Inside the Gold Coast’s luxurious lifestyle getaway, Gwinganna Retreat

Set high on 500 acres of lush hinterland and rainforest in the Tallebudgera Valley, it’s impossible to not feel immediately at peace once you arrive at Gwinganna. One peek at the view and you'll understand the name behind Gwinganna, which means 'lookout' to the local Indigenous custodians of this land.  

The ocean and valley views from Moreton Bay to Coolangatta provide more than just picture-perfect vistas from sunrise to sunset; Gwinganna takes full advantage of its natural setting with its schedule of wellness activities.

Mornings start bright and early watching the sun rise out of the ocean whilst practicing the ancient art of Qi Gong. The 200 hectares of property are yours to explore, with 16 different walking trails, a labyrinth to inspire a journey to a newly energised body and reawakened spirit, and horses you can meet which are used for equine learning (working with horses can help uncover behaviours suppressing your full potential).

While you may feel blissfully isolated at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, it won’t take you hours to get here. It’s a short 30-minute drive from the Gold Coast airport and only 15 minutes from Burleigh Heads.

2. You're encouraged to really switch off

Leave the tech behind and surrender to Gwinganna’s switched off mantra - it will do you a world of good. It’s about more than ditching the distractions of the internet, TV and smart devices; stepping away from everyday mod cons will help you evaluate your lifestyle habits and learn to part with those that don’t foster wellness, energy or calmness.

Technology isn’t the only thing you should leave at home. While you can choose your own wellness adventure at Gwinganna, there are a few rules in place to help you get the most out of your stay. This includes a restriction on cigarettes, drugs, food (everything you need to nourish your body is provided and prepared by Gwinganna’s chef), caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

In place of all these unnecessary disturbances, Gwinganna will fill your days with early-morning hikes, gentle yoga, good nosh and above all, the richness of life without the digital interruptions.

3. You can customise your stay to meet your needs

What you get out of your time at Gwinganna is completely up to you. If your top priority is a little R&R, then spend your days by the pool or in the spa guilt-free. If you came to conquer a fear or overcome a bad habit, the team can create a schedule of wellness workshops and treatments to help you reach your goal. From two-day weekend stays to a full seven-day detox program, your time at Gwinganna is what you make of it. There is also a wide range of tailored wellness programs you can sign up for, like ‘Triple S - Sleep, Sugar, Stress’, ‘Organic Living’, ‘The Yoga Retreat’, 'Women's Discovery' and 7-day detoxes.

If you're a person who relaxes by keeping busy, you can find a calendar full of things to do to fill your day. The selection of activities, tips and wellness seminars are centred around teaching you how to live a healthier life, reduce stress and enhance healthier ageing.

Balance your time between ‘yin’ activities like yoga, Pilates, stretching and creative dance, and more energising ‘yang’ sessions like hiking and scenic walks, bosu and fitball classes, boxing circuits, and indoor cycling. Learn from highly qualified, skilled speakers during a range of seminars and workshops in the Wellness Education Complex. And don’t forget to carve out some downtime, be it in a quiet place on the grounds, by the pool or inside your private accommodation. The retreat’s sauna, relaxation areas and lounges, luxurious Spa Sanctuary, amphitheatre and boutique store all provide great places to unwind.

4. You’ll learn everything you need for a healthier life

Leave Gwinganna feeling inspired to take your learnings about living a healthier life (and all the benefits that come with it) and put them into practice in the real world. Gwinganna works with one of the most experienced wellness teams in Australia who are experts in a variety of fields.

Practising how to manage our nervous system can improve all health and wellness outcomes. Gwinganna believes that four major components (in equal measures) contribute to optimal wellbeing: nourishment, functional movement, emotional wellbeing and effective management of lifestyle stress. The retreat’s daily rituals and schedule are designed to help you develop resilience, enhance your health and wellbeing, and nurture the body, mind and spirit. 

 5. The food is amazing, and good for you

Gwinganna knows the power of nourishing your body with the right foods. Its food philosophy centres around seasonal, local, organic wholefoods and a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. Beyond eating healthy, Gwinganna focuses on feeding your body foods that help support and improve digestion and liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, improve gut bacteria and balance blood sugar levels.

The all-inclusive meals are designed in conjunction with a nutritionist and taste so great you'd never realise just how healthy they are. Most of the produce you’ll eat during your stay is harvested daily from the on-site gardens. The food undergoes minimal human intervention or zero changes from its place in nature to avoid compromising its nutritional value for your body. You’re sure to leave feeling lighter, both physically and mentally.

For more wellness retreats on the Gold Coast, check out this guide. If you only have time for a day spa getaway, head to these top Queensland day spas.

After your Gwinganna wellness retreat, explore the rest of the Gold Coast Hinterland.