Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland, Australia

If you are in need of a retreat from the day-to-day grind of your life then Gwinganna is the answer. Located in the hinterland of the Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast, and set over 200 hectares, the retreat offers full spa treatments in the Spa Sanctuary, wellness classes, sauna, pool, gym, cycling studio, bushwalks, seminars and more. There’s accommodation onsite and their organic food is both delicious and ridiculously healthy (gluten free and dairy free). What’s great about Gwinganna is it’s not a day spa, you book in for a scheduled stay; anything from a two-night wellness weekend to a seven-night detox program. Their packages are fully inclusive and it means that you really get that much-needed time out to relax and recuperate.

I’m dipping my foot in the relaxation pool, so to speak, with a

‘spirit of sound’ massage. As I lay on the massage table the almost tribal music begins and soon fills the room with its intensity. The rhythmic massage is choreographed to the music, and soon my masseuse joins in with live percussion, alternating between drumming and shaking rain sticks. I can feel the vibrations of the drum through my body and am mentally relaxed, even in this loud environment. Hot stones are used to soothe and calm, while the music uplifts me. It’s over all too soon, and I have to say it’s the most musical massage I’ve ever had … like a mini-concert for my soul. gwinganna.com