Nestled amid lush green valleys and undulating hills in the fertile hinterland of northern New South Wales, Gaia Retreat and Spa is perched majestically above stunning subtropical countryside, proudly able to boast magnificent 360-degree views of the land below. Located only 20 minutes drive from Ballina airport in NSW, and an hour from Gold Coast airport in Queensland, the windy climb up to the property feels like you’re on a journey towards a magical castle. Desperately in need of a decent break, I discovered that almost the minute the retreat became visible I seemed to relax; taking deep breaths and leaving the problems of the city to melt away far behind me. Gaia’s nurturing energy feels very strong. Once through the gates I was greeted with warm smiles and a cup of herbal tea; offered a seat at either the share table for lunch, where lively conversation was already in full swing, or the option of a table on the terrace overlooking the treetops of the magnificent rainforest below. I chose the share table and was immediately welcomed by several guests, most of whom were women travelling alone and obviously really enjoying their stay.

Everyone at Gaia prides themselves on their attention to detail and sense of perfectionism. It is so much more than just a healthy holiday. It’s a place where all your needs are attended to with loving kindness and simple country hospitality. Guests can choose their own degree of rest, relaxation and pampering as every lifestyle and spa program is tailored specifically to the individual. You can have active and energetic or tranquil and serene – or perhaps a tempting combination of both. Whether you indulge in Tai Chi, Boxing, Yoga or Clay Sculpture, the relaxed, caring staff is there to ensure you get the most out of your mix of fun and revitalization.

Gaia’s land begs to be explored. From educational walks around the organic vegetable garden to the beautiful lookout peak and meditation deck, the feel is calm and tranquility. If you’re feeling a little more active and up for a steep hike, the small township of Newrybar is a great destination for a ‘real’ coffee and some window-shopping. Unlike some health spa’s, Gaia’s guests aren’t confined to quarters.

The Rooms

Scattered on the hilltop, the rooms are contemporary and elegant in style, designed to inspire a feeling of calm and balance. Each room is spacious and decorated in warm earth tones. There are several accommodation options depending on your budget. These range from the elegant but modest Layana Room right through to the brand new luxurious Komala Villas that feature their own private swimming pools. My room, the Sura Terrace, had a large en-suite with a generous sunken bath and a stunning outdoor veranda with its own king-size daybed. The fragrant garden surrounds made for very pleasant reading and relaxation time. All rooms are extremely well presented and well appointed; most include televisions, DVD players (DVD’s, CD’s and books are able to be borrowed from the main library) and sound systems. All are stocked with robes, slippers and a range of Gaia’s brand new, all natural and certified organic skin care products that are simply delicious.

Other facilities

Since its opening in 2005 Gaia has been the proud recipient of multiple awards and accolades including Winner of the prestigious 2008 Conde Nast Readers Spa Awards Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa – Australasia and South Pacific and Winner of the 2008 Australasian Spa Association – ASPA Award for ‘Best Destination Spa’. The Spa really is the heart of the Gaia experience. Positioned by the sauna, pool and bubbling hot spa where guests bathe and relax in lush rainforest surrounds, the Day Spa has enticed some of the finest healers and therapists in Australia. There’s an extensive menu of therapeutic treatments for both men and women, each one offering guests a unique session guaranteed to enhance health and wellbeing.

I really enjoyed the special house facial that left not only my skin feeling nourished and rebalanced but my entire being. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a Royal Kahuna massage, a Hot Rocks Relaxation massage or a 4-hour Gaia Goddess Signature Package, the results are sure to be stress relieving and profoundly restorative.

Another highlight of the resort is the uniqueness of the Gaia cuisine. Meals are served in Kukura House, the central meeting room lodge where everyone gathers. Each meal a culinary experience in itself, the day begins with a sumptuous buffet and hot breakfast, followed by a light lunch, while the evening unfolds with a luxurious three-course fine dining experience. The Gaia approach to food is hearty and healthy with in-house chefs personally choosing the freshest organic produce available from the resort’s garden as well as from several nearby orchards and plantations. The menu is extensive and everything not only tastes great, it’s great for you. If you have a special dietary need that’s no problem either and there’s a selection of fine Australian wines available any time you want to purchase one.

The Verdict

In this fast paced world it’s so important to take a little time out to care for one’s self. While some people spend holiday time running around even more hectically than in their everyday life, those who prefer to relax and restore won’t find a better place to do so than Gaia. It was Olivia’s dream to have her guests connect with Mother Earth and I can’t imagine any visitor leaving here without having established this connection. Gaia’s friendly staff and fabulous therapists make sure to wrap each guest in cotton wool; supporting them from the inside out. The fresh air, the magnificent views and the intimate nature of the retreat all serve to produce an overriding feeling of replenishment and rejuvenation.