Best Australian Health Retreats
Ready to leave your laptop and daily worries at the office and head straight out of town into the calming surrounds of our majestic countryside? If you answered yes, then you’re not alone, with modern life in Australia’s biggest cities becomingly increasingly hectic and expensive (think long traffic jams, packed commuter trains and a rushed pace of daily life). We all need regular breaks to punctuate our busy 9-5 lives and allow us that precious commodity of “me time” to recharge our batteries and improve our overall sense of wellbeing. With personal pampering in mind, True Local have put together this list covering 7 of Australia’s best health retreats for your careful consideration!
Gaia Retreat & Spa
933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet NSW
Named after the Greek god of the earth, Gaia Retreat & Spa is set amidst the lush, green, rolling hills of the small New South Wales hamlet of Brooklet – 20 KM south from Byron Bay, which is arguably Australia’s capital of wellbeing. As a proper health retreat, Gaia Resort & Spa will take you away from the frantic pace of everyday life and transport you to somewhere much calmer and gentler. Aside from the luxurious accommodation on offer and a fully-stocked day spa, fortunate guests also have access to fitness classes – ranging from boxing, meditation and clay sculpting, not to mention organic cooking classes and 5-star meals prepared by their own in-house chefs.
“I love Gaia. Looking forward to my third visit soon – hopefully sooner rather than later. The staff are magnificent and caring and do everything to ensure you have a pleasant experience. I cannot recommend Gaia enough” – Andrew L
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera QLD
An award winning eco resort hidden away in the Gold Coast’s lush hinterland, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers its pampered guests a complete health and wellness destination where they can slow down and refocus their minds on their most important asset of all – good health. Set on over 200 hectares of private property, Gwinganna offers accommodation in modern villas to wooden heritage cottages, whilst its wellness facilities include well-designed plans to help guests fight addictions and maintain optimum wellness once they return to their 9-5.
“Recently attended a 3 day retreat at Gwinganna with 50 amazing women and the whole experience was first class. Whether you’re looking for physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing, bush walks, yoga, detox, guidance on organic foods, or to indulge with spa treatments, this place has something for everyone! Would thoroughly recommend and hope to return soon” – Amanda Cassar
Injidup Spa Retreat
31 Cape Clairault Road, Yallingup WA
With views towards the calming waves of the Indian Ocean, Injidup Spa Retreat is nestled amongst low lying scrub in Western Australia’s famed Margaret River region, a leisurely 3 hour drive south of big city Perth. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by the sight of a modern structure built in 2008 that blends in beautifully with its natural surrounds, not to mention the gorgeous white sand coastline that lies metres from the resort’s modern villas. For those seeking a little pampering, the Injidup’s “eco-luxe” spa offers massage treatments, facials, body therapies and hydrotherapy baths.
“The views of the ocean and sunsets are captivating and worthy of five stars on their own. The retreat itself is also pretty amazing with everything you would expect a top class spa to have. It’s also big enough to share with another couple for the perfect weekend getaway” – Sarah B
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
5-9 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba NSW
A favourite country retreat amongst stressed out Sydneysiders, the Blue Mountains is easily accessible from Australia’s biggest city and offers a much more relaxed pace of life amongst its lush green canopies and cooler climate. In the heart of the Blue Mountains, close to the iconic Three Sisters lookout lies Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa – a luxury hotel and wellness retreat featuring a day spa, 5-star dining options and luxurious accommodation sporting priceless views over one of the country’s most celebrated natural spots.
“Fabulous place 🙂 Spent few days there with huby for our 9th Anniversary. The staff are great, friendly and cheerful always smiling. Had few spa massages and facial treatment that were heaven” – Meera2079
One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
2,600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley NSW
As one of Australia’s most famous countryside retreats, the Emirates-based One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is nestled amongst towering gumtrees and sandstones ridges at the edge of New South Wales’ Wolgan Valley, approximately 3 hours drive northwest of Sydney’s bustling CBD. Out here the pressures of big city life feel a world away, with guests staying in tastefully designed wooden villas featuring floor to ceiling windows that bring the beautiful outdoors inside. As far as wellness amenities go, guests can choose between an ultra luxurious day spa, fully equipped fitness centre and daily yoga sessions amongst other welcome perks.
“This is definitely a luxury eco-type resort with suites all separated from each other at the base of the property, a short walk to the main building. Overall the suites are outstanding. Really well appointed with a beautiful open fire place (gas) and large walk in wardrobe space” – Out About
Saffire Freycinet
2,352 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay TAS
Tassie is the best state in Australia to get away from it all, thanks to its tiny population and largely unspoilt countryside that includes some of the world’s most pristine wilderness reserves. Located close to one of the state’s iconic natural spots Wineglass Bay in the sprawling Freycinet National Park lies Saffire Freycinet, a 5-star luxury resort that also includes a fine dining restaurant, luxurious spa offering massage and wellbeing treatments, in addition a range of outdoor activities such as archery, cycling, kayaking, boat trips to cooking classes and more.
“I am writing this review sitting in our glorious suite with an incredible view of the Hazards and Great Oyster Bay after a day of fun-filled excursions and fabulous food. I can’t say enough good things about Saffire. Whoever hired and trained their staff is a genius. The food is delicious, inventive, local and gorgeously presented. The experiences are just that-unique to the place you won’t do anywhere else” – LisaKnoxville
Southern Ocean Lodge
Hanson Bay Road, Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island SA
The Southern Ocean Lodge is without a doubt one of Australia’s finest hotels and is housed in an iconic structure nestled near the edge of a cliff that looks out towards the clear, azure waters of the namesake Southern Ocean. Featuring clean lines, white walls and floor to ceiling windows that make the most of its stunning location by bringing the outdoors in, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation, five star dining using locally-sourced cuisine and the Southern Spa where complete relaxation is the order of the day.
“From the moment you enter Southern Ocean Lodge you know it’s something special and that you are in for a true experience. The personalised service from the staff greeting you ensures that your every need is catered for without being over-bearing. The views are amazing. The lounge, dining area, spa and rooms are luxurious. The food is delicious and the fact that the majority of the food and wine is sourced locally makes it even better” – 4chillis
