South Australia’s luxe wellness

Sometimes a facial just isn’t enough. Sometimes you need to dial up the decadence, to pass over a simple treatment in favour of a more indulgent experience. South Australia’s top day spas may have very different vibes, but both excel at delivering generous helpings of rejuvenation.

In the heart of town, EOS Spa + Wellness by Sky City is a haven of relaxation where every detail has been thought through, from the brushed gold and pendant lights designed to look like clouds to the warming eucalyptus and arnica oils used to melt muscular tension. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and spend some time pre-treatment soaking, steaming and swimming in the area’s sauna, steam room and pool, to shake off the stresses of everyday life.

Then it’s a matter of which treatment you choose. If you can’t decide between a massage and a facial, try the Tranquil package, which combines a relaxing massage with skin-renewing facial packed with masques, peptides and multi-action serums. It even includes a scalp massage that release the tension you didn’t realise you were holding in your face, jaw and neck.

If you are ready to ramp up the indulgence even further, the two-hour Flourish package is designed to leave every part of your body feeling renewed. Start with a skin-softening coconut and jasmine body polish before zoning out with a hydrating body wrap. While you are slipping into a zen state, your therapist will lavish some attention on your feet, with a massage that leaves them feeling refreshed. The experience wraps up with a massage built around the healing properties of the white flannel flower, and a facial using baobab and neroli oils.

Alternatively, you might want to enjoy a spa break outside the city. In that case, head to Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills, which delivers the perfect country-style spa experience. You will feel the tension start to ebb as soon as you step onto the lush estate with its panoramic valley views; breathe deep to get some of that oxygen-rich air into your lungs.

The charming Gatekeeper’s Day Spa uses Jurlique’s biodynamic products, packed with powerful natural nutrients, to deliver treatments that are both deeply relaxing and superbly effective. Their Nutri-Define Touch of Luxe is a gold-standard facial, combining deep cleansing with a resurfacing enzyme peel, a hydrating oil treatment and a neck and shoulder massage. The grand finale is a contouring treatment with cool jade and warm rose quartz crystals.

If you prefer a body treatment, the targeted Recovery Ritual delivers big results in just 90 minutes by tackling the areas where our stress tends to accumulate. A hot stone massage coaxes even the tightest back muscles to uncoil, while a foot massage and a citrus cream scalp treatment release the tension in the most-neglected parts of our body. Add in a refreshing express facial and you have a treatment that will leave you feeling reborn.

Along the banks of the Murray River, The Frames, a luxury accommodation property overlooking the water, is designed to rejuvenate the soul and relax the mind. Each private villa has its own private pool and spa, infrared sauna and private room massages are also on hand. But The Frames also offer unique wildlife excursions like the Calperum Station Eco-Cultural Experience. Guided by the Calperum Station ecologists and Indigenous rangers, the tour visits two lakes to observe and study the fauna and bird species. The Indigenous rangers also share stories about the significance of the wetlands to their people.