There's nothing like a spa slipping

If you're the type who doesn't consider you're dressed without a facial and a massage, these hotels and resorts offer their clientele pampering par excellence in day spas where bliss is the mandate. The Observatory Hotel Sydney, NSW The spa at this hotel is so magnificent you may want to move in. Treatments come with evocative names — The Dreaming ('The Unseen Vibration of Creation') said to reconnect your mind, body and spirit, and Yanko Jindalee ('Song of Running Water on Skin'). A spa dining menu includes healthy fruit cocktails. Try this: ancient stone therapy, utilising thermotherapy. (02) 9256 2222, www.observatoryhotel.com.au Iluka Day Spa Park Hyatt Sydney, Sydney, NSW The Park Hyatt's head chef and a dietitian oversee the spa dining menu, which may be eaten on the spectacular roof top area overlooking the harbour, where personal tai chi and yoga trainers also run sessions. The spa has a lengthy menu of Jurlique treatments and includes a Vichy salt glow massage, tea tree body polish and the aptly named Bliss — a five-hour indulgence. Ideal for travellers: 90-minute jetlag recovery massage. (02) 9256 1633, www.sydney.park.hyatt.com Lyall Hotel Melbourne, VIC Here Elemis treatments work on clients from top to toe. 'Rituals' with exotic names such as Tahitian Bloom, Spoil Me, Heavenly Duo and Spirit of Senses make you feel better just thinking about them. Do this: book your own private steam room with a DIY body exfoliation and Moroccan mud pack. (03) 9868 8222, www.thelyall.com Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, NSW Voted the Best Spa in Sydney in the Conde Nast Reader Survey 2004, this spa uses Elemis treatments. All massages, body works and facials include a Thai foot-cleansing ritual, Indian scalp massage and 10 cultural touches from around the world. There are six treatment rooms including a suite especially designed for couples. Try this: a 90-minute 'signature treatment' that begins with an all-over body brushing with tea tree oil. (02) 9238 0000, www.fourseasons.com Spa Chakra, Sheraton On The Park Health Club Sydney, NSW Two of a group of worldwide spas that base their success on careful client self-assessment. Using Guerlain therapies, there are facials, massages and a patented method to promote lymphatic drainage and product infusion. Must do: a Power Facial — a 60-minute session to set you up for the week. (02) 9286 6830, www.chakra.net/sca Crown Spa, Crown Towers Melbourne, VIC One of Australia’s most beautifully designed day spas, in an accessible location. Marble, filtered light and gentle music provide the backdrop for a wide range of facials, body wraps, customised body massage, hydrotherapy, manicures and other treatments. Try this: want the ultimate in privacy and relaxation? Pampering Suites each come with a private jacuzzi, steam room and Swiss shower. (03) 9292 6182, www.crowntowers.com.au Park Hyatt Melbourne Melbourne, VIC A dip in The Park Club Health and Day Spa's magnificent 25-metre, edgeless pool offset by a Grecian mural is the ideal beginning to a day of bliss. Follow it up with a variety of Aveda and La Prairie treatments and a selection of light meals from the spa menu, to be enjoyed while stretched out in the lounge or sunning area. Don't forget these: the spa also has a Jacuzzi, plunge pool, steam room, sauna, and personal training studio. (03) 9224 1222, www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com Angsana Spa Double Bay Sydney, NSW You could get on a plane and spend time at the famous Angsana Resort in Palm Cove on the Great Barrier Reef, but you may also access the same menu of treatments in a decadent day spa in one of Sydney’s most elite suburbs. Spoilt for choice: Angsana offers 39 holistic massages, health treatments, beauty wraps and tropical scrubs. (02) 9328 5501, www.angsanaspa.com Affinity Day Spa Cottesloe, WA Shopping too hard? A foot massage provides an overall tonic. Or stay longer and indulge in Lithos therapy, a technique based on thermotherapy and cryotherapy techniques using heated and chilled rocks. Ideal, they say, for relaxation and detoxing. Or try some essential oils from London to de-stress and pamper. Something different: pregnancy aromatherapy uses carefully selected blended oils. (08) 9284 4333, www.affinitydayspa.com.au Keturah Day Spa Fremantle, WA Employing a philosophy of non-water based holistic treatments in an environment that promotes wellbeing through rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul, Keturah is new to Fremantle. Treatment rooms offer mud and clay body wraps, massages and pamper packages. Perfect peace: There are private hydrotherapy rooms along with mineral Jacuzzis, a plunge pool, spa, sauna, and lounge with refreshments.