i have been back 3 times worked out the best time to go is in the coldest time of the year not sunny go early .we got there on a misty foggy an very cold morning it was the best feeling going into the out door hot spring on the cold day the mist was coming down getting up you were freezing cold but going into that hot spring was the best . inside they had a nice steam room it was like eucoliptas smell of steam an the plunge pool cold to the hot was great .had massage with my wife got shock a little when we were told to take all out clothes off but it was all good they covered you up an massage was very good .
Mu husband and I visited the Bath house today. I was aware of the "rules" and protocol and therefore prepared. The experience was very relaxing, peaceful and calming. Being a sunday and raining it was most invigorating particularly in the outdoor bath. I felt the cost ($60 for 3 hours ) was reasonable and the facilities were very clean and simple. I was not looking for the "fluff and bubbles" and found it very authentic and staff were very respectful. We also enjoyed the teas, udon noodles with bean curd and Teriyaki chicken. We are keen to revisit during colder weather, would be heaven with snow around.
Once we got to the Japanese bath house we were greeted straight away. After filling out the forms we were toured around the facilities by the lovely gentleman that always kept a smile on his face. We only had a 3 hour day pass booked which was enough time for us to try everything. In my own opinion the only thing I did like was the indoor hot spring water that set at 38 degrees. The cold water was too cold and the outdoor was too hot as it was set to 40 degrees. Also enjoyed the quiet room was able to take a nap. I hope they soon provide separate toilets for females and males as it was only unisex toilets as well as complementary bathrobes/ towels for guests. You also need to bring your own towels as it is extra charge and you do need to bring cash because they have no eftpos and you are also not allowed to take any photos of the area. Was able to relax a bit and it was a good experience especially if you just want to unwind a bit.
Too many rules, extremely over priced, bad, actually the worst massage I've ever had, not health care certified, shabby & run down. Mean & uncaring management. Awful.
My husband and I booked in for the 3 hours for $60 each. It was a Saturday afternoon and we were suprised that it was so busy. Greeted by a lovely lady, then shown around by a guy who closed his eyes when he talked? A bit unnerving. After our tour we went out seperate ways to get changed,both change rooms were very open which I found a little uneasy whole trying to get changed into my swimwear.My husband and I then had ashower and entered the indoor pool 38 degrees -lovely, the plunge pool a very cool 20 degrees! Outside we visited the 40 degree pool which was fantastic but oh so hot! We cooled down after a walk along the 'reflexology' path, and a seat on the bench overlooking Lake Lyell. Beautiful. The steam room was lovely, smelled devine although the steam machine scared the life out of me when it came on! We enjoyed a lovely cup of tea before going back and enjoying everything again. Pros: Nice area, lovely water, warm changerooms.Cons:A bit rough and cheaply done, change rooms need some privacy, silent room was thoroughfare.Left feeling refreshed.
I didn't really know what to expect, having seen the mixed reviews on trip advisor. I really enjoyed my visit to Sparadise and glad I ignored the terrible reviews.It comes as no surprise that sparadise is not equivalent to a Japanese onsen. Spa paradise is south of lithgow for christ's sake! The spa is set on a sloping hill overlooking the Lake Lyall. There is a sense of calm as you soon as you enter the facility. A greeter hands you slippers and encourages you to come inside and sit down. Inside people were quietly chatting and sipping tea on tatkami mats. The building operates as hotel and a facility for a mysterious Japanese Doctor. We were then given a tour of the spa facility and outlining of the house rules. This was not necessary, as the facilities are straight forward - showers, steam room, plunge pool, hot tub inside and outside. Our group stayed for 2.5 hours and I really enjoyed the pace of swapping pools, showering and hanging out in the steam room. Pros: Japanese experience in the Blue mountains! Clean, well laid out bathhouse and helpful staff. Beautiful setting.Cons: Staff could be more Professional, and customer focused. Towels, should be supplied given the price. The ambiance of the silent room and bathhouse could benefit from running though rules, location of critical items (washers, bins and towels) by pointing out locations on a map. Rather than doing a walking tour. In addition, staff could just drop by into the bathhouse every 15 mins or so, to check on patrons, tidy up etc. Change rooms were be on the small side. I really enjoyed my trip, and after a long hike it made for a rejuvenating experience. I hope to be back.
This is my second visit and i can tell you that this place is very beautiful, relaxing and cultural, however it is definitely NOT the place for you if 1. you are on a family holiday with kids 2. you are expecting to enter an expensive day spa. Anyone who knows anything about Japanese culture will know how big rules are for them. I see the complaints in the other reviews are partly due to people expecting a cheap service like a local swimming pool with a come and go as you please attitude. If you think about it as a cultural ritual and not a "camping ground" like one previous reviewer called it, your experience will be much better.Now onto the actual review :) Both times i went i had the Japanese bat house entry, which is $60 for 3 hours. Facilities include hot and cold baths and a herbal steam room. Make sure you try the outdoor bath in the winter its beautiful! After my bath session (your skin can really only take 1 hour) i had a curry beef rice and Harmony tea in the tea room. The Curry was very nice, but the tea was the best! It came in a little clay pot and a little strainer and jug.I was so relaxed i could hardly drive home! They give you these disposable slippers which you can take home, but you need to bring your own towel( each time we brought 2 towels each and used both). My husband and i have been there on a Sunday and a Saturday, but we would suggest a sunday at 1 or 2pm is the best (less people more relaxing). My husband and i have been to many Bath houses around the world, and to be honest this one was about the same price as most of the 5 star spas in the world. While it is strict and expensive i find it well worth the money compared to spas around the world. Remember think organic chic
After visiting Japan with a loved one back in 2012 I decided bringing them to the Japanese bathhouse would be the perfect birthday present. The building is a Tudor style home (not Japanese) with an (extremely hot) outdoor hot spring and indoor spa (pretty small cold spa within the hot one). There was also a steam room (smelt strongly of eucalyptus) and relaxation room (which smelt strongly of tea tree oil). As a previous comment said there is no privacy in the change-room so wearing your swimmers is recommended; there are toilets you can change in. The entry price ($60 each) seemed a bit steep and, although you are provided with a small hand towel you can keep, they suggest you bring your own towel unless you enjoy throwing money around. It is mentioned during the intro tour to not talk too loudly for the tranquility of others but did not seem to be enforced (after lunch came back to spa and it sounded like a public pool). The staff were extremely nice and helpful.Strangely you are not allowed to drink water anywhere else apart from the water cooler? Weird...Had Seaweed Udon for lunch (which was pricey) with Udon around $20 mark and tea around $8. Lake Lyell is a beautiful setting which can be seen from one of the spas but the depth of the spa means you have to kneel to see the view. In the end you either take the good with the bad or go into the CBD for $10 Japanese food, less money spent on petrol and find a spa that can give you a great treatment for a good price!
I think it's (slightly) over priced, but I can understand considering it's in Australia. The place is not big, but quite comfy, consisted of two hot baths one indoor and one outdoor, one cold bath, and a steam room. The view is breathtaking, the drive to the location is back breaking, but the baths are relaxing. So it's a mix feelings for me, overall if you are happen to be visiting blue mountains then can drop by here to add a hint of Zen into your travel bag.
I had the worst neck ache, but after a nice relaxing massage and a good soak, i feel nothing less than renewed. I think the trick is to go on a sunday afternoon because there is less people. Entry into the baths cost $60 and a massage is on top of that (i dont remember the price). I did not find it very expensive but maybe thats because Peninsula springs in Melbourne is $43 on a Saturday, and that is in another state for me ;)