Melbourne and Victoria have everything you need to replenish your mind, body and soul.
Whether you’re out to sample local Victorian produce or an indulgent Moroccan-inspired Hammam treatment, Melbourne and Victoria have relaxation and wellbeing experiences to help take you to your happy place. Here are some recommendations…
Miss Fox, Little Collins St, Melbourne
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, Miss Fox operates by the philosophy that looking good is a result of feeling good and being good. This eco and vegan-friendly spa offers treatments that enhance appearance and wellbeing in a truly magical setting. A particular specialty is the Awaken Rituals. Intrigued? Choose from six tailored sensory journeys with pure organic essential oils, gemstones and botanically-based skin and body care. A favourite is the Lost in the Roses Ritual, which takes place on a warm bed of fresh rose petals, their scent and softness both healing and relaxing. The ritual ends with champagne, fresh strawberries, gluten-free macarons and artisan teas. Each treatment at Miss Fox will restore the body, mind and spirit and create deep satisfaction, making you look and feel on top of the world. missfox.com.au
r.a.w. studios, Russell St, Melbourne
A hub for the mind and body, r.a.w. marries the ideals and practices of fitness and holistic health, allowing patrons to unwind, escape from the daily grind and reconnect with themselves. The r.a.w. program is designed to cater to all body types, evoking a change in your mind and body that is unique to you. It combines a diverse range of disciplines: yoga (as pictured in hero image), to focus on proper alignment of the body and the connection between movement and breath; barre, for quick and visible results through movement and momentum; and innovative classes that get the heart pumping and deliver a powerful workout. The studio also offers sessions for morning, noon and night to either wake up, revitalise or relax after a long day. raw-studios.com.au
Harmonia Health, Park St, South Melbourne
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers Qigong therapy the mother of all healing. If this peaks your interest, Harmonia Health is well worth investigating. Harmonia Health is a dedicated sanctuary of emotional and physical wellness, offering a number of natural therapies that promote energy healing, including Qigong massage. Qigong is a holistic practice that uses and balances ‘qi’, the universal life force and energy that flows through us. With a history that dates back 5,000 years, its benefits include a deeper, more restorative sleep, increased energy, improved blood circulation and a clear and tranquil mind, making a visit to Harmonia Health well worth the effort. harmoniahealth.com.au
Laneway Greens, Flinders Lane, Melbourne
If you’re interested in running a marathon or need help organising your social calendar, Laneway Greens can’t help you. If however, you’re in the market for filling your body with meticulous flavour matches and salads made up of seasonal ingredients, then Laneway Greens can help. The product of twin brothers Luke and Adrian Cala, Laneway Greens is a culmination of their backgrounds in design and marketing with their passion for balanced eating. Try their miso-glazed salmon with pickled cucumber and ponzu dressing, as well as the sweet potato with coleslaw, tzatziki and puffed amaranth. Shop 2, 242 Flinders Lane. lanewaygreens.com.au
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Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, Mineral Springs Cres, Hepburn Springs
Drive a leisurely 1.5 hours northeast from Melbourne and you’ll arrive in Daylesford, known as the spa capital of Australia for good reason. With many spas to choose from, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is one of the most well-known. Each of the treatments on offer – including private pure mineral water baths, spa rituals and massages – are designed to enhance wellbeing and indulge the senses. The renowned wellness sanctuary recently opened its very own Moroccan-inspired Hammam experience, drawing on ancient Moroccan techniques for the ultimate body exfoliation and detoxification experience. Hammam, meaning ‘spreader of warmth’, is a method of cleansing and relaxation using the spa’s very own mineral-rich water for an incomparable experience. The treatment is set in a warm room heated by a continuous flow of hot and humid air to open up your pores and encourage the detoxification process. hepburnbathhouse.com
Hummingbird Eco Retreat, Arthurs Seat Rd, Mornington Peninsula
Located in Red Hill and surrounded by 72 acres of National Trust bushland, Hummingbird Eco Retreat is a perfect sanctuary for those looking to detach from their busy lives and achieve an overall sense of wellbeing. Unwind and take in the sounds of nature with an outdoor massage, available during the summer months; take a yoga or meditation class (with extended retreats on offer); or enjoy a meal at the award-winning Harvest Garden Restaurant, where items on the menu are created fresh from one of the largest restaurant gardens in Victoria. If you want to maximise opportunities for TLC, treat yourself to an overnight stay. All 14 rooms have been retrofitted by a sustainable stylist, plus there’s a resident naturopath on hand who specialises in detoxification programmes and stress management. hummingbirdeco.com.au
Peninsula Hot Springs, Springs Ln, Mornington Peninsula
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula was the first natural hot springs and day spa to open in Victoria. The Mala Mapi mud treatment is highly recommended, which consists of a revitalising mud wrap that feeds your skin essential minerals. The ritual begins with an aromatic salt crystal exfoliation that leaves your skin soft and smooth, and includes a rich hair conditioning mask. With optional dining, group and pregnancy packages, Peninsula Hot Spring is the ultimate spa experience for those looking to connect with nature and find deep relaxation.
