TNQ Writer
Deep tissue massages, vichy showers, hot stone therapies, seaweed wraps and coconut coffee scrubs, here are a few places to bliss out in Tropical North Queensland.
Your spa menu
There’s a lot to be said for whale music and Himalayan pan flutes. As Elvis is to Graceland, the sounds of humpbacks and belugas (often accompanied, oddly, by Himalayan pan flutes) is almost enough to render me into a semi-conscious, drooling dream state through sheer association with those glorious pockets of heaven called day spas.
Deep tissue massages, vichy showers, hot stone therapies, seaweed wraps and coconut coffee scrubs, and even some of the wackier treatments like 24-carat gold facials, dead skin-eating fish and below-freezing cryogenic chambers, I’ve never met a day spa treatment menu item I didn’t love. Except for ‘snake therapy’ – dozens of snakes left to slither over one’s body all in the name of relaxation. True story. Google it. I never thought I’d be able to say ‘thank goodness I live in a region that has nine of the world’s ten most deadliest snakes so I never have to experience snake therapy’.
Anyway, back to whale music. I love it and everything it represents, so in a stroke of pure selflessness and the interest of the mental and physical health of us all (and weeding out anywhere that actually does snake therapy), I did a bit of research into the best places in the tropical north to go to truly R-E-L-A-X. I know, I know – my benevolence is breathtaking.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
The spa is set amongst lush rainforest
The spa is set amongst lush rainforest
All products are 100% natural
All products are 100% natural
Treatment rooms surrounded by rainforest
Treatment rooms surrounded by rainforest
Daintree Wellness Spa at The Daintree Eco Lodge harnesses the traditional methods of local Aboriginal healing to nurture, revive and restore. Using the powerful properties of nourishing botanical products, many found in the Daintree Rainforest, they offer unique and effective treatments. With approval from the local Kuku Yalanji tribe elders, the spa treatments combine the wisdom of their culture, healing, medicines and spirituality.
The treatment rooms are open roofed opening up to the rainforest canopy above and the sounds and smells of the jungle – try the Walbul-Walbul massage with local aromatics, mud and rainforest water for a full head-to-toe experience.
Healing Waters Spa at Silky Oaks Lodge
Healing Waters Spa at Silk Oaks Lodge overlooking the Daintree Rainforest
Healing Waters Spa at Silk Oaks Lodge overlooking the Daintree Rainforest
Set in the Daintree rainforest 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, Healing Waters Spa at Silky Oaks Lodge is the pinnacle of natural luxury. Winner of the world luxury spas award in 2011 Healing Waters at Silky Oaks really knows how to spa. Surrounded by the lush foliage of the Daintree Rainforest it’s impossible not to feel completely immersed in this tranquil and rejuvenating experience. Did I mention the outdoor baths? Winning.
Niramaya Day Spa & Villas
With its serene, green, Balinese-inspired decor, Niramaya Day Spa & Villas is a perfect escape from the hectic pace of a tropical holiday. And it delivers tranquility in spades. Inside, water features, dark timber furnishings and dappled natural light invoke instant feelings of calm. The various spa rituals are a true sensory journey; signature treatments include Niramaya package (3 hours of more pampering than should be legal) and the ‘so good I can’t believe it’s not surgery’ Age-Repair Facial – a combination of Collagen stimulating ingredients and specific massage techniques. Post-treatment, indulge in the sauna, plunge pool or poolside lunch at Niramaya’s restaurant, Rasa.
