8 of the best wellness retreats in Australia

1. Billabong Retreat, NSW

Set around a picturesque billabong, this haven of tranquillity just an hour's drive from the heart of Sydney specialises in low-intensity two- and three-night breaks - from Living with Ease retreats that incorporate ancient principles of yoga to Stress Less Thrive More packages that aim to give our hyperactive senses a break. The schedule is dotted with wellbeing classes and the kitchen specialises in nutritious vegetarian dishes that are packed with flavour. Two-night retreats from $600 per person; billabongretreat.com.au

2. Elysia Wellness Retreat, NSW

Formerly known as The Golden Door Health Retreat, Elysia is located in the Hunter Valley region, with contemporary rooms and suites offering vineyard views. It's a place that takes wellness seriously, with meals that