5 reasons to love an AUSSIE DETOX
In need of an idyllic spot to revitalise body and soul? Look no further
Agood dash of detox is always in order, right? If you don’t have the strength to do it yourself, I wholeheartedly (and bodily) recommend Gwinganna Health Retreat in Queensland.
1 The quick trip
Grab a cheap flight to Coolangatta, jump in the free transfer and be transported to the magnificent setting of the Tallebudgera Valley. There are two, three, five and seven-day programmes, all with varying degrees of detoxification. For my first visit a few years ago, I did the seven-day hardcore version, which I loved. Take the decision-making out of the process, people! Let the experts in this haven of good health do the work for you. This time, I went for the five-day Optimum Wellbeing programme, tacking on the more relaxed Wellness Weekend at the end.
2 The early start
Each day starts with qigong on the lawn. The 5.30am call time is a breeze for Kiwis (7.30am at home, ha ha) and this gentle tai chi-style exercise is a wonderful way to wake up the body. Next, choose between a challenging walk or a leisurely stroll – let your body tell you what it feels like. Then it’s breakfast, followed by a stretch class and your choice of activities. If you’re feeling low-key, maybe yoga or Pilates. If you’re feeling hot, try aqua aerobics or deep-water running in one of the two gorgeous pools. And the Gwinganna specialties of tribal dancing or drums on fire are also not to be missed. Do everything! And don’t skip the wellness seminars either.
3 The (OMG) spa
Lunch is followed by Dreamtime, an afternoon of leisure, where you can relax in your room (there’s a host of different accommodation options), lie by the pool or hit Gwinganna’s amazing spa. There’s a treatment here for whatever ails you. My sore hip benefited enormously from two Zero Balancing sessions and my problematic shoulder loved “rockupuncture”, traditional Chinese needling followed by a hot stone massage. Kind of miraculous, actually. If you need emotional de-stressing or support, your soul can get just as many treatments as your body. Find your bliss, inner and outer. The afternoons at Gwinganna are often where the magic happens.
4 The food
Dinner is served at seven and then it’s off to the land of nod. My take-home message this time round? Get eight hours’ sleep and any battles you’re fighting will be that much easier. But don’t let me skip over the food because that is another jewel in Gwinganna’s crown. Organic vegetables rule, but there’s meat, chicken and fish as well – and don’t get me started on the tahini balls for afternoon tea. Seriously, don’t. You can taste the love, I’m not kidding you. And if, like me, you have dietary issues, each meal is delivered in your gorgeous restaurant-style surrounding just the way you need it.
5 The joy
If I sound like I’ve joined a cult, I kind of have. Gwinganna is simply the nicest thing a person can do for themselves. If you’re over-worked, overtired, over everything or wanting to give up fags, booze, a bad relationship, a broken body part ... you’ll never be looked after better. The lessons you learn will make life outside the bubble that much healthier and happier. But if you can’t afford the cost or the time, you can also subscribe to Gwinganna’s Wellness at Home online, which gives you access to a lot of what you learn in Queensland, but without the journey or the time shift. Here’s to a new you!