Hidden gems: 5 regional NSW day spas worth the drive

Nothing says R&R quite like an escape to the mountains and Ubika Day Spa is the perfect place to do just that. Part of the iconic Fairmont Resort, Ubika is the premier day spa in the Blue Mountains. Sure, you’ll find all the spa treatments you'd expect, but it’s their newly expanded wellness centre that really sets them apart.

Three new additions — a salt room, steam room, and float tank create the ultimate trio of healing, taking your experience far beyond relaxation. Together, they’re designed to detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and leave you floating on cloud nine.

With more than 50 spa treatments and therapies and 26 treatment rooms, Hunter Valley’s Elysia Wellness Retreat is far more than just your standard mani pedi. As the epicentre of the retreat, which sits atop a mountain overlooking the gorgeous plains of the Hunter Valley, Elysia is arguably one of the best day spas in NSW and only 2 hours from Sydney.

The extensive menu covers everything from Hawaiian Kahuna massage and gua sha facials to breathwork, ice immersions and acupuncture. We can’t look past the Elysia Signature Experience—a full head-to-toe treatment combining massage, body scrub and facial. Add a snack platter and a sparkling tea and you’ve got yourself the perfect day out.

This day spa has arguably one of the best views in the country. Spa-by-the-Sea is positioned right on the ocean, at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, on the NSW South Coast. The team here are proud to use ethical, sustainable skincare and you can unwind with a relaxing massage, feel pampered with a hydrating facial or even indulge in a 3-hour spa package. And if you feel like heating things up, hop into the private infrared sauna.

Hotel guests and visitors are welcome, but our tip - book a night in a gorgeous ocean view suite and nourish yourself with dinner at Rick Stein's onsite restaurant.

Mudgee has long been known for its renowned wine region, but a chic wellness centre might just steal the spotlight. Onsite at the newly opened (and very stylish) boutique hotel, The Clairfield Hotel, Jila Wellness is the ultimate haven for relaxation by coupling infrared saunas with float therapy.

Designed to relieve the body from external stressors and toxins, you’ll be left with glowing skin, lucid muscles and a level of mental clarity that you just can’t get in the city. Instead of rushing home, spend the night and enjoy the serenity a little longer soaking up the sun around the Palm Springs-inspired pool.

Surrounded by lush, tropical gardens, Ibah Spa is not what you’d expect from a day spa near Wollognong. Just 1 hour south of Sydney, in the coastal town of Austinmer, Ibah is a Balinese paradise, with tranquility greeting you from the moment you arrive.

Specialising in massage and facial treatments, their menu allows you to add services to suit exactly what your body craves. Our pick? Indulge in the full experience and try one of Ibah Spa’s signature ‘Body Rituals’ - a blissful journey of a foot soak, full body scrub, facial and full body hydration leaving you radiant from head to toe.