The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia offers a variety of wellness retreats in the city and hinterland - perfect for a welcome dose of self-care.
The Gold Coast, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, is most famous for its beaches, surf, and theme parks. Thanks to around 300 days of sunshine per year, this popular coastal destination with sub-tropical climate seems to be tinted with a beautiful glow especially during golden hour. After a day out in the sun, travellers can relax in luxury day spas located in upscale hotels such as The Langham, Gold Coast and JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
Beyond the city, you can spend a few days rejuvenating in unique establishments complete with accommodations such as Eden Health Retreat, in the lush Currumbin Valley. Or Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, situated high on a plateau overlooking ocean and valley views in the Tallebudgera Valley region. These places are particularly great for a complete digital detox.
Eden
Nestled deep in Bundjalung country and surrounded by lush greenery, Eden Health Retreat is where ‘restoring balance’ truly happens. This is thanks to the holistic programme designed to alleviate stress and maintain optimal health through healthy meals, exercise, outdoor activities and pampering. The property is less than an hour’s drive from Gold Coast or 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane Airport.
After a recent refurbishment, Eden now boasts 48 cabins with balconies overlooking the valley or rainforest, private bathrooms, queen-sized beds, and relaxation spaces. You can choose to stay for a three, four or seven nights to really recharge – minus any digital distractions (Wifi is only available at the reception area).
Shona Philps, CEO of Eden Health Retreat says that to meet their goals, guests will first have a consultation with their team to create a bespoke programme. Those looking for stress relief may be offered a programme that focuses on relaxation activities, such as tai chi, yoga, bush walks, and meditation, plus spa treatments such as a Nervous System Rejuvenation treatment or Ka Huna Bodywork massage.
“At Eden, guests are encouraged to do as little, or as much as they like. They may prefer to be active in the morning, followed by spa treatments and relaxation by our heated pool in the afternoon. We encourage our guests to check in with their ‘Joy’ leader each day to help us deliver the daily programme required to help fulfil their retreat objectives,” she explains.
Eden’s spa has seven individual treatment rooms offering beauty treatments or personalised consultations. The new vitality centre even features cryotherapy, infrared sauna, ZeroBody Dry Float Therapy, AirPod Oxygen Chamber and more.
Aside from the huge gym and yoga studio, there are plenty of outdoor activities. “For many guests, even our breathtaking nature walks are particularly joyful. For some, this may be the first devoted time they’ve spent in nature, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the biophilia,” says Philps.
For some adrenaline pumping activities, you can choose to fly on the Flying Fox, soaring high over the Currumbin Valley. “Our Valley Swing allows guests to explore the feeling of weightlessness and joy as they glide through the trees,” says Philps.
Meals-wise, you’d be assured of the most delicious organic wholefood creations. The menu changes each day, but the focus is the same - nourishing wholefoods, focused on restoring good gut health and wellbeing to your body.
“Executive Chef Ash Martin works alongside a nutritionist to create the menus, and brings his extra bit of magic to make sure each meal is extraordinary and memorable. All our meals are gluten-free and are created from a wide variety of the highest-quality fruits and vegetables. A small number of our meals use a combination of locally sourced seafood and organic meats. We also utilise a small amount of organic dairy, plant-based proteins, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. We provide vegan and vegetarian alternatives and can cater to dietary allergies such as dairy, eggs, and nuts,” adds Philps.
Gwinganna
Another place to escape to is Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, located high on a ridge in the Tallebudgera Valley. This unique eco-retreat is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Gold Coast Airport and 15 minutes from Burleigh Beach. Limousine transfers available on request. The fully inclusive packages range from two to seven days in duration, allowing you to choose the perfect balance for your wellness needs.
Fully inclusive packages provide all scheduled activities, delicious organic meals and snacks, selected spa treatments, plus plenty of time to relax in the spacious surrounds. Most importantly, you will get restful sleep in your sanctuary each night.
Since its opening 17 years ago, ecotourism certified Gwinganna is well-known for delivering transformational experiences and leading-edge wellness research.
In 2023, the property introduced three new wellness suites. The stylish spaces offer stunning views of the valley and distant coastline, with unique enhancements exclusive to Gwinganna.
The suites include a deck with an outdoor bath along with a private infrared sauna and massage recovery chair. The infrared sauna uses light to create heat, which heats the body directly rather than the air around the body in traditional saunas. It is able to penetrate deep into your muscle tissue, allowing a more effective detoxification from the inside out.
Gwinganna’s general manager, Deb Munster says that the wellness suites bring a new level of restoration when you stay at Gwinganna. “More guests than ever are seeking ways to fully rest, slow down and calm the nervous system“.
Chuan Spa
Like the other Chuan Spas around the world, The Langham, Gold Coast’s spa concept is guided by the Five Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. At this particular Chuan Spa, you will get a coastal interpretation with the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The serene setting fuses contemporary aesthetics with subtle nods to Chinese tradition. Marble, herringbone flooring, and arch-shaped accents come together in a calming, neutral colour palette, complemented by the subtle scent of Chuan signature elements.
The therapists will personalise each experience for guests, addressing individual imbalances and needs. There’s a diverse range of treatments to select from, including the Chuan Harmony Massage, a fusion of acupressure and relaxation techniques. Or the 2.5-hour Chuan Ritual, which allows you to customise your own treatment experience - from a signature massage to facial or herbal salt scrub.
Among the different spa products, Chuan Spa has an exclusive Australian partnership with AMRA Skincare, introducing advanced serums, oils and 24kt gold treatments. For the latter, crushed gold exfoliates the body and AMRA’s Vitamin C technology brightens the skin. The gold treatment oil is drizzled over the body and then warmed up with 24kt Gold-plated hot stones.
Spa by JW
At the famous Surfers Paradise is the Spa by JW. This place stands out among Gold Coast's luxury spas thanks to its emphasis on privacy and exclusivity.
The guests here will typically see a spa session as less of an indulgence, and more a necessity to their overall well-being. The treatments focus on each person’s mental and physical balance.
Amenities include six treatment rooms, a signature couple's room, a wellness space with a traditional sauna and experiential steam shower, relaxation pods and outdoor relaxation area. High-quality products from brands such as Aromatherapy Associates, Ultraceuticals, and Jessica Polish are used for the treatments. To truly indulge, try the two-hour Couples Retreat package featuring a foot ritual, aroma body polish, a lavender and chamomile bath, followed by an aromatherapy full-body massage. Complete the experience with a glass of champagne in the lounge.
In the Relaxation Mindful Lounge, the refreshment bar offers a selection of fruit-infused water, fruit and herbal tea. To linger a little longer, check out the Spa High Tea in collaboration with Perfume Playground, a sensory experience inspired by the aromas in the JW Garden.