Signature Luxury Travel & Style
MOTHER NATURE CELEBRATED
Australia’s nature-praising Gaia Retreat welcomes the start of its second decade in spectacular fashion.
This was an invitation not to be missed, quite literally come hell or high water. A gathering of glitterati rolled up to celebrate Gaia Retreat & Spa’s 10-year anniversary; unsurprising seeing as the award-winning retreat, nested in the mountains of the Bangalow hinterland near Byron Bay, is a staple on the annual calendar for many noted celebrities. The attendance of Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch (a key gatekeeper in luxury travel trends) proves this haven has support in high places, further shown by the presence of a handful of largeand small-screen personalities such as Venetta Fields, Kerrie Armstrong, Kaarin Fairfax and Kerry O’Brien.
Not only did they come to support the retreat, they came in support of their friends. This place was, after all, opened by long-time pals Olivia Newtown-John and Gregg Cave in collaboration with fellow directors Ruth Kalnin and Warwick Evans; names which pull a fair amount of weight on their own. Their desire was always to offer a boutique retreat in which one is nurtured to perfection, caring for the body and mind through the vigilance of healers and therapists... And if it is deemed fit for the stars, you can rest assured you are in for a treat here.
The storm-shrouded festivities on 21 February cut straight to the core of Gaia’s philosophy, calling for a oneminute period of meditation so that guests could reflect on the all-powerful presence of the elements as the cyclonic conditions of Cyclone Marcia raged on the horizon. Nothing could have been more fitting. This ethos is, after all, what the property’s faithful returnees adore. Olivia calls it “barefoot meets Armani”.
An affair to remember
During the meditation, as guests waited quietly, eyes closed, their ruminations were broken by the identifiable and ethereal tones of Newton-John, ‘Have you never been mellow’ the tune breaking the silence. The co-owner and spokeswoman for Gaia had flown in especially from the United States for the celebration, and the passion she has for this retreat lay rich in her singing as well as in her address to the crowd... And it was contagious.
She backed up the ballad with renditions of the Xanadu hit ‘Magic’ and ‘Grace and Gratitude’, and by the time the last note rung out, the party was well and truly in full swing. A smorgasbord of sumptuous fresh foods and colourful entertainment saw all appetites sated, hips swinging and conversation flowing. A wonderful opera performance by Vavachi Entertainment melded into an Aboriginal Corroboree
performed by the local Arakwal people, giving thanks to the land in a manner aligned with Gaia’s driving philosophy.
The night kept on giving; anecdotes from comedian Mandy Nolan caused the crowd to erupt with laughter, Venetta Fields’ rendition of ‘Chain Reaction’ crowned the evening with pulsating soul... and the night soon digressed into an all-out dance off, induced by the thrumming drum beats of the Samba Blisstas.
Really, in hindsight, it seems only fitting that the heavens opened up, displaying Mother Nature in full force that night. This retreat is one that has proudly stood in harmony with nature for the past 10 years, a truth only reinforced by its ability for unbridled merriment in any weather.
What was meant to be an outdoor extravaganza was seamlessly relocated into the resort’s Kukura House; the magical wonderland waiting inside meant guests were ushered in from the rain and immediately made divinely comfortable.
In fact, amid the chaos of airport delays and power outages left in the wake of the cyclone, Gaia looked more Eden-esque than ever. A string quartet humming in the background as guests arrived, the emerald landscape amplified by the mist of the rain, and the warm lights and hum of people’s gaiety within Kukura causing everything to look all the more enticing.
In with the new
A new decade should always dawn in partnership with some fresh beginnings. An undeniable reason that Gaia has developed such a prestigious name for itself, and such a loyal base of enthusiasts, is that upgrades and enhancements are perennially (and largely invisibly) in the works.
There’s no such thing as a less-than extraordinary villa here; in each you find unsurpassed vistas of rolling hillside and understated elegance. However, of its four tiers of accommodation, the new Komala Villas are now the crowning jewels. These one-bedroom villas enjoy a spacious split-level design, flooded with natural light, an infinity plunge pool and large private deck area complete with an inviting daybed cabana. You are truly able to make it your nest of indulgence, with no need to leave for spa sessions – the therapists come directly to your own private treatment area.
The Gaia Day Spa is worth untangling oneself for, though. It has grown from five rooms to 13, is home to some of the best therapists and healers in the business, and features specialised treatments and programmes to suit all body types, genders, minds and ailments. Everything comes down to the idea that Mother Nature knows best – so restore your limbs and mind with yoga; have your body cocooned in a masque, polished and scrubbed, massaged by expert hands and nourished by organic vegetarian meals; or treat the soul to some meditation, or perhaps even an art class for the creative. Offerings continue to grow even more sumptuous as Gaia enters this new era, with the introduction of an all-new skincare range Retreatment – certified organic and created with love by Olivia, Gregg, Ruth and Warwick themselves.
No matter the occasion, a stay at Gaia is all about coming, experiencing and leaving with a feeling of utter and complete nourishment. A feeling only set to grow as Gaia embarks on the decade to come.