Gwinganna Retreat & Spa

When the Middle East conflict put a stop to a European holiday via Qatar, I decided to keep the leave I’d booked and treat myself to a healthy break from my demanding job. And, given south-east Queensland is a smorgasbord of health retreats, I also decided there was no reason to try just one. I booked into two retreats – around one week stay at each; one on the Gold Coast (Gwinganna) and another on the Sunshine Coast (see separate review). I was excited to stay at Gwinganna – I had seen many articles about it over the years with hints about the celebrities who had gone before me. I booked in for the 5 day Optimum Wellbeing program and extended with a Wellness Weekend to make up a 7 day stay. Well, I’m sad to say I learned that the power of marketing is alive and well, and what glitters on the internet is not always gold. The first hint that my blissful retreat had gone awry was the driveway. I already knew that undercover parking on site was limited, so I had left my car at home and hired a rental for the trip; my SUV has a bull in the logo, but it’s not suited to the open paddock. Given the driveway was, at times, impassable for two vehicles abreast, I was suddenly extra grateful for my little rental. When I reached reception, I found a retreat that looked a bit dishevelled - not in a genteel way - with a string of high-voltage powerlines running through its midst. That was my second indication that all was not as I’d expected. (Now I know everyone has an opinion about HV powerlines. For my part, I like to err on the side of staying well away. I told myself it was only 7 days. Nothing to see here.) What followed, however, didn’t improve. It turned out I was on the Carnival Cruise ship of health retreats, daily upselling of additional treatments included. There were some 60+ people (strangely, predominantly from Victoria and New Zealand) all doing the same program, being marshalled around like it was a school camp. No mobile phones outside your room, no leaving site without notice (someone suggested you had to ask permission, but I think that was hyperbole due to the secured gate that required staff assistance for exit/entry) and no planning your days – you were given your schedule the night before. Apparently, it was all about reducing stress. Frankly, it felt like adulting and self-control got left at the reception desk. The food swung from bland (no self-seasoning, of course) to occasional flashes of sublime. Sadly, too much of the former, not enough of the latter. My Orchard Deluxe room that I had chosen for the private deck and outdoor spa bath was far from clean. In fact, the mould in my travertine bathroom was so bad I couldn’t bring myself to shower the first night and I was up at reception as soon as it opened like the proverbial Karen to request it be deep cleaned. I know travertine is a difficult stone – I’ve lived with it and it requires careful maintenance. This bathroom had not seen such care in a looong time. I lost faith in using facilities like the dark-tiled steam room – I couldn’t tell how clean it was. And having colonics here? No, thanks. Frankly, the whole retreat felt tired and looked scruffy. There was mud, leeches, and the feeling that I really wasn't getting value for money. I was very much a number, not an individual guest. I will say many of the staff were professional and came across as well-educated in their fields. Hats off to the ever-cheerful Lucy, who had the role of camp counsellor. She bravely soldiered on every day in a very unenviable role. Fiona, the excellent pilates instructor, and the lady who took the Latin dancing were fantastic. Some of the spa staff were also particularly skilled. And the educational talks were informative, even if you knew much of what was said, there were little kernels of additional knowledge to be gained. But that was the best I could say about it. In fact, when my husband told me he was going to Melbourne for the weekend on business, I cut short my stay, happily burnt some $1,500 and got the heck out of there to join him. Enough said.

I spent five life-changing nights at Gwinganna recently at an 'Optimum Wellness' Retreat. The entire experience was incredible and I highly recommend you booking a retreat if you need a re-set, both physically and emotionally. The organic food was delicious and offered so much variety - I looked forward to every meal and every course was presented like a 5* restaurant with lovely edible garnishes. I thought that going without sugar, caffeine, alcohol and 'junk food' would be hard, but it was easier than I thought and I didn't want it to end. I've never felt healthier or more alive! The program offered a beautiful balance between activity and rest. The educational talks were fantastic, encouraging me to take a hard look at my lifestyle and habits and even a month after coming home, I'm still making healthy daily choices. My favourite exercise classes were three different dance classes which I absolutely loved and inspired to take up dancing when I got home. The yoga, meditation, sound healing and pilates were also fantastic. The setting is picture perfect with wallabies hopping around and stunning natural vistas where ever you look. The daily bush walks catered for every fitness level and took us through beautiful Aussie bushland - the 1,000 year old fig tree was particularly amazing. I also loved the 'bee hut' - lying in the little hut listening to the bees was so calming. I could actually write a book about my experience - too many highlights to list here and I don't want to spoil it for you - lots of surprises that made it even more magical! I think the fact that nearly everyone I met there had been multiple times (some 20 times!) speaks for itself. It's not cheap, but once I was there I could see the value (an investment in me!) and will definitely be going back - soon I hope! Thanks Gwinganna and everyone who works there, for the magical time. It was one of the best weeks of my life! (P.S. I don't have a lot of photos as you go 'technology free' while you're there. I just took a couple of photos on the last day when 'phones are allowed'. Even this is a brilliant way of being actually present and taking in the memories in your mind, not constantly reaching for your phone!)

I am just back from a 7 days detox retreat. It's my second ! A real reset... I feel so much more energized physically and mentally. The staff and the atmosphere is just amazing. Without talking about the amazing organic food from top chefs. They have so many diversified activities and treatments on offer, too many to say. And most important... I came back with tools to help myself. Thank you Gwinganna...

This is what hell looks like! Do yourself a favour and buy the man shake and go for a massage at your local Thai massage shop and save a shed load of money and keep your sanity intact. This place is old, tired and desperately in need of a massive overhaul. It’s buildings and philosophy are all way out of date. Don’t believe the hype!