The best spas and bathhouses in Melbourne

This luxury day spa has several treatment suits, a steam room with an ice fountain, a yoga and pilates studio, and a tranquil relaxation lounge that make it a perfect space for escaping from the hectic demands of city life. If you want all-round care, try one of the Relinque treatments like the release package ($465) that includes a luxurious macadamia or volcanic ash exfoliation treatment, warming jet shower, signature Bian massage, nourishing scalp mask and scalp massage and a pH balancing infusion facial. For those who are short on time, there are also several shorter treatments available like the 50-minute deep tissue massage.

If you’re seeking a complete escape into opulence and luxury, then look no further than the Spa at Crown Towers. Treatments by La Prairie and Subtle Energies offer the usual facials and massages, along with other therapies such as the Detox and Adrenal Boost Journey, which begins with a foot ritual and meditation, before ingredients such as tulasi, wild turmeric and Indian lime are applied via an invigorating body scrub, mud wrap and massage. Every treatment over one hour is complemented with time in the Aqua Retreat, which consists of a steam room, vitality pool and Swiss shower. The white fluffy bathrobe and a relaxation lounge with snacks and refreshments add that extra bit of wow factor that makes parting with your dollars a little bit easier.

Part wholefoods café and part mindfulness space with spa treatments and wellness services, Willow is a tranquil oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Armadale. A few spa menu highlights include the deep tissue release massage (from $175), which is designed to melt away knots and deep tension, while the 24k gold infusion facial (from $185) uses gold leaf and mogra to boost collagen production. If you're feeling indulgent, try the three-hour grounding spa package ($470 per person) that includes an aromatherapy steam shower, a Rasayana detox body scrub, a signature Willow massage and the 24k gold infusion facial. 

If you’re in need of a little R&R amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, you have to check out Sense of Self. It used to be a warehouse so it’s split over two levels. On the first floor is home to the massage and mindfulness studio where remedial, relaxation and pregnancy massages can be booked, as well as dry body brushing, Gua Sha facials and more. Then there’s the bathhouse itself. The showers are divine, featuring decadent brass showerheads and tapware. The venue provides body wash, steaming hot water and enough ambience to wash the stress away.

Holism Retreat is all about radical self-kindness and unifying mind, body and breath. So much so that you’ll feel relaxed just reading the menu. Here, it’s all about personalisation and creating the journey you want and need. Upon the advice of Pauline, the owner, we joined the 9am yoga class, followed by breakfast and a refreshing swim in the hotel’s rooftop pool. Then we tried the Reset Ritual ($370, and includes an hour massage and an hour facial) and added some extra time in the Wellness Light Lounge.

Tucked away in Hawksburn Village on Malvern Road is the very pretty Blanc Spa. While this is not a day spa with extensive facilities, the luxury touch points have certainly been considered. Blanc Spa has a lovely team of skin and body experts, and a spa menu that is surprisingly extensive. The venue offers performance facial treatments (including an AlpPure Facial for $220), bespoke massage, deluxe body and bathing experiences, alongside premium beauty services. If you feel like splurging, make a day of it and indulge in the five-hour Mont Blanc for $1000 (it includes a hydro soak, alpine herb exfoliation, detox body wrap, Swedish massage, facial, pedicure, manicure and an artisan lunch).

Awarded the world’s Best Beauty Salon at the World Spa Awards in 2019, Miss Fox was designed with glamourous intentions in mind. This Hollywood-esque day spa and beauty salon is located in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s CBD on Little Collins Street. We choose the Wander Within Ritual, a package that includes a foot bath and exfoliation, a warm full body massage with custom-blended aromatherapy oils, a facial and a glass of Champagne to top it off ($424 for two hours). Added enhancements included a private change area and 1000-thread count sheets on heated massage beds. When you’re wrapped up in a plush robe, it makes relaxing in the Emerald lounge pre and post-treatment that much more magical.

While the Little Company doesn’t quite qualify for day spa status (the speciality here is facials) it still deserves to be on this list. While you won’t receive soft fluffy robes and slippers, you will be wrapped up under a duvet while your face is attended to. The reception area has refreshments and a casual lounge, and there is also the option to bask under a LED Light whilst listening to a recorded meditation by A Space. At the end of your treatment, you’ll receive expert guidance and personalised product recommendations to help your skin. Facial treatment prices start at $189.  

The dark moody tones of the Chuan Spa invite a sense of relaxation the moment you enter. Try the Chuan Harmony or Chuan Balancing Massage (both start at $189), which targets traditional Chinese medicine acupressure points during the treatment. You can also try the Muddy Elements (from $309), a wrap treatment that combines a salt scrub and mud wrap – it’s the complete opposite to Tough Mudder as all you’ll need to do is lie back and let someone else do the dirty work. The Tri-Bathing Ritual is complementary with another treatment and you can sit out on a deck that overlooks the Melbourne skyline while you jump between the saltwater pool to the jacuzzi, heated sauna and river stone snail shower.  

Despite being in the heart of the city, this spa is quiet and calm, with soft lighting and timber finishes. Make use of the spa’s staff, as they know their stuff. If you’re getting a facial or body treatment, they’ll ask you what you want and suss out any problem areas to work on. Got a few issues you need to be kneaded out of you? The spa will soothe your aching body from head to toe. The massage technique is inspired by Swedish, Balinese and Polynesian styles, and there’s a choice of aromatherapy or certified organic oils.

HÜD is the brainchild of Norwegian beauty Gry Tømte – an émigré who has devoted herself to effective skincare and treatments after suffering the torment of acne in her twenties. As for the treatments – don't expect anything fluffy, they purely focus on clinical skin treatments here. Their specialty is within correcting skin dysfunction and especially treating acne, pigmentation and age management; boasting an on site cosmetic doctor, nurse and naturopath in addition to the team of skin and dermal clinicians.

Fitzroy Street is hiding one of the most relaxing spots in the bayside area. The day spa offers the complete pampering experience, from mani-pedis (bubbles optional), waxing and specialised facials to massages, spray tanning, IPL treatments and pamper packages like the Sensory Escape package ($200). On entering a dimly lit treatment room, you'll be asked to jump into a fluffy bathrobe and soak your feet to prepare for a foot scrub. Next is a full body exfoliation with a dry body brushing. The main event is the super relaxing full body massage using a fragrant essential oil of your choosing. It's a totally luxurious experience.