Sol Elements, a bathhouse with a design that makes the facility appear to float on a lake, has opened in the 330-acre Tamborine Mountain Glades in Queensland, Australia.

Owned and conceived by husband and wife duo Russell and Shae Raven, the bathing facility occupies a two-acre plot in subtropical rainforest.

Russell told Spa Business, “We would just like to provide a space for everyone that needs a breath of fresh air, a moment to themselves or with a loved one, a place to quiet the mind or meet like-minded folk.

“Sol isn't just a bathhouse and spa; it's your second home where the Sol team remember you and is here to take that backpack full of life's bricks from your shoulders, even if just for a session,” he added.

Design

The project took four years to complete in-house, with the assistance of designers from Design Artisan Co.

The external base structure for the spa is a hexadecagon, a 16-sided shape in sacred geometry that the founders say represents the bridge between earth and the divine.

The circular building above is inspired by the four elements: earth air, fire and water. It features a Yin Yang Zen Garden, with raked stones and grass, plus an Eastern Red Bud tree, which the owners say represents the balance of masculine and feminine energy.

A master craftsman, Kenji Nishishita, spent a month teaching Russell how to individually burn each piece of cladding framing the internal space by hand, in the art of Yakisugi – traditional Japanese burnt wood.

Russell said, “We were told a circular building on water with the unknown Yakisugi was impossible. That was our green light because we knew the lessons would be huge. We had no idea."

“Having the opportunity to spend a week with Kenji San, learning his family’s tradition of Yakisugi, changed my life,” he added. “His appreciation for the small moments slowed me down enough to take a breath amidst the madness of this project coming to life.”

Facilities

The spa has two treatment rooms with another due to open in the near future, all of which will have direct views of the lake.

Six bespoke rituals and treatments have been developed by Shae Raven in partnership with skincare provider Synthesis Organics. One of these, the Signature Sol Transcendence Ritual, is a two-hour experience that blends targeted energy cleansing and a crystal hot aromatherapy massage with a facial and scalp treatment.

There are also two secluded suites, which are private mineral bathing areas and separate to the treatment rooms. These will be bookable as part of the spa’s packages for couples and small groups. Each suite also has an indoor infrared sauna, ice bath and views of the lake.

Communal areas

The communal bathing area, which Russell describes as the brand’s Elemental communal playground, has a capacity of 30 guests at a time.

There are two Float Caves, which feature Epsom salt and salt imported from the Dead Sea to best replicate the real experience, at 39 per cent salt.

Three outdoor communal magnesium thermal pools are heated to 38 degrees Celsius, while two cold plunges are set to 12 degrees Celsius.

There is also a Himalayan Salt infrared sauna, botanical steamroom, stone sauna and a firepit.

There is also an Earth Lab, where guests can make their own scrubs and masks with Synthesis Organics’ products in a social setting.

Spa sessions

Sol will host different types of social spa sessions. Sol Surreal will be a bathing experience with a capped maximum capacity, Sol Social will encourage more guests to visit and then Sol After Dark is geared towards couples and resident musicians will play live music.

Bookings for the spa's various offerings will be facilitated by software company Trybe.

Russell concluded, “Every detail has been considered, every element crafted with intention, to create something we believe hasn’t been seen before in the Australian wellness space. Sol is quite literally our heart and soul.”