A FRESH TAKE ON WELLNESS AT GAIA

There’s a lot to love about Gaia Retreat & Spa, set amid tropical rainforest and emerald fields in the blissful Byron Bay hinterland. Idyllic setting aside, the wellness hub is home to a calming spa and design-driven accommodation, not in the least of which is the new two-bedroom Komala Luxe Villa. Featuring a fireplace, spacious deck area and heated pool overlooking organic gardens, the lodging is decorated with covetable homewares that are at once stylish and homey. Also freshly minted is the retreat’s Samadhi Yoga Studio, a space that seems to capture every ray of sunlight to help you glow while practising your morning salutations. It’s easy to see why Gaia took out the title of 2018 Hotel of the Year at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, becoming the first Australian hotel to receive this honour in the process.