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Retreat to Remember
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By: Merry Kirkwood, Issue 37 – Summer 2009
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(Gwinganna – Queensland, Australia)
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CAN YOU RECALL THE LAST TIME YOU FELT FULL OF VIGOUR? GUESTS AT QUEENSLAND’S GWINGANNA ENJOY HELP FROM FRIENDS ACROSS THE GLOBE.
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The bushland valley, bathed in morning light, stretches out in front of me much like a contented cat lazily preening herself before the morning’s activities. Intermittent birdsong dips in and out of my headspace; there is no wind. The total lack of city-noise - cars, trucks, and their grating, breakneck speed sounds - pumps out a welcome silence. Drinking in the distant view to the ocean from the elevated timber verandah (complete with indoor-outdoor lounge, plunge pool, and a ‘view to remember’) from the recently constructed luxury villas at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, I feel as close to nature as is possible without dragging out a swag, lighting a camp fire, and bedding down among the surrounding tall stands of gum.
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For many guests, travelling to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat involves an expansive journey, yet a simple trip. First established as a 200-hectare privately-owned escape more than twenty years ago in the Tullebudgera Valley rising behind the Gold Coast, and bought just over two years ago by Tony De Leede (of Fitness First, and other wellness industry experience), Gwinganna has been thoroughly primped and preened into its present incarnation, which includes original heritage buildings and recently constructed rustic-inspired accommodation, a well-appointed gym and exercise space, two wet-edge pools, a yoga platform, Mind Body Pavilion, cycle studio, and most recently a breathtaking Spa and these very luxurious villas where I now stand, zen-like, drinking in the view. Getting to the retreat involves a simple flight from any major Australian city hub, and a short thirty-minute coach or limousine transfer. Being there involves as much (or as little) of guest’s energy as they chose to invest in their future health and wellbeing.
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Gwinganna’s guests experience a set retreat programme each one designed to move participants forward on a particular health focus. My five-day Optimum Wellbeing programme (which suits my needs to a tee) is just one of the varied programmes on offer, rotating during the year, including retreats for Detox, Sleep Discovery (a newish programme, hugely well received, and a world leader in this area), Women’s Discovery, and Nutrition, plus other selections of two-day, and seven-day retreats.
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Each day starts at 5.30am with a (somewhat energetic) knock on each guest’s door. Not for nothing the resort’s name, Gwinganna, is an aboriginal word for lookout. The group that assembles for Chi-gong each morning, bleary-eyed yet full of vigour, seems to draw strength from the rising sun, the inspiring setting and the sense of shared experience. Perched on a cleared grassy hilltop, surrounded by both the thick bushland and pockets of rainforest that drop away in the distance revealing a view to the ocean, our 50-strong group of guests goes through the sequence of moves, designed to awaken body, soul and mind.
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Suffice to say, there is a daily master pattern that is clearly defined: an early rise, followed by Chi-Gong, a 30-50 minute walk along one of the 16 selected pathways through the property (all graded to suit fitness levels), followed by breakfast, a stretch class and then a string of activity classes to chose from. Selections include yoga, Pilates, spin class, step, dance, tennis, pool fitness, gym work or meditation.
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Pre-lunch, an industry expert shares the latest information on a swag of health issues, including nutrition and movement: one each day. The Gwinganna staff is reserved in unveiling the week’s routine ahead of time, preferring instead to encourage guests to embrace a wait-and-see attitude to match activity choice with energy levels each day. Which makes each day unique.
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Lunch, like all meals, is a palette of colourful salad, soup, fish, meat and grain selections spun into sophisticated gourmet delights: an essay in health and good nutrition, but also good taste. Groaning armloads of healthy fruit, vegetables and herbs are picked fresh daily from the verdant garden beds and orchards dotted in clever locations around the property. Chef Hermann Schafellner and chef/inspired-gardener Shelley Prior step up to the ‘plate’ with a tasty mix of dishes that are naturally high on freshness and flavour, but low on processed food. Special dietary requirements are seamlessly catered for, and inspiration and variation is kept high, culminating in a cooking class later in the week that seals the ‘you can do this at home, too’ approach that pervades the whole retreat.
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If each morning passes quickly in a flurry of activity, the afternoons are at a measured pace, where guests can indulge in what is known, and fondly enjoyed, as ‘Dreamtime’, with spa treatments (included in the package) at the new Spa Sanctuary, literally dropped into the natural bushland. At its heart three lanky gums, with whispers of leafy green foliage atop their soaring trunks, stand sentry. Surrounded by what I come to think of as ‘the walk of dreams’ (an elevated ring of timber pathway floating above the bush garden and leading to the treatment rooms), they are the natural focal point. But despite the modernity of the facility, and its setting, it is the strength and energy of the therapists and health professionals who make treatments sublime. From choices of facials to acupuncture, from massages to a truly wonderful Sound and Stone treatment, guests who are weary after a physical morning wrap themselves in their fluffy white bathrobes, and bathe themselves in the spirit of caring that this Spa exudes.
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Despite the dearth of television, caffeine, and smoking (naturally), and limited mobile phone access, a Gwinganna experience has universal appeal across all ages. Fellow guests on my programme range in age from early twenties to midseventies. Post-retreat I am constantly questioned by friends and colleagues on my time here, as if it can be enjoyed and absorbed by osmosis. ”You look wonderful” is the theme, as they grill me for the health insights I have gained.
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According to Sharon Polka, General Manager: “most guests are coming because they want to fix something. Men often don’t come until something breaks. Our simple intention is to inspire health and wellbeing in people”, she says. Since the retreat opened, there have been many repeat guests; some returning four or five times. Gwinganna and its staff launch guests on a wellbeing journey they can experience themselves, then embrace, remember, and revisit.
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Details:
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Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
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