If you're craving a break from the city's buzz, seek refuge in the serenity of Sense of Self, a modern bathhouse and wellness centre nestled in Melbourne's north.

Once you step inside, you're transported to an immersive Mediterranean haven. With soft hues, a comforting scent, and a cascading waterfall, this sensory journey melts away stress, taking you to a world of tranquillity.

The bathhouse is split into two levels. The upper floor houses the massage and mindfulness studio. Here you can book various remedial, relaxation, and pregnancy massages, as well as treatments like dry body brushing, Gua Sha facials, and more.

The bathhouse itself is on the ground floor. After the reception, enter the communal all-gender change room (private change rooms are available). A pre-bath shower is required, where brass shower heads and steaming hot water wash away your tensions, leaving you refreshed and invigorated before entering the baths.

Insider Tip: For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekdays when the crowd is lighter. 

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Move over, yoga. Floating is dubbed as “the ultimate way to relax the body and mind.” The Gravity Float and Wellness Centre help your body escape the reins of gravity and release pent-up musculoskeletal tension.

Each light and sound-proof pod contains a highly concentrated Epsom salt solution, which allows you to float effortlessly and feel literally weightless. This is perfect for forgetting about that presentation you’ve been working on for weeks or unplugging from the constant bombardment of emails and text messages.

When you emerge and return to our gravity-chained world after an hour’s soak (equivalent to about four hours of sleep), you will enjoy a renewed sense of clarity and focus, not to mention an unbearable lightness of being. 

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Novelist and playwright Dean Francis Alfar once said, “One of the best ways to recharge is by simply being in the presence of art. No thoughts, no critiques. Just full-on absorption mode.”

The best place to lose yourself in the magical world of art is the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — Australia’s oldest, largest, and most-visited gallery. Spanning two sites in close proximity, NGV houses a huge collection of international and Australian artworks.

Its international works are on display at NGV International, while Australian works can be found at The Ian Potter Centre located at Federation Square, also known as Fed Square. It is one of the most iconic places in Melbourne and a popular destination for food and the arts.

Works to look out for at the Ian Potter Centre include Frederick McCubbin’s The Pioneer (1904) and Tom Roberts' Shearing the Rams (1890). You’ll also find notable works by Sidney Nolan, regarded as Australia’s most influential artist of the twentieth century and known for his desert and drought collection.

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If you appreciate a good wine and have at least half a day to kill, don’t miss out on exploring the splendid wineries dotting the beautiful Yarra Valley. Located in the east of Melbourne city, the region is known for producing some of Australia’s best Chardonnays and sparkling wines.

One winery you should definitely spend an hour or two at is Chandon at Coldstream. Here, you can sample a good selection of sparkling wines, all complemented by spectacular valley views. If you are keen, be sure to make a booking for your wine-tasting experience prior to your visit.

Another to add to your list is Hubert Estate, a charming getaway for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts. Make a reservation to enjoy a blend of exquisite wines and delicious seasonal dishes at Quarters, amidst stunning vineyard views. 

Insider Tip: You might want to get a designated driver for the trip if you plan on winery-hopping!

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Melbourne luxury spa treatments are elevated to new levels of decadence at L. M. Spa

Used as the set for various dramas such as The Genie From Down Under and The Pirate Movie, the historic mansion’s biggest claim to fame was hosting two Elton John concerts in the summer of 2007. While exploring the lush mansion grounds built in the 1870s, it’ll be easy to imagine being a part of the aristocratic family of the post-Edwardian era.

The beautiful day spa’s main draws are its lap pool and private Turkish Hammam chamber, a candle-lit steam room designed for one or two guests. Enhance your chosen massage treatment with a Hammam treatment experience, which includes an invigorating sugar scrub, a detoxifying mud mask, and steam therapy. We promise that all weariness will melt away after such pampering. 

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Need to catch a late-night or early-morning flight after all that pampering? No worries.

If you have a five-to-seven-hour layover in Melbourne, you may be glad to know that PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport offers flexible room rates, leisure and fitness facilities for short stays between 7am and 7pm daily.

Hotel guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and access to all hotel facilities, including our Fitness Centre. This fully equipped 24-hour gym offers amazing runway views of the Melbourne Airport, a perfect way to end a relaxing trip to Melbourne. If you have some free time, explore our Destination Insights for a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.