5 Of The Best Wellness Weekends Away

It’s that time of year again, when sniffles, stress and a general slump in mood can get the best of even the most committed optimist. So, we’ve rounded up the best wellness mini breaks to boost your mood and your desire for hour-long massages.

The Urban Oasis: Capella Sydney

Taking luxe to a new level, the new kid on the high-end hospitality block – Capella Sydney – offers understated elegance from the moment you walk through its sandstone arches to the minute your head hits the pillow (the plushest ever).

A soothing sanctuary in Sydney’s CBD, the attention to detail is next level. So it’s little surprise that the hotel’s Auriga Spa (available to guestss and non-guests) displays the same Midas touch. With a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, vitality pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga zone, there’s plenty to get your body moving.

Treatments in the spa range from mineral mud body wraps, chakra aligning massages and rebalancing facials. They’re inspired by celestial lunar phases with a strong cultural connection to country through the use of Australian botanicals. For the burnt-out traveller, Capella’s luxury might just be the selfcare cocoon you need to shake the winter blues.

COST: From $750 per night, or non-staying guests can use the Auriga wellness facilities Mon-Fri by appointment only.

Wilderness Escape: Bruny Wild Wellness Retreat

Based on three main wellness pillars – connection, care and commitment – Wild Wellness Retreat is an Australian-first that calls upon wellness professionals (such as a psychologist, mindset coach, journaling expert, doctor, breathwork master and chef) and experienced global thought leaders to provide a holistic wind-down on the beautiful northwest coast of Tasmania.

“Wild Wellness is a script to wholesome living and long-lasting life recalibration,” explains founder Alice Hansen, somewhat enigmatically. You can expect camping (aka glamping) under the stars, walking the majestic coastal terrain of southern Bruny (where the next stop is Antarctica), chilly ocean dips (the Wim Hoff method is a central component of the stay), cosy campfire journaling, all while enjoying freshly prepared, nourishing Tasmanian cuisine. The ultimate life pause and wellness reboot.

COST: From $1395 all inclusive (ex-travel) from Friday 2pm-Sunday midday. Next retreat 30 Aug-1Sept 2024.

Girl Time: Women Soulful Surf

Bring your best mate or make some more on this women-only, surf-focused health kick. Never surfed? Not a problem – the retreat is designed for women of all ages and skills (beginner to pro) to discover the joy of surfing, the healing powers of the ocean and embark on an adventure together.

Located in Cresent Head, NSW, home to an iconic right-hand surf break, you can expect daily surfs, lessons and ocean therapy, yoga and relaxation, and plenty of time to chill and connect in between.

Accommodation is bungalow-style, located in a lush rainforest between the beach and the bush. This one is about getting out of your comfort zone, trying something new, picking up an old pastime, having fun in nature and the sisterhood.

COST: 4-day Salty Bliss Retreat, Crescent Head, NSW (next retreat 22-25 Nov 24) from $2090

Calm Crusaders: Gwinganna Retreat

Burn-out, adrenal fatigue, sickness, haywire hormones, break outs and hair loss – these are just some of the nasty side effects that go hand in hand with stress. ‘Condition your Calm’ is designed with these in mind to help you navigate stress and build emotional resilience.

You’ll fing Gwinganna nestled high up on a sprawling plateau spanning 500 acres in the Tallebudgera Valley. This exclusive retreat (which has been running for 18 years) is renowned for its life-changing impact on guests’ daily routines. It offers seminars led by Dr. Libby (PhD), who brings a wealth of expertise and scientific insights to the table, equipping guests with the knowledge to proactively manage their wellbeing and cultivate lasting happiness.

COST: from $1985

Master mediation: Soma Byron

You’re not wrong if you feel like you’ve seen this place before; this sublime Byron Bay retreat was the settling for Nine Perfect Strangers. Over a long weekend (Friday-Sunday) you’ll be immersed in Vedic Meditation, led by wellness guru and co-founder Gary Gorrow.

The retreat offers more than just reducing stress and finding contentment by giving you a ‘tool kit’ for modern life, and all its twists and turns. With expert guidance, group support and nourishing meals nestled among Soma’s private sanctuary, you’re sure to leave enlightened and much more chill.

And at your place…

If time/family/lack-of-cash commitments mean you can’t get out of town, these products will help you create a zen state at home. These are products I’ve tried recently and love.