Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay, New South Wales

Travel & Living

Lush green rolling hills, tropical gardens, buddhas hidden in alcoves, gentle sounds of water-fountains tinkering whilst cicadas sing, Olivia Newton John and her business partner Gregg Cave have created a true Xanadu at Gaia Retreat and Spa in Byron’s hinterland town of Brooklet. Although the surroundings are superb, it’s the staff, healers and therapists who put the icing firmly on top of this vegan chocolate cake. Drool over Jamie the yoga instructor with his clipped South African accent belying a wicked sense of humour, discover Nirvana with Kyle the Canadian massage therapist who gave me the best massage I have ever experienced, and solve your inner demons with Gisele, the French Lebanese spiritual massage healer from the Ivory Coast. And I mustn’t forget Tim from Tasmania who will make you feel welcome and look after your every need including serving your organic wine. These are but a few of the incredible personalities you will meet in this Ubud-style pleasure dome. Yet your inmates are fascinating too, far more interesting than personalities you meet on reality tv shows. You can either sit alone or share the large round communal table at meal times where the most incredibly decadent but light and healthy food appears three times a day. The Vegan Chocolate Mousse is to die for and there are no pretentions here by the chef who will even share his recipes. One visit is definitely not enough. www.gaiaretreat.com.au