7 Health & Wellness Retreats In Australia To Unwind 2021
There’s no better break than an Australian health and wellness retreat.
We’re firm believers in the value of a good break. After months of working hard, long days and not enough sleep, sometimes a weekend of napping just isn’t enough. Sometimes, a weekend of wellness and a healthy dose of mindfulness is just what the doctor ordered.
Is a wellness retreat right for me?
Every wellness retreat is different, but at most you can expect to enjoy healthy food, mindfulness, meditation and an escape to nature. A wellness retreat might suit you if you want to take the time to escape from the busyness of everyday life and return back to the basics. For some people, it can be a good way to combat stress.
From yoga to meditation, these rural escapes will bring you the peace of mind you need. If you’re wondering which health retreat to choose, here’s our pick of the 7 best wellness retreats in Australia:
Image by Jared Rice via Unsplash.
Kangaroo Island Health Retreat
Kangaroo Island Health Retreat channels all that you imagine a wellness retreat to be – organic foods, pure ocean air and filtered rain water. The retreat focuses on empowerment, education and healing, and their philosophy, “exceptional results in minimal time” embodies just that. A typical day at the retreat includes partaking in pilates, meditation, beach walks and swims as well as unwinding and releasing build-up in the sauna. Meals include tonic paste and nourishing soup, both a part of the retreat’s detox. Hosting only six guests, Kangaroo Island Health Retreat aims to make the five-day retreat both intimate and fulfilling.
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Solar Springs Retreat
Solar Springs Retreat offers health, fitness and pampering facilities to cater to every guest’s desires. The retreat includes a range of activities including a heated pool, sauna and tennis courts. Overlooking the stunning Morton National Park, there’s no better way to get back in touch with nature than by heading off on one of the many bushwalks expanded across this majestic landscape. Treat yourself to one (or more!) of the retreat’s signature body treatments, such as Solar Cocoon Body Wrap or Lithos Treatment, specifically crafted heated and chilled rocks to massage your body from head to toe.
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Vipassana Meditation Centre
Vipassana Mediation Centre is a practice which aims to achieve peace of mind and a fulfilled and happy life. Attend a 10-day course, guided by a teacher and practice the art of Vipassana meditation free from the distractions of everyday life. The course is held in the Dhamma Rasmi Centre, whose name means ray of light or sunshine, and is surrounded by an abundance of nature on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Regular meditation and guidance is provided each day and breathing and calming techniques are focused on to improve Vipassana practice.
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Gaia Retreat & Spa
Located in the hinterland of Byron Bay, this retreat and spa is award-winning in its state-of-the-art facilities and pampering treatments. Gaia offers a range of packages including a Revive, Renew and Refresh (from $2552), ensuring all guests find what they are looking for during their stay. The salt-water pool, spa and sauna will help restore the body after morning yoga classes and gourmet meals nourish from the inside out. Meet and greet other guests in Kukura House where the main dining and relaxation facilities are located. You can feel even better about staying at Gaia retreat and spa which boasts an eco-friendly ethic, sourcing produce and material from local ethical and environmentally conscious businesses.
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Harmony Health Retreat
Tasmania is taking the country by storm with it’s incredible landscape and internationally renowned art galleries. So what better place for a weekend away to clear your mind from work and stress than Harmony Harvest Health Retreat? Join the five-day Detox Program and participate in yoga classes and detox meals to cleanse your mind, body and soul. Take in all the natural healing energy of Tasmania as a single guest or a partner with packages offered for both.
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Hepburn Bath House
Comprising 10 luxury villas, Hepburn Bath House is an indulgent and historic bathhouse, providing traditional wellness experiences since 1895. They boast mineral rich waters which come straight from the nearby natural source, available to bathers and heated at up to 36 degrees celsius. Alongside this, they offer spa treatments including steam and water therapies. Book in for a day, or truly take the time to unwind with a weekend-long romantic or sanctuary retreat.
Image by Matheus Frade via Unsplash.
Empire Retreat
Secluded 250-kilometres south of Perth is the decadent Empire Retreat – best suited for those who are looking for a peaceful escape without losing those creature comforts. Their on-site spa is built to prioritise privacy and peace looking out into the surrounding bushland. Lose yourself in their philosophy of solitude, renewal and rejuvenation by staying in one of their luxurious private suites. For those who are looking for something a little more indulgent, Empire Retreat also boasts a tranquil winery so you can treat your tastebuds as well as yourself.
Want more health and wellness to get you through the day? Yogis look no further, we’ve got the best Instagram accounts to follow to inspire your at-home practice. If you’e looking for more ways to care for yourself during this tough time, try one of these Australian-made pamper products, or perhaps treat yourself in the kitchen with one of these recipes for superfood drinks which will give your skin a boost.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
