WELLNESS - A Touch Of Tassie

Tasmania is renowned for its outstanding scenery and delectable fresh produce, but what does the Apple Isle have to offer when it comes to spa and wellness?

Tasmania is absolutely teeming with beauty, from vast National Parks to long scenic coastal drives, towering mountains to rolling hills of lavender, and its reputation for friendly residents, incredible cheese, wine and seafood, brings visitors from around the globe in droves, regardless of the time of year. This constant role in the spotlight means that spa and wellness providers must be on their A-game at all times, be capable of dealing with high volumes of tourists at any given moment, and highlight and incorporate their beautiful natural surroundings into their facilities and treatments.

This special set of circumstances means that Tassie spas do things a little differently from those on the other side of the Bass Straight, the most notable emphasis being placed on local and organic ingredients, holistic and wellness-based treatments, and bathing experiences – perfect for soothing tired post-hiking muscles or those enjoying romantic getaways. We chat to some of Tassie’s most highly regarded spas to find out what their unique focus and positioning is.

Tasmanian Walking Company - Bay of Fires Lodge

Tasmanian Walking Company, a recognised leader in environmental travel practices, is passionate about showcasing Tasmania’s beautiful national parks, and over the last 30+ years, has been the only commercial operator entrusted with providing private accommodation along the Overland Track and within the Tasman National Park. They offer three multi-day guided walking experiences – the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, the Three Capes Lodge Walk, and the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk; which offers a very special day spa experience to its attendees. The Bay of Fires Lodge accommodation sits on a hilltop 40m above sea level on the north-east coast surrounded by stunning national park. The lodge features an eco-spa designed as a retreat for guests who take on the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk.

Tasmanian Walking Company - Bay of Fires Lodge

Tasmanian Walking Company - Bay of Fires Lodge

According to Marketing Manager Ros Young, the spa and its services are inspired by indigenous healing practices that harness the restorative, clarifying and invigorating properties of Australia’s native botanicals. “The most unique feature of the spa is the outdoor bathing pavilion which will fully submerge you in nature. Taking in the spectacular ocean view, guests choose from three experiences – Tasmanian Peat Mud Bath to rehydrate the skin, Jiga Jina Bath Soak to remineralise the body, or the Ocean Dreaming to invigorate.”

The Lodge caters to a mix of predominantly domestic travellers plus a smaller portion of international visitors. The spa also offers massage, facials, body treatments and a range of foot, hand and head rituals.

Silo Day Spa - Peppers Silo Hotel

Launching last year inside the new Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston, Silo Day Spa is located within one of the old grain silos, and truly heroes Tasmania not only in its treatments, but its facilities; highlighting the raw cement silo walls and furnishing with warm, natural Tasmanian timber.

“Each and every treatment has a touch of Tasmania included incorporating local oils, balms and leatherwood honey,” says Silo Day Spa Manager, Anita Conroy.

Silo Day Spa - Peppers Silo Hotel

“Visitors come to Tasmania to experience the pristine natural raw beauty this state provides. The spa experience they seek reflects their journey of nature and relaxation. They’re looking to captivate their senses in sight, taste, touch and sound. Natural products, coupled with holistic treatments boosting health and wellness, are key features of Tasmanian Spa experiences. Our luxurious treatments are curated to elevate your body to new levels of relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s the small things that create a memorable experience, the warm feeling of being welcomed and nurtured is just the beginning.”

Silo Day Spa - Peppers Silo Hotel

Silo Day Spa currently welcomes a fairly even mix of travellers and locals guests, with a spa menu that offers relaxation and hot stone massage, body wraps, facials, pedicures, and a number of extended spa packages. Cheese and wine platters are also available.

Spa Saffire - Saffire Freycinet

The prestigious Spa Saffire, located inside Saffire Freycinet luxury suites, is located mid-way along Tasmania’s East Coast, just over 2 hour’s drive from Hobart and a little under that from Launceston.

Spa Saffire - Saffire Freycinet

A common thread in Tasmania’s luxury spas, says spa manager Michele Cregger, is establishing a strong connection to the place for guests. “Rather than guests feel like they are ‘escaping’ the world, we like to make guests feel like they are ‘immersed’ in the stunning natural surroundings that are abundant in Tasmania,” she says. “For example, we offer a unique spin on the full body hot-stone massage, having hand-crafted the stones from the distinctive pink granite of the Hazards Mountains that Saffire overlooks, unique to the area. Guests, as a result, leave feeling well-connected to their surrounding environments for a seamless in-and-out spa experience. La Gaia has also created an exclusive range just for Saffire, containing botanicals and essences that match our surrounding environment.”

Spa Saffire - Saffire Freycinet

A large part of Saffire’s guests are domestic guests from within Australia, but plenty visit from all over the world. Spa Saffire has kept this in mind when designing their treatment menu, which offers a ‘Journey Recovery’ package for travellers suffering jetlag – a rejuvenating back massage and scalp massage followed by a Payot Light Legs treatment for instant invigoration and lightness from stimulating blood circulation. Additionally, the menu also includes several massage options, facials, hands and feet treatments, body scrubs and wraps, and luxurious signature packages, one of which includes a couples option with dual bath tub.

Waldheim Alpine Spa – Cradle Mountain Lodge

Cradle Mountain’s hidden gem, Waldheim Alpine Spa is tucked away inside Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. A must-visit destination of Tasmania, Cradle Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most ideal locations for an immersive spa experience, and Waldheim really makes the most of its picturesque surroundings. Visitors to the surrounding national park can quite literally step off one of the winding walking paths and into the spa, nestled amongst towering King Billy Pines. Both reception and spa treatment rooms feature plenty of floor-to-ceiling glass in order for guests to appreciate the surrounding wilderness, in particular the private relaxation area complete with dry sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub and cold pool.

Waldheim Alpine Spa – Cradle Mountain Lodge

Waldheim Alpine Spa – Cradle Mountain Lodge

The extensive spa menu has a clear emphasis on nourishing both the mind and body, including decadent private bathing rituals infused with vitamin milk baths (local strawberries and sparkling wine also available!) and several healing body wraps rich in natural oils, minerals, botanicals and crystals. Also available are Elemis facials, revitalising spa rituals, massage, manicure and pedicure, and several couples packages; in which friends and lovers alike can enjoy the couples room’s incredible views through the jaw-dropping, full-length glass wall – which, as Waldheim’s spa therapists assure us, is even more spectacular when the surrounding landscape is dappled with snow.