Retreats are a funny thing....
In conversations about retreats many people are quick to say "Oh I'd love to go on a retreat" or "I so need to go on a retreat" but in reality when it comes to the crunch a small percentage of people actually book a retreat.
This comes down largely to consumer behaviour where we book a holiday we 'want' rather than a holiday we 'need'. We want a holiday that excites us, maybe lured by a great 'deal' or the thrill of that feeling of luxe or 'treating' ourselves. The irony is that often we return from these holidays no more refreshed than when we left and often more exhausted. When our next holiday might be 6 months away (or longer) does it make sense that we would return exhausted? Wouldn't conventional wisdom be to come back from a holiday refreshed, refocused and inspired to tackle our goals in life?
This leads us to the holiday we 'need'. A reset, a calming break, one that gives us clarity and tools to be the best version of ourselves and achieve all we want in life - sounds good yes? So why do we rarely have the conviction to actually take the plunge and book ourselves into a retreat? Something that will challenge us to switch off and ensure we return to our daily lives a better version of ourselves? Sounds like a good investment to me! The key ingredient I believe is 'courage'. Courage to actually commit to a better you, and a great perspective from Tony Robbins is "It only takes 10 seconds of courage" - 10 seconds to take that first step and book yourself a transformational moment in your life!
So with the new year upon us, after the most challenging 2 years for most, here are the 5 retreats to book in 2022 to nourish your mind and body and truly set yourself up for success!
Aro Ha - Glenorchy, South Island, New Zealand
Aro Ha is a multi award winning retreat and for good reason. The philosophy of total well-being, nourishing both body and mind from co-founder Damian Chaparro and his team, delivers a retreat experience that is calming, grounding and inspiring. A retreat at Aro Ha is guaranteed to leave you with a compelling motivation to live a life of balance and calm. Located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu the location offers stunning vistas, amazing hiking opportunities and a Yoga and Meditation studio with views that could be the best yoga studio views in the world!
Their signature 6-day "Revive and Thrive" retreat covers physical movement, breathwork, mindfulness, nutrition, yoga, meditation and the healing benefits of nature. Their delicious plant-based menu will also nourish your body to create clarity and energy!
6-day "Revive and Thrive" retreats start from NZD$6,125 and advance bookings are essential. Aro Ha is accessed via 45min transfer from Queenstown Airport. Contact us to make your booking
2. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterland QLD
Set high in the hills above the Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna has long been a favourite for Australians seeking an escape and reset. For Queenslanders it's location is not only easily accessible from Brisbane, but also reduces any border anxiety not having to leave your state!
Gwinganna offers a wide range of themed retreats which allows guests to select a retreat that aligns with their scenario and goals. Retreats range from 2 night "wellness weekends" all the way up to 7 day "detox" retreats opening up opportunities for all time constraints and budgets
Facilities on site are impeccable as you would expect. The largest Day Spa in the Southern Hemisphere will keep you nourished and pampered, the Wellness Education Centre will leave you with the tools and knowledge to implement practices at home and the Yoga and Meditation studio will ensure your Mind and Body immerses into the moment.
Our pick is the 5 Night Optimum Well-being Retreat which is a great holistic retreat focussed on Mindfulness, Movement, Nutrition and Relaxation. If you are not sure if a retreat is your thing or you are maybe a bit nervous, then why not try a 2 night wellness weekend! Optimum Well-being retreats start from $3100pp and Wellness Weekends from $1210pp.
3. Soma Retreat, Byron Bay NSW
For those who watched the series '9 Perfect Strangers' recently, you'll be familiar with the stunning location that is Soma. Luxurious retreat facilities set amongst beautiful countryside and the highlight being the iconic geodesic dome which is the ultimate space for meditation, yoga and wellness sessions
Soma is a retreat centre that can be booked exclusively for wellness professionals looking to host a retreat however they also offer a number of signature retreats and events themselves throughout the year
Our pick is 'Soma Meditate' which is perfect for anyone looking to take their meditation practice to a new level and extract the true potential from their regular practice. Soma Meditate is led by Soma Founder and renowned Meditation Leader, Gary Gorrow, so you know you're in good hands!
Pricing for the 3-day retreat starts from $2,500pp and many dates are already sold out!
Soma is only a 10min drive from Byron Bay or under 2 hours from Brisbane
4. Eden Health Retreat, Currumbin Valley QLD
Nestled within stunning forest of the Currumbin Valley in the Gold Coast Hinterland is Eden Health Retreat. An oasis for those looking for respite, recovery or a much needed reset. Eden is a 5-Star Luxury Wellness Experience with stunning accommodation, gorgeous food, excellent facilities and a team of highly trained and staff to provide you with an individual wellness experience - designed for you!
You'll find a comprehensive programme of experiences and inclusions across the themes of Relaxation, Health and Nature including Yoga, Meditation, Sound Healing, Pilates, Qigong, Day Spa, Bush Walking, Steam Room, Sauna, Fitness Classes and for the adventurous - Flying Fox and Pamper Pole! Whilst Eden has a daily programme of activities and sessions, you can do as much or as little as you like.
Eden Health Retreat is perfect for anyone who needs to recharge and is open to surrendering to the healing benefits of a retreat break. Stays can be booked in 3, 4 or 7 night blocks and prices for a 3-night stay start from $1680pp (twin share) or $1950pp (single share). The retreat is easily accessed by car from the Gold Coast or Brisbane and transfers can be arranged from Gold Coast or Brisbane Airports
5. Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays QLD
If the idea of a 'health retreat' is a maybe a little confronting or full on for you, and you just need an escape to reset and recharge then a stay at the most secluded retreat in the Whitsundays will be perfect!
Elysian Retreat is a small 10-villa eco-retreat situated on Long Island in the Whitsundays. Accessed only by Helicopter (from Hamilton Island or Proserpine Airports) and only accommodating maximum 20 ensures your stay is quiet, relaxing and far away from any of your day to day stresses. The 10 villas are all beachfront giving you stunning views and the facilities on the island include a beautiful infinity edge mineral pool, day spa, daily yoga and restaurant that produces delicious and nutritious food (all meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your rate). Note that phone service (apart from some patchy Telstra reception is non-existent so this is the digital detox you have been yearning for!)
With only 10 villas, booking well ahead is essential and packages including Flights from East Coast Australia, Helicopter Transfers and 4 Nights Inclusive start from $3,750pp
For any enquiries regarding these 5 stunning Retreat options or to explore how a retreat could be the perfect escape for you in 2022 please contact us at info@mindandbodytravel.com and let your journey to transformation begin!
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