BEAUTY ESCAPE: GWINGANNA

GWINGANNA’S WELLNESS APPROACH

In today’s hectic pace there is something precious about hitting the pause button, fast tracking wellness to the top of the agenda and taking time to reset the clock. Enter the award-winning lifestyle retreat Gwinganna which has won the World’s Top Eco Spa spot twice. By Anita Quade

THIS STUNNING Australian owned and operated retreat opened its doors in 2006 and has proceeded to become one of the most well-known luxury escapes both in Australia and overseas. It’s stunning location is just a short 60 minute drive from Brisbane and is perched on a plateau of 200 hectares of stunning hinterland.

Gwinganna means ‘lookout’ and as guests arrive at the lush green haven following a long winding driveway surrounded by rainforest and wildlife it offers the utmost in privacy – with the entrance accessed by security gates. You can almost feel a sigh of relief as guests hover near reception at the 2pm check in time – ready to check out of the real world for one of the retreat’s lifestyle programs that extends over weekends and up to longer stays. Guests have the option to choose from program themes ranging from detox to other specialities such as women’s health. It’s a testimony to the glowing regulars who are spotted at the haven – some declaring they have extended their wellness journey here as they have never felt so good. It’s a little wonder given the comprehensive offering of delicious seasonal organic food, daily workshops, spa treatments and the sheer bliss of nature and fresh mountain air that begins to soothe the souls of weary guests burnt out by the nine to five grind.

You get the impression you are in safe and healing hands with many of the staff spending decades or more at the retreat. The program offers guests the chance to do as little or a much as they like –there are plenty of activites ranging from yoga and meditation to guided walks – the one compulsory activity on the day of the arrival following afternoon tea is the Welcome Orientation at the Wellness Education Complex run by the weekend host to provide a general overview of what to expect and how to get the most out of the stay and rejuvenate both mind and body – with an onus on the most important person – you!

After a guided tour of the facilities guests are left to enjoy their late afternoon. Exploring the vast property is like a step back in time with a historic stunning tiny church perched near the restaurant and a welcoming homestead feel with painted creamcoloured roofs juxtaposed with new accommodation offerings in the perfect blend of old meets new accommodation all surrounded by towering gum trees that are home to the koalas in residence.

The sprawling farm like feel is enhanced by a colourful Organic Garden that produces seasonable vegetables, herbs and delicious fruit that all ends up on the guests plate as part of the stunning organic food offering. Even edible flowers are grown in the garden in a rainbow of colours and are used to add a pretty touch to meals.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the main dining room –with guests having the chance to mingle over shared tables during the two courses with inventive dishes featuring fresh produce lovingly prepared on site. Some are here for a work retreat, others just to rebalance their mental health and wellbeing – every whim is catered for and for those who would like to try their hand at whipping up some of their most loved dishes there is a cookbook on offer filled with healthy recipes ranging from great juices, health balls to more comprenshive dinner dishes that feature fish, chicken and beef – its refreshing to note the food is generous in portions (so much so some guests have been known to ask for half serves) and meat and poultry are also on the menu – which quells the fear of those attending that they will be left hungry eating just leaf greens! The menu is designed in conjunction with a nutritonist and is gluten and dairy free, with the aim of reducing inflammation and to balance blood sugar levels. You will even find organic coffee, tea and organic wine at dinner for those on selected retreats.

There is a range of accommodation options from The Villas that offer sumptuious deep baths and special features such as a plunge pool or steam room – for the ultimate in relaxation. The stunning Orchard Suites offer magical views of the orchard and are built from reclaimed timbers with spacious verandahs and day beds that are perfect for reading and soaking up the sunshine in a state of bliss. The accommodation is spacious with the twin share featuring double beds, ensuite bathroom and an adjoining loungeroom –perfect for those travelling with a friend but who also love their own privacy. Another option is the Heritage accommodation which have been bought to Gwinganna from various locations or built onsite in the original Queenslander style. Lovingly restored with large lounge areas and baths.

A typical day at the retreat starts with the option of getting up early to see the glorious sunrise at 6.15 for a session of Qi Gong – possibly one of the most peaceful ways to start the day with gentle movements all in unison perched on a clifftop with views of the valley as the sun slowly peeps over the horizon.

Breakfast is served in the dining room and then guests scatter to do as much or little as they please – with options for long bush walks and Yin and Yang activities. In the late afternoon the perfect ending to the day is a Guided Relaxation class in the pavilion that is the perfect pre-dinner relaxation.

The best part is that mobile phones are banned from use throughout the retreat with only an option to use these for guests in their room or at the historical old cricket stand on the oval. Likewise reception is limited so it’s a great escape from computers and the modern gadgets that take up precious time.

For those wanting to work up a sweat there is the two level gymnasium and training centre offering plenty of the latest hi-tech equipment and the chance to swim in the heated infinity edge swimming pool filled with pure rain water.

The World Renowned Spa

The dreamy spa is a 33-room sanctuary and is the largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere offering a smorgasboard of experiences from organic facials featuring products including the organic brand by Vanessa Megan to add on therapies and Ayurveda Aromatherapy.

General Manager Deborah Munster says: “Afternoons at Gwinganna are designed for the body to slow down and balance, and it’s the ideal time to experience our restorative spa treatments and facilities.”

The massages here are world class and the Gwinganna Classic Massage is 50 minutes of bliss or for those who would like to extend the treatment there is an option of 80 minutes.

Guests can also choose to relax in the Wellness Lounge which offers state of the art wellness pods – opt for LED light therapy, Infrared Sauna or the innovative Somadome Meditation Pod.

In testimony to its success that draws wellness travellers from all over the globe – it was awarded the world’s best eco spa in the world twice most recently in 2022.

We chatted to skincare formulator Vanessa Megan who stocks her range at Gwinganna with many of the facials utilising her renowned award winning brand.

Tell us how your skincare brand came to be at Gwinganna?

“I’ve always wanted to create the best 100% Natural skincare possible, and a true measure of success for me was having a professional range that was trusted by the leading beauty therapists in Australia.

We were fortunate enough that the team at Gwinganna valued what we were doing in the space, and became an essential partner as Vanessa Megan moved into the spa market. This has helped us develop a professional spa range, as well as get a deeper understanding of how our customers respond to our products. That feedback loop has ultimately made us better at innovating and developing skincare products to meet market needs.”

What are some of the most popular products at the spa?

“We get a lot of positive feedback about Aeon Azure, our regenerative night cream, which is a luxurious, ceramide-rich crème that submerges skin in all day moisture. This is a part of the Gwinganna facial, and therapists are always asked about it.

Another product that works for all skin types is The Holy Trinity, which is a simple yet powerful Daily Maintenance Routine comprised of 100% natural beauty products designed to minimise touch points while maximising absorption of potent plant-based ingredients. The Holy Trinity contains petigrain cleanser, rose hydrosol and our bestselling product, N.E.O. which, when used together has proven to solve skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles, and to naturally enhance normal and combination skin with lasting results.”

All these products are part of the Vanessa Megan facial experience at Gwinganna.

Any treatments that you love there at Gwinganna?

“The treatment that we really love at Gwinganna, is the Vanessa Megan Cryo Facial which works with extreme polar temperatures to create a full resurfacing of the skin with zero downtime. It uses a fire and frost element featuring our cryo ice cubes to create a slight trauma to the skin, which increases blood flow and collagen production.”

How did you originally launch your skincare brand?

“Back in 2001, my friend Mel said to me “You shouldn’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat” and it was a light bulb moment for me, realising that whatever we put on our skin would be absorbed into our body and effect our vital organs. Back then, there wasn’t much in the way of natural, organic skincare, so I started making skincare for myself… and when I discovered how many of my friends had no idea what they were putting on their skin, I started to make Vanessa Megan products and began selling them at the Bondi Markets, determined to educate people about how vital it was that we only use 100% Natural, organic ingredients in skincare products.

At the time, I would never have imagined that we would be in 1000s of outlets here and overseas, and in many of the top spas in Australia. But when I look back, I’m proud that we’ve never wavered from my commitment to only use Natural ingredients that give clinical results (we even coined the term Naturaceuticals to define that exact thing).”

What is it you love most about the industry?

“I love to challenge nature to solve skin problems naturally, with clinical results. And it’s exciting when I can take those options to the industry, and see people have that aha moment, where they realise that natural ingredients are incredibly powerful if you use them in the right ways.”

Recently you won several categories in the 2023 Organic Beauty Awards – tell us about that?

“We are always thrilled to win awards, and this year is no different, having won a number of awards for a number of my brands, including Biode, which is our 100% plastic free brand. We love the organic beauty awards as they are promoting a mission and vision that we hold dear, and they are helping to elevate other brands, and raise awareness around the importance of organic and sustainability in our industry.”

What other milestones stand out for you?

“A highlight was winning most popular brand of 2022 at the organic beauty awards, and the global innovation awards.

But to be honest, the thing that really gets me excited is when we get testimonials from people using our products and it’s made a huge impact on their confidence and their lives. Nothing tops that.”

What are your plans for the future of the brand?

“We are so excited to talk about Metamorphosis, which took out four awards at the 2023 Organic Beauty Awards. This is my new range of transformational skincare formulated specifically for peri to post-menopausal skin. The skin goes through a lot of changes during menopause, caused by a decrease in estrogen and collagen production. Many women don’t realise why, all of a sudden, their skin is dry or crepey or they’re getting age spots. So I’ve spent over two years researching all the symptoms of Menopause, and formulating a skincare range using 100% Natural ingredients to specifically treat those skin conditions.

We’ve also developed Australia’s first spa treatment for menopausal skin incorporating the sculpting and lifting intra-oral buccle massage, and using our phyto estrogen rich skincare. This treatment delivers age defying results and will be a gold star in all our spa partners menus, starting on the 18th of October, which is World Menopause Day.

We will be launching the Metamorphosis treatment at Gwinganna with some of Australia’s leading professionals in the space.”

After spending two days at this retreat, its time to get back into the real world - you can understand why people extend their stay – the salve of nature, organic food, wellness treats is just the tonic to reset before guests check out and enjoy a final lunch before bidding farwell and no doubt vowing to return.

KATLYN MARTIN, RETREAT MANAGER AT GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT.

What makes Gwinganna so special?

“Gwinganna is a truly unique wellness destination that stands out for several reasons;

Spectacular natural bush setting – Nestled in the picturesque Tallebudgera in Queensland, Gwinganna is surrounded by lush rainforest and untouched bushland with panoramic views to the coast.

Holistic wellness approach – Gwinganna focuses on holistic wellness, addressing physical and emotional wellbeing, through a wide range of programs and therapies. All meals are 100% organic, plus gluten and dairy free, with some programs offering coffee in the mornings, promoting a balanced approach to life.

Expert Team – Gwinganna boasts a team of expert wellness professionals from Nutritionists, Naturopaths, yoga instructors and Equine therapists to name a few, who are dedicated to guiding guests on their wellness journey. Each retreat offers a dedicated and knowledgeable Program Manager to facilitate the retreat experience in all areas of wellness.

The largest Spa Sanctuary in the Southern Hemisphere – With over 100 different treatments and therapies, Gwinganna’s spa sanctuary is a space of calm and serenity and absolute relaxation.”

How has the wellness offering evolved over the years?

“Over the years Gwinganna’s wellness offering has evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of our guests.

We have introduced new programs that explore cutting edge wellness topics such as The Longevity Project. The seminars in this new program explore two major factors that influence longevity; genetics and lifestyle choices.

Diverse activities and Wellness Seminars – our schedule has expanded to include new innovative fitness classes and new educational wellness seminars diving into topics including epigenetics, telomeres, environmental toxins and sleep to name a few.

Emotional Wellbeing – we now place a greater emphasis on mindfulness practices and mental health support, recognising their vital role in overall wellbeing. Gwinganna has a dedicated Emotional Wellbeing Manager who oversees this important area on the retreat.”

Can you share with us your plans for the future?

“Looking ahead we are excited about several plans that will enhance the guest experience and stand by our sustainability ethos.

Eco friendly initiatives. We are committed to adopting more sustainable practices from reducing our environmental footprint to supporting local communities. Gwinganna has been recognised as a Green Travel Leader with Ecotourism Australia, signifying we have maintained our eco certification for over 10 years. These initiatives include on site waste handling, recycling, composting and paperless departments, eco bathroom amenities, along with online check in making this an easier and more eco experience for our guests.

Innovative Programs. Expect more innovative and specialized wellness programs launching at the end of 2023 and into 2024.

Collaborations. We are excited to collaborate with other thought leaders and experts in wellness to bring fresh perspectives and experiences.”

LATEST OFFER

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat will introduce a masterclass cooking retreat for food lovers keen to experience an immersive journey into culinary wellness. The Wellness Cooking Retreat will be hosted on 7-10 December 2023 and feature three of Australia’s leading wellness chefs. International nutritional chef, Sam Gowing will join Gwinganna’s Co-Head Chefs Justin Addie and Steven Crawford in daily interactive cooking demonstrations, showcasing delicious healthy recipes that will inspire, satiate taste buds and improve health and wellbeing.

Attendees of the three-night retreat will discover insider tips for wholesome cooking, learn the latest in food trends and gain practical insights into preparing and cooking delectable meals for family and friends. ‘The Wellness Cooking Retreat will guide you on sourcing natural ingredients, food storage, styling your plate as well as the secrets to food synergy and nutrient density so you can create meals that are not only mouthwatering but highly nutritious,’ says Sam Gowing, consulting Nutritionist and Wellness Chef at Gwinganna. Co-Head Chefs, Justin and Steven say the retreat will suit both beginners as well as experienced home cooks. ‘There’s increasing interest in knowing how to cook healthily and that doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

At Gwinganna we utilise the best in seasonal and organic produce and the highest quality natural ingredients to deliver world class meals every day, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge, experience and passion for healthy cuisine,’ says Justin Addie. Fully inclusive packages for The Wellness Cooking Retreat start from $1985 per person and include threenight’s accommodation, chef-prepared organic meals and snacks, daily nutritional cooking demonstrations (80 mins), a Gwinganna Classic Massage (80 mins), access to all facilities and schedule program activities, bespoke recipe e-book with shopping lists and nutritional information, and complimentary transfers from Gold Coast Airport at set times.

For more details visit www.gwinganna.com