"**Qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld** Readers' Choice Awards: Best Spa/Health Retreat   Qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld   Runner-up: Gaia Retreat & Spa, Byron Bay, NSW   Its Latin name translates as ""a collection of deep sensory experiences"" and Qualia spa delivers this in spades. This Whitsundays retreat takes centre stage at the Hamilton Island resort, its six spa pavilions equipped with indulgent essentials such as Roman baths and alfresco Vichy showers that make the most of Coral Sea views. The treatment menu is one of the most comprehensive in the land, showcasing Australian-made Li'tya and Sodashi products in therapies inspired by indigenous healing traditions. Qualia's six ""signature ceremonies"" include the 90-minute Kumali Ritual – a body scrub and wrap with hot poultice massage designed to soothe the tensions of holidaying heiresses. Male treatments tend to be more down-to-earth. Wild Oats, named after resort owner Bob Oatley's maxi-yacht, is a facial and sea-salt back scrub that ends with a macho mani and pedi. www.qualia.com.au"
{}