Review: Stand Tall Retreats Wellness Weekend-Australian Traveller

A wellness weekend in the Shoalhaven is designed to inspire women to stand tall.

Stand Tall Retreats are designed for those seeking an escape from physical or emotional stress. According to founder Amy Manton, it’s making those small changes to our usual routine that allow for greater insights and opportunities to reset. Here’s the rundown of what a wellness weekend with Stand Tall Retreats on the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast looks like.

First impressions

The Shoalhaven is shaping up as a destination for wellness. And the founder of Stand Tall Retreats Amy Manton has responded to demand by curating a three-day itinerary woven around wellness. The retreat goes far beyond massages and facials. Though there are those too! It’s more of a hybrid of horse riding and hula hooping, ayurvedic eating and pilates, yoga and surf lessons. But what is also wonderful about this roving retreat is that it provides a safe space for women to disconnect from their busy lives and stir the spirit.

horse riding on the beach at Stand Tall Retreats. — Go horse riding at Stand Tall Retreats. (Image: Amy Manton)

The location

The two-hour drive to the Shoalhaven from Sydney or Canberra makes Berry on the NSW South Coast a top spot to get away from it all, restore and reconnect. Berry is also on the train line, travelling through the tangled greenery of the Royal National Park and craggy Illawarra Escarpment from Sydney. The rail route follows the cliffs that are buttered yellow in the early morning light. And we are so close to the sea at times that we can see puffs of mist as the waves pound the coastline. It’s where the weekend’s meditation begins.

The accommodation

Guests with Stand Tall Retreats enjoy exclusive access to luxury boutique farmhouse Sinclairs of Berry during their stay. During my normal working day, I’m showered with emails, Whatsapp messages, and drowning in domestic duties. Staying in this boutique guesthouse, with its slew of comfy couches, alcoves and corners to cosy up in, really felt luxurious.

Stand Tall Retreats backyard with pool — The retreat is held in the luxury boutique farmhouse Sinclairs of Berry. (Image: Amy Manton)

Despite being just a block away from the main street of Berry, it’s a place of comfort and privacy. There is also a carefully curated gift box, which includes everything from a Totem Eco natural deodorant to artisan chocolate from Loco Love Chocolate. A bottle of wine from Silo Estate is also included – everything in moderation.

Sinclairs of Berry Living Space — Finding a cosy space to make your own is easy here. (Image: Ainslie Co. Photography/Stand Tall Retreats)

The rooms

There is something so soothing about falling into an enormous bed when exhausted. And the bed in my room at Sinclairs of Berry brings enormous comfort. It’s styled with different textures, botanical prints and textiles and a plethora of pillows. Although all the rooms are uniquely different, my bedroom opens out onto the sun-splashed terrace and swimming pool. Being in this space is like a warm embrace. There’s an antique chair I can curl up in to admire the views over the green folds of the countryside which spills down to Broughton Mill Creek. There’s a designer ensuite bathroom, too.

Rooms at Sinclairs of Berty — It wouldn’t be a wellness retreat without a super luxe bed to call your own. (Image: Ainslie Co. Photography/Stand Tall Retreats)

Facilities

There’s something about a country kitchen that brings people together. All the catering is taken care of during our stay, but guests who book out the luxury farmhouse will have access to a state-of-the-art country kitchen, with a dishwasher and a butler’s pantry.

All up, Sinclairs of Berry has eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms and accommodates 18 guests. It also has an infinity pool that looks out over the surrounding countryside. There’s a fire pit for stargazing and an indoor fireplace for wintry nights.

Kitchen at Sinclairs of Berry — The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking up a storm. (Image: Ainslie Co. Photography/Stand Tall Retreats)

Food and drink

The Standing Tall Retreat itinerary is jam-packed with activities. So, when we do reconvene as a group it’s often around the dining table. It’s there that we learn that everyone at the retreat is ready for a reset. Food is a major focus of the weekend away and the feasts prepared by Karina, of Dandelion & Mallow Wholefood Kitchen, are incredible.

Lunch treatment at dining table at Stand Tall Retreats — When you reconvene as a group it’s often around the dining table. (Image: Amy Manton)

There are salads bristling with just-picked herbs, leaves, and tomatoes and everything from salsas to pate are made from scratch. In addition to enjoying simple, wholesome food, the conversation around the table makes for a nourishing and nurturing experience.

Outdoor dining table at Stand Tall Retreats — In addition to enjoying wholesome food, the conversation around the table makes for a nourishing and nurturing experience. (Image: Amy Manton)

Activities

Shout-outs to Monique, from Regal Riding School , who paired me with Bill The Best Horse In All the Land and empowered me to brave a brief canter.

Boxing at Stand Tall Retreats — There are all kinds of wellness activities to try during your stay. (Image: Ainslie Co. Photography/Stand Tall Retreats)

We also learn about gut health during a holistic ayurvedic health workshop with Dr Verena , enjoy a reiki session led by Casey, of Restore Reiki , and have the option of a facial and massage with Alexis Barnett, of Skin Fit Body & Beauty .

Receiving facial and massage at Stand Tall Retreats — Enjoy a facial and massage at the retreat. (Image: Amy Manton)

Additional highlights include hula hooping after our yin yoga class with Gloria Tong and a surf lesson with Eric, from Surfcamp Australia .

Yoga at Stand Tall Retreats Sinclairs of Berry — A yoga class in the garden is a beautiful way to reset. (Image: Ainslie Co. Photography/Stand Tall Retreats)

Free time

Free time. What’s that again? It’s something I don’t get a lot of. So, to see it written into the itinerary gives me permission to slow down, keep my laptop closed, turn my phone off and close my eyes. When I do switch off, those moments of revelation come thick and fast. I know that I’ve been working too hard, and the weekend away prompts me to think more about working smarter, not harder. By Monday morning, I have managed to say no to the offer of more work in favour of balance and more time to spend with my family.

Infinity Pool Sinclairs of Berry Stand Tall Retreats) — Spend your free time relaxing by the pool. (Image: Ainslie Co. Photography/Stand Tall Retreats)

Wellness results

I’m not sure if it’s the reiki, the yoga, the reformer Pilates, hula-hooping, horse riding or daily dips in the pool. Perhaps it’s the cumulative effect of all the above. But after three days of using different muscles, I really feel like I am walking taller, and my shoulders have softened. If the aim of the retreat is to empower women, then Stand Tall Retreats does just that and then some. And I know one thing for certain: I’ve never slept better than following a weekend with Stand Tall Retreats in Berry in the Shoalhaven region. In fact, I feel like a leaf in the water. Just going with the flow.

Reformer Pilates at Stand Tall Retreats — You’ll walk taller after a weekend of reformer Pilates and other wellness activities. (Image: Amy Manton)

Details

The three-day retreats start at $2000, which includes all the activities, a gift hamper on arrival, food, drink and accommodation. Stand Tall Retreats also facilitate one-day retreats and bespoke one-off leather crafting workshops. The region’s website also has more inspiration for wellness weekends in Shoalhaven.

Leather workshop Stand Tall Retreats — Stand Tall Retreats also facilitate one-day retreats and bespoke one-off leather crafting workshops. (Image: Amy Manton)

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

A weekend woven around wellness at Stand Tall Retreats