A trip to the spa is always a good idea, but there’s something extra alluring about it in the cooler months. Thankfully, Sydney has a pretty good selection of bathhouses and onsens to choose from, packed with mineral-rich waters and extravagant treatments perfect to melt the stress away on a frigid day. Expect steam rooms, mineral pools, saunas, and elegant fit-outs in these excellent bathhouses around town. Here are some places in or near Sydney where you can relax and rejuvenate this winter.
1. Ottoman Turkish Bath & Day Spa
At this traditional Turkish bathhouse, you can indulge in relaxing beauty and massage treatments that offer a range of therapeutic benefits, including improved circulation and more youthful-looking skin. It’s also the only authentic Turkish bath in all of Australia. Choose from a full-body traditional exfoliation, a relaxing foaming massage, full-body mud masks, rejuvenating facials, and many more. The bathhouse also hosts a women-only Hamam between 10am to 3pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Make your booking here.
2. Japanese Bath House Blue Mountains
This renowned bathhouse nestled in the Blue Mountains offers an authentic Japanese onsen experience complete with herbal steam rooms, private buros, private soaking tubs, and outdoor hot pools. You’ll also find a serene rose garden and a tea room on the premises serving wholesome treats. The bathhouse is located a scenic 2-hour drive from Sydney in the Blue Mountains with picturesque views of Lake Lyell. Make a booking here.
3. Arisoo Korean Bathhouse and Spa
Arisoo is a traditional Korean bathhouse that remains a well-kept secret on the spa and bathhouse scene. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly, with a 40-minute traditional Korean body scrub treatment priced at just $109. You can also opt for a package that includes a hair and scalp treatment, a 45-minute massage, and a full facial. This under-the-radar bathhouse features a cosy 43-degree bath, a steam room, and a sauna in Chatswood and Paddington. Find more information here.
4. The Bathhouse
The Bathhouse in Douglas Park offers a no-frills spa experience with a touch of luxury. Expect delicious cocktails and Palm Springs-inspired decor alongside relaxing treatments like spa therapies, exfoliations, hot stone massages, and aromatherapy. The bathhouse also offers soak sessions that come with a heated magnesium plunge pool, a sauna, a steam room, and 3 hydrotherapy spas, so there are plenty of warm places to retreat to on a cold day. Book your spot here.
5. The Skin Bar & Bath House
Looking to unwind and relax your achy muscles? Head to The Skin Bar and Bath House in Rozelle, where you’ll find a communal space designed for relaxation, complete with Swedish saunas and invigorating ice baths. Enjoy a 60-minute bathhouse session surrounded by lush greenery and sweeping city views for just $48. Other skin treatments on offer include LED therapy, skin needling, anti-aging facials, and herbal peels. Check out the full list of services here.
6. Soak Bathhouse
Soak Bathhouse Alexandria is the newest destination on Sydney’s bathhouse scene, offering relaxation and recovery, minus the luxury price tag. Here you can unwind in magnesium-rich pools, soak in hot spas, brave a cold plunge, or detox in the sauna, and if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, add extras like massages, infrared sauna sessions, or LED light therapy. Early bird sessions from Friday to Sunday are available between 6.30am and 9.30am starting at just $39. Read all about the sleek new space here.
7. Blue Mountains Sauna
Another Finnish sauna and cold plunge, this popular bathhouse in Leura is suitable for all ages, with women-only sessions also available. Get toasty in the 80- 90 °C steam room, then head to the cool plunge pool for a refreshing dip. The benefits of Finnish saunas have been linked to detoxification, muscle relaxation, and even skincare. This is a communal space that encourages social bathing and shared relaxation. Head here for more information.