Exotic and Homegrown Spa Retreats

Exotic and Homegrown Spa Retreats

 

I recently read an article about Janine Hall, a New Zealander who decided in her mid 30s that there had to be more to life than a career that demanded a 24/7 commitment. Janine’s antidote to her mid-life crisis was to run off to Bali and set up a surfing and yoga retreat for women called Surf Haven Bali.
“I figured there had to be women like me who felt totally burnt out and wanted to just get away from everything and hang out with their friends” said Hall.

She had loved Bali since childhood visits, so it wasn’t difficult to choose a location. The yoga and surfing combination seemed a good fit with today’s women and with Bali. “Lots of women are really into yoga and I decided to add the surfing element because of where we are situated and also it’s a challenge that is totally refreshing” Hall said.

Man, could I relate to that! Raewyn and I spent a week in Queensland a few years ago at the Golden Door Health Retreat. We both loved it. I will never forget the fun we had, from the Mocktails the first night, the Tai Chi at 6.00a.m. on a crisp autumn morning, to collapsing into bed at 8.30p.m. after a full day of exercise and indulgence.

Our men picked us up on the last day as we were all going to spend a few days at Surfers Paradise. Having gone through the detox and eating healthy vegetarian for a week, our bodies were definitely our temples so imagine how horrified Rae and I were when the boys wanted to stop for lunch and ordered sausages, steak and chips! We were looking for health food shops so we could buy pumpkin seeds and LSA and all they wanted to do was clog their arteries with fat!

Here are some of our favourite retreats

The Golden Door Health Retreat, Queensland -
Located in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland, The Golden Door Health Retreat Queensland offers a complete program for a total health overhaul. Exercise, relaxation, wholesome cuisine and good health are combined in a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat Queensland –
My personal favourite. On the recommendation of a friend, I went to Gwinganna with my daughter when it first opened and it is a very special place.
It will soothe your soul and inspire you to live a healthier life. It boasts delicious certified organic cuisine, stylish accommodation and the unique Spa Sanctuary in a range of innovative programs from two to seven days. Gwinganna provides scenic views of the coast and surrounding valleys and a casual relaxed atmosphere .

Surf Haven Bali –
At Surf Haven Bali you don’t need to rough it to enjoy a surf holiday or yoga retreat.
This women's surf camp offers affordable luxury with boutique Bali accommodation complete with five star luxuries and service. The tailored surf, yoga and wellbeing program to allows you to get the most out of your surf holiday and leave feeling refreshed and renewed. The programme is all inclusive and not only covers activities such as daily surf and yoga, but spa treatments and delicious, healthy, fresh spa cuisine prepared by their resident chef.

The Lost Spring - Whitianga
The Lost Spring is a unique thermal hot water and spa experience located on our own Coromandel coast. With its sculpted pools, soothing waterfalls, and smoking volcano, the Lost Spring offers more than simply a swim in hot water. The smooth rocks, hidden gemstones, and dense foliage blend with the geothermal spring to tell a New Zealand story, the story of the birth of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Polynesian Day Spa – Rotorua
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading international day spa, providing a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. In a picturesque, tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua, visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot spring pool bathing, sumptuous spa and massage therapies and picturesque lake views.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
The Hanmer Springs Spa offers a world class spa experience for ultimate relaxation specialising in luxurious skin, body and massage therapies.

 

Coming up in Living and Going Places - Travel....

We have formed an association with the House of Travel in Parnell.  Margo has some very exciting competitions and treats in store for us which will be featured in an upcoming newsletter