Tim’s Take: Five hours by car from Mildura. That’s how far some of Teresa’s regulars are traveling for a $299 head spa above a Chinatown restaurant strip. I’ve reviewed properties across twelve countries. The ones that earn that kind of loyalty don’t advertise it. Their clients do it for them.
On Monday, 30 March, 2026, I visited Wellness Beauty and Head Spa on Little Bourke St in Melbourne’s Central Business District for what was scheduled to be a 90-minute head spa and facial.
This ended up taking closer to two hours, which was only a good thing. The hospitality and generosity that therapists Teresa and Lilly extended to me will be something I always remember.
A head spa and facial is for anyone looking for a little bit of luxury in areas that too often can be neglected in the humdrum of daily life. The website provides useful suggestions for people who are bald to consider the centre’s mini head spa treatment. Unfortunately, the centre does not treat people with hair extensions, weaves, or wefts ‘to protect the integrity of extensions’.
Wellness Beauty and Head Spa sets a high bar for five-star indulgence in the CBD. For a broader look at what Melbourne’s wellness scene offers across formats and budgets, the full guide is the place to start.
Compare the best spas in Melbourne →Clients who are pregnant should let the centre know in advance about any sensitivities or conditions so that the centre can prepare tailored treatment.
I went at the end of my working day, and I am pleased to report that the head spa and facial refreshed me for the night ahead. I would attribute part of this to the delicious catering that was provided – a cup of dried rose, red dates, longan, and goji berries tea that welcomed me, along with more tea and a platter of fresh fruit after my treatment.
When you arrive, you are invited to take off your shoes and socks and slip on some sandals, and you can also wear a robe to avoid getting your top wet during the treatment.
This treatment really is can’t-miss: in Teresa’s words, ‘it involves a beautiful mini facial, soothing massage encompassing the entire face, neck, shoulder, and scalp area, and the highlight of it all, the stunning water therapy ring with sensory tools.’
A blow-dry by Teresa finished the session. She makes the point that ‘some head spas end the treatment on the bed and the customer will dry their own hair in the toilet room.’
Facilities throughout Wellness Beauty and Head Spa, from reception to the treatment room, were pristine. Both Teresa and Lilly were really good at communicating what they were doing, and their expertise shined through.
Lilly holds a diploma in beauty therapy from the International Aesthetic and Cosmetology Committee (CIDESCO) and graduated from Monita Academy Beauty Hong Kong, where she studied beauty, skincare, and body spa treatments.
Lilly served as a judge in the 2019 Miss World Australia Victoria finals after working in fashion and design for 20 years, while Teresa has studied courses in osteopathy and beauty and is passionate about the health and beauty industry.
Given I had my treatment at the end of the day, there was no crowding to speak of, although you should not mistake this for a lack of interest.
Teresa told me that since opening in July last year, people are coming from as far as Mildura (five hours by car or eight hours by train) to be treated by her and her team. According to Teresa, notable guests at the spa have included Yuliia Starodubtseva, a Ukrainian tennis player, Tom Gay, an actor and model, and TV news reporters.
People can book on multiple channels, but the online booking platform would appear to be the easiest.
According to a frequently asked question on Wellness Beauty and Head Spa’s website, there is no need to wash your hair before getting a head spa; however, there is probably a psychological element at play in posing this question, similar to why people tidy up before a cleaner arrives to do the same thing.
The head spa and facial I received costs $299. That seems a little pricey at first blush, but the quality of service that was provided easily matches or potentially exceeds that figure. From the moment you step out of the lift that takes you to Wellness Beauty and Head Spa, you are transported away from the din of Chinatown and into a place of serenity.
It’s easy to feel like I was the only customer, not just in a literal sense but also in the sense that there was time to get to know Teresa and Lilly and learn about their professional backgrounds, and vice-versa.
I would definitely like to come back to Wellness Beauty and Head Spa. If the premium quality of my experience is any indication, the range of other treatments that are on offer are well worth the investment.
Cameron is an experienced news writer and consummate media professional, with previous bylines in SmartCompany, The Australian Farmer, Innovation Intelligence and other local outlets. Having completed his bachelor of journalism and master of communication at RMIT – one of Australia’s leading universities for media studies – Cameron uses his cross-disciplinary knowledge and industry experience to source news stories and find unique angles that create impact.
