In the rush of life and the hustle of everyday, we’ve forgotten a basic human need that’s an important key to our wellbeing and longevity.
It’s our growing inability to consciously take time out for rest that has created a booming business trend: sanctuaries and retreats where simply being is paramount and rejuvenating is the only goal.
The laidback person of yesterday is quickly becoming an adrenalin junkie, say some health experts, fuelled with caffeine, sugary snacks and alcohol in order to ward off energy slumps—the body’s signal that it’s time to rest and recover. Ignored for prolonged periods, and the body kicks into overdrive, depleting adrenals, damaging cells and using up important vitamins and minerals that are required for optimal functioning.
“In Western society our lives are so full and busy that many of us do not find enough hours in the day,” says naturopath and nutritionist Kate Reardon, who runs her Natural Instinct Healing retreats in Australia and Bali, where clients learn to rest and rejuvenate, while mastering calming techniques to use once they return home.
“When we are pushing ourselves to the limit mentally, emotionally and physically a biochemical reaction happens within our bodies that increases our level of cortisol, the stress hormone, which puts us in to a ‘fight or flight’ response.”
“This means that we are constantly in a state of stress no matter what we are doing and our minds and bodies never get the chance to rest and rejuvenate when this program is activated. When someone has been running on a ‘flight or fight’ nervous system response for too long their bodies will start to eventually break down in various ways… their minds will be overactive and they will eventually get to the point of complete exhaustion where they have no energy reserves left at all. This is called burnout.”
Kate says rest is just as important as a healthy diet and regular exercise, each keeping the body in harmony and keeping disease away.
“Disease doesn’t just happen overnight,” she says. “By the time we show signs and symptoms of a problem, it’s been quietly building for some time. Taking time out therefore becomes a preventive measure for optimal health care and wellness.”
Sue Hawkins, founder and director of Yoga Health Retreats, agrees: “When we allow the space and time to come into our lives on a more regular basis we find we become more productive in so many ways. As the mind becomes uncluttered and quiet, the body’s energy levels elevate again and we feel inspired, energized, happy and content.”
We live longer than our forefathers; but we suffer more from a thousand artificial anxieties and cares. They fatigued only the muscles. We exhaust the finer strength of the nerves.
~ Edward George Bulwer-Lytton
Retreat Down Under
Our ability to stress more and rest less has created a new tourism boom Down Under, according to Tourism Australia.
“While Asian and European destinations are well known for spa and wellness retreats, Australia also has its fair share of unique indulgence getaways,” a spokesperson says. “Many hotels and resorts along our coastline have spas and there are any number of special lifestyle retreats offering special holistic and natural therapies with all manner of (treatments), including Aboriginal herbs and lotions.”
“You can indulge in a beachside spa at a hotel or resort, a day spa in a beachside location, or an island spa at one of our Great Barrier Reef Islands. Or you may just want to escape to a peaceful beach retreat in a remote or secluded location where you can take long walks along the beach, or in the surrounding bush.”
HIDDEN GEMS
Living Synergy, WA
www.livingsynergy.com.au
Intimate with a focus on one-on-one sessions, Living Synergy is nestled in Dunsborough in the pristine South West of Western Australia. Owned and operated by Jenny Keenan, a former pilot who cured herself of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome through dedicated rest and a lifestyle focused on natural healing techniques, from meditation to juice and water fasting. “Out of all the things I tried to improve my health with, the ones that felt the most real to me, like they touched the depth of the dis-ease in me, were deep tissue massages, meditation, including some retreats, and a 7 day fresh juice cleanse,” Jenny says.
What to Expect: Be introduced to raw food, massage, meditation, yoga, juices, smoothies and walks in nature. Sink your toes into untouched beaches along Western Australia’s picturesque coast and be gently guided on how to let go and be in with the flow.
Retreat Treat: Sign up for the Lifestyle Realignment Guidance and Support Package, a series of one-on-one sessions with Jenny, held in person, or via phone or Skype, over three months. For those wanting a little more, inquire about the Dig a Little Deeper Package.
Harmony Hill Wellness & Organic Spa Retreat, Tasmania
www.organicspa-retreat.com
A synergistic blend of East meets West, Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa Retreat in Hobart is a haven for those who have become all too familiar with stress and its health implications. Founded by Japanese healer Ami Nakamura, she works with a talented team of Asian therapists to restore calm and wellbeing. In her signature treatments, Ami will energetically scan client’s body, then through Shiatsu Point Therapy, she removes energy blockages, and has healed such conditions as frosted shoulder, slipped disc, lower back pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and organ-related issues.
What to Expect: From Ayurvedic therapies and Tasmanian hot stone massage to organic facials and energy healing techniques, you can experience as little, or as much, as it takes for you to return to balance. Book in for an hourly treatment or stay for a weekend.
Retreat Treat: If it’s alone time you seek, opt for the two-night retreat for singles, with meals included, where you can take part in daily classes of yoga, tai chi, belly dancing and breathing techniques. Unwind with an Ayurvedic massage and facial, reflexology, deep tissue massage, while making use of the infrared sauna, spa bath, herbal teas and bush walks in nature.
HOLISTIC ICONS
Gaia Retreat and Spa, NSW
www.gaiaretreat.com.au
Byron Bay (and its hinterland) has become a magnet for tourists who are seeking time out, thanks to its reputation as a healing hub, with retreats and organic produce readily available. Yet none have acquired the notoriety of Gaia, a sanctuary founded 8 years ago by entertainer and holistic entrepreneur, Olivia Newton-John. Inspired by its surroundings, it’s a place where the work-weary come to let go of stresses, return to nature and learn to care for themselves. If the thought of complete rest doesn’t appeal, Gaia specialises in retreats-by-choice: active and energetic, tranquil and serene, or a “clever combination of both”.
What to Expect: With 25 acres of Byron Bay hinterland on your doorstep, this is a getaway perfect for those who long to get out of the concrete jungle, albeit just for a weekend. Stay in one of 19 bungalows, set amongst subtropical gardens, choose from myriad retreat activities or unwind in the award-winning spa and sauna with pool, gym and yoga room.
Retreat Treat: Take a long weekend to release, relax and unwind. The three-night Renew Package comes with all gourmet meals and snacks, a complimentary half hour massage ($195 value), a half hour wellness consultation, spa gift pack on arrival, daily yoga, all retreat activities and full use of Gaia facilities. Return airport airfares from Ballina or Coolingatta are also included.
GOLDEN DOOR ELYSIA, NSW
www.goldendoor.com.au/health-retreats/elysia
Amid the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, just over two hours from Sydney, sits The Golden Door Elysia, where people go not only to rest, but also learn about how to elevate their lifestyles once they arrive home. From celebrities to mums, and couples to businesspeople, Elysia has been the go-to sanctuary for anyone who is no longer willing to burn the candle at both ends, returning home refreshed, with new goals set and the knowledge needed to experience more health, happiness and motivation.
What to Expect: Caring, genuine staff has always been the hallmark of The Golden Door, with clients coming away with a sense they were part of something deeper than just a weekend getaway. Healthy, gourmet food awaits, as does an holistic blend of exercise, health education, relaxation and spa treatments—each helping you tap into your energy and vitality. Stay in one of 74 luxury villas and soak up the vineyard and Brokenback Mountain Range views.
Retreat Treat: If it’s lasting change you’re seeking, the seven-day Health Enhancement Program will guide to embodying wellness, balance and vitality—spiritually and physically. Expect a tailored wellness consultation, exercise, relaxation, spa therapies, nutritious cuisine and health education. It also include use of all Elysia facilities, including a 25-metre indoor heated pool, outside pool, tennis courts, gym, activity studios and outdoor relaxation areas.
FOR DAY TRIPPERS
Nourish at Sassafras, VIC
www.nourishatsassafras.com.au
A favourite of Melbourne city dwellers who want to refresh, yet not travel great distances to do so, Nourish is just a 45 minute drive from the Victorian capital, in Sassafras, a township in the Mount Dandenong Ranges. Specialising in couples packages; Nourish is the place to go if you want to relax, replenish and heal with your partner. The day packages are great for day-trippers who want to relax during the day and return to the city for dinner at night.
What to expect: A stunning view of Miss Marples greets clients here, as do warm, friendly staff who make it their priority to listen to individual needs and offer treatments to suit. If you’d like to extend your pamper session, with an overnight stay, choose from one of many luxury B&Bs that are dotted around the township, many of which come recommended on the Nourish website. The spa is also a great spot for hens pamper parties and other special occasions.
Retreat Treat: The Exclusive Indulgence package (for couples or single) is three hours of guided relaxation, with an aromatherapy footbath, followed by a coconut milk honey scrub pedicure, with massage. Then it’s off to a 1.5 hour full body massage before a one-hour facial that includes a shoulder, hand and foot massage. Take home a box of homemade truffles, complimentary scrub and a blossoming tea.
ADELAIDE HEALING ENERGY CENTRE, SA
www.adelaidehealingenergy.com.au
Much more than a retreat or day spa, Adelaide Healing Energy Centre goes beyond treating the physical, with most treatments focused on the energetic. Their holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing means each therapist is trained in energy healing techniques, allowing them to facilitate healing and relaxation on a physical and spiritual level. All beauty treatment products are made from pure, natural ingredients.
What to expect: From meditation and yoga classes, to courses in energetic healing and self-love, this is a wonderland for relaxation and self-growth. Choose from therapies such as chakra clearing, life mapping, crystal and past life therapies and more.
Retreat Treat: The De-stress Deluxe Body Package starts with an infrared sauna for deep cellular detoxification, followed by a chakra balancing massage, foot and hand treatment before slipping into a warm spa bath with fresh organic fruit juice.
NURTURED IN NATURE
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, QLD
www.gwinganna.com
Gwinganna is Australia’s only Eco Tourism certified health retreat, where staff teaches you how to better handle the stresses of modern living. Here, you can choose how much, or little, you’d like to do, from nature walks to luxurious spa indulgences. But regardless of schedule, the aim of this idyllic Queensland getaway is to nourish the body and nurture the spirit. From certified organic cuisine to upmarket accommodation, there’s many reasons why people return to what was recently named as The Best Health/Spa Resort 2013 in Australian Gourmet Traveller’s annual awards.
What to expect: Sitting high on a plateau overlooking 500 acres of Tallenbudgera Valley, Gwinganna is surrounded by ocean and valley views. Expect stillness and silence, with longer stays gently coaching you back to balance, infusing you with a sense of calm and wellbeing. Choose from activities such as tennis and hiking and yoga, yet there’s also dedicated areas for ultimate relaxation. The Spa Sanctuary is home to 33 treatment rooms that overlook an elevated outdoor deck. Let it all go in the Whisper Lounge, crystal seam room and outdoor rain shower.
Retreat Treat: Be introduced to the Gwinganna magic with their two night stay Wellness Weekend Package, which boasts organic spa treatments, movement classes and plenty of relaxation, as well as organic meals, all enjoyed in a low-tech environment.
The Natural Beauty Retreat, QLD
www.thenaturalbeautyretreat.com.au
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is home to this authentic retreat, founded by therapist Tina Rossiter, who uses her own range of natural and organic products, Ajala Natural Beauty, in all of her treatments. People come for tranquil, nature-filled surrounding, as well as the one-on-one attention that this retreat is renowned for. This is a place where one size fits all doesn’t apply, with spa pamper packages tailored to suit each client and their changing needs.
What to expect: Individual attention, handmade products infused with nature and loving intention. “We are on a very private 2.5 tropical acres where all you hear are the birds chirping merrily in the trees,” says Tina. Choose from massages, pedicures, facials, body treatments and more.
Retreat Treat: Start with a full body massage and 1.5 hour pick-me-up facial, including a deep cleanse, exfoliation, serum facial with décolletage, neck, face and head massage. Finish off with a facial sauna mask.
Retreat to Rest originally appeared in Australia’s leading health, wellness and lifestyle publication, WellBeing.