Alluxia’s Gaia Retreat Wellness Weekend is a restorative and nurturing weekend away writes founder Sally Scott.
Ever wondered what it’s like to go to a health retreat? We’ve previously compared two of Australia’s best wellness retreats and you can read the verdict here. Our guide will help you decide which retreat is best for you.
Each year we arrange a group of like-minded ladies to take some time out for a restorative weekend away, once again at Gaia Retreat and Spa.
Gaia Retreat is located in the lush Byron Bay Hinterland on Bundjalung country around 1 hour from Gold Coast Airport or just 20 minutes from Ballina Airport. Gaia provides transfers as part of the package for our interstate guests, making it a seamless transition from airport to hideaway.
Arrival at Gaia Retreat
From the moment you arrive, you instantly start to relax, swept up by the breathtaking views, green rolling hills and calming surrounds of Gaia Retreat.
Gaia is a retreat where you can literally hand all the decision-making over to the staff and focus on reconnecting with yourself and nature. Prior to arrival you complete a wellness form outlining your health concerns and food preferences plus pre-booking your spa treatments. All that pre-planning allows for bespoke gourmet meals tailored to your dietary requirements and a handwritten card presented each evening outlining your personalised activities for the day ahead.
Layana Room at Gaia Retreat
While we’ve booked the lead-in room type, there is nothing standard about the sophisticated surrounds of the Layana Room. There’s a wide covered deck beckoning for some relaxation time and inside there’s a rose on the bed along with a welcome gift and fresh lemon and lime alongside a vast selection of teas. The wardrobe is stuffed with robes, slippers and a rattan basket to pack with all your poolside essentials, plus a luxurious ensuite with shower. Upgrade to a Sura Terrace if you prefer a bath and television and further luxuries such as private plunge pools are available in the higher room categories.
Activities at Gaia Retreat
Optional daily 60-minute yoga at either 7am or a leisurely later session at 8.30am restores the balance, easing you into the day of activities and pamper time. During our stay pilates, kickstart fitness and core strength were also available but it was the Cacao Ceremony that had us intrigued.
The cacao ceremony was a guided meditation with a sip of cacao to allegedly help root the balance of energies within us and connect to our inner spirit to help explore a much deeper and spiritual level. This was followed by drumming and guided meditation that clearly connected with some of our group who found it a powerful and profound experience.
A new addition to the retreat is a labyrinth adjacent to the Samira lookout. Labyrinth walking is an ancient practice by many different faiths for spiritual centring and contemplation. Guest’s enter the serpentine path walking slowly while quieting your mind and focusing on a spiritual question or prayer.
Between activities, lazing by the sun-dappled pool is the order of the day here. Our group alternating between reading by the pool, soaking up the sunshine and popping in to the day spa for endless heavenly treatments. We may never leave.
Gaia Day Spa
You’re spoilt for choice at the Gaia Day Spa. This relaxing haven has an extensive spa menu as well as some luxurious spa packages including the Gaia Rituals. This indulgent 2.5 hour spa package includes a 60min relaxation/Swedish style massage followed by a hot oil scalp massage and finishing with Gaia's signature Sole to Soul foot treatment. Whichever treatment you choose, you’re in good hands with the experienced spa team so you can surrender and completely switch off during this time of pure indulgence and self-care.
Gaia Retreat & Spa Cuisine
One of the true pleasures of Gaia is the food, as each and every meal is nourishing, inventive and changes daily chosen by the chef. Due to covid, the bountiful buffet is no longer available, however a hot plated breakfast is perfectly presented for your dining pleasure. Organic coffee is available on request so you don’t have to go without your caffeine hit.
Lunch is a flavour packed salad featuring a million different ingredients you wouldn’t have a hope of recreating at home! Dinner is the main event with three delicious courses by candlelight and wine is available if you’re so inclined, from an impressive organic selection. Also on the drinks menu are some delicious non-alcoholic beverages including the Monday Distillery ‘Dram Sour’ and ‘Dark & Stormy’, which were both superb.
Whether your intention is to lose weight, detoxify, destress, get fit or maybe you just need peace and serenity to regain balance; Gaia provides everything you need to help you on your path. You’ll feel comfortable here alone, with a friend or partner or with a small group. It’s an inspiring and nurturing retreat in a peaceful setting. It’s quite simply the most relaxing retreat you can hope to find, with everyone in our group vowing to return soon.
Want to join our next Gaia Retreat Wellness Weekend? Email us at info@alluxia.com to express your interest and we’ll notify you of the next getaway or contact us to create your own journey.
All inclusive packages including two nights accommodation, all gourmet meals and snacks, morning yoga, all scheduled activities, $200 spa voucher per person, spa gift pack and use of all facilities start from around $780 per person per night, twin share minimum 2 night stay.
