A trip to the spa is always a good idea but there’s something extra alluring about it during the coldest months of the year. 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 this excellent bathhouses in 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 look forward to relaxing beauty and massage treatments, that offer plenty of therapeutic benefits such as enhanced blood flow and youthful-looking skin. This is 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’s only Hamam between 10am to 3pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Make your booking here.
2. Japanese Bath House Blue Mountains
This famous 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. There is also a rose garden and tea room on the premises offering wholesome treats. The bathhouse is located a meandering 2-hour drive from Sydney in the Blue Mountains with lovely views of Lake Lyell. Make a booking here.
3. Arisoo Korean Bathhouse and Spa
Arisoo is a traditional Korean bathhouse that remains a bit of a secret on the spa and bathhouse scene. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly with a 40-minute traditional Korean body scrub treatment priced at $109. You can also opt for a package treatment that includes a hair-scalp treatment, a 45-minute massage and a full facial. This under-the-radar bathhouse offers a cosy 43-degree bath, a steam room and 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 to go with relaxing treatments like spa treatments, exfoliations, hot stone massage and aromatherapy massage. The bathhouse also has soak sessions that come with a heated magnesium plunge pool, a sauna and 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 relax your achy muscles? Head to The Skin Bar and Bath House in Rozelle which offers a communal space to relax with Swedish saunas and ice baths on the menu. Indulge in a 60-minute bathhouse session surrounded by lush green plants 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. Blue Mountains Sauna
Another Finnish sauna and cold plunge, this popular bathhouse in Laura is suitable for all ages with women-only sessions also available. Get toasty in the 80-90c steam room then head to the cool plunge pool. The benefits of Finnish saunas have been linked to detoxification, muscle relaxation and even skincare. This is a communal space that encourages social bathing. Head here for more information.