Traveltalk’s Health & Wellness expert Tracey Leitch reports on the latest developments and new openings around the globe.
Fairmont Hotels & Resort Elevates Wellness
Across its global portfolio of 96 hotels and resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is elevating its wellness offering beyond the traditional spa delivering holistic, destination-driven wellbeing that is woven seamlessly into every stage of their guest journey.
Under the banner of Fairmont Wellness, each experience is thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit, culture and natural surroundings of its location.
The brand is strengthening this focus with the appointment of global wellness leader Emma Darby and the rollout of innovative, destination-inspired programs including Special Happens…, a collection of immersive experiences that blend nature-based activities and culinary wellness with local traditions.
From sunrise seaplane yoga to regionally inspired wellbeing cuisine, Fairmont’s approach connects guests more deeply to place while supporting physical, mental and emotional health.
This expanded wellness vision will continue through 2026 with new properties such as Fairmont Hanoi (recently opened in 2025) and Fairmont New Orleans (2026), both featuring substantial spa and wellness facilities designed as integral lifestyle hubs rather than standalone amenities.
Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) has unveiled Èliva, an exclusive day spa and wellness brand debuting in 2026 in three flagship locations across NSW and a further three in the pipeline.
The first three bespoke wellness destinations will open at Ardour Milton Park Bowral, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach and Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains with a strategic rollout planned throughout the year.
“Èliva signals our next phase of growth” said Tash Tobias, SBH CEO. “As wellness-led travel surges globally, we’re blending holistic wellbeing with world-class hospitality to create a distinct future-focused luxury offering.
“It reflects our commitment to innovation, diversification and value as we continue expanding with leading hotel brands across Australia.”
Developed with leading spa and wellness experts, Èliva is said to combine world-class hospitality with holistic wellbeing practices, delivering a complete wellness eco-system.
“Èliva represents a new era of wellness in hospitality – intentional, beautifully designed and guided by global spa and wellness expertise,” said Kate Greenwood, SBH’s Creative Director Brand and Design.
“Èliva transforms the traditional hotel spa into a holistic experience that empowers guests to engage with wellbeing in a way that feels personal, intuitive and deeply restorative.”
Each Day Spa will feature oil-blending bars, treatment rooms, thermal spa, recovery lounges and fitness offerings designed for their destination.
Èliva partners with luxury skincare house Omorovicza, marking its first hotel spa collaboration in Australia. 
https://www.elivawellness.com.au
The Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has reopened its doors in Daylesford, Victoria.
Following a $1.7 million renovation that elegantly marries heritage charm with contemporary luxury, the facelift includes upgraded change rooms, refreshed tiling, new lighting, modern fixtures and a state-of-the-art audio system, ensuring a seamless and rejuvenating guest experience.
Twelve private mineral bathing rooms and a secluded steam room now provide visitors with a more intimate escape, while a new apothecary experience allows guests to craft their own body scrubs.
The spa menu has also been expanded to feature innovative body rituals and facial treatments, appealing to both wellness enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
The reopening was marked by a ceremony celebrating the bathhouse’s enduring legacy, attended by local leaders and members of the managing team.
Notably, the transformation was highlighted on Channel 9’s The Block, where contestants contributed to revamping several private bath spaces.
Continuing its tradition as a wellness sanctuary, Hepburn Bathhouse offers communal mineral baths, bespoke treatments and luxurious on-site accommodation, inviting guests to extend their retreat and soak in the region’s famed therapeutic waters.
https://hepburnbathhouse.com
