Life changing 2023 wellness retreats in the Scenic Rim
The beginning of a new year brings with it new intentions, and an unsurprising focus on wellness. We want to forget the bad news stories and health scares, and counterbalance all those fruit mince pies.
The best way to shake off the heaviness of the past few years – thank you, Covid-19 – and set yourself up to thrive is to map out time to rest, relax and rejuvenate at a wellness retreat. You needn’t think you need oodles of time or that you have to miss out on gourmet fare, either.
Beechmont Estate in Queensland’s Scenic Rim is holding its inaugural wellness retreat in March 2023, with a second to follow in August 2023, specifically designed for foodies and nature lovers to nurture the body, mind and spirit.
At just 45 minutes drive from the Gold Coast or 90 minutes from Brisbane, this short 4-day wellness retreat led by Emily Spurling from Karma Being offers accessible relaxation with a luxurious twist.
Here’s what to expect:
DAY 1
Welcome to relaxation. After checking in at Beechmont Estate, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish – and that might just be a Time to Unwind Relaxation Massage in the spa.
This evening, a stirring Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony will allow you to cleanse bad spirits and invite wellbeing into your life. A Welcome Circle follows, where you will set inventions for the days and year ahead and move through restorative yoga and meditation.
There’s no ‘deprivation’ in this wellness retreat, so enjoy sunset drinks before a sumptuous three-course dinner at onsite hatted restaurant, The Paddock.
DAY 2
This morning, yoga, meditation and breathwork on the lawn set the tone for the day ahead and allow all the outside noise to drop away.
After a Farmer’s Grazing Platter breakfast, you’ll move to an equine therapy session with leading wellness advisor and former Gwinganna General Manager, Sharon Kolkka. Horses hold a mirror up to our inner thoughts and energy, and working in unison with them during this wellness retreat session is sure to stoke enlightenment.
Rest and reset (or sneak off to the spa) before lunch. You’ll then enjoy a Wellbeing Workshop, which incorporates a mindfulness walk around the estate. Take things at a leisurely pace this evening with a degustation dinner at The Paddock.
DAY 3
Kick-start the day and centre your body and mind with an outdoor yoga and breathwork session followed by a nourishing breakfast platter. Then it’s time to lace up your hiking boots.
Your destination is the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, where you’ll journey on foot through ancient Gondwana Rainforest and explore hidden gorges and mountain lookouts. A gourmet picnic hamper awaits.
This afternoon you may opt for a relaxing massage, time to yourself, or join an optional Mindful Art class. This therapeutic session will have you feeling fully present and in flow – mindfulness and art have both been scientifically proven to help overcome stress and anxiety.
After a Kitchen Garden Tour where you’ll learn more about the local and native produce that sings on your plate, there’s time for spa treatments or, you might prefer to shake things up, literally, with a cocktail masterclass before an Asado barbecue dinner.
Bring things back to equilibrium with a mindfulness session before bed.
DAY 4
After your morning yoga and breathwork session, time spent in meditation and a Closing Circle will allow you to reflect and feel equipped to carry your newfound energy home.
Enjoy a final breakfast before an optional post-wellness retreat massage.
Secure your place on one of these 2023 wellness retreats here.
