The 7 best day spas in Brisbane to relax and unwind

The rest of the spas on this list are relative newcomers compared to Stephanies, the grande dame of the Brisbane spa scene. Since 2007, this award-winning hotel spa has pampered both locals and visitors with bespoke rituals, including their signature Opal Rasul Steam Temple experience. Drawing inspiration from Turkish hammams, the candlelit, mosaic-tiled dome room elevates your journey, creating a meditative atmosphere akin to a starry night sky. After a steam session in the temple, enjoy a treatment – ideally a massage, which begins with a warm foot soak in a basin full of fresh rose petals. Alternatively, opt for a pedicure, brow couture or facial. The therapists are excellent and knowledgeable, ensuring Stephanies is still deserving of the reputation it’s built over the years.

Bathhouses are making a splash are the hottest wellness trend in 2024, and Soak is leading the charge. While this bathhouse isn’t exactly your traditional day spa, it offers the same tranquil space to relax and rejuvenate. During your 90-minute wellness journey, you can alternate between Soak’s indoor and outdoor communal mineral baths (34 degrees), hot spas (38 degrees), cold plunge (12 degrees), steam room and traditional dry cedar sauna. Once you’ve reached your inner state of zen, soak up Brissy’s beautiful rays on the sundecks and lounges, with a glass of vitamin C-infused coconut water in hand. Prefer to stay dry? You can also simply book in for a relaxing or deep-tissue message.

Ascend to level 21 of the glitzy Emporium Hotel and step into the enchantingly intimate world of Healing Stone. Inspired by traditional Japanese design, with dark-stained walls of bamboo and shoji screens sectioning off rooms, the spa is as interesting as its treatments. You’ll be welcomed with a warm foot bath, during which your shoes are whisked away and replaced with geta (a type of Japanese thong slipper). Then it’s time for an elegant massage, incorporating a combination of shiatsu and deep pressure techniques. The rhythmic, fluid movements lull knots into gentle submission. Afterwards, don’t miss the ganbanyoku, a glowing cave filled with Himalayan rock salt that emits a mellow infrared heat to soothe weary bodies and minds. An hour is recommended, but even ten minutes is enough to boost feelings of tranquillity.

You know those people that are good at everything? Merse would be one of them. This ultra-modern, Mediterranean-inspired wellness space is all about rehabilitation, recovery and relaxation. Here, you can curate your wellness journey or follow the footsteps of their health gurus, seamlessly moving from the classic sauna experience to the steamy hot magnesium pool and even braving the polar plunge if you dare. And after an exceptionally challenging day at work, indulge in complete relaxation with a soothing magnesium float or a blissful aromatherapy massage with hot stones. Trust us, you deserve it.  

The W hotel brand may conjure images of partying rather than pampering, but this stylish day spa is set to redefine expectations. Thoughtful touches and design choices abound, from heated neck pillows and cushioning under your knees during a massage to the enormous treatment rooms, some of which boast showers, huge, inviting couches and, best of all, stunning floor-to-ceiling views of South Bank. It’s not all downhill after your treatment is over, though. Your next stop is the Relaxation Pods, aka the ‘come back down to Earth’ spaces. Intended to ease the transition between treatment and real life, these are places to sip rejuvenating tea on your wave-shaped bed overlooking the river and contemplate how wonderful life is, at least in this escapist, luxurious moment. End your spa sesh with a soak in the mineral pool or medication in the sauna.

The Calile Hotel is the star in the revamped James Street’s crown, renowned for its Instagram-worthy clientele, buzzy restaurants and slick, '60s-inspired design. It stands to reason, then, that there was some major pressure for its spa to be something special. Luckily, Kailo exceeds all expectations; if you’re serious about your skin, this is the place to be. The salon – with curved archways, Scandi blond wood and soothing hints of cream and sage – is one of only a handful in the country to offer treatments from venerable French skincare brand Biologique Recherche. Yes, a custom BR facial will set you back a pretty penny, but when your expertly trained therapist pauses mid-treatment to show you the difference between the side of your face she has worked on (taught, lifted, glowing) versus the side yet to be treated (honestly, utterly haggard by comparison)… what price perfection?

This slightly futuristic space in tones of greige, blue and green makes for a serene oasis at the Westin in the heart of the CBD. As you embark on your spa journey, the first step is choosing an aromatherapy scent and selecting one of three pebbles engraved with a positive emotion, to help focus your mind. Gentle chimes signal the start and end of each session, which take place on a generously sized, heated massage bed and are performed by a caring, experienced therapist. Besides remedial and hot stone massages, Heavenly Spa also offers exfoliating scrubs, hydrating cream wraps and deep cleansing facials. Post-treatment, you can rehydrate with herbal tea and re-energise with antioxidant-rich chocolate, handmade by the hotel’s pastry chef.