BYRON BLISS
GAIA RETREAT & SPA
Byron Bay’s beautiful beaches may draw tourists from all over the world, but this lifestyle retreat is a very good reason to bypass the beach and head to the lush hinterland for some self-love.
Located in Byron’s Bundjalung Country hinterland, Gaia, founded in 2005 by Olivia Newton-John and three friends, draws on the healing energy of the sacred land – once a birthing site for Aboriginal women – to offer personalised retreat packages.
Gaia guests can check in any day and select a retreat package that suits – from two to seven nights – choosing from an array of holistic specialised day spa treatments and healing therapies, including the four-and-a-half-hour Gaia Goddess signature spa package.
There’s daily morning yoga in the Samadhi yoga room overlooking the verdant rainforest, as well as meditation, sound healing, fitness workouts, boxing, Pilates and Qi Gong – plus the opportunity to relax by the pool and soak up the magic of the scenic location. gaiaretreat.com.au