Those looking to unwind and enjoy an exclusive, wellness holiday often fork out thousands and spend hours travelling to pricey overseas retreats.
However, some of the world’s best and most beautiful health-focused getaways are right here in Australia.
From villas nestled in the mountains to celebrity-endorsed hideaways, thousands are escaping to exclusive Australian-based health retreats every year in a bid to reconnect and remove themselves from the daily grind.
Here, FEMAIL looks at the retreat to the stars – and why the mini getaways are perfect for professionals, parents, office workers and students looking to be a little selfish and simply disconnect for a few days.
Here, FEMAIL looks at the retreat to the stars – and why the mini getaways are perfect for professionals, parents, office workers and students looking to be a little selfish and simply disconnect for a few days
GOLDEN DOOR HEALTH RETREAT, NEW SOUTH WALES
For those looking to escape the concrete jungle and swap wine and emails for herbal tea and unbridled serenity, this Hunter Valley getaway is the perfect pick.
Designed to assist men and women in adopting a more holistic, healthy and balanced lifestyle, this health and wellbeing destination has an array of customisable retreat packages – be it a swift weekend trip or a lengthy two week program.
From the moment guests arrive at the gates of Golden Door and step inside they are treated to five star service, tailored health programs, five organic meals per day, a daily schedule of activity options, educational seminars and, of course, a stunning spa.
After a personal tour of the facilities and a quick run-through of how the retreat works, guests are then directed to their rooms – either single or two bedroom modern villas – which have exceptional views over the Hunter Valley and the mountains beyond.
For those looking to escape the concrete jungle and swap wine and emails for herbal tea and unbridled serenity, this Hunter Valley getaway is the perfect pick
Designed to assist men and women in adopting a more holistic, healthy and balanced lifestyle, this health and wellbeing destination has an array of customisable retreat packages – be it a swift weekend trip or a lengthy two week program
Facilities accessible throughout the duration of guests’ stays also include private spa areas, lounges, steam rooms, sun gardens, an outdoor resort pool, indoor infinity pool, a guest dining room, library and peaceful relaxation areas.
Guests are unable to drink caffeine or alcohol throughout their stay and phones cannot be used outside of the rooms.
As a result, guests find themselves taking in every minute detail of the breathtaking surrounds as they take part in sunrise Tai Chi sessions surrounded by hot air balloons, peaceful morning walks, yoga sessions, hikes and workouts.
Spa treatments include signature facials and massages as well as unique body treatments and the Watsu – Golden Door’s signature treatment which is a specialty aquatic bodywork treatment in a private heated pool.
Facilities accessible throughout the duration of guests’ stays include private spa areas, lounges, steam rooms, sun gardens, an outdoor resort pool, indoor infinity pool, a guest dining room, library and peaceful relaxation areas
From the moment guests arrive at the gates of Golden Door and step inside they are treated to five star service, tailored health programs, five organic meals per day, a daily schedule of activity options, educational seminars and, of course, a stunning spa (pictured)
They also offer tailored nutrition programs, personal training, crystal light bed therapy, resilience coaching and wellness coaching.
What makes Golden Door stand out is the attention the staff have toward their guests and the clear passion they have for a holistic, healthy lifestyle.
Those who walk through the doors of Golden Door are often hesitant and unsure of what to expect.
By the time they leave they are not only relaxed, refreshed and re-energised but they have developed a passion for wellness and formed healthy habits that will stay with them for months – even years – to come.
Price: A two night weekend starts from $1,210 per person, the five night wellness program is $3,395 per person and the seven night health enhancement program is $4,395.
After a personal tour of the facilities and a quick run-through of how the retreat works, guests are then directed to their rooms – either single or two bedroom modern villas – which have exceptional views over the Hunter Valley and the mountains beyond
By the time they leave they are not only relaxed, refreshed and re-energised but they have developed a passion for wellness and formed healthy habits that will stay with them for months – even years – to come
GWINGANNA, QUEENSLAND
Hidden away in a secluded region of the Tallebudgera Valley, just 30 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers a lifestyle retreat like no other.
Heading into the winter months can often be an unconscious move away from your healthiest intentions. And so, this would be an ideal time to escape the busy world to soothe your soul at the wellness destination.
Guests can rest, recharge and make lasting lifestyle changes such as building resilience in your body to help face the challenges of modern life is a priority to be able to thrive and be well.
In essence, Gwinganna offers a deeper perspective on life and how to live well – and a stay at the retreat will help transform your mind, body, spirit and life.
With scenic views and natural surroundings, you are encouraged to go on a digital detox by disconnecting yourself from the modern world. Mobile phones cannot be used outside of the rooms.
Besides embarking on a journey of self discovery, enjoy seasonal organic wholefoods, and be educated on how to maintain a healthy diet in your day-to-day life. Menus vary with each program and are designed in conjunction with the nutritionist. Guests are encouraged to eat mindfully, which means to slow down, be in the moment and be truly aware of the food they are eating and the impact it has on health and wellbeing.
Hidden away in a secluded region of the Tallebudgera Valley, just 30 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Gwinganna offers a lifestyle retreat like no other
The facility on the Gold Coast features the largest spa sanctuary in the Southern Hemisphere
In essence, a stay at Gwinganna will help you create resilience in your health and wellbeing and transform your mind, body, spirit and life
The facility features the largest spa sanctuary in the Southern Hemisphere, a crystal steam room, and a great balance of downtime, treatments and ‘yin and yang’ activities such as bush walking, yoga, aqua swimming and pilates.
Hugh Jackman, who co-owns Gwinganna, and Lisa Wilkinson are among the celebrities who are frequent visitors of the retreat. And they wear their name tags just like any other visitor who are in need of R & R.
Each stay at the retreat includes a focus on wellness and health education with informative seminars by leading practitioners and special guests.
The retreat is specifically designed to assist you during any withdrawals from the world in a beautifully isolated environment, providing a cocoon from external distractions and stress. Gwinganna offers you more choice than any other health retreat in Australia with a diverse range of packages to suit your needs.
Price: Gwinganna’s ‘Wellness Weekend’ two-night package start from $1045 per person twin share.
After a morning wake-up call, guests are invited to do Tai Chi Qi Gong at sunrise overlooking the picturesque hinterland
The facility features ‘yin and yang’ activities such as early morning Tai chi, bush walking, yoga, aqua swimming and pilates
A stay at Gwinganna will help you create resilience in your health and wellbeing and transform your mind, body, spirit and life
HIDDEN VALLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Just 30 minutes from Perth, Hidden Valley Eco Lodges & Day Spa is an adults-only luxury retreat nestled in the Hills.
Upon arriving, guests are guided to their luxury self contained lodge which is has with a private outdoor heated Jacuzzi, king size bed, log fireplace and fully equipped kitchen.
From that moment, they can choose whether they immerse themselves fully in the serene environment away from the outside world or get out and explore the neighbouring suburban hubs and wineries.
Just 30 minutes from Perth, Hidden Valley Eco Lodges & Day Spa is an adults-only luxury retreat nestled in the Hills
Upon arriving, guests are guided to their luxury self contained lodge which is has with a private outdoor heated Jacuzzi, king size bed, log fireplace and fully equipped kitchen
During spring and autumn, customised weekend retreats are on offer; the next one is taking place in September, 2018.
During this unique and transformative getaway, guests are encouraged to improve their diet and lifestyle and gain a greater sense of health and well being from the inside out while enjoying yoga and healthy organic meals designed and prepared with local produce by a chef.
The retreat will also have the added luxury of treatments in the Day Spa and all yoga classes, meals, treatments and activities are included.
During this unique and transformative getaway, guests are encouraged to improve their diet and lifestyle and gain a greater sense of health and well being from the inside out while enjoying yoga and healthy organic meals designed and prepared with local produce by a chef
Stand-out treatments include the ‘Zen Ritual’, which is a therapeutic massage is designed to ‘detoxify your body, restore your skin and engage your senses’
Stand-out treatments include the ‘Zen Ritual’, which is a therapeutic massage is designed to ‘detoxify your body, restore your skin and engage your senses’, and the ‘Balinese Body Bliss’ – a full body massage, followed by a body scrub with turmeric, sandalwood and rice powder to remove dry skin, and a body mask.
Those looking for that extra special touch can enjoy the Executive Pine Lodge during their stay – the accommodation designed for two adult guests and featuring a King bed, large chef’s kitchen, designer furniture and interior, a Balinese Day Bed, BBQ and an outdoor heated private jacuzzi.
Price: The price for the upcoming retreat is yet to be announced bur rooms in the spa room start at $495 per night.
Those looking for that extra special touch can enjoy the Executive Pine Lodge during their stay – the accommodation designed for two adult guests
HARMONY HARVEST, TASMANIA
Founded by Japanese energy healer Ami Nakamura, this health retreat in Margate allows guests to disconnect from their daily lives and receive holistic healing and Ayurvedic therapies in a bid to improve their health and wellbeing.
The spa is renowned for their five day retreat where guests stay in a two storey cottage, enjoy daily yoga and meditation classes and are served three detoxing vegetarian meals in the comfort of their rooms.
Two daily spa therapies are also included, conducted by world class therapists, and guests can enjoy activities like unwinding in the sauna, bush walking, soaking in their private spa bath and simply slowing down and connecting with nature.
The accommodation itself is also stunning, with the cottages nestled among the private 42 acre property with stunning mountain views.
Founded by Japanese energy healer Ami Nakamura, this health retreat in Margate allows guests to disconnect from their daily lives and receive holistic healing and Ayurvedic therapies in a bid to improve their health and wellbeing
The spa is renowned for their five day retreat where guests stay in a two storey cottage, enjoy daily yoga and meditation classes and are served three detoxing vegetarian meals in the comfort of their rooms
Spa treatments range from traditional massages and facials to more spiritual treatments like a $290 chakra healing experience, a $160 energy body cleansing experience and ‘anti-stress’ healing therapy.
Ms Nakamura, who moved to Tasmania from Japan in 1998, has ensured that ‘natural healing energy’ is a recurring theme throughout the retreat and has trained her therapists in ‘a special energy cleansing technique which removes negative energy from mind and body’.
This technique sees them use special shiatsu acu-points to suck out negative energy from the brain and body and is said to remove stress and prevent illness.
‘Once negative energy is removed, your brain and body returns to balance and your life can return to normal. My goal is to help people to be more healthy and beautiful,’ Ms Nakamura said.
Price: The two day retreat starts at $1,200 in total and the five day retreat is $3,500 in total.