Ready for a refresh? New South Wales has some wellness retreats just a short drive from Sydney, perfect for a luxury escape to relax and recharge.
From personalised treatments and gourmet dining to yoga sessions and tranquil natural settings, these top luxury wellness retreats are designed to help you unwind completely.
Dive into soothing spa experiences, connect with nature and let the clam vibes wash over you at these top wellness retreats close to Sydney.
Best for: Disconnecting and recharging in a peaceful natural environment
Distance from Sydney: 1 hour by car
Offers: Yoga, meditation, wellness programs, gourmet vegetarian meals
Billabong Retreat now features newly launched deluxe cabins providing a more luxurious experience for those seeking a serene, high-end escape. Located in beautiful surroundings Billabong Retreat offers customised wellness programs, daily yoga and nourishing gourmet vegetarian meals. Guests can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and mind in style. Learn more about their deluxe cabins here.
Best for: A step into Japanese spa culture
2. The Japanese Bath House, Blue Mountains
Distance from Sydney: 2 hours by car
Offers: One-day wellness experiences, traditional thermal baths, meditation spaces
The Japanese Bath House experience center’s around the luxurious San Sui Kaku, a private sanctuary within the retreat that offers an elevated immersion into Japanese spa culture. Located on-site, San Sui Kaku features exclusive hot spring baths with scenic views, cozy minimalist interiors and meditation areas. Guests can easily move between the privacy of San Sui Kaku and the Japanese Bath House’s broader amenities, like traditional thermal baths and beautiful gardens, for a truly peaceful, luxurious escape.
Best for: Spa lovers seeking a blend of relaxation and gourmet experiences
3. Elysia Wellness Retreat, Hunter Valley
Distance from Sydney: 2.5 hours by car
Offers: Spa services, yoga and fitness programs, wine tastings, vineyard tours
Located in the Hunter Valley, Elysia Wellness Retreat is world class and combines luxurious spa treatments with curated gourmet dining. Guests enjoy massages, facials and holistic treatments alongside personalised fitness programs including yoga and Pilates. This wellness escape also includes wine tastings and vineyard tours, allowing visitors to savour both relaxation and the culinary delights of the Hunter Valley.
Best for: Eco-conscious travellers looking for relaxation
4. Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay
Distance from Sydney: 8-9 hours by car (or 1.5 hours by plane)
Offers: Eco-friendly spa treatments, yoga sessions, meditation
Crystalbrook Byron is dedicated to wellness with an eco-friendly twist. The retreat offers spa treatments using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, along with yoga and meditation in a natural setting.
The resort’s eco-luxury approach and proximity to pristine beaches and lush nature reserves add to its charm, making it the ideal destination for those seeking an eco-luxury experience in the heart of nature.
Best for: A holistic retreat experience surrounded by nature
5. Gaia Retreat & Spa, Byron Bay Hinterland (near Brisbane)
Distance from Sydney: 9 hours by car (or 1.5 hours by plane)
Offers: Luxury wellness packages, personalised spa treatments, healthy organic meals, daily yoga sessions
Founded by the late Olivia Newton-John, Gaia Retreat & Spa is a luxurious getaway in the peaceful Byron Bay Hinterland. This retreat combines indulgence with holistic wellness, offering personalised spa treatments with natural products, delicious organic meals, and daily yoga sessions led by skilled instructors. With a variety of luxurious accommodation options, guests can enjoy a truly relaxing experience that nourishes their body, mind, and soul.
Gaia also offers Refresh and Restore Packages, which are designed to provide a perfect balance of relaxation and rejuvenation. Learn more about these luxury packages here
