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While a wellness retreat in Thailand might not be possible for a while, some of the most beautiful and relaxing hotels and retreats are right on your doorstep.
Go for just a few hours and you’ll find a little oasis where you can stretch your legs, clear your head and recharge.
From Australia’s oldest spa hotel to Olivia Newton-John’s Gaia Retreat, here are some popular spots to add to your must-see list.
Spa, Albury, circa 1928
That copper bathtub. Image: Provided
Known as Australia’s first “spa hotel,” Circa 1928 is a luxury boutique hotel and spa housed in a former bank building in Albury built in 1928. Boasting five spacious day spa treatment rooms, the spa menu includes manicures, reflexology, massages, and body exfoliation, as well as waxing and eyebrow shaping. Highlights include the giant hand-hammered copper bathtub and the “V” spa, which offers traditional Indonesian “ratus” treatments exclusively for women, available for solo or group use of up to six people. With wellness at the forefront, all hotel guests can enjoy a health-conscious breakfast, snacks in the lounge from 5pm to 7pm, and special rates on day spa treatments and instructor-led yoga and pilates.
Also check out our sister spas, Circa 1936 in Corowa and Circa 1929 in Wagga Wagga.
Prices start from: Albury Junior Suite $400 per night
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Promised Land RetreatBellinger
It truly is the promised land. Image credit:
Rejuvenate and regain balance in one of three stunning chalets set on 100 acres in the Bellinger Valley, near the Coffs Coast. Open for over 20 years, these chalets stand out from the rest with stunning views, beautiful swimming pools and complete privacy. After relaxing in your chalet, it’s just a short drive to the pretty town of Bellingen to shop for the best local produce or relax at a day spa. If you don’t want to leave the lush countryside, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including cycling, hiking and tennis.
Rates start from $340 per night
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Billabong Retreat, Hawkesbury
Nestled in the bush. Image: Billabong Retreat
Reconnect with nature, boost your energy levels and bring your body into balance with a stay at Billabong Retreat. Find inner peace and inner wellbeing at this popular eco-retreat, just 45 minutes from Sydney CBD. Enjoy daily mindfulness, stress relief, cleansing and yoga workshops, buffet-style vegetarian cuisine and treehouse accommodation overlooking the Billabong. You’ll be blissed out.
Rates start from $300 per night
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Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay
Spectacular views. Image: Gaia Retreat and Spa
It’s a place to recenter, rebalance and restore the mind and body. Set in subtropical grounds in the Byron Bay hinterland and founded by Olivia Newton-John in 2005, Gaia entices guests with on-trend treatments and inventive plant-based cuisine. Be sure to visit the spectacular Samira Yoga Lookout, the highest point in Ballina Shire, with breathtaking views across the Pacific Ocean to the Nightcap Ranges.
Rates start from $1,500 for a two-night single room.
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Retreat for the Mind and SoulOtford
That should be enough. Image: heartandsoulretreats.com.au
Just an hour’s drive south of Sydney, tucked away in the hills bordering Royal National Park, Heart and Soul Retreat is the perfect place for those looking to escape the hectic pace of life and reconnect with themselves. Explore the surrounding pristine forest, hike the rugged sea cliffs, or swim at a local beach. A long-standing yoga retreat center, Heart and Soul is run on the practice of Yoga Seva (volunteer service) and fosters a yoga community. Each retreat includes three yoga classes per day, daily meditations, and wellness workshops, all of which are optional.
Rates start from $249 per person per night
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Nula Nula Blacksmith Farm Cabins, Bellbrook
Get off the grid. Image courtesy
Located an hour and a half from Port Macquarie, Nulla Nulla Blacksmith Farm will transport you to total seclusion. Luxury cabins with stylish and comfortably furnished furnishings are nestled at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, deep in the Macleay River Valley. Deep cleanse your mind and body. Enjoy a mineral salt bath overlooking the stream whilst digitally detoxing, and savor organic produce harvested by the team on the morning of your arrival. This natural paradise offers restorative yoga, meditation and massages outdoors.
