The Gold Coast’s hinterland wellness scene is growing in appeal, with two of the region’s most renowned retreats introducing new ways to switch off in nature.
On Tamborine Mountain, SOL Elements has expanded its floating bathhouse with a private couples massage and Alchemy Suite overlooking Lotus Lake.
A Gold Coast first floating sound and ceremony platform will also host sound healings, intimate performances and Japanese-inspired tea ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Eden Retreat (main Image) is taking wellness into the treetops of Currumbin Valley.
Opening later this year, its new adults-only Treehouse Spa (above) will offer couples massages surrounded by rainforest, alongside intimate sound meditations, guided mindfulness and private stargazing experiences.
Closer to the coastline, KTQ Group has revealed the next stage of its decade-long Kirra Point masterplan, with a new 1,700-square-metre wellness precinct set to take shape immediately behind Kirra Beach.
The city’s growing reputation as a wellness destination has attracted the attention of major international hotel brands.
In 2029, the Gold Coast will welcome its first-ever Westin Hotel – complete with WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.
Westin hotels have become renowned for promoting rejuvenation and supporting wellness routines while on the move. The brand’s Gold Coast arrival reflects growing demand for premium accommodation that blends luxury with wellbeing.
Wellbeing In The Sky Takes Off
Etihad Airways has launched Etihad Wellbeing, a program consolidating a range of onboard and lounge enhancements aimed at helping premium cabin guests rest and arrive more refreshed.
The initiative brings together existing and new product features across the full journey, including Quiet Cabin (above), which reduces non-essential announcements, dedicated quiet spaces in Etihad’s lounges at Zayed International Airport and Be Relax by Etihad Spa, offering skincare, massage and hair services pre-departure.
Dining options have been expanded to include nutritious, protein-rich and plant-forward dishes alongside specialist meals for lactose-free, low-sodium and gluten-free diets.
In First and The Residence, Etihad now offers natural cotton bedding, memory foam mattresses and premium sleepwear.
Business class guests receive Destination Collection amenity kits featuring Korean beauty brand LANEIGE, with Etihad the first airline to partner with the brand.
First class guests receive ESPA skincare products including facial and under-eye masks. Etihad has also introduced a new signature scent across its cabins and lounges.
Etihad vice president of product and hospitality Jyotsna Chowdhry said the program reflected growing traveller demand for wellness-focused options while flying.
“We’re bringing together a range of practical improvements across our cabins and service, all designed to help guests rest better and arrive feeling refreshed,” Chowdhry said.
Small Is Beautiful
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has added seven new properties to its Wellbeing Collection, taking the portfolio to 21 hotels one year after its 2025 launch, with new additions spanning India, Italy, Finland, Romania, Bali and Panama.
Dharana at Shillim in Pune, India, combines modern diagnostics with Ayurveda, therapeutic nutrition, yoga and breathwork across 99 villas in the UNESCO-listed Sahyadri Mountains, with earth-to-table dining spanning three restaurants.
REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort in Bali’s Nusa Dua combines functional fitness, hydrotherapy and mindfulness with traditional Balinese healing.
Zabola Estate in Transylvania centres on woodland walks, horse riding and wildlife encounters, while Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort on Panama’s Pacific coast focuses on surfing, yoga and creative dining.
Skýra Retreat in Finland incorporates sauna rituals, cold-water immersion and forest bathing, Hotel Saltus in South Tyrol pairs a woodland Forest Spa with alpine Sky Pools, and The Retreat Costa Rica offers sound healing and crystal mountain hikes atop a quartz mountain.
The 21-hotel collection spans Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, with existing members including Acro Suites in Crete, Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary and Rio Perdido in Costa Rica.
Each property is selected for supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through design, nature access, cuisine, local culture and considered experiences rather than spa facilities alone.
