2024 is the year of self-care, and what better way to kick it off than by booking a
stay at one of these eight wellness retreats across Australia and New Zealand?
Get ready to nourish your soul, rejuvenate your mind and body, and simply relax.

We’ve declared 2024 the year of health and wellbeing, and what better place to start
than caring for the most important person in our lives – ourselves, of course! While we
often fall into a cycle of constantly meeting other people’s needs with our own falling off
the priority list, you’ll soon find that when you take some much-needed time to focus on
your own health and wellbeing, the goodness flows over into other areas of your life.

Self-care practices can be as simple as taking a few moments to focus on your breath,
daily meditation, or gratitude practices, walks in nature, or, for something more allencompassing, heading along to a retreat for some intensive rejuvenation. So, let’s go
forth and discover eight mindfulness and wellness retreats across Australia and New
Zealand. Your mind, body and soul can thank us later.

• Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tallebudgera Valley, QLD
Escape Gold Coast’s bustling cityscape and mosey south for 30 minutes into the
wilderness of Queensland’s hinterland, and you’ll soon find yourself cocooned in the
serene haven that is Gwinganna. Set on over 200 hectares of pristine grounds,
Gwinganna offers a range of wellness programs focusing on holistic health,
mindfulness, and relaxation, aiming to bring your body back into balance. One of the
most popular all-inclusive experiences – the 5-night Triple S Program (Sleep, Sugar,
Stress), involves cutting out stress and sugar, promoting relaxation and focusing on
quality sleep for optimal health. Be prepared; there’s no minibar, in-room TV, or
coffee machine anywhere to be seen!

• Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is renowned for its peaceful hippie vibe with clean living, acai bowls, and
yoga classes aplenty, but head a little out of town, and you’ll find arguably Australia’s
most awarded boutique retreat, Gaia Retreat and Spa. Co-founded by Australian
national treasure the late Olivia Newton-John, it’s easy to see why visitors to this
retreat walk away hopelessly devoted. Nestled in 25 acres of lush, luxe, and lavish
Byron Bay Hinterland, the retreat offers four signature stays – Revive, Renew,
Refresh and Restore- each completely flexible to your needs. If you’re unable to stay,
the deluxe day spa also welcomes guests, and you’ll have complimentary use of the
pool, hot tub, and sauna, too.

• Samadhi Retreat & Day Spa, Daylesford, VIC
In the picturesque town of Daylesford, Samadhi Retreat combines luxury
accommodation, healing treatments, meditation and wellness workshops, and
gourmet cuisine. And if that’s not enough, its location in an ancient volcanic basin
means you’re also surrounded by the healing waters of over 140 naturally occurring
mineral springs. Stays range from half a day to nine nights and can be tailored for
healing, personal reflection, self-discovery or purely relaxation.

• Billabong Retreat, Maraylya, NSW
Venture a mere 45 minutes from the gridlock traffic of downtown Sydney, and you’re
transported to Billabong Retreat – a slice of Bali less than an hour from the city. Cute
mini villas are perched amongst the gum trees overlooking the Billabong, and your
ears will be treated to a chorus of native birds. The eco-certified retreat has been
operating since 2011, tuned in to the vision of helping people reconnect with
themselves, others, and nature. You’re treated to dips in the magnesium pool, classic
yoga and meditation sessions, and seasonal vegetarian cuisine renowned as a
drawcard on its own.

• Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Glenorchy, South Island, New Zealand
Leave the adventure capital of Queenstown behind and journey 45 minutes into the
Southern Alps towards a different kind of adventure, one of introspection and
transformation. Overlooking the breathtaking expanse of Lake Wakatipu, the expert
hands at Aro Ha have crafted the perfect program for a holistic reset, including yoga,
meditation, hiking, spa therapy, and strength training. All of this is served alongside
highly nutritious plant-based meals and a mindfulness mantra. Aroha means love in
Māori, and you’re sure to be feeling it when you leave here!

• Split Apple Retreat, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
Just visiting the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park is a mindfulness
practice on its own, but throw in a luxury wellness retreat, and you might just have
found the ultimate elixir! Split Apple Retreat is an intimate and exclusive destination
set amongst sweeping 180-degree views of Tasman Bay, where you can indulge in
massage, yoga, meditation, a Japanese-style spa pool and an infinity saltwater
swimming pool. Once you’ve reached optimal Zen, Split Apple can organise hiking or
kayak trips in the nearby Abel Tasman National Park or Marlborough winery
experiences – be warned, you might never want to leave.

• Ridge Country Retreat, Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand
A luxury retreat located in the Papamoa Ranges, in the balmy climate of the Bay of
Plenty, the Ridge Country Retreat is a tranquil day spa wellness retreat, which is
home to geothermal pools, there are spa treatments, beauty treatments, bush walks,
and numerous pamper packages. You can go for the day or indulge in medium to
long-stay options in their luxurious villas. This is a less intensive option where you
can indulge as little or as much as you please. After all, wellness comes in many
forms, shapes, and sizes, and it all comes down to what you deem relaxing and
rejuvenating.

• Mana Retreat Centre, Coromandel, North Island, New Zealand
Tucked up in the dense bush-clad hills of the Coromandel Ranges, a wellness
sanctuary awaits. Mana Retreat is a well-established, beloved retreat space that has
helped plenty of one-off guests and repeat visitors unwind over its vibrant, almost 40-
year history. A little different to the other retreats on our list, Mana hosts a range of
health and wellness escapes hosted by leading yoga and wellness practitioners. A
few things remain consistent, though: the delectable Mana Kitchen fuelling you on
your journey to Zen, the panoramic serene views of the Manaia Harbour, and the
sanctuary-like surroundings and rhythm you’ll quickly settle into.

Wellness; it’s the new wanderlust
It’s well and truly time that your own health and wellbeing climbed to the top of the
priority list, and with all these world-class wellness retreats to choose from, cast the
excuses aside and get planning. Whether you choose a day stay or multi-day, something
local or further afield, there truly is something for every budget and time frame. If you’re
craving more and want to wake to retreat-like surroundings every day, speak to your
local First National Real Estate expert about a more permanent change of scenery, or
you could try bringing the spa to your home – here’s how to turn your bathroom into a
day spa.

Disclaimer
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not
be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain
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