Top 6 Wellness Retreats Around Australia For a Winter Escape
Australia is home to several outstanding wellness retreats where wellness enthusiasts can embrace the wellbeing of their body, mind and soul. From the lush tropical rainforests in Queensland to South Australia’s rugged Kangaroo Island, many retreats are unique destinations in themselves where you can reconnect with yourself and with nature. The world-class spas and health retreats offer experiences such as body clay rituals and yoga classes to bush walks and spa treatments.
For the cooler months, we’ve rounded up six of Australia’s best wellness retreats for the perfect winter escape to nourish your soul and create deeper connections within yourself, others and nature.
1. Crystalbrook Byron’s Winter Wellness Retreat (NSW)
Crystalbrook Byron is holding the ultimate Winter Wellness Retreat, filled with mind, body and spirit nourishing goodness. Whether you’re a wellbeing rookie or an avid yogi, this relaxing getaway to Crystalbrook Byron’s sustainable sanctuary will leave your skin glowing, mood boosted and mind energised. The retreat includes; three night’s accommodation in a Rainforest Suite or Rainforest Luxe Suite, a daily breakfast in Forest and three vegetarian dinners paired with organic and biodynamic wines. Guests will also enjoy three 60-minute yoga sessions with certified yoga instructors, a 90-minute spa treatment of choice in Eléme Day Spa, with access to the infrared sauna, as well as writing for Ritual with Nina Karnikowski, Indigenous healing and medicinal plants class with Delta Kay and guided meditation.
From $2,610 for single occupancy and $3,300 for double occupancy.Valid 20-23 July 2021. Terms and conditions apply.
2. Kangaroo Island Health Retreat (SA)
Head to South Australia’s rugged Kangaroo Island (known as Australia’s Galapagos) for a complete lifestyle reboot. Kangaroo Island Health Retreat’s five-day Dynamic Detox program isn’t for the faint of heart: only six people at a time with reasonable fitness can undergo the program at the haven overlooking Emu Bay on the island’s north coast. Daily activities include beach and country walks of up to 10 kilometres (six miles), while meals include soups and fruit platters.
From $2,999 for single occupancy and 4,999 for double occupancy.
3. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Stay for two days or stretch it out to seven at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland (courtesy transfers are available from Gold Coast Airport). Try the ancient art of qi gong (a form of tai chi) while watching the sunrise over the distant Pacific Ocean. Explore the 16 walking trails or join a dance session before refuelling with an organic lunch. Afternoons are designated as Dreamtime: nap, swim or read a book. Stay in a room in a reconstructed Queenslander (an elevated timber house that is a common sight throughout the state) or swan around an open-plan villa with a private plunge pool.
From $1,230 for single occupancy for 2 nights.
4. Daintree Ecolodge and Spa (QLD)
The treatment menu at the delectable Daintree Ecolodge and Spa, set within the wilderness of the world’s oldest rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, was developed out of respect and with the approval of the elders of the local Kuku Yalanji tribe. Using 100 per cent natural ingredients, the spa creates a healing experience in harmony with nature. The signature treatment, called Walbul-Walbul (meaning ‘butterfly’), incorporates the contrasting sensations of oil and desert salts and uses exclusive Australian indigenous products and massage techniques not found anywhere else across the globe. Relax under the canopy of the rustling rainforest and unwind with the extensive spa menu.
From $380 per night for double occupancy.
5. Hepburn Bathhouse And Spa (VIC)
Wade into the healing waters of Victoria’s spa country (home to 141 mineral springs) at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. The historic spa, which has been around since 1895, is today a thoroughly modern affair, with communal bathing (swimming costumes are mandatory) in the mineral relaxation pool and salt therapy pool, as well as private tubs in the spa. The complex also includes an outdoor creekside spa pool and a Moroccan-style hammam. The Hepburn area’s therapeutic mineral springs are rich in potassium, magnesium, silica and chloride.
From $375 for double occupancy per night.
6. Injidup Spa Retreat (WA)
Just three hours south of Western Australia’s famous Margaret River is the town of Yallingup, home to the stunning Injidup Spa Retreat. The retreat features ten adult-only villas, offering the perfect getaway to recharge and reconnect. As well as a gourmet breakfast hamper on arrival, each villa has a private plunge pool and views overlooking the ocean. During your stay, participate in private yoga classes, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and enjoy the serenity on the expansive outdoor balcony.
From $680 for double occupancy per night.
