Travel

Eight of Australia’s best beachside wellness retreats

20 February, 2021 . 0

Take advantage of our magnificent coastline to refresh, revive, detox and stop burnout in its tracks.

Feeling overwhelmed or fatigued, want to break some unhealthy habits or just need space to breathe? Maybe it’s time for a holiday that puts you first.

And what better way to treat your yen for zen than at one of these amazing health and wellness retreats, in some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal and beachside locations.

We’ve rounded up eight of the best health and wellness retreats near the beach, with something to suit every style and budget.

For when you want to lose weight:

OnTrack Retreat – Torquay, Victoria

OnTrack’s beachside retreat will help you lose weight, break the diet cycle, improve fitness and learn “kick those kilos to the curb” habits that will last.

Located just over an hour from Melbourne CBD on the Torquay headland, enjoy a full daily fitness program over a short or long-term stay with qualified trainers, and take your health goals to the next level.

For when you need to detox:

Peninsula Hot Springs – St Andrew’s Beach, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Perfect for couples, besties and those looking for a solo sojourn, you’ll nourish your body and your mind at this Mornington Peninsula health retreat, 90 minutes south of Melbourne.

With more than 50 geothermal pools, the range of experiences on offer include bathing in the Hilltop pool with stunning 360-degree views, detoxifying body clay rituals and guided mindful meditation to heal your body and your mind.

To immerse yourself in nature:

Saffire Freycinet – Coles Bay, Tasmania

This coastal sanctuary on the Apple Isle’s east coast is at the luxury end of the spectrum.

Looking out towards the pink-hued Hazards Mountains across the Freycinet Peninsula and pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet offers a range of activities for every mood – ranging from luxurious spa treatments to bee-keeping, kayaking and inspiring coastal walks to the turquoise delights of nearby Wineglass Bay. Refresh your soul.

If self-guided wellness if your thing:

Elements of Byron – Byron Bay, New South Wales

The home of holistic and mindful living (and yes, the odd celebrity or two), the health and wellness holiday capital of Byron Bay abounds with opportunities to reboot.

At Elements you can curate your own retreat around three phases – relax, rebalance and revive.

Choose from meditation to saunas and flotation tanks, horse-riding, and even cooking classes using local rich and raw produce for your inner wellness.

When spa is on the menu:

Injidup Spa Retreat – Yallingup, Western Australia

Pining for pampering? How about your own private plunge pool overlooking the Indian Ocean while you sip on a local Margaret River wine?

Located on the well-known Cape to Cape Track, Injidup Retreat offers Bodhi J massage and spa treatments in a unique setting for complete relaxation and renewal.

Try the warm bamboo massage using heated bamboo rods to knead out knots, soothe aching muscles and melt away tension.

To hit reset on unhealthy habits:

Kangaroo Island Health Retreat – South Australia

Set on the remote and pristine Kangaroo Island off the South Australian coast, this challenging seven-day Dynamic Detox program is a complete lifestyle overhaul.

The individually tailored program starts with a thorough body detoxification and includes yoga and Pilates, nutrition lectures, guided beach walks and therapeutic massage.

There’s also a comprehensive health assessment to help shift weight – and your mindset.

If you’re yearning for yoga:

Balance for Life Yoga and Wellness Retreat – Dundee Beach, Northern Territory

Re-centre and recharge your batteries while learning breathing techniques, sound meditation, stretching and yoga – all with the salty ocean breeze on your skin.

Led by founder Carole van Dijk and designed to help people of all levels improve their mental and physical flexibility, you can create a special retreat for your own group or join any of the regular retreats and salute the sun in style.

When you want to get fit:

Active Escapes Fitness Retreat – Noosa, Queensland

The aim here is to have fun while meeting like-minded people, with one of the world’s most stunning holiday destinations as your backdrop.

Running for seven days and six nights, the action-packed Noosa Active Escape features a mix of tailored fitness programs, yoga, beach running and surfing.

And then there’s the downtime, with yummy, yet healthy, food, spa and massage treatments and even time to go out. You had us at hello!

More health and wellness travel inspo:

Written by Liz McGrath.