Retreat to Health
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Veronica Matheson takes a closer look at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
We’ve found the right rhythm. We’re flicking hips and rolling torsos as we strut across the floor to a Middle Eastern beat. We’re learning belly dancing, and later we’ll try tribal dancing, drumming, and enticing Bollywood moves.
Such frenetic activity is all part of the surprise package at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, hidden high on a plateau in the Tallebudgera Valley of the Gold Coast hinterland.
Here a healthy balance of mind and body mixes effortless with fitness and fun.
It is a formula that won over Aussie superstar Hugh Jackman, who checked into the retreat for a few days, and returned as one of its part owners.
Since then Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Naomi Watts, Jack Thompson and Kate Ceberano have all checked in for R&R.
Yet Gwinganna _ the name means “lookout” in the local Aboriginal language _ does not chase celebrity guests. The retreat’s aim is to help everyone come to terms with busy, often stressful lives, and stay healthy and happy. Treatments in the retreat’s state of the art spa, rated Number One in Australia by Spa Finder magazine, are a blissful bonus.
In the wake of fabulous Hugh, (OK I’m just another fan), I book in for a 7-day detox and find myself bowled over by the results.
As a woman of a certain age I return home relaxed and glowing, and the questions start flowing.
“Er... have you had Botox, a little nip and tuck, or is there a new man in your life?
“Do tell. I’m your friend. You know I can keep a secret”.
But there is no big secret. I settled on detox rather than Botox or a surgical procedure.
The setting: A large patch of natural bushland and rainforest, Gwinganna has views across the valley to Surfers Paradise and other coastal resorts. The drive into the retreat is steep and some guests instantly set their fitness goal as a run up and down this entry track. For some it is achievable by the end of a week’s stay for they hike the challenging Caroda Trail that takes in the entrance track. Those who complete the course earn an “I hiked the Caroda Trail” T-shirt which at a quick glance can be mistaken for Kokoda trail. But Gwinganna, now in its third year, is no boot camp and guests can spend all day relaxing if that is their want.
The rules: Caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes are banned at Gwinganna, laptops and mobile phones frowned upon, and there is no TV or newspapers and magazines on site. Surprisingly, after a few days communication tools are easily forgotten.
The vibe: The energy is palpable, and the staff all glow with health. They have impressive wellness credentials from a medical doctor with a strong interest in natural medicine, to a Chinese medicine practitioner, nutrition expert, herbalist and more.
Why am I here: To discover a healthy lifestyle, based on good, regular eating and sensible drinking habits. It is no surprise to discover all are intricately linked.
The food: Organic all the way, with fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs grown in Gwinganna’s on-site garden. Fish, chicken and red meat are also on the menu, though red meat is not available during detox programmes.
Wake up call: OK, it is a shock to the system to be called at 5.30am for 30 minutes on top of a hill as the sun rises practicing Qi Gong (fairly similar to Tai Chi). But Gwinganna is no boot camp so guests are free to turn over and sleep in.
The early rise does the trick for most of us are ready for a bush walk before an 8am breakfast. At the start of the week guests often complain that they barely slept a wink as the frogs are so noisy and the kookaburras sing so loudly before dawn.
By the end of the week, those same people are in raptures about the sounds of nature. They don’t even mind stepping on the droppings of red-backed wallabies as they peer up a towering eucalypt where a koala lazily chews gum leaves. Most guests are happy to be in bed by 9pm, even guests who have spent all day relaxing.
Activities: Varied yin and yang based exercise fill the mornings when guests make choices depending on how they feel. It might be a fun exercise in the pool or stretching in the pavilion, followed by Thai boxing, yoga or a Pilates class. That is before belly dancing and drumming with energetic Jo whose laughter should be bottled to take home. Bushwalkers also take to tracks around the hilly property for exercise rated from easy grade to steep and into the adventure category. Herbal tea and a small taste treat mid morning is followed by a wellness lecture with all manner of tips to take home.
Dreamtime: Following Europe’s example, where siesta time is a given every afternoon, Gwinganna calls its time out “dreamtime”. Guests can do just that, but most book appointments in the spacious spa for all manner of treatments. Some have soul enriching over-tones, others are nothing short of serious pampering. There is also an opportunity to see health care professionals who use blood analysis and other diagnostic tools.
Home time: After a rewarding, informative break, I am impatient to be home with my unmistakable Gwinganna glow.
Spa Files
Go: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is about 30 minutes drive inland from the Gold Coast in the Tallebudgera Valley.
Stay: The retreat caters for up to 65 guests at one time. Some suites are in heritage homes moved from elsewhere in the state, others are in modern recycled timber units with two bedrooms, or studio apartments. A few luxury villas with private plunge pools have stunning views of the hinterland.
Facilities: Two outdoor swimming pools, an open sided pavilion for exercise classes, a clubhouse for health seminars, well-stocked shop, stand alone dining room and lounge area. The spa has state of the art treatment rooms, and a steam room. An historic church from Tweed Heads has been moved to Gwinganna and used for meditation classes and music performances, and a relocated cricket stand is another quiet place. It is also the best spot on the property for good reception on those frowned upon mobile phones.
More: Tel 07 5589 5000, www.gwinganna.com.au