Wellness escapes have become one of the most popular travel trends in NSW, with travellers increasingly swapping busy weekends away for slower experiences centred on rest, nature and self-care. From bathhouses and hot springs to luxury day spas, demand for restorative getaways continues to grow, and a new destination in the Hawkesbury is set to tap into that appetite in a big way. Opening this spring, Aura is a luxurious new spa and bathhouse that will combine thermal bathing, spa treatments, wellness experiences and resort accommodation, giving Sydneysiders another reason to plan a quick escape from the city. Here’s everything you need to know before it opens.
Aura Spa & Bathhouse opens this September
Set within the grounds of Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Aura has been designed as a destination for both day visitors and overnight guests. Highlights of the experience include a contrast therapy circuit featuring heated mineral pools, an outdoor cold plunge, traditional cedar and barrel saunas, steam rooms, infrared heat therapy and dedicated relaxation spaces, encouraging guests to move between hot and cold experiences at their own pace.
Aside from the bathing circuit, the luxe new offering extends well beyond the pools and saunas. Guests will be able to book a range of spa treatments, while two float pools positioned beneath a dreamy star-inspired ceiling offer a tranquil space to unwind. The destination will also feature wellness-focused dining alongside a Champagne bar, giving visitors the option to enjoy their day of rest and relaxation with a leisurely meal or celebratory drink before retreating to the resort accommodation for an overnight stay.
Aura represents a complete reimagining of the former Villa Thalgo day spa, which served the Hawkesbury community for more than 25 years before being badly affected by floods between 2020 and 2023. Rather than restoring the original facility, the owners chose to create an entirely new wellness destination. Bookings are expected to open in August ahead of Aura’s official opening in September. Find more information on Aura Spa & Bathhouse.
