Top Australian Spa & Retreat Holidays
By Karen Cooke

What better way to totally relax and enjoy your luxury Australian holiday than to immerse yourself in a range of treatments at a spa and retreat? With so many spas appearing lately it can be difficult to know which ones really deliver what they promise, where you are sure to come away from your holiday feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. So here are our choice of the Top 5 Australian Spa and Retreat Holidays:

1. Camp Eden

Camp Eden is renowned as one of the very best health retreats in Australia. Located in the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland of south east Queensland, Camp Eden offers more than 60 experiences to ensure you find peace and serenity.

These treatments include a range of holistic therapies, lifestyle enhancement packages and spa beauty therapies, along with Camp Eden's own specialities. Camp Eden doesn't just focus on the immediate benefits of their treatments; they encourage total lifestyle changes, enabling the benefits to last more than just a few days - hopefully for a lifetime.

2. Hepburn Springs, Peppers Springs Retreat

Hepburn Springs is another of Australia's leading retreats, nestled in the grounds of Peppers Springs Retreat near Daylesford, Victoria. This is the perfect location for those who like the luxury only offered by a five star resort.

This health spa offers a range of three open-air mineral plunge pools, both warm and cool, along with steam rooms, relaxation areas - both indoor and outdoor - and an infra-red Detox Box. In addition to these, Hepburn Springs guests can indulge in a variety of traditional spa treatments.

Peppers Springs Retreat is a glamorous, Art-Deco style retreat where guests can truly indulge, refresh and come away feeling like a million dollars.

3. Salus Per Aquum Spa, Palazzo Versace

Located on the glorious Gold Coast in south east Queensland is the magnificent Palazzo Versace - the perfect location for a luxurious travel experience. The Palazzo Versace is marvellously decorated with the Italian style of marble and gold leaf.

The 5 star resort has its own unique spa, the Salus Per Aquum, with a distinctive Roman spa culture. Guests can indulge in steam and sauna rooms, a bathing pool and spa baths. There are also a variety of opulent spa treatments including the Salus Per Aquum spa's signature treatment - the 90-minute Salus Signature Facial. Iridology and acupuncture are also available, provided by qualified therapists.

Palazzo Versace is favoured by celebrities visiting the Gold Coast and is well known as the ultimate in extravagance.

4. Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay

Situated in the picturesque Byron Bay Hinterland is the superb Gaia Retreat and Spa. This peaceful retreat tailors your stay with them to your individual needs. Gaia provides a wide range of treatments and therapies, including various packages, all in a tranquil resort style setting. With a focus on total health and well-being, Gaia offers a selection of tasty organic foods, along with s full day spa and health spa, health and fitness options and unique artistic classes and packages.

5. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a majestic country manor set amongst the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. With stunning views of the Blue Mountains, this is a perfect place to relax and pamper yourself with various spa treatments.

At the centre of the spa is a graceful indoor heated pool. There are also several treatment rooms and a relaxation area. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa prides itself on being eco-sensitive, using skin care products that are free from preservatives where possible. Another difference at this spa is that couples are encouraged to enjoy treatments together, with 'couples' packages available - perfect for a luxury honeymoon.

Whether you prefer to retreat to an extravagant five star resort or to a hinterland haven, these top 5 Australian spa and retreat holidays are sure to leave you feeling totally pampered and ready to take on the world!