat, putting the values of eco above ego, and ensuring women of colour have a place to go to reconnect with themselves, and leave with a sense of invigoration and restfulness. Features include fire lore, spirit work, and water elixir moon ceremonies.
Northern Territory
- Discover the land of the mother on Lirrwi Tourism’s Dilly Bag Tour for Women, Nhulunbuy
The five day Gay’Wu tour (Dilly Bag tour) offers female visitors the opportunity to come together with the Yolŋu sisterhood and learn about their culture, history and country, whilst immersing themselves in the life and rhythm of the communities. The Yoljŋu custodians guide guests to connect with the land on which we walk, whilst offering a rare chance to reconnect with the environment, spirituality and philosophy of one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
- Draw power from the red centre at Longitude 131, Uluru
Emerge with a sense of connection and calm at this unique physical and spiritual retreat. Spa Kinara at Longitude 131 aligns body, mind and soul under the gaze of Uluru, whose mysterious natural energies radiate throughout the landscape. The Spa leans on Indigineous bush medicine and practices of the Emu Bush, which is ground into a balm and made by local Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands Women’s Council.
Queensland
- Bathe in the Mossman River healing properties at Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
Currently slated to re-open in December following a refurbishment project, Silky Oaks Lodge’s on-site ‘Healing Waters Spa’ is second to none. Drawing inspiration from ancient beliefs that the running water of the Mossman River embodies healing properties, the spa packages focus on the botanical use of natural ingredients to enrich mind, body and soul. The Daintree Journey’s packages are truly special, combining elements of earth ingredients, Australian made Sodashi skin care, rain showers and more to completely detox.
South Australia
- Unwind and reconnect at Sequoia, Adelaide
Framed as ‘The Way Life is Meant to Be’, the newly opened Sequoia offers just that; a tranquil retreat to unwind and reconnect with oneself. Whether your idea of relaxation includes making the most of the skyline with sunrise yoga, enjoying a sleep in before exploring the artesian spring-fed hot pools, or getting your ‘zen’ on in the on-site spa, there is something for everyone at Sequoia.
Tasmania
- Peaceful bliss at Saffire Freycinet, Freycinet National Park
Where yoga-lovers and nap-takers meet, Saffire offers an intersection of health and wellbeing programs, interspersed with plenty of rest and relaxation facilities. Guests can indulge in spa packages, find their centre in a yoga session, and then unwind with a beautiful view from one of the courtyard’s hammocks. Timeless timber suites include all the amenities one could need to really spoil themselves, including personal yoga mats to get your zen on at any time.
Victoria
- See the world differently at Sense of Self, Collingwood
A spa and wellness centre with a unique twist, Sense of Self (SOS) puts the onus on self acceptance in its new body-positive bathhouse. A Finnish-style sauna, large 39-degree mineral bath and cold plunge pool will do all the work of melting the stress of everyday life away, while the high vaulted ceilings, natural timbers, and earthy hues do their part to complete the wabi-sabi-style simplicity that puts the cherry on top of this ‘you day’. Services such as bathing and steam rooms, massage treatments and meditation spaces are offered, and extras like a body acceptance program work to set SOS aside from other spa experiences.
- Soak away life’s stresses at Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula
A short 90 minute drive from Melbourne guests will find a unique wellness experience at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Sit back and relax in the natural geothermal mineral waters that flow into a variety of private, and public hot spring baths. For the full experience, make sure you check out the Restore package that features an all-day bathing pass, a picnic hamper from the onsite cafe, and participation in a variety of wellness activities. The hot springs are also available for night packages, which allow adult guests the chance to unwind while gazing into the starry sky.
Western Australia
- Do it all on a 4 Day Yoga & Wellness Glamping Adventure, departing from Perth
For those seeking a soul-nurturing yoga and wellness experience, look no further than this 4 day retreat from the stresses and stimulants that so often take over! This innovative Perth adventure partners with several local business to bring you the best of the best, including a stand-up-paddleboard yoga class at Meelup Beach, a spice masterclass, a hike along the Cape to Cape Track with a local healer, a sunset cultural experience at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, sound meditation and yoga classes in pristine outdoor locations, and glamping at the permaculture farm Fair Harvest. For a getaway that instantly refreshes and rejuvenates, and is truly like no other, this is the tour!
