It’s all a bit exciting. It’s the middle of winter, I’m asking AI what to pack, and the list includes bathers, a towel, sliders and a drink bottle. By 10am, we’re arriving at EQ Wellbeing, a wellness sanctuary tucked away in South Melbourne.
I’d be lying if I said I was feeling my best. One of my closest friends celebrated her birthday the night before, so I’m turning up to a wellness centre feeling a little dusty not to mention a tad embarrassed. But I embrace it, and somehow, feels like part of the experience.
The Signature Journey
We take the Purple Haze lift up to EQ and are instantly greeted by dim lighting, soft music and the most incredible scent drifting through the air. Within seconds, the industrial car park across the road that we scrambled to find feels like a distant memory.
A quick intro, handful of raw almonds and lemongrass tea, and we’re ready to go. Sunlight streams through the floor to ceiling windows and, before I’ve even changed into my bathers, I already feel a little more virtuous than I did yesterday.
Everyone here looks ridiculously healthy. Whether it’s their calm energy or whatever skincare routine they’re doing, I find myself secretly wanting to beg for their beauty tips (and note to self, actually follow them).
The Bathhouse
Our three hour journey begins in the bathhouse. On a chilly Melbourne morning, the warm mineral pool is the first thing that catches my eye. Just looking at the steaming water makes my bones feel warm before I’ve even dipped a toe in.
Surrounding it are the sauna, steam room, showers and the notorious 6° cold plunge. While you can choose your own adventure, there’s also a method to the madness. EQ recommends alternating heat, cold and rest to restore body and mind to equilibrium.
We begin with fifteen minutes in the sauna. Pearls of sweat drip from my face and I convince myself this pain pleasure sweatbox is a cast to exit last night toxins from my body. The muscles still aching from Pilates quickly begin to surrender and, by the time the sand timer tells us we’re done, I already feel lighter.
But then. The dreaded ice bath.
I glare at the freezing water and it ominously stares back at me. I know it’s going to hurt. Yet I lean in and trepidatiously accept the challenge. Guided by the sweet staff, I lower myself in slowly. Pins and needles erupt through my body and while I have to have to bite my tongue to stop screaming, I breathe, calm and endure.
Turns out, part of the hardest battle isn’t so much the cold, it’s training my mind. And whilst not pleasant in any shape or form, I find out that two minutes is considered a solid effort and I’ve somehow managed three and a half, Im literally shivering yet quietly chuffed.
Thankfully, the warm magnesium mineral pool is waiting. My friend and I jump in, giggle and chat about everything and absolutely nothing. It’s simply bliss.
The steam room is our final stop and staff softly and kindly let us know that “Bathtime is over”. I silently chuckle as her calm delivery is far controlled than my nightly routine, where II quite literally scream the same words to my kids yet in a less measured manner.
Take a moment to breathe
After a shower, we head back to the relaxation lounge where staff explain this season’s EQ experience, Dream State, designed to prepare both body and mind for better sleep.
Who hasn’t climbed into bed exhausted, only to find their brain refusing to switch off? This is EQ’s answer.
We settle into beautifully made beds beneath cosy blankets before choosing between two guided breathwork sessions. Energise or Unwind. Given it’s nearly Friday, its an easy decision for the latter. Then it’s headphones on and eye mask down.
A calming voice gently guides us through the session. I’m not entirely sure how long it lasts, or whether I drifted off at one point. (apologies to anyone in the room if i was snoring – oops) All I know is that when it finally does finish, I’m actually sad. I could happily have stayed in that room all afternoon, or even night time.
Light & Sound Therapy
Next comes the dome. A softly lit room washed in shades of blue, enormous cushions and fluffy blankets invite us for the final experience. I never imagined staring at a blank wall could be so entertaining. Yet somehow, I don’t want it to end.
This isn’t just a light show. Colour, music and rhythm work together to create different emotional responses. Blue calms. Red restores. Somehow I’m drawn to vibrant bright yellow, which I later discovering represents joy and playfulness. (Given previous evening festivities, sounds about right).
When the music fades, we hear a final quote “Carry a sense of calm as you move into the rest of the day.”
My eyes open, but I physically cannot get up. Not sure where EQ found these ridiculously comfortable beanbags, but I need one in my life. Wrapped in a fluffy blanket, it feels like Im sunken into a cloud.
The only reason I eventually peel myself away is because I realise more than three hours have passed and school pick up is calling. While the thought totally kills my vibe, Im grateful Ive had this precious time to relax, switch off and rejuvenate.
EQ isn’t simply a bathhouse or wellness centre. It’s permission to pause and reflect. I leave feeling calmer, more controlled, and ready to take on the world. But first and foremost, excited for the ultimate night sleep.
What We’re Addicted To: Three blissful hours of calm, stillness and permission to switch off. Plus the smug satisfaction of surviving a 6° ice bath.
What We Need to be More Addicted To: An extra few hours in every day… and when at EQ, make sure someone else is on pick up duty.
EQ Wellbeing – Level 5, 22 Kings Place, South Melbourne Vic 3205
Opening Hours:Monday: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Tuesday to Friday: 8:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8:30am to 8:00pm