A new year marks the time for a little TLC for the mind, body and soul, and there’s no better time — or excuse — to book yourself into the wellness retreat that you’ve been forever dreaming of ticking off your bucket list. And thanks to Australia’s exceptional offering of wellness retreats, you don’t even have to leave home soil. Daily meditation, sunrise yoga, organic food and spa treatments in some of the country’s most tranquil settings? Yes, please. We’ve found the best resorts across Australia that are completely dedicated to making you feel like your best self. Ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation is just a resort booking away.
Soma, Byron Bay, NSW
Brand new to Australia’s wellness retreat scene is the magnificent Soma. Nestled on 22 acres of verdant rainforest in the hinterland of Byron Bay, Soma is a contemporary oasis that has been purpose-built to serve as a sanctuary for retreats and immersive experiences. With a desire to elevate creativity and consciousness, Soma’s retreats are led by one of Australia’s top Vedic Meditation teachers, Gary Gorrow, and are the perfect opportunity to give back to yourself. Gorrow’s retreats have become famed over the years and his Soma retreat program is so intelligently designed that it brings the equivalent benefit of 12 months of daily meditation in only five days. Along with this unique and life-changing retreat and meditation program, guests stay on site at Soma — a venue that boasts a yoga shala, infinity pool, bamboo forest, firepit, rainforest, rolling hills and an organic garden is harvested each day for meals. Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? This is it.
Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, Daintree, QLD
Set within the wilderness of the world's oldest rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa offers sustainable luxury in a breath-taking location. The magnificent tropical rainforest retreat is the only boutique accommodation in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest boasting 15 eco-friendly bayans; a locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable culinary offering; and an extensive spa menu. Developed out of respect — and with approval — of the elders of the local Kuku Yalanji tribe, Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For those looking to rejuvenate, the three-night ‘Indulge Package’ has your name on it. Wake up to the sound of the rustling rainforest and birds in the canopy above, soak up the majesty of the ancient tropical wilderness, and discover the resort’s private — and seriously pristine — waterfall.
Elysia Health Retreat and Spa, Hunter Valley, NSW
Formerly known as Golden Door, Elysia Health Retreat and Spa may have had a name change, but it is still the luxurious local wellness retreat we all know and love. Located in the heart of the picturesque Hunter Valley just two and half hours north of Sydney, Elysia Health Retreat and Spa describes itself as “a place for you to take time to reset your mind and body, and gain a wealth of knowledge to create a healthier, happier and more motivated you.” The renowned retreat offers all-inclusive tailored experiences to meet all personal situations or goals — whether you’re in need of peaceful sleep, detox from the hum of work emails and app notifications, nutrition advice, weight management or relaxation and refocusing, Elysia will help you create a life changing journey specific to you and your goals. And it’s not just the personalised programs that will help you unwind — the architecture of the retreat was designed with ancient design principles of Feng Shui to help move negative energy out of the space and allow new space for positive energy to flow into the property. Heaven.
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast, QLD
Perched high on a plateau on over 200 hectares of the Tallebudgera Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is the epitome of tranquillity and calmness. The award-winning Eco Tourism-certified wellness retreat is one of Australia’s most renowned retreats and was once summed up perfectly by Traveller when it was dubbed “the Rolls Royce of heath retreats.” The wellness haven is committed to re-evaluating its guest’s lifestyle habits and transforming them into habits that promote wellness, energy and calm. During a stay, you can expect organic living, spa time, nature walks, movement and relaxation with delicious organic cuisine and vital wellness seminars topped off with one of the country’s most scenic views over the Pacific Ocean.
Injidup Spa Retreat, Margaret River, WA
Situated on a secluded beach in the heart of the Yallingup, Injidup Spa Retreat was built in 2008 and is one of WA’s best-kept secrets. Nestled into the gorgeous coast line of Injidup Beach, it’s near impossible not to relax and reset in this peaceful setting. The resort is home to 10 luxurious adult-only villas, each complete with a private plunge pool, elegant interiors and post card-like views over the Indian Ocean. When you’re ready to tear yourself away from your dreamy room, enjoy world-class spa treatments from Western Australia’s premier eco-luxe spa group, Bodhi J, schedule a private yoga class, or take a long nature walk on the renowned Cape to Cape Track the resort is located on. For those of you who are seeking solitude, warm service and a spectacular setting, book yourself into Injidup now.
Gaia Retreat & Spa, Byron Bay, NSW
Being a health retreat in the lush Byron Bay hinterland, Gaia Retreat and Spa sounds like the perfect escape even before knowing about the exceptional experience it offers. Established in 2005, Gaia’s founders (including Olivia Newton-John) joined forces to realise a shared dream to create a place where their guests own the experience and to offer a place for them to refocus, rebalance and completely restore. Whether you are seeking total time-out or an improvement in general health, well-being or fitness, Gaia will tailor a stay and journey especially for you. Book into one of the 23 elegant, intimate rooms and melt away from everyday life.
