The 8 best yoga retreats around the country

Georgina MeredithBy Georgina Meredith
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Yoga by itself might just help you achieve inner-peace, but practicing it at one of these handpicked luxury yoga retreats which guarantees enlightenment with their yoga software . Whether you’re in need of some R&R, or simply after a getaway that can help to cleanse you; mind, body and soul, these escapes are sure to nourish your soul and reset your batteries. We’ve scanned the country to put together a list of 8 retreats you need to try at least once in your life.

1. Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay

Samira Yoga Lookout Gaia Retreat Spa Bryon Bay
The Samira Yoga Lookout at Gaia Retreat and Spa sits atop the highest point in the Ballina Shire.

While many flock to Byron Bay for the superb surf and merry nightlife, others journey here to find tranquility and relaxation. The Samira Yoga Lookout at Gaia Retreat and Spa Byron Bay sits atop the highest point in the Ballina Shire. Take in the stunning scenery that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Nightcap Ranges while you practice strength and flexibility with your personal yoga instructor.

 2. Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

The breathtaking and isolated Saffire Freycinet Tasmania offers an invigorating spa regime and a range of wellbeing programs. Each suite has its own yoga mat. Enjoy a calming yoga session on site or in the comfort of your lustrous timber suite on Tasmania’s east coast.

 

Hammocks dispersed amongst the courtyard provide an alluring space to cocoon yourself and spend the afternoon daydreaming afterwards.

3. Qualia, Hamilton Island

Grab a yoga mat and watch the setting sun cast shades of gold and pink over the tranquil turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Qualia’s group sessions take place at dusk from the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, or in its Yoga Pavilion on site.

 

A one-on-one session with your personal instructor will help you in designing a program to continue once you’ve returned home.

4. Billabong Retreat, NSW Central Coast

You would never expect a canopied and tropical oasis only an hour away from the heart of the bustling Sydney CBD, but Billabong Retreat Central Coast is just that. Cabins are nestled among trees that overlook a natural, flower-filled billabong. Stress and tension can wave goodbye, with an abundance of carefully crafted relaxation and mindfulness activities to take part in.

5. Samadhi Retreat, Daylesford

Aplacas Samadhi Retreat Daylesford
Alpacas roam the grounds of Samadhi Retreat in Daylesford.

It is fitting that in the heart of spa country lies Samadhi Retreat Daylesford , an Oriental-style escape providing revitalising spa treatments and therapy. Alpacas roam the majestic grounds that surround the retreat, and ancient Chinese statues sit staring at the endless beauty of the Daylesford region.

 

Enjoy one of the peaceful group yoga sessions that are run daily, or incorporate a one-on-one into your schedule.

6. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast

If the chance you might encounter Hugh Jackman lounging by the pool doesn’t entice you, we don’t know what will. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, now co-owned by Jackman himself, is tucked amongst blossoming bushland in a valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

 

Challenge yourself with intense hiking and creative dance classes, then take a breather in a movement, yoga or Pilates session.

7. Eden Health Retreat, Currumbin Valley, Queensland

Eden Health Retreat, Queensland

Start your day with a calming yoga class amid a lush green stretch in the heart of the Hinterland’s Cumberland Valley. Eden Health Retreat pays particular attention to healthy eating by using enticing local and bio-dynamic produce in its daily menu. From cardio boxing to laughing yoga, there are plenty of unique activities to incorporate into your personally designed daily schedule.

8. Injidup Spa Retreat, Margaret River

Injdup Spa Retreat Margaret River
Injidup Spa and Retreat looks out onto sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

Injidup Spa Retreat is located in an idyllic, vineyard-covered pouch of the Margaret River region. Made up of 10 private villas, each with its own plunge pool, Injidup is a luxury escape designed for relaxation. Meditation sessions are performed by Joel, a former Buddhist monk who previously studied in Sri Lanka and India, while yoga and a variety of spa treatments are also on offer.

Georgina Meredith
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Incredible day spas and hot springs to visit in Victoria

    Katie CarlinBy Katie Carlin
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    From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

    I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa . I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

    a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula
    Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

    After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

    Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

    A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls
    The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

    Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

    There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

    Lake House Daylesford

    the pool at Lake House Daylesford
    The main pool at Lake House Daylesford. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

    From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

    Metung Hot Springs

    the Metung Hot Springs' glamping tents by the river
    Glamping tents at Metung Hot Springs. (Image: Emily Godfrey)

    Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs .

    There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

    Four more blissful day spas to visit

    Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

    Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

    Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

    The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

    the Peninsula Hot Springs
    Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)