Top 5 Health and Yoga Retreats on the NSW North Coast
Coffs Harbour
As wellness becomes a high priority for many, a host of interesting yoga and health retreats are popping up on the north coast. Here are just a few…
1. For recovery + healing….
Misty Mountain Health Retreat, Bellbrook
Listed as one of the top health retreats in NSW, Misty Mountain lies near the childhood home of Slim Dusty in the Macleay Valley hinterland. With a focus on recovery, Misty Mountain is a high-end retreat that offers daily health education classes, a steam sauna, natural rock pools, massage, walking trails, and a tennis court. It’s also known for serving up amazing vegetarian food (using produce from the retreat’s organic garden). Sounds good to us!
2. For variety and indulgence….
Most people have heard of Gaia Retreat and Spa, thanks to the high profile of co-owner Olivia Newton-John. With tailored packages, daily yoga classes, and unique day spa treatments, this place is what dreams are made of – in its own words, ‘a place to refocus, rebalance and recharge in a luxuriously beautiful environment’.
Room with a view at Byron Bay’s luxurious Gaia Spa and Retreat. Photo courtesy of Gaia Retreat and Spa
3. For luxury…
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Lord Howe Island and have some cash up your sleeve, make a beeline for Arajilla Retreat. This family-owned retreat features twelve luxury suites, an award-winning restaurant, a day spa, and specialist yoga classes. The rest of your time could be filled with walking deserted beaches, diving, fishing and simply reveling in the beauty of Lord Howe Island. Put this one on your bucket list!
Forest bathing at Lord Howe Island’s Arajilla Retreat. Photo courtesy of Arajilla Retreat
4. To get back to nature…
Higher Ground Permaculture Eco Resort, Tyndale
If you consider getting dirt under your fingernails and harvesting organic produce a form of healing than this is the retreat for you. Higher Ground Permaculture Eco Retreat is a working Biodynamic Permaculture Farm set on 146 acres of protected bushland in Tyndale, about 30 minutes from Yamba. Offering six twin-share Belle tents and a ‘majestic’ Tipi, hot showers and a camp kitchen, this is glamping at its best.
Higher Ground Permaculture Eco Resort is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Photo courtesy of Higher Ground
5. If you’re on a budget…
UOCA Yoga Health Retreat, Nymboida
It may be Australia’s lowest priced yoga retreat, owing to UOCA’s non-profit status, but this retreat still offers beautiful vegan meals, private yoga tuition and meditation classes all served up in the sub-tropical rainforest of the Clarence Valley hinterland. A great place to truly escape the rat race and enjoy some solo contemplation.
Yoga and Health Practitioners
A number of local yoga teachers and health practitioners also host seasonal retreats and festivals across the north coast. We recommend checking out:
Yoga teachers and naturopaths have joined forces to offer seasonal health and women’s retreats in Stroud, Pacific Palms and Sea Eagle Point in the Great Lakes region.
Ekam Yoga Festival, Bonny Hills
This annual two-day yoga festival has it all: a great community spirit, a fantastic range of yoga classes, music events, health education, community activities and a Natural Health & Living Expo. Ekam Yoga Festival is held annually at Francis Retreat in Bonny Hills, near Port Macquarie. It’s on again in September 2020.
Mojosurf offers surf and yoga retreats, including yoga teacher training, in beautiful places on the Coffs Coast and in Bali and beyond too.
Yoga and surfing are rolled into one at Mojo retreats. Photo courtesy of Mojosurf