Rates start from $150 per night
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Swami’s Yoga RetreatKenthurst
Relax here between yoga classes. Image: Swami’s Yoga Retreat
Set on 60 acres of woodland and just an hour’s drive from central Sydney, Swami’s Yoga Retreat in Kenthurst offers yoga, qi gong and meditation classes inspired by yoga expert Swami Saraswati. Yoga classes are suitable for all levels, allowing guests to progress at their own pace while making full use of the retreat’s facilities, including a tennis court and swimming pool. Homemade vegetarian meals and herbal teas are provided throughout the day, and the retreat is happy to share cooking recipes so guests can continue their wellness journey at home.
Glamping rates start from $175 per night
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Happy Buddha Retreat, Wentworth Falls
You will be very happy if you spend time here. Image: Happy Buddha Retreats
This yoga and mindfulness experience takes place in beautiful Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Enjoy the fresh air, reconnect with nature, and embark on a wellness journey with like-minded people. Three two-night retreat experiences are held each week. The core retreat program, titled “Inner Joy,” features yoga and inspiring workshops designed to nourish the mind, body, and rejuvenate the spirit. Serving delicious vegetarian meals, the all-inclusive retreat encourages guests to take time to find their inner joy.
Rates start from $299 for a 2-night stay
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Elysia Wellness Retreat, Hunter Valley
Elysia Wellness Retreat. Image courtesy:
Escape from the everyday grind and rejuvenate at Elysia Wellness Retreat, located in the heart of wine country, just two hours from Sydney. From afternoon naps in your luxury suite to tai chi in the lavender-filled hills, the retreat offers a range of wellness options. Explore the retreat’s extensive facilities. Spend the afternoon playing tennis, swimming in the heated indoor pool or loosen your muscles with a yoga class. As the sun goes down, refuel in the beautiful restaurant, read a book in the library or relax in front of the fireplace.
Two-night packages start at $1,455
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Emirates One&Only, Wolgan Valley
One&Only Wolgan Valley. Image courtesy:
Located a three-hour drive from Sydney, this secluded nature reserve boasts luxury villas, stunning valley views and a world-class wellness sanctuary, making it one of Australia’s best retreats. Escape the stresses of the modern world and unwind amidst the spectacular grounds spread across 2,800 hectares. Each free-standing villa comes with a private pool, fireplace and spacious veranda. With private in-villa dining and treatments including contactless sound therapy, you’ll never have to leave the comfort of your villa.
Prices start at $2,500
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Greenhouse Retreat, Central Coast
Indulge in wellness and create your own adventure. Image: The Greenhouse Retreat
Located on the Central Coast, an hour and a half’s drive from Sydney, this contemporary holiday home offers guests a bespoke wellness stay, including yoga, catering and massages. Order a healthy grazing plate or book Greenhouse’s private chef for a personal training session or yoga during your stay.
Prices start at $650
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Mount Hay Retreat, Shoalhaven
This retreat is for adults only. Image: Mt Hay Retreat
Not far from the quaint town of Berry, this tranquil hideaway is a working farm surrounded by native forest, lush pastures and beautiful gardens. Located a two-hour drive from Sydney and perched high on Mount Hay, this adults-only, low-to-no contact retreat features five private, light-filled sanctuaries with breathtaking views. Each suite features contemporary décor and a deep freestanding bathtub where you can soak up the majestic natural views. There’s also a heated indoor 33-metre lap pool, perfect for a morning dip.
Rates start from $355 per night
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Mystere Retreat, Tweed Shire
The perfect urban escape. Image: Mistere Retreat
Located in the hinterland along the northern New South Wales coast, a 30-minute drive from Kingscliff, this secluded sanctuary is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, filled with rainforest, natural waterfalls and dense wildlife. Take in the spectacular views, relax in spacious accommodation and unwind at your own pace. Stylish villas feature earthy colours, fireplaces and large windows to help you reconnect with the natural world. Explore beautiful walking trails, soak in a bubble bath or meditate outdoors against the rugged hinterland backdrop.
Rates start from $245 per night
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