If your desire is to switch off and recharge in a beautiful place, then a New South Wales yoga holiday might be just what you’re looking for. These unbelievable resorts offer the perfect serene getaway for yoga, meditation, and relaxation and will deliver wellness benefits that linger long after check-out.
A 25 minute drive inland from Byron Bay town centre, is a place to refocus, rebalance and restore your mind and body. Sheltered on a subtropical property in the Byron Bay hinterland and founded in 2005 by Olivia Newton-John, Gaia immerses guests with on-trend treatments and inventive plant-to-plate food. Be sure to visit the spectacular Samira Yoga Lookout – the highest point in the Ballina Shire – offering breathtaking views from the Pacific Ocean to the Nightcap Ranges.
Nestled into the hills bordering the Royal National Park just south of Sydney, Heart and Soul Retreats is perfectly located for those wishing to take a step back from their busy lives and reconnect with themselves. Explore the surrounding pristine forests, hike across the steep sea cliffs and swim at local beaches. As a long-established yoga retreat centre, Heart and Soul operates on the practice of yoga-seva – or voluntary service – to create a nurturing yogic community. Each retreat includes three yoga classes per day, as well as daily meditation, and health workshops – all of which are optional.
Situated on 60 acres of bushland and only an hour drive from the centre of Sydney, Swami’s Yoga Retreat in Kenthurst offers yoga, Qi Gong and meditation classes, inspired by yoga expert Swami Sarasvati. The yoga classes are suited for all levels and guests can set their own pace with plenty of time to enjoy the retreat’s facilities, including tennis court and pool. Homemade vegetarian meals and herbal tea are provided throughout the day and the retreat is happy to provide recipes for dishes so that guests can continue their wellness journey at home.
Happy Buddha Retreats in the Blue Mountains is a yoga and mindfulness experience located in beautiful Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney. Enjoy the fresh air, reconnect with nature and join like-minded people on a wellness journey. Each week, there are three retreat experiences that run for two nights. The core retreat program, named ‘Inner Joy’, features yoga and inspiring workshops, designed to nourish the mind and body, and ignite the spirit. The all-inclusive retreat, which serves delicious vegetarian meals, encourages guests to take time out and find their inner joy.
Soul Surfing in Port Macquarie runs a range of weekend retreats for health, healing and empowerment. In collaboration with Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges, Soul Surfing is offering weekend wellness retreats with yoga, meditation and surfing. Guests can catch waves at the best surfing spots in the region and learn how to incorporate yoga into their daily routine. The retreat includes nourishing meals, equipment, transport around Port Macquarie and accommodation at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges.
Discover inner wellness, increase your energy levels and improve your body’s balance with a stay at Billabong Retreat in the Hawkesbury. This popular eco retreat – just 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD – will help you find peace of mind and relax. Billabong Retreat run a variety of programs, including the Yoga Essentials Retreat, featuring workshops that explore how yoga practices and philosophy offer a path to freedom, plus twice daily yoga classes and meditation. With a range of treehouses and deluxe cabins overlooking the beautiful billabong, it’s easy for guests to unwind.
For more information and travel ideas, go to www.visitnsw.com.
