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Health retreats are the latest travel trend, combining yoga and wellness at spectacular WA locations

Headshot of Jessie Stoelwinder
Jessie StoelwinderThe West Australian
Sahana Travel and Wellness retreat on Ocean Dreams.
Camera IconSahana Travel and Wellness retreat on Ocean Dreams. Credit: Rachel Claire/Rachel Claire

Call it the Nine Perfect Strangers effect, or blame it on our cabin fever at not being able to venture out of the country for a year and counting.

Regardless of the reason, there has been a boom in health retreats for eco-conscious and health-focused travellers keen to explore more of WA. Less like the version found in Liane Moriarty’s bestselling book — soon to be a TV series starring Nicole Kidman — these escapes are designed to be wholesome and nourishing for both body and spirit.

With a range of pricepoints available and locations from Denmark to Broome, there’s a getaway to suit anyone looking to find solace, stillness and serenity.

Rowley Shoals Wellness Cruise

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October 15-21

Rowley Shoals

We may not be able to cruise the Mediterranean or Caribbean, but there’s a little-known aquatic destination in northern WA that is world class. Less than 500 people visit the Rowley Shoals each year, as it is 170 nautical miles off the coast of Broome. Sahana Travel and Wellness founder Hannah Halsey has secured the majestic Ocean Dream vessel to cruise to the coral atolls for a once-in-a-lifetime retreat, complete with yoga, meditation, breath work, reiki, wellbeing consultations, snorkelling, paddleboarding and health-conscious meals prepared by an on-board chef. This is as exclusive as it gets in the realm of vitality vacations and is intended for those with a penchant for the finer things in life — wellness included. Prices are from $6300 via sahanatravelandwellness.com.au.

Sahana Travel and Wellness retreat on Ocean Dreams.
Camera IconSahana Travel and Wellness retreat on Ocean Dreams. Credit: Rachel Claire/Rachel Claire

Radiance Retreat

March 18-21 or May 20-23

Naravi, Margaret River

There are many misconceptions around the word tantra, but at its core it is about finding bliss in all elements of life. Experienced yoga teacher Anna Balston will invite guests into this mystical realm over a weekend, offering vinyasa yoga, meditation, evening yin, sound therapy and journaling. Plant-based Ayurvedic meals prepared by Mohini Smith and a guest appearance from the Spice Mistress, Sarina Kamini, will further enrich the experience. This retreat is inspired by The Radiance Sutras, which are intended to act as spiritual gateways to wonder and delight. Prices are from $950 via rhythmkeeper.com.au.

Anna Balston’s Radiance Retreat.
Camera IconAnna Balston’s Radiance Retreat. Credit: Emma Pegrum

Yallingup Deluxe Retreat

March 11-14

Empire Retreat, Yallingup

Run by renowned studio Yogaworx, this retreat has been curated for those in search of quiet solitude and renewal. Stay at the stunning Empire Retreat set in idyllic bushland and enjoy organic food, a one-day juice cleanse, vinyasa and yin yoga, vipassana meditation and a discount on spa treatments on premises. For even more luxury, add on lunch at nearby winery Pierrot or an intensive Sweat Lodge experience, or simply enjoy a stroll on the estate or wander along the beach. Prices are from $1000 (shared accommodation), with the studio, loft suite and courtyard suite still available. Last-minute discounts or up to $500 are on offer via wendy@yogaworx.com.au.

Empire Retreat with Yogaworx.
Camera IconEmpire Retreat with Yogaworx.

Esperance Wellness Retreat

October 14-18

Esperance Chalet Village

These cute A-frames have been popping up all over social media, and now there’s a chance to combine healing with one of the most in-demand locations in WA. Yoga teacher Donna Buchanan will host a five-day getaway in paradise, comprising yoga classes, a hike to the famous Frenchman’s Peak, breakfast boxes, dinners, a bottle of wine, a private brewery tour of Lucky Bay Brewing, bike riding and a special outdoor cooking experience. Add a national park tour or helicopter ride to make the most of the nearby vistas. Prices from $1199 via theyogavine.com.au.

Esperance Wellness Getaway at Esperance Chalet Village.
Camera IconEsperance Wellness Getaway at Esperance Chalet Village.

