Eight of Auckland's Most Extraordinary Day Spa Experiences

Whether you're looking to find stillness and balance in trying times, enter a deep state of relaxation, or simply become smoother, Auckland has plenty of indulgent day spa experiences and experts to get your body in ship-shape condition.

At these eight spots you can choose your own adventure depending on your self-care desires: bathe in coconut milk on a cliff, invest in a series of results-based skin treatments, or bathe in an infinity pool with ocean views.  You're worth it.

SKINOGRAPHY

For simply the best facial experience in the city, you can't go past Skinography. If you battle with acne, fine lines or just general stress and malaise, you'll want to pop behind this unassuming door in Herne Bay to find facialist Kate Michelmore and her team. Michelmore is one of the best in the biz  — here at CP we're often recommending her to burnt-out and/or adult-acne-prone friends. This is a permanently calm (and fabulously peach) clinic that will have you asleep and drooling on one of the beds quicker than you can say "hop up under the blanket there, bra off".

Known for being one of the first spots in the city to specialize in the buccal facial made famous by Meghan Markle, Skinography also lowered its prices to pre-pandemic levels this year to make luxe treatments a little more accessible for all. Book yourself in for some post-Christmas pampering — we are personally giant fans of Michelmore's signature anti-gravity facial.

Find your zen: 23 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011

THE SPA

Not only does five-star hotel Park Hyatt Auckland have gorgeously appointed rooms and a truly outstanding waterfront eatery, it also offers a top-notch day spa — and you don't have to be a guest to use it. Appropriately titled The Spa, the boutique offers a range of packages in seven treatment rooms. Dreading showing skin that has been wrapped up in woolly coats and head-to-toe clothes all winter? Get it ready for bikinis, boardshorts and beach days with one of the truly excellent body treatments, which will see dead dry skin sloughed and scrubbed away, before being slathered in rich moisturisers from head to toe. Our pick is the signature glacial clay experience, which offers a scrub, body wrap and scalp treatment that has been made using native clay and mānuka oil.

Spa guests also have access to the hotel's dedicated hydrotherapy room, which features two heated spa pools, a Himalayan salt sauna and steam room. Also on site is a 25-metre infinity pool with views across the Waitematā Harbour. Give yourself at least an hour before your treatment to make the most of the facilities. You'll leave absolutely glowing (and perhaps ready for a cocktail in the downstairs bar).

Find your zen: 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

SKINTOPIA

Now in a fabulous new flagship store on Jervois Road, this is the perfect beginner-friendly spot for those looking for a little pampering — particularly those who might be a little freaked at the prospect of heading into a traditionally 'woo-woo' spa setting. (We're looking at you, fellas). With a welcoming light-and-bright fit-out by the team at Material Creative and a series of specialised treatments best experienced on a semi-regular basis‚ this is where you'll be heading if your New Year's resolution is "bright, glowy skin". You can also grab a range of gifts, supplements and skincare here, so don't be afraid to just pop in for a browse. A bonus: Skintopia has a series of 30-minute options perfect for your lunch break, so don't be using the excuse "I don't have the time" in 2023.

Find your zen: Unit 3/165-167 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, CBD 1011

SOFITEL SPA

Sofitel Auckland reopened to the public in 2019 following a multimillion-dollar makeover. The luxurious Parisian theme is carried through into Sofitel Spa with exclusive use of French skincare range Biologique Recherche. The package menu offers a huge collection of skin-boosting experiences and revitalising treatments to nourish the body and soul. Innovative offerings include an experimental stone treatment using greenstone to massage the body, a Swedish-style massage to improve circulation and reduce swelling, and a full-body exfoliation and massage using scents of cherry blossom. All treatments include access to the hotel's wellness facilities, including the lap pool and fitness centre. Make time to relax after your treatment with complimentary snacks and herbal tea.

Find your zen: 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

BERSANTAI DAY SPA

Located at Castaways Resort overlooking the rugged west coast at Karioitahi Beach, Bersantai Day Spa is an ideal destination to recharge your batteries. The day spa offers a range of massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Guests are invited to maximise the experience with a soak in one of the outdoor stone baths before their treatment. The hour-long coconut milk experience invites solo (or couple) visitors to bathe in a blend of essential oils and coconut milk — something which is said to promote healthy sleep. Further, you can settle in for an hour-long full-body relaxation massage, or a vanilla and coffee bean treatment, which is said to repair damage caused from environmental and sun exposure. With accomodation onsite, this spot is ideal for a relaxing overnight getaway.

Find your zen: 685 Karioitahi Road, Waiuku 2683

SKIN MOMENT

Staring down the barrel of events and summer shindigs and need a one-stop shop for glowing skin, preened brows and just a general pick-me-up? This recent newcomer to the Auckland facialist scene has you covered. Founder Bonnie first began her brow shaping studio Index Studio before opening up the adjoining facial clinic. Now the two work in tandem in an uber-chic space in Eden Terrace — it's airy and comfortable, so we think it's a great place to hide during some of Auckland's notoriously humid summer days.

At Skin Moment, the team believe in the power of sensory high-touch facials, so prepare to be luxuriously kneaded — and there are lymphatic drainage options if the silly season has been a little too kind to you.

Find your zen: 6 Newton Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1010

SKIN BY CHELSEA

Experienced Auckland facialist Chelsea has finally branched out on her own — with epic results. From her treatment room in a gorgeous Ponsonby villa, Chelsea is now focusing on specialised treatments for customers based on three ethe: Relaxation, rejuvenation and results. Basically, this is a choose-your-own-adventure type treatment. If your love language is physical touch and you're looking for some nature-based healing, opt for the relax facial. Prefer to put your mug in the hands of all the tech-based bells and whistles? Opt for the results facial. If you're unsure, pick the 90-minute rejuvenate facial and let Chelsea will guide you with a long-term game plan— she is an expert and is extremely clued up and will make you feel in safe hands with her holistic skin coaching. Plus, she's great for a giggle.

Find your zen: 37 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011

FORME SPA

With 11 day spas from Auckland to Queenstown, Forme is one of the biggest wellness operations in the country. It's best known for its skin-rejuvenating facials and massages, although visitors can also keep on top of beauty maintenance with waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures. Highlights of the treatment menu include the stress relief massage combining aromatherapy with sweeping Swedish strokes, and the alternative that sees warm heated stones rubbed all over the body to promote balance. For aching niggles and tight muscles, there is a deep-tissue massage, while a Thai-inspired treatment incorporates Eastern stretching techniques for energy flow and harmony.

Find your zen: Various locations around Auckland

Top image: The Spa at Park Hyatt Auckland.