Gold List Award-winner Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat focuses on revitalising the body and mind through a series of naturopathic and psychologic practices
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat focuses on a yin-yang approach to wellness and believes creating a harmonious balance between your physical and mental health is fundamental to your overall well-being. Located on 202 hectares of lush greenery in Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna comprises a series of naturopathic and psychologic practices, including various innovative training options and meditation sessions.
There are various itineraries for guests, with retreats showcasing a focus on longevity, detoxification programs and rejuvenation, ranging from two nights to seven nights. Each retreat is presented by a team of highly experienced wellness professionals and features diverse activities for everyone regardless of skill level, spa and wellness therapies, and a degustation of organic cuisine.
The rooms
Gwinganna boasts an array of pavilion-style suites for guests, each with an open floorplan and kitchenette while showcasing panoramic views of the natural surroundings. The Billabong Villa is split between two levels with a private steam room, outdoor deck and deep bath. The Wellness Suites are designed for a more extended stay and include facilities such as a private infrared sauna to elevate guests’ retreat experience and distractions to sink into the bliss of nature.
The schedule
Gwinganna offers resistance training through various modalities to help the body achieve core strength, functional movement and flexibility. The activities target stress relief and any overload on the adrenal system that may compound pre-existing stress-related symptoms. Mornings begin watching the sunrise from the ocean while practising the ancient art of Qi Gong, a restorative, moving meditation. After breakfast, guests are offered an array of activities to listen to their body and what it needs, using the yin and yang approach to movement, including yoga, Pilates and dance. Afternoons at Gwinganna prioritise rest and relaxation in the Spa Sanctuary.
Treatments
Treatments at the spa are exclusive to guests and are offered in one of the 33 treatment rooms. The spa has been designed as an intrinsic part of the Gwinganna experience and is identifiable as the largest spa retreat in the Southern Hemisphere. A menu of treatments is intended for physical or emotional healing and can play an important role in restoration.
Dining
At Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, you are what you eat. The cuisine is characterised by organic whole foods, with much of the produce harvested daily from the extensive onsite gardens. Menus vary with each program and are designed in conjunction with our nutritionist. The food philosophy at Gwinganna centres around seasonal and local produce and aims to help support and improve digestion and liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, improve gut bacteria and balance blood sugar levels. The emphasis on holistic eating at Gwinganna extends beyond the program, with guests able to eat mindfully at home and the cookbook ‘A Taste of Gwinganna’ accessible to purchase.
The team at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat also enforce healthier boundaries, restricting guests from consuming alcohol or caffeinated drinks, smoking cigarettes and bringing their produce on-site. The retreats are designed to assist guests with withdrawals and create an environment inspiring holistic habits, away from external distractions and stresses.