WELLNESS: GALA RETREAT & SPA

UNPLUG AT GAIA WITH YOUR TEAM… OR JUST TREAT YOURSELF

KYM COWPER discovers the ultimate digital detox, reset and team building location spot right in our own backyard.

Gaia Retreat & Spa has become one of Australia’s most awarded and renowned wellness retreats – I tried to count how many awards they have won upon my arrival and quickly ran out of time. Since 2005 and nestled in the magnificent hinterland of the Byron hills, on the same street as one of Byron’s most famous resident (AKA Chris Hemsworth), Gaia retreat has welcomed thousands of Aussies and international guests throughout the years.

I think Olivia Newton-John was right there in a way as there is something very special and almost spiritual about this land. I can’t wait to go back.

When I arrive at Ballina airport, my friendly chauffeur Tony greets me (included in your Gaia retreat package) – thankfully I found him easily as he was holding a Gaia sign matched with a jolly big smile on his face.

We head off on our trip to Gaia, only a short 20 minutes from Ballina, the scenic journey is complemented by Tony sharing his local knowledge and a cheeky commented on how I’ve definitely not visited Gaia before as my suitcase is too big and heavy. Rumour has it, he says, that guests rarely change out of their cozy, fluffy robes supplied by Gaia.

The Gaia experience is highly customised; they offer bespoke 2-7-day all inclusive packages, including meals and a spa experience. I was able to sneak in a 2-night package in between the mayhem of conferences, deadlines and the craziness that 2022 has been. Honestly it’s truly felt like we’ve crammed three years into one (anyone else agree?).

Keeping in mind how busy and stressed most of us are, I believe Gaia would be the ultimate team building reset and connect experience to reward your team members for a big year. It magically provides time to relax, breathe and provides a clear vision to prepare for the new year ahead.

I’m welcomed by Josh, who has only recently joined the Gaia family as Manager. He’s excited to bring some changes and upgrades to Gaia as it approaches its 3rd decade, the retreat has long been known for its founder and passionate wellness pioneer Olivia Newton-John, who sadly passed while I visited this stunning sanctuary.

The Experience

My welcome package included a little show and tell resort map so I don’t get lost, (there are over 20 acres of land), a Gaia timetable, but Josh explains, I can opt into yoga, dance, spa, sauna, bush or labyrinth walks at my leisure.

Gaia’s food philisophy is to provide their guests the world’s best wellness cuisine providing their paddock to plate practice mantra, bringing life to the most delicious local and seasonal organic produce from their very own garden. I have to say the food was outstanding, some of the best I’ve ever had. It is worth mentioning, they provide a fine organic choice of wines to accompany your dinner and of course I snuck a cheeky Savignon Blanc from Orange to compliment the mouth watering prawn sambal served up on my first night.

You can tell I loved the food as I haven’t even mentioned the luxurious hilltop villa with plunge pool, lush view of the surrounding hills that I got to stay at. Relaxing at my Komala Villa, I can’t wait to jump in the free standing bath on the second level of my home for two nights, it’s north facing with a private deck and a treat filled welcome basket with some pink organic bubbles to celebrate this magical place – I never want to leave.

On Day Two, a compulsory visit to Gaia’s famous Spa which uses Retreatment Botanics skin and body care in their treatments is scheduled. I learn they offer day spa visits combining lunch from paddock to table at the restaurant if you can’t quite manage a two day package, which would be another beautiful treat for any spa or clinic teams that might be a bit more time-poor.

Gaia’s Spa menu is very comprehensive offering an incredible variety of healing modalities. I choose a 2-hour lymphatic body massage and a traditional Retreatment Botanics facial. My therapist adapts the treatment to a ‘Kym special’ and I leave feeling restored, energised and the stress of 2022 literally falling away. I think Olivia Newton-John was right there in a way as there is something very special and almost spiritual about this land. I can’t wait to go back.

Gaia Retreat offers bespoke packages, ideal for team and corporate retreats.

gaiaretreat.com.au