Decadent day spa experiences in Tasmania

Whether you fancy some pampering between seeing the sights, or want to pack as much indulgence as possible into your getaway, include a day spa – or two! – in the itinerary. From a tranquil retreat in a former industrial space to sanctuaries nestled in Tasmania’s wondrous wilderness, it’s just like heaven.

Opened in 2020, The Floating Sauna on Lake Derby offers Nordic-style hot-and-cold full-body invigoration with wild Tasmanian vistas. Start with dry heat, followed by even warmer steamy heat, then plunge into the lake literally on the Finnish wood-fired sauna’s doorstep. Rinse and repeat for a deeply refreshing hour that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip. Book in for a public session ($45 at the time of publication) or get it all to yourself ($225 at the time of publication). Either way there’s a maximum of five people per hour so you can really enjoy the serenity.

Recently converted from a 1960 woolstore and grain silos, the distinctive riverside Peppers Silo Hotel is the place to enjoy some TLC in Launceston. Silo Day Spa offers the TLC package, which includes everything from foot rejuvenation to face massage. It’s two hours of bliss, with the option of extending the indulgence with treats upstairs in Grain of the Silos restaurant. Other treatments include the Flower Hydration Linen Wrap, a warm oil massage with Tasmanian essential oils, and the Shearers Crook Back Massage for tackling those aches and pains in a uniquely Tasmanian way.

The newly refurbished Cradle Mountain Lodge welcomes both guests and visitors to their Waldheim Alpine Spa. There’s everything you could want, from a custom facial to the Hikers Ritual’s mud wrap, body scrub and massage, but for a taste of luxury book time in the Spa Sanctuary. Designed for singles and couples, it’s a private space with a dry sauna, steam room, cool plunge pool and outdoor hot tub. Soak up views of Tasmania’s alpine wilderness, including the Pencil Pine River, while sipping local sparkling wine and nibbling chocolate-dipped strawberries.

A short drive south of Hobart, Hidden Cove Day Spa and Retreat is immersed in three hectares of bushland overlooking the River Derwent. Your Me Time here could be as simple as relaxing in the six-seat or two-seat spa baths with complimentary bubbly and views. Add treatments including facials, massages and beauty options such as waxing, or bring one or more special friends and treat yourselves inside and out with the Girls Day, Champagne Breakfast or High Tea packages. There’s also accommodation for couples and small groups so you can bliss out again the next day.

Even if you’re not staying at luxurious Saffire Freycinet lodge you can splash out at the spa, which uses LaGaia skincare products from Australia and Payot from France. Saffire Day Spa offers an extensive range of treatments, including an organic salt scrub, pregnancy massage, men’s bespoke facial, 90-minute Le Supreme facial, a 75-minute treat for your feet and two-hour signature packages. Relax in a private sanctuary with views of the Freycinet Peninsula wilderness and drift away.

In sleepy Margate, an easy drive south of Hobart, settle in at Harmony Hill Health Retreat. Here you can choose from treatments like hot-stone and Thai herbal massages, chakra healing, organic facials and a couples package that includes access to an infrared sauna and spa. Need more pampering or detoxing? Check in for a retreat from four to seven days, with options including yoga, meditation and reflexology.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.