The Best Spas and Wellness Retreats in...

Thanks to the copious opportunities for bungee jumping and skydiving nearby, Queenstown – which hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island of New Zealand – is best-known as a hub for adrenaline-pumping recklessness. However, there’s a more relaxed side to this coastal conurbation in the form of some top-rated spas and wellness retreats.

View All Trips

If you need a pampering after an intense adventure, there are spots to suit all tastes, from lakeside lodges to a salubrious vineyard retreats. Sit back, relax and enjoy this lovely showcase of the best in the area.

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Hidden Lodge

Boutique Hotel

Only five minutes outside of Central Queenstown (yet feeling completely disconnected from urban buzz), guests here should do their best to snag a suite with a private balcony. You’re unlikely to make use of your flat-screen TV, given that your room comes with endless views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. They’re also generous with the freebies here – the minibar is stocked with complimentary alcoholic drinks. Plus a pre-dinner glass of wine and antipasto platter are included in the rate.

The Spire Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Skiers will appreciate the location of this boutique hotel, a mere ten-minute walk to the Skyline Gondola that can be seen from some of the bedroom windows. The diligent concierge team here offers the small touches you might come to expect from a five-star resort, including a tour of the building on arrival. They’ll gladly tell you everything you need to know to get gym access. By the time you get to your room, you’ll even find a complementary yoga mat.

Azur Luxury Lodge

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodge, Luxury

You can book in-villa massages and mini-spa treatments at this lakeside lodge, with sublime views from the floor-to-ceiling windows to pour over as you’re pampered. If you’re into yoga, each villa comes with a mat so that you can practise at your own pace. Alternatively, the staff are happy to recommend local classes or arrange private tuition. If you want a truly Instagrammable detour, the popular Onsen Hot Pool spa is just 15 minutes away and has splendid views over the Shotover River Canyon.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Lodge

Set amid vines on a historic winery, these villas give you the chance to indulge not only in pampering, but a delicious pinot noir. Yes, all treatments come complete with a glass of bubbles, which you can enjoy in the relaxation room or on the patio. For even more relaxation, unwind in the sauna and secluded hot pools, where your cares will surely melt away.

Kamana Lakehouse

Boutique Hotel

This lakehouse is the highest-altitude accommodation in Queenstown. You’ll never feel more calmingly isolated from life’s stresses than when you’re here, relishing in countryside panoramas in the middle of nowhere. You can book sessions by the hour at Kamana Soak, a private hot tub experience bolstered by an unencumbered view of Lake Wakatipu. The decadent tubs can accommodate up to three adults. For those arriving to tackle the peaks on skis, there is a useful storage and dry room at the hotel.

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Hotel

You’ll find this 273-room hotel on the shores of the lake, only metres away from Bay Beach and Gardens. This being a sizeable Novotel, the facilities are handy and plentiful; perks include valet parking, laundry, ski storage services and a helpful concierge team on-hand to book local excursions. The private spa and Jacuzzi can be booked from reception to ensure you have the entire area to yourself after an adventure-packed day.

Millbrook Resort Spa

Spa Hotel

There’s a reason the Millbrook Spa has been dubbed the Top Spa Resort in New Zealand by the World Travel Awards time and time again. Set in the tranquil streets of Arrowtown, just a 15-minute drive from Queenstown, the resort has become a true favourite among both local and international visitors. There’s even a complimentary shuttle service to cater to the out-of-town interest. The five-star indulgence can come in the form of aromatic massages, skin-booster facials, or nourishing body-wellness treatments.

Spa at Nugget Point Hotel

Spa

If you’ve been skiing up a storm at Coronet Peak, the Grecian spa at the Nugget Point Hotel is the place to unwind. The resort sits at the bottom of the main road going into the ski range, before you arrive back into Queenstown – ideal for a quick splurge or, if you need it, a full night’s stay. Soak up the warm spa-pool waters, soothe your muscles with a massage or simply snuggle up to one of the upholstered couches in the relaxation lounges.

Eforea spa at the Hilton Hotel

Spa, Swimming Pool

Sleek indoor pool with sun beds at the Eforea spa in the Hilton Hotel

The lush eforea:spa has ten treatment rooms, which include two couples’ suites and a presidential spa with a balcony. Every single one of their pamper packages comes with complimentary use of the Hilton wellness facilities. That includes the fitness centre, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms. There are grooming options for men and women alike, as well as a selection of reinvigorating body massages, all guaranteed to bring everyone back into their element.

Sofitel Queenstown Spa

Spa

Sofitel spas are usually renowned for their French-inspired treatments, but the one in Queenstown is a fusion experience. Not only does this one incorporate Māori massage therapies; it offers Ataauhua body treatments and hammam baths. The opulence will hit you as soon as you step inside, as you’ll be welcomed by gold-coloured decor and furnishings that pay homage to the region’s extensive mining history.

Thalita Alves contributed additional reporting to this article.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.