A visit to Splash Day Spa on Australia's Gold Coast is a purely indulgent way to escape a bustling world; immersing yourself for a few hours in a cosy, underground oasis. Below Surfers Paradise, you can let your body and mind be restored...

There are two entrances to Splash; one is off the mall of Chevron Renaissance, and the other (is the entrance I prefer,) hidden lower than street level, so you feel like you're entering a secluded and sacred den - exclusive to those ‘in the know.'

Walking into the reception, complete with sparkling chandelier, a premonition of glamorous pampering is definitely hard to avoid. Infamous Dermalogica products adorn the walls and a friendly receptionist offers a large comfy lounge area to rest in, followed by a tour of the Spa. Grant Robinson, who runs the spa, has recently returned from Dubai (home of the 5 star Spa experience) - an influence that is noticeable when glancing around the Spa in the luxurious detailing throughout the dimly lit bathhouse. The Spa boasts temperature plunge pools, massage-jet hydrotherapy pools, large steam rooms and sauna, pampering rooms for massage and facials, and a lounge bar with complimentary tea and healthy nibbles, if you fancy. Beauty treatments and enhancements are on offer in the Splash clinic. The change rooms are equipped with everything a 5 star hotel Spa would provide - gown, slippers, chilled lemon water for the day and preparation products to help you return to the real world later, like hair dryer and products.

I arrived early and spent some time rejuvenating in the heat and weightlessness of a 38 degree pool, (fyi official relaxation temperature) and sauna. I held my breath and attempted the cold pool in between, for the circulation health benefits from rapid temperature change- it's a definite pick-me-up.

Time passed too quickly and I was called for my renewing facial. Led into a facial room, resting upon comfortably cushioned table, and listening to the soothing sounds of trendy Norah Jones, the therapist embarked on 55 minutes of face therapy. Dermalogica products cleansed me, and micro-exfoliated my skin. Any pain from extractions was forgotten with a flowing neck and shoulder massage using oil-free massage balm. A hand massage (you get to choose hand or feet) took away my tension, and a multi vitamin power mask worked it's magic while a heavenly head massage finished the treatment - much to the opposition of my mind and body which could have stayed in the blissful facial trance forever....

My verdict: If Surfers Paradise is party city central, then Splash Day Spa is definitely where I'd take myself to rest the next day.