One and Only Perth Health Retreat

March 11-13

COMO The Treasury

In need of an escape, pronto? You don’t even need to leave Perth for this one. Renowned company One & Only Retreats has partnered with COMO The Treasury for a haven-like hideaway for health junkies. Hosted by Rosanna Susanto and Chris Wilson, the experience begins with a meet and greet before a four-course dinner at Wildflower and night yin session. The next two days combine workouts, yoga, meditation and a cycle tour with meals at The State Buildings’ premium venues, including Post and Petition. And of course, there is the epic hotel itself, providing the chance to unwind in luxury. Prices are from $1745 via statebuildings.com.au.

COMO The Treasury
Camera IconCOMO The Treasury

Breathe On-Country

August 22-28

East Kimberley Region

Learn the secrets of the Kimberley with a cultural immersion led by a Gija Aboriginal guide, yoga teacher Kate Taylor, developmental coach Verity Leach and nutritionist Matt Black. Beginning at Kununurra Country Club, the journey will move to the banks of the Dunham River, where participants will learn about Indigenous culture, view secret landscapes off the beaten track, swim in gorges and waterfalls and share stories around the campfire. Yoga sessions and personal development workshops will help to deepen understanding of both country and our inner worlds. Prices from $2895 via theyogavine.com.au.

Wilderness Yoga and Freediving Retreat

July 31-August 6 or August 7-13

Exmouth

A private island seems like a dream concept — but it turns to reality on this retreat. Presented by Earth Pulls, the adventure is intended to bring guests back to Mother Earth and ignite the elements within us. Over seven nights, stay in eco cabins on a picturesque island off Exmouth with all meals included, twice daily yoga with Cody Cianfagna, snorkelling, scenic flight to and from the island, fire ceremony and sound healing. Meet rescue joeys and learn to freedive through underwater caves, all the while enjoying a digital detox. Prices are $2999 via earthpulls.com.au.

Wilderness Yoga and Freediving Retreat with Earth Pulls.
Camera IconWilderness Yoga and Freediving Retreat with Earth Pulls.

Rise to Shine Yoga Retreat

May 25-29

Eco Beach Resort, Broome

Head up to the sunny shores of Broome with the team from Yoga Centred. Daily practices will cover a wide range of yoga modalities, from vinyasa to yin yang, restorative, myofascial release, yoga nidra and meditation. Stay in the unique villas and tents of Eco Beach Resort, where wooden boardwalks allow for strolls through the pristine setting. Workshops, meals and juices are included, plus attendees will have plenty of free time to explore the location. Limited places from $1945 via yogacentred.com.au.

Eco Beach Resort for Rise to Shine retreat.
Camera IconEco Beach Resort for Rise to Shine retreat.

Love and Light Wellness Retreat

March 19-21

Premalaya, Yallingup

Wellness brand Bare and Wilde has partnered with leading local health experts to create a luxurious escape in the surrounds of Premalaya. Body and mind will unite through yoga and pilates with Kylie Falconer, HIIT beach workouts with Kym Monteath, chef-prepared meals from Liam O’Neil, hiking sections of the nearby Cape to Cape, goal-setting sessions, kombucha and organic wine. Creativity and connection will be given centre focus, with ample opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals. Prices are from $797 via bareandwilde.com.

Love and Light Wellness Retreat at Premalaya
Camera IconLove and Light Wellness Retreat at Premalaya

Silent Retreat

April 18-25

The Cove Chalets, Denmark

Does the chatter of your mind sometimes feel like too much? Find stillness in silence with Functional Spirituality. This guided journey is designed to help guests find deep rest in nature, with the cabins nestled amongst native karri, tingle and jarrah trees near Denmark’s Wilson Inlet. Take a week away from talking and detox the mind, with yoga, meditation and group healing just the surface of what’s on offer from Spanda School owner Ava Irani. If seven days silent feels like too much, there is a four-day offering in June. Prices are from $890 (four days) or $1696 (seven days) via functionalspirituality.com.

Ava Irani from Functional Spirituality and Spanda School
Camera IconAva Irani from Functional Spirituality and Spanda School

Autumn Equinox Half-Day Retreat

March 20

Leederville

If life is too busy to escape even for a weekend, a half-day retreat may be a welcome alternative. Yogis Kristine Ragus and Jess O’Brien will lead a journey themed around the Autumn Equinox, including flow and yin sessions, followed by sound healing and meditation with Ally Solomou. A light lunch and afternoon tea are included. Tickets are from $135 via Eventbrite.

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