7 Wellness retreats in Australia for rejuvenation and relaxation

Picture an elegant, grey brick house with red beams holding up the shady front porch like a summer tent. It lies snug in the middle of nature, close enough to the city of Port Elliot in South Australia, but far enough to really feel embraced by tranquillity. When you opt for a stay at Authenticity Health & Wellness Retreat, you will feel like royalty in the serene, colonial-style country property. Its rooms are spacious and you will drift off to sleep right away in the incredibly comfortable beds.

Start your day with an excellent continental breakfast, we recommend a taste of the local honey on fresh bread. Next, why not book a meditation and yoga session? Each yoga teacher has their very own approach to teaching to accommodate the different styles of yoga around the world. With yoga, you can help align body, mind and soul and learn to centre yourself, which helps to maintain a clear head even in stressful times. Afterwards, detox your skin and body with one of the specialised massage treatments using organic, homeopathic products, such as energy healing and naturotherapy.

To complete your getaway of healing and reconnection with one’s inner self, schedule a private healing and counselling therapy. On-site therapists bring expertise from psychotherapy, psychology, art therapy and naturopathy, to help you enter a state of deep relaxation.

Fancy a tropical getaway? Then Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa should be high on your list of Australian retreats. The resort’s bedroom apartments are all fully self-contained and come with a double bed or twin bed. For the ultimate in-room relaxation, upgrade to a spa room with a whirlpool.

At the on-site spa, you can treat yourself to either massages or a new coat of polish with a manicure and pedicure. If you are interested in a simple massage, opt for Deep Tissue, Thai or Swedish massage; while those who want to feel fully reinvigorated can consider a body, head and face massage.

For those who aren’t keen on a digital detox, Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property and in all the rooms. For shorter stays, the studio rooms are ideal with tea and coffee making facilities, a mini refrigerator, as well as a walk-in shower.

If you plan on fitting in a scenic day trip or two, both the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary are less than nine kilometres away from the resort. Should you prefer cuddles with a koala, step into Kuranda Koala Gardens. Another photogenic spot is the cascading Barron Falls that descend from the Atherton Tablelands; the nearly-three acres of tropically landscaped gardens are perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Bask in luxury at Lilianfels Blue Mountains and Spa. You will reside in a stunning old country house that offers up stunning views of the Blue Mountains. The style is charmingly traditional with tapestry, curtains and bed covers that perfectly match.

The 89 guest rooms are spacious and come with a large king bed, high-speed Wi-Fi access and an LCD TV. It wouldn’t be a retreat without a bit of pampering. Lilianfels boasts an award-winning day spa with a variety of spa rituals and massage therapies like hot stone massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Plus, there is an indoor and outdoor pool for you to use.

The Blue Mountains are not only known for their natural beauty but also for innovative cuisine and fine wines. For a delectable afternoon tea, settle down at the Blue Mountains High Tea. Sample bite-sized sandwiches, cakes and pastries in traditional plush Victorian armchairs while overlooking the stunning courtyard gardens.

At Echoes Restaurant & Bar, you can sample an exciting fusion of modern Australian cuisine with an Asian influence, which uses local produce and boutique Australian wines. This spot is perfect for a romantic dinner for two with scenic views that reach as far as Jamison Valley and Mittagong.

Retreat into the arms of nature at Aligning Health Retreat & Day Spa, to experience the very best in holistic health and help restore your inner balance.

Aligning Health will treat you to natural, Ayurvedic-based treatments and uses OmVeda herbal formulations to gently revitalise your body and mind. If you particularly want to strengthen your mental clarity and soothe your mind, try the Shirodhara treatment, where you will feel a small stream of oil being poured straight onto your forehead. Other possible treatments include a bolus massage to ease aches, facials, hot stone massages and Swedish massages to relax your entire body.

All rooms are furnished with a queen sized bed, seating area, air-conditioning, a desk and a flat-screen TV with Netflix. Free Wi-Fi is also available. Spend some time wandering through the garden and terrace and keep an eye out for a curious kangaroo or two that like to visit the nearby eucalypt forests.

Gold Coast can get busy, but out here at Gwinganna, you will feel kilometres away from all the hustle and bustle. This lifestyle retreat is suited for a total detox as there is no Wi-Fi. Choose between villas, meditation suites, orchard suites or heritage cottages to cater to your personal preference; but be sure all rooms ooze meditative restoration and pure luxury. Though, those that like a view should consider one of the cottages that have a view over the Gold Coast.

Thanks to its dedicated wellness program, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat has been listed as one of the most innovative wellness destinations in Australasia. Highly-experienced wellness professionals will nourish your senses through various packages and specialty treatments, ranging from wellness consultations to balanced movement programs and stress management sessions.

After your private sessions, ease into the day at one of the numerous relaxation areas and lounges. A special feature of Gwinganna is the newly added Wellness Education Complex, which has been custom designed to serve as a hub for wellness seminars to guide you through your chosen wellness program.

A perfect end to a relaxing day is witnessing a golden sunset illuminate the beach from the comforts of your hotel. Therefore, the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is your perfect choice!

The resort offers various accommodation tiers from studios with a king or twin bed tor private bungalows, which sleep at least five guests. If you have a special preference, the studio rooms can be booked with either a garden, pool or ocean view.

For deep relaxation, book yourself a pampering session at the on-site Chahoya Spa & Salon. The full-service spa features seven private suites including a double vichy shower room and offers treatments inspired by healing philosophies from various countries. Feel the rejuvenated as shea butter is massaged into your skin or see instant effects from a beauty facial that was carefully selected just for you.

If you are looking for the perfect place to meditate and practice your yoga, step into the on-site Buddha Sanctuary. An ornamental garden with a carved crystal Buddha statue, offering the utmost peace and quiet.

After a long day pampering yourself, take it slow by sipping a cool cocktail at the beach bar or by swimming a few rounds at one of the two outdoor swimming pools. If you have brought kids along, they will enjoy themselves in the complimentary kids’ water park.

Outstanding dining is also guaranteed with international cuisine served at the resort’s three restaurants and Sunset Bar & Grill. Treat yourself to healthy snacks at Kichi Kichi restaurant with its delicious roast beetroot salad or have Venetian tapas, ideal for sharing, at Cichetti Club. Next, Zensai restaurant prepares contemporary Japanese dishes, such as Kara-age popcorn chicken or Wagyu beef tenderloin.

The faint smell of eucalypt trees in the air, a fresh breeze sweeping through the lush vegetation and you can find yourself right in the middle at this 1920s guest house. Overlooking the Morton National Park in the Southern Highlands of North South Wales, the retreat, upon your arrival, will immediately leave a soothing impression.

Solar Springs Health Retreat offers 24 rooms and is perfect for bringing a group of friends along for a carefree weekend. If staying active is your thing, work up a sweat in the on-site gym, at the tennis court, on a bike, or take a dive in the 25-metre heated indoor pool, perfect for practising your freestyle technique. After your quick workout, release your muscle tension in the steam room or sauna.

This Bundanoon guest house offers regular spa retreats, which include outdoor yoga sessions and aqua activities. When it comes to picking a room, we’re fans of the Valley View ensuite, where you can enjoy views over the manicured gardens from your deck while you sip fresh coffee on the outdoor furniture or retreat to your king bed or single bed, depending on your preference.

If you plan on filling your days with lots of activities and don’t plan on spending too much time on-site, Value Rooms are the most budget-friendly; their bathrooms come with showers and are shared with other guests. For a fully immersive feeling of serenity, all rooms are bare from modern communication, such as phones, televisions or other multimedia gadgets for a complete digital detox.