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Drift into a state of pure bliss with an indulgent spa treatment in Sydney. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick refresh in between shopping and lunch, or you’ve got the time to bask in a full day of pampering, each of these treatments offer the chance to hit pause and retreat from the bustling streets of Australia’s favourite harbourside city.

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1. The Darling Signature Treatment

Inner-city day spas don’t come much better than The Darling’s The Spa. Situated in the five-star hotel, pampering takes place in one of the 16 ultra-private and stunningly designed treatment rooms. Turn the romance up a notch with a decadent couple’s treatment or go straight to the end of the rainbow with The Darling Signature Treatment. Including a full-back exfoliation and a customised hot stone massage, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and more than ready to lunch at one of the fancy waterfront restaurants nearby.

2. Gossip Girls Package

Fresh, young and hip, if SpaQ were a woman, you’d be lining up to hang out with her. Fortunately, it’s a spa and a pretty cool one at that. The beauty of SpaQ lies in its flexible philosophy where it encourages guests to make no decisions about their treatment of choice prior to arriving on the day. But, if you’re travelling with five or more friends, we can’t help but recommend SpaQ’s Social Spa-ing. Opt for the Gossip Girls Package, and you’ll be treated to the Hammam-inspired steam and ice room, a glass of bubbles, and a Turkish Salt Scrub. The perfect pick me up! 

3. Essential Enlivening Package

Tucked away in The Park Hyatt Sydney, this lavish spa has one of the most enviable locations in the city. Get the best of both worlds, with the Essential Enlivening Package where you’ll receive a soothing 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a 60-minute facial that will leave your skin feeling nourished and looking years younger. Don’t leave without a quick trip to the rooftop for a spectacular views across the harbour and beyond.

 4. Jet Lag Recovery

If you’ve just hopped off a long-haul flight, this one is for you. With a special Jet Lag Recovery treatment on offer, the Asia-influenced CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La will take you on a complete sensory journey without moving an inch. Aimed at balancing energy within the body, this pampering session aims to centre guests using authentic Asian healing techniques and provides much needed rest and restoration for the mind, body and soul. Sublime!

5. Endotarama

Located in a heritage-listed building in Martin Place, Endota Spa is a firm favourite among seasoned spa-goers, renowned for its knowledgeable therapists and customised pampering options. Get a taste of what’s on offer with the Endotarama Package where you’ll indulge in a footbath, organic facial and 30-minute massage. Then, get beach-ready with an organic spray tan and dry exfoliation. After all, the iconic Bondi Beach is only a short drive away.  

6. Mali Moonlight Massage

With its philosophy firmly based around the use of organic products–from the all-natural ingredient skincare used, to the welcome tea offered–Panpuri is a Thai-inspired spa in Sydney’s Pyrmont that specialises in exotic treatments from across Asia. For the ultimate relaxation book a Mali Moonlight Massage, the spa’s signature massage. Using infused Jasmine oil, a therapist will caress you into a deep state of calm through a traditional Thai massage, reiki and acupressure techniques. Pure, toxin-free pamper heaven!

7. Hammam Ritual

Step off the streets of trendy Woollahra and into this Moroccan-inspired bathhouse for an authentic Hammam experience you won’t forget. This softly lit haven will wash away stress within minutes of arriving. For an entry-level, yet incredible Fleur de Lys Medispa treatment, go with the Hammam Ritual. Over 50 luxuriously slow minutes you skin will be cleansed with a traditional soap and then moisturised with a Rhassoul clay from the Atlas Mountains.

8. Four Hand Body Massage

Ever had a fourhanded massage? That’s what we thought. Treated like a fine art rather than a novelty, the therapists at Venustus work in pairs to provide their indulgent signature treatment, Four Hand Body Massage. Situated on one of Sydney’s best shopping streets, it’s the perfect 30-minute break to soothe arms and backs from lugging those new shoes and dresses from shop to shop. With a celeb list that would make neighbouring spas blush with envy, Venustus isn’t a cheap visit. But then again, it’s totally worth it!

9. Babor Facial

Get the royal treatment at The Day Spa at the Langham Hotel. With a menu so enticing it’ll be hard to pick just one treatment, but the signature Babor Facial or the Champagne Escape are sure winners. As spa visitors, you’ll also gain access to the hotel’s wellness facilities including a steam room, sauna and 20-metre indoor pool, complete with a ceiling of twinkling ‘stars’. Luxury with all the trimmings.  

10. Padabhyanga

Specialising in the ancient healing system of AYURVEDA, Ayurve is the spa to visit after a day of exploring the city on foot. Make time for Padabhyanga (therapeutic foot massage in Ayurveda) and provide your feet with much-deserved attention in a tailored 30-minute treatment. Situated in the CBD, its convenient location is just another reason to put this one on your must-visit list.

(Feature image: Valerie)

About the author

Claire PlushI tell stories because I’m a photographer and a writer, blogging at claireplush.com. The past 9 years have been a hearty mixture of study, travel and new experiences, and have been split between Noosa, Raglan (New Zealand) and more recently, Paris.

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