Top wellness hotels & retreats in Sydney

Central Sydney 

The Langham, Sydney 

A dip in The Langham’s elegant subterranean swimming pool is practically a Sydney rite of passage. It’s also one of the few city hotels with its own tennis court, just across the road. After a match, treat yourself to a soothing massage at The Day Spa by Chuan. If you like to start your day with movement, ask for a complimentary yoga mat in your room. 

Capella Sydney  

Auriga Spa at the new Capella Sydney offers a bespoke, Australia-centric menu that makes the most of native ingredients and ancient traditions. Try the Connect to Country experience that uses stones collected from remote parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, or the Rainforest Renewal treatments that use things like native finger lime. Finish with a soak in the vitality pools or a blast in the ice fountain. 

Crown Towers Sydney 

This glitzy Barangaroo skyscraper hotel has an equally fancy spa with unique treatments you won’t find anywhere else in Australia, like hot sand therapy. This ancient Greek practice uses a mineral Quartz bed with a base of warm, golden sand. There’s also a tennis court, a glorious rooftop infinity pool and lush freestanding bathtubs in each room. 

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour 

This sprawling two-level wellness retreat opened in April 2023 and espouses a holistic approach tailored around the four pillars of Care, Rest, Nutrition, and Movement. Treatments use the luxe French range of Biologique Recherche products and facials include an intensive skin analysis for bespoke wellness. There’s even an infrared sauna in the changeroom. Afterwards, relax in your room’s large bathtub overlooking Darling Harbour. 

W Sydney 

The city’s newest luxury hotel opened its doors in October 2023 and promises wellness with a capital W. The Away Spa is a futuristic urban oasis with lots of concrete panels, industrial lighting and interesting artworks. You can book in for a full day of relaxation or get a speedy boost with something from the Quick Fix menu. The stylish sky-high pool has lush daybeds and a spectacular view. 

The Darling  

Like to start your day with a run? At The Darling, you can grab water, towels and maps of the area every morning. The Adored Suites have a stylish circular bathtub with Harbour Bridge views and chic Balmain Paris products. Inside The Darling Spa, there’s an authentic Moroccan hammam chamber, a steam room, jacuzzi and an extensive list of treatments that will leave you sparkling. 

Shangri-La Sydney 

Inspired by traditional Asian wellness and healing practices, Chi, The Spa is a place of peace and tranquility. In contrast to the flashy gold and marble décor of the hotel, the spa is all dim lighting, soft curtains, fresh flowers and flickering candles. Book into a Horizon Club Spa Suite to enjoy your own large hydrotherapy spa bath. 

QT Sydney 

This is not your ordinary hotel spa – SpaQ at the QT looks more like a vintage apothecary shop than a typical health retreat. Hang out in the hammam-inspired steam room or the moody relaxation lounge before you rejuvenate with their signature Elixir Of Youth body treatment. 

Park Hyatt Sydney 

If money is no object, check in to the Park Hyatt’s legendary Sydney Suite for some serious in room indulgence. As well as spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the two-bedroom suite has a marble bathroom with a spa tub and sauna. If you can bear to leave your room, there’s also a chic day spa that draws on Indigenous teachings and a stunning rooftop pool and terrace. 

Further afield 

Billabong Retreat, Hawkesbury 

Less than an hour from Sydney in the lush greenery of the Hawkesbury Valley, Billabong Retreat is an holistic wellness retreat that incorporates organic meals, daily yoga and meditation, indulgent spa treatments, art workshops and more. You’re encouraged to switch off from the world and reconnect with nature during their multi-day retreats, which are themed around topic like living mindfully, stress relief, self care and energising your life. 

Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains 

Perched on the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains, there are just eight luxurious suites at Sangoma, which is named for the Zulu word for ‘healer’. Watch native birds in the trees from your deep bathtub, swim laps in the infinity pool or book in for a treatment at the unique Spa Anise, housed inside safari tents. Sangoma is an adults’ only property and packages are all-inclusive, so you can focus on feeling your best. 

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains 

Stressed out Sydneysiders have been escaping to the quiet calm of the Blue Mountains since the late 1800s. The storied Lilianfels resort celebrates that Victorian heyday, but with all the modern comforts you’ll need. Play a match on the tennis court, hire a mountain bike to explore the national park, swim in the outdoor and indoor pools, or decompress in the sauna. Then relax with a massage, scrub or facial at the Lilianfels Day Spa.  

Milton Park Country House Hotel, Southern Highlands 

Step into a Great Gatsby-esque fantasy at the grand Milton Park Country House Hotel on the outskirts of Bowral. Once the home of the prominent Hordern family, it’s not a five-star hotel surrounded by one of the most spectacular gardens in Australia. Relax in the plush comfort of your Golden Era-style suite, stroll the grounds, play tennis and swim in the beautiful indoor pool. Then retreat into the wonders of The Wellness Spa. 

Bells at Killcare, Central Coast 

A little haven of serenity on the Central Coast, Bells is surrounded by bushland and its own organic garden with olive trees, beehives and free-range chickens. There are just 25 suites and private cottages, styled with cheerful blue and white stripes reminiscent of The Hamptons. The day spa uses iKOU organic products and the 20m swimming pool is filled with salt water. Ask the chef to pack you a gourmet picnic lunch and head out to explore the seven pristine beaches nearby and the Bouddi National Park. 

Japanese Bath House Blue Mountains 

One of the few traditional onsen bath houses in Australia, this retreat near Lithgow draws naturally mineralised water from underground springs. There are outdoor and indoor baths, all with sweeping views of the Blue Mountains, and a small selection of treatments that you can add on to your soak. At night, check in to one of the traditional Japanese-style rooms on site.