A journey in mindfulness
Asdawn rises, I join the file of people heading up Meditation Hill, ready for a gentle session of tai chi. Kangaroos – many with joeys tucked into their pouches – look on nonchalantly as another morning begins on what will be a transformative journey for body and soul. Welcome to Elysia Wellness Retreat, tucked away in the NSW Hunter Valley region.
I’d arrived feeling sluggish and burnt out. It’s my first visit here, but I quickly discover many of the guests have been coming for years – some several times in 2021 alone. And it doesn’t take long to see why. With a suite of newly built luxury villas, this acclaimed resort has an extensive list of activities on offer, varying from the physically gruelling to the emotionally transforming and mentally enlightening.
Deep water running, sound yoga, sleep seminars and Feldenkrais are just a few of the options on my all-inclusive itinerary. And that’s before you get to the extras – everything from private tennis lessons to facials and energy healing.
To aid your transformation, detox is the order of the day at Elysia. Mobiles are banned outside of your room, caffeine forbidden and sugar limited. But making up for that is the food. Far from the stingy portions of undressed vegetables I was expecting, the meals are bountiful and, most of all, delicious.
A healthy version of fish and chips has me practically licking the plate, while a Japanese curry is reminiscent of one I enjoyed abroad. As I depart from my three-day stay – half a kilo lighter and mentally refreshed – I grab a Buddha bowl that sustains me on the drive home.
Best of all? In the following weeks, the routines I formed at Elysia have seen me continue my health journey until, fingers crossed, I can return again.
Three-night, all-inclusive stays start from $1940 per person. Go to elysiaretreat.com.au