Destination Spa in South West, Australia

In this part of the world, spa experiences are more than skin deep. They’re sensory journeys, infused with botanicals, sound, temperature, and an intuitive approach to healing.

Set on the serene shores of Lake Gunyulgup, BODHI Spa Retreat offers a luxurious and immersive wellness experience in harmony with nature. The eco-conscious sanctuary features six treatment rooms (five for couples), an infrared sauna, hydrotherapy baths, and a lakeside studio for yoga and meditation.

Treatments draw on ancient Indigenous healing practices and use high-end natural products from Sodashi, MUKTI Organics, and Emma Lewisham. Highlights include the signature BODHI + Emma Lewisham Brightening Facial and the Awakening Journey—a four-and-a-half-hour ritual designed to deeply renew mind and body.

With a strong sustainability ethos—solar-powered, rainwater-fed, and built to tread lightly—BODHI Yallingup blends indulgence with purpose. Lounge by the fire, on the terrace, or simply take in the tranquil lake views (with the occasional kangaroo grazing nearby). It’s a serene haven for solo travellers, couples or group wellness getaways.

From the moment you enter Empire Spa, there is an energy shift. It’s quiet, earthy, and cocooned in nature. Treatments are exceptional. I experienced the Vanessa Megan the Metamorphosis Lift & Sculpt Facial — a 120-minute experience that uses a combination of fascia release, Buccal massage and lymphatic drainage to lift, tone and rejuvenate. Potent actives like peptides, hyaluronic acid and phytoestrogens infused deeply into the skin to leave it hydrated and glowing. My face felt like it had had a gym session, with that good ‘sore’ gym feeling,

Even more profound was the Vibrational Sound Healing session. Tuning forks and singing bowls were placed gently on and around my body, sending resonant waves through my energy field. It was meditative and subtle yet left me feeling remarkably clear and grounded.

Empire Retreat isn’t just a place to rest your head, it’s a sanctuary for the senses. Set amongst 265 acres of rolling vineyards and native bushland, the property feels grounded and grown-up, like it has been here for centuries. The stone and timber lodge is effortlessly elegant, with raw textures, moody lighting and a softness that immediately encourages you to exhale.
I stayed in the Farmstead Suite, a stunning, secluded haven complete with an outdoor stone bath overlooking the vines. Morning birdsong, evening stillness, and a soaking ritual under the stars. Heaven. Inside, high ceilings, earthy tones, and curated pieces from the owners. Every global suite feel considered and calming.

Empire Retreat is the kind of place where you walk slower, sip longer, and truly exhale. Days begin with slow breakfasts in the timber-framed lodge and end with a glass of wine by the fire. In between, there’s spa time (more on that below), forest walks, or simply the joy of doing nothing in a space designed for deep rest.

The onsite Empire Spa elevates the experience. It’s intimate and peaceful, with thoughtful rituals like the Metamorphosis Lift & Sculpt facial, a collagen-boosting, fascia-releasing treatment that lifted more than just my skin. Paired with a sound healing session, I left glowing and grounded.

The contrast therapy area at Chimes is a standout feature. Before your treatment, take time to rotate through the infrared sauna, steam room and cool plunge. It’s a ritual that stimulates circulation, quiets the mind, and prepares the body for healing.

Then sink into their 2.5-hour signature ritual: a warm oil massage, deeply cleansing facial, and gentle scalp, hand and foot work that leaves every inch of you softened and soothed. It鈥檚 slow, sensory, and delivered with heart.