SPAQ, QT SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA

QT Sydney’s slightly naughty and very quirky DNA has propelled it to the top of the list of cool hotels. The wonderful mix of nods to the historic Gowings building and the insanely contemporary continues through to spaQ, with the apothecary-style design elements on its exterior giving way to true-spa ambience inside. We are there 15 minutes early as instructed for our spaQ for Two experience, changing into robes and slippers and moving down to the relaxation lounge, sinking into a funky chairs with furry black throws.

We select a herbal tea and relax with a magazine before our therapists arrive so we can ‘freshly-pick’ our treatments. This is quite a different approach and means that you can choose a bespoke treatment that fits with how you feel at that moment. We were very tempted by the 150-minute Suite Retreat package, but time only permitted one-hour treatments. But a great massage makes you forget all about time and this one did. I opted for the deeper Thermal massage and my therapist’s sure and strong hands worked their magic on my tangle of knots.

With the Hamman-inspired steamroom, and the fabulous Barber Shop with its antique leather barber’s chairs, you could easily spend half a day treating yourself. And as spaQ is not just open for hotel guests, I might just do that.

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