GILLIAN ADAMS SALON & SPA

Step beyond the ornate Art Deco façade at Gillian Adams Salon & Spa and the roar of the Pacific Highway fades, replaced by tinkling music and the hushed tones of neatly uniformed therapists. One of Australia’s first true day spas – and, believe us, you’ll want the whole day – Gillian Adams is a 40-minute drive or train ride from Sydney’s CBD. It’s been the Upper North Shore’s temple of pampering since 1994 and for good reason. The idea is complete transportation: an initial steamy soak in the Roman-style pool with its waterfalls and massage jets washes away day-to-day cares; a massage, facial, peel or Omnilux light-therapy treatment provides further contentment; then lunch, served in the sunny courtyard garden (with wine, natch), results in the abdication of all cares. Finish with a blow-dry at the upstairs salon before you re-enter the fray, highway traffic and all, in a state of untouchable wellbeing.