7 wellness retreats in Australia for the ultimate travel destination

Healthful holidays to wellness retreats in Australia. Dream about these luxurious destinations while we wait for confirmation of a travel bubble

Text: Tiff H

Home to endless opportunities for wellness escapes, and with the added bonus of shifting seasons, Australia is at the very top of our travel bubble wish list. As we wait patiently (or impatiently) for that holiday dream to be fulfilled, we’ve rounded up our top wellness retreats travel destination in Australia for the ultimate relax and reset once the travel barriers have lifted.

Best for pampering and toning: Gaia Retreat & Spa, New South Wales

Nestled on 19 acres in the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay, Gaia Retreat & Spa is majestically poised on the highest point in the Shire. This ultimate wellness retreat in Australia has established itself as one of the country’s most-awarded boutique lifestyle escape, giving you complete freedom of choice and the flexibility to tailor and personalise your experience. The day spa, with 14 treatment rooms and more than 35 healers and therapists, is central to the pampering Gaia experience. After starting the day with yoga, choose from activities such as clay sculpture, Let's Get Physical fitness and boxing. Meals draw on Gaia's own organic garden and at dinner guests can even enjoy a glass of organic wine.

Best for rainforest relaxation: Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, Queensland

If you can’t get enough of that tropical, rainforest vibe, head to Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, set within the wilderness of the world's oldest rainforest in tropical north Queensland. The treatment menu at this wellness retreat 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. As the only boutique accommodation in the World-Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, it boasts just 15 eco-friendly bayans aimed to revitalise all your senses. Wake up to the sound of the birds in the canopy above, take in the majesty of the ancient tropical wilderness, and discover the ecolodges’ private and pristine waterfall on a leisurely walk through the enchanting rainforest.

Best for meditation: Samadhi Health and Wellness Retreat & Spa, Victoria

Samadhi offers serene gardens, suites designed according to Feng Shui principles, and healthful meals to replenish body and mind. The sound healing programme at this wellness retreat is world-class, where you’re taken on a vibrational journey with live music, harp, crystal singing bowls, tuning forks and other sound instruments. Whether on a small group experience or a one-on-one sound bath session, each person is guided on a personal soundscape. Mindfulness is at the core of the solo sessions covering life shaping, meditation, qi gong and yoga, while the spa is all about pure indulgence.

Best for affordable rejuvenation: Happy Buddha Retreats, New South Wales

Situated in the most beautiful and private Australian bushland setting, Happy Buddha Retreats runs twice weekly wellness retreats, in addition to special events and yoga classes for the Blue Mountains community. On the more affordable side, the retreat delivers a mindful, transformative experience — expect drumming circles, sharing circles, and meditation talks to teach you how to better get out of your head and into the present. The Inner Joy retreat is the perfect first stop for guests feeling stressed and burned out. This two-night, three-day retreat offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from a hectic, technology driven life, and to find inner joy. Guests leave Happy Buddha Retreats feeling stretched, rested and revitalised.

Best for a mineral detox: Hepburn Bath House, Victoria

Comprising ten luxury villas, Hepburn Bath House is an indulgent and historic bathhouse, providing traditional wellness experiences since 1895. Featuring mineral-rich waters which come straight from the nearby natural source, the baths are available to bathers and heated at up to 36 degrees celsius. Recline in your own private mineral bath soaking in 100% pure natural mineral water, and feel your body relax as minerals such as magnesium and iron are naturally absorbed. The curative waters at this wellness retreat are complemented a customised blend of pure Celtic sea, and Himalayan and Epsom mineral salts for optimal balneo spring bathing. Alongside this, expect spa treatments including steam and water therapies.

Best for an eco-retreat: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Queensland

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is set on 200 hectares of high-altitude land in the Tallebudgera Valley in Queensland. The pristine environment remains relatively untouched by time, with views of Moreton Bay and Coolangatta, and seeks to inspire healthy lifestyle changes with carefully curated wellness retreat packages. Opt for their five-night retreat, which focuses on relaxation and balance, leaving guests invigorated and recharged. The immersion includes organic meals, snacks and beverages, a classic massage and facial, and a cooking demonstration. Book through Compare Retreats and you’ll receive a complimentary wellness at home online package.

Best for a dynamic detox: Kangaroo Island Health Retreat, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of southern Australia and home to some of the territory’s most unique wildlife and wilderness. This wellness retreat is situated in Emu Bay, on the beaches of Kangaroo Island’s north coast. Tailormade for those aged 18-59, Kangaroo Island’s Dynamic Detox Retreat is a boutique experience for spa-dwellers looking to reap rewards from their efforts fast. The retreat includes three nights of cleansing followed by two days of re-introducing wholesome, nourishing food into your diet as you embark on a permanent lifestyle change.

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