Practise yoga on the shores of a sunny beach or experience bliss in the heart of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Australia offers the perfect natural backdrop for you to invest in health and wellness. Here’s a look at some of the best destinations.
Health and wellness, Australian style.
Daylesford, Victoria
Daylesford has long been known as a destination for healing and health, because of the region’s natural mineral springs. Victoria’s spa centre also offers native wildlife, fun hikes, kayaking and fine-dining with fresh, seasonal produce to kick-start a healthy holiday.
The Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel was originally built in 1935 and here you can ‘take the waters’ in the midst of landscaped gardens. The award-winning Samadhi Health and Wellness Retreat and Spa offers Professional Burnt Out, Detox and Bounce Back Retreats, with deep tissue therapies, bush walks, yoga, balanced lifestyle sessions and healthy meals.
With a sophisticated vibe, the Great Barrier Reef offshore and the Daintree Rainforest next door, investing time in health and fitness is practically a given.
Port Douglas, Queensland
A former fishing village, Port Douglas now reigns as North Queensland’s spa resort hot spot. With a sophisticated vibe, the Great Barrier Reef offshore and the Daintree Rainforest next door, investing time in health and fitness is practically a given – though you won’t have to give up your poolside cocktail, if you don’t want to.
The Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa plants a tree for every guest that stays, so your wellness pampering comes with an environmental conscious. Plus, all products on the day spa menu are made from native Australian flora, earth and minerals. If you’re travelling for business, the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa offers conference facilities, along with a luxurious spa and fitness equipment.
Try Tibetan singing bowl therapy, in Byron Bay
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Around every corner of Byron Bay, you’ll stumble into a new healing therapy, a yoga class or a retreat designed for detoxing and rejuvenating. This is the place to try sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls, hypnotherapy or even fire-twirling if the urge takes you.
In terms of fitness, surfing, kayaking, hiking, swimming and jogging along the famous beach means you’ll blend into the local lifestyle. For utter rejuvenation, try a package at Gaia Retreat and Spa, with gourmet meals, yoga, massage and wellness consultations. Mullum Sari Health Retreat and Medi-Spa follows the principles of Doctor Norman Walker for healing, with living foods and juices, colonics and skin brushing.
Once you’ve invested in health and wellness, you’ll be relaxed, revived and ready to take on your next life goal.
The Author
Nicole Leigh West
Nicole Leigh West is the author of fiction novel, 'The Gypsy Trail' and an internationally recognised travel and lifestyle writer.