Despite having a mild winter by global standards, it’s still normal to experience a little mid-year slump. Factor in a cold snap in Sydney (and the overload of wine, cheese and carbs that ensue), and that sluggish/unmotivated/generally flat feeling can be hard to shake.

A restorative facial or 45 minute sweat sesh certainly aren’t cures to all of life’s problems, but there’s no denying the benefits that come from outsourcing wellness and showing yourself a little love this time of year. Plus, there’s no time like the present to support small businesses through your dollars — bonus points if you always come out of it with a glowing complexion.

So here we’re rounding up six of Sydney’s best wellness haunts to book once stay-at-home orders have eased.

Slow House Bondi

There’s nothing like a scrub, sweat + LED session to make you feel lighter, brighter and more energetic. Relatively new Bondi outpost Slow House has all of this and them some as part of their Signature Slow treatment. And with its chic, minimal interiors and walking distance to the big blue, you’re sure to exit much calmer than you entered.

Fenn Store Paddington

Helmed by two of Sydney’s best — Nicole Manning and Claire McColl — Fenn is a beautiful facial and wellness space in Paddington. Both Manning and McColl have an innate ability to marry the best in skin tech with holistic rituals, meaning you’ll experience both results and supreme relaxation. Manning’s facial massage is also the stuff of legend, making Fenn a great option if you want to carve out new cheekbones for your best post-COVID life.

Jacqueline Brennan skin Mosman 

If you live north of the bridge and haven’t yet experienced the magic that is Jacqueline Brennan, consider this a sign. Brennan offers the best of everything, from light peels and LED therapy, to heavy-duty treatments light Cosmelan and HIFU, so it’s perfect for a mid-year overhaul. The chic interiors are a nice touch, as well.

Cohere Studio 

If you’re feeling sluggish, bloated, puffy or tired, your best approach to wellness might be one that starts on the inside. Georgia Forsyth of Cohere Studio is like the modern woman’s answer to nutrition and naturopathy. Forsyth aims for progress, not perfection, and won’t make you feel guilty if your weekend diet is 50% carbs, 50% pet nat. Instead, she listens, empathises, and maps out a realistic health plan that still allows you to enjoy your life.

Kristen Fisher Brows Double Bay

Never underestimate the healing powers of fresh brows and a lash lift, especially if you need something to lift your spirits. Kristen Fisher is by far one of Sydney’s best and her chic Double Bay salon is the stuff on Instagram dreams. Get a spray tan while you’re there for an added boost.

Venustus 

If you want to soothe mind, body and soul, Venustus in Paddington is for you. Run by Jeannie Bourke, every single experience guarantees a holistic transformation, from calmer skin and unfurled shoulders, to a brighter emotional outlook. Our pick is the OM Massage — you’ll basically float out of there on a cloud.