Australia is home to some of the world’s best wellness retreats. Whether it’s escaping to the New South Wales Hinterlands for a restorative week of detoxing and yoga or floating atop a secluded cliff on the rugged Southern Coast, this list covers it all.
Australia’s Best Wellness Retreats
Gaia Retreat & Spa, NSW
Gaia Retreat & Spa in the Byron Bay hinterland is an ideal choice for when you want a retreat stay that is not rigorous yet still feels deeply restorative. You can check in any day of the week, select specific package add-ons like detox or fitness, or simply go with the flow. This is the type of retreat where you feel completely fine going solo, so if it’s downtime you need then all the support is there. Treat yourself to nurturing spa therapies, naturopathic and fitness assessments or just relax on a hammock overlooking acres of serenity. Accommodation varies from contemporary to rustic and pure luxe, food is local and organic, and you can even indulge in a glass of organic wine during your fine-dining cuisine. You’ll depart feeling stronger and resilient.
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Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, QLD
Too tired? Too busy? Feeling overwhelmed? Relying on caffeine and sugar to wake you up, and alcohol to wind you down? Then Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat may be what you need to get your health and emotional wellbeing back on track. “Whether you’re looking after little kids, or overloaded at work – or both – it’s vital to look after your wellness to avoid disease or burnout,” says Tracy Willis. With life constantly throwing us demands and challenges, Gwinganna offers a healing space to take time out, re-evaluate priorities and restore health. Set in an exquisite location amongst ancient rainforests, the award-winning Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers all that you need to reset and revive.
Waldheim Alpine Spa, Cradle Mountain, TAS
The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge has spectacular views over the pristine Tasmanian wilderness. With a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool and a comprehensive spa treatment menu it’s the perfect place to retreat to after a day of sight-seeing.
Hayman Spa, QLD
Hayman Island by InterContinental, located at the northern most point in the Whitsunday Islands, has recently welcomed its first guests onto the white sands of Australia’s most iconic private island resort after undergoing a $135 million refurbishment. The Hayman Spa is one of the shining lights in the redevelopment. Offering meditation and energy healing practices, as well as signature treatments, Hayman Spa invites guests to travel deeper into relaxation and their connection to the their surroundings. Not to be missed are the unique Marine Treatments, developed with Australian brand Sodhashi, that use Australia-sourced quality marine ingredients such as Australian green clay and kelp.
Eden Health Retreat, QLD
For over three decades Eden Health Retreat has been nurturing and nourishing people with an extensive range of spa treatments, delicious organic cuisine, beautiful accommodation and professional education. Whether you seek relaxation, weight or stress management, changing habits, improving fitness or just a new experience Eden Health Retreat delivers.
One&Only Spa, NSW
Located within the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains, Emirates One &Only Wolgan Valley’s ultra luxurious conservation-based resort not only offers exquisite scenery, food, and accommodation, but also the beautiful One&Only Spa which utilises the Australian 100% chemical-free skincare range, Sodashi.
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Lord Howe Island, NSW
Lord Howe Island is known as a place of peace, tranquility and seclusion. The ‘real world’ here is simple and stunning. A holiday at the beautiful Pinetrees Lodge usually features great food, daily exercise in spectacular locations, spa treatments and rest, however their special Wellness Week in May, September and November also includes a daily program of yoga with Charlotte Dodson, adventure fitness, wholefood cooking classes and organic gardening classes. Also on Lord Howe Island Capella Lodge offers premium boutique accommodation and a gorgeous day spa. If you can tear yourself away from the stunning ocean and mountain views, or snorkelling in the coral rich waters, you are well advised to experience the rejuvenating and relaxing treatments at the Capella Spa.
Peninsula Hot Springs, VIC
In 2019, Peninsula Hot Springs was awarded the global winner in the Luxury Mineral Spring Spa category at the World Luxury Spa Awards. The award results are based on nominations from spa guests, which are then reviewed by an expert panel of independent spa consultants from all over the world. Winners are judged on quality, innovation and service. Located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, 90 minutes outside Melbourne, the destination spa utilises the natural thermal mineral waters for its spa experiences. On offer are thermal mineral pools, cold plunge pools, infrared saunas, hamans, as well as traditional spa treatments like scrubs and massages. In 2017 Peninsula Hot Springs partnered with RMIT University’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences for a study exploring the characteristics, motivations and experiences of people bathing at Peninsula Hot Springs. Analysis revealed that “relaxation,” “peace and tranquility,” “indulgence” and “escape” were the most important motivators for bathing. Most respondents also reported general health benefits (98%) and better sleep (82%) from bathing. One third of respondents also had medical conditions and significant benefits were reported for back pain, arthritis, stress and anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Longitude 131, NT
The luxury wilderness camp at Uluru Kata Tjuta has just opened the Kinara Spa featuring treatments that use native resources from central Australia including Kakadu plum, qandong, desert lime and Australian yellow clay.
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