BEAUTY ESCAPE - ESCAPE TO EDEN

Escape to Eden

EDEN, THE WINNER of Australia’s Best Wellness Retreat is nestled in the relaxing surrounds of Currumbin Valley – boasting newly architecturally designed cabins perched on the hillside with all the five star luxury needed to rest, relax and restore health. From the stunning serene surrounds to the organic wholefoods menu, indulgent beauty treatments and a tailored exercise program this is the vitality boost to put on your wishlist for 2022.

“Eden continues to provide the best possible health and wellness retreat to our guests. We are encouraging our guests to disconnect from their digital daily lives and reconnect with their surroundings,” says Eden general manager Chris Van Hoof. “Guests are able to customise their bespoke package – whether its seven-days of relaxtion, Pilates, yoga or boxing or a mixture of exercises to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. Programmes are supported by rainforest walks, healthy, nutritious meals, mud baths and meditation,” he says.

Here is what you need to know:

Eden is Australia’s longest running health retreat – can you tell us what you attribute to your success?

“Eden Health Retreat has been running for 37 years now and its success is down to the people. The people who work here are immensely talented at what they do – whether our chefs who prepare organic, healthy meals, our personal trainers and fitness staff, our beauty team, and our reservations department – they all work together to ensure guests have a truly Eden experience from the moment they book their stay with us, until they leave.

I also have to credit every single one of our guests who come to Eden. Their enthusiasm for what we do and how we do it, and their openness to experiencing Eden, is a constant reminder that we are providing a unique wellness retreat.”

CHRIS VAN HOOF

How have you evolved the brand over the years?

“As Eden has grown and the world and its daily demands have changed, we have adjusted our focus to land on digital detoxing, helping improve their sleep patterns and reducing their overall stress. Eden’s C.A.R.E philosophy is ingrained in everything we do, and we hope that our guests take home this philosophy and integrate it into their everyday lives.

Our belief is that our guests already have the answers – they may simply have been looking in another direction.

C.A.R.E.:

“Connect to country – We pay our respects to the Yugambeh people, the original custodians of the land. We recommend guests take the time to walk the grounds of Eden while they’re here to experience the healing nature of biophilia.

Align to purpose – A stay at Eden is about taking time out of your busy life to take stock, and to ask yourself whether you are living a life of integrity. We ask our guests to explore their purpose – whether it’s in their job, relationship, or social life.

Respect the ritual – everyday rituals can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. Taking time to respect your authentic self by treating it well can make a difference between your health and happiness.

Engineer the experience: At Eden, guests can craft their own experience to ensure they get the most out of their stay.”

How important is it to offer a retreat like Eden?

“Everyone should have the opportunity to visit Eden at least once! It truly is the perfect break from busy lives and daily stress, and is the ideal space to learn new, healthy habits that will serve you well in the future.”

Are there any standout moments for you as general manager?

“I’m incredibly grateful to be in the position I’m in and surrounded by such a dedicated and passionate staff who consistently turn up with purpose. It’s not so much about standout moments, but rather spending time in a space where I have the opportunity to connect with and learn from people from all walks of life is something that lights me and is a constant source of inspiration.”

You are a winner of Australia’s Best Wellness Retreat at World Spa Awards – how was it to win that accolade?

“We are immensely proud of this, and all the accolades Eden has been awarded over the years. Our team is the best in the business and we are constantly striving to ensure our guests receive the very best, and latest, in beauty treatments and relaxation rituals during their stay.

We have also recently been awarded The World Luxury Awards for 2021 in two categories: World Luxury Hotel Awards and the World Luxury Spa Awards.”

The luxury accommodation is stunning – what is the interior vibe that you were going for?

“Eden offers luxurious accommodation suitable for solo travellers, couples or friends to relax and enjoy their stay and surrounding. The interior spaces have been built with connection in mind. Large glass windows and doors connect the guest to the external environment that we find so nurturing and healing; and the simple, modern, minimal furnishings allow space for guests to connect to themselves, each other or simply a good book!”

You have recently updated the accommodation – can you tell us about that?

“Our 12 new luxury cabins are nestled into the property and positioned to take in the stunning views of the Currumbin Valley and Tallebudgera. Our beautiful new cabins embody the height of luxury at Eden – in particular the Cascade Lodge. Featuring an open-floor plan, private balcony, lounge area and floating fireplace, each cabin overlooks our breathtaking valley.”

What is the one takeaway that guests can be assured to leave Eden with?

“Every guest leaves with a greater understanding of how the principles of C.A.R.E relate to them, and the tools to incorporate those principles into their life beyond our front gates.”

The retreat is a chance for guests to switch off from social media, television etc. – can that often be a difficult task?

“Digital addiction and lack of sleep are now the main reasons people come to Eden. At first, many guests find it difficult to ‘switch off ’ – but within a day or so they realise how much less stressed they are without the constant ‘pinging’ of their phone, or how they can truly relax when they’re not constantly reading the news. Our guests also report that they use their phone much less after a week or surviving, and enjoying their time, without it.”

You are offering new seven-day night escapes at Eden – how often do you update the programs?

“It’s only now that we are responding to our guests requests for longer, and shorter stays. We’re thrilled to be able to offer longer stays – to give guests that extra chance to truly relax and rejuvenate.”

How was your business been re-imagined during COVID?

“During Covid we took the opportunity to give our cabins a face lift, build a new Pilates and yoga studio along with our beautiful new kitchen, overlooking the beautiful Currumbin Valley.

We also spent time reestablishing the focus and purpose of Eden’s philosophy, which we have loved sharing with our guests since we reopened.”

What are your plans for Eden in 2022?

“Bigger and better! We are excited about our new three, four, and seven-day stays and look forward to welcoming more guests to experience the magic of Eden. As domestic borders and lockdowns ease, and wellness is at the forefront of people’s minds, we look forward to continuing to provide the very best in retreat experiences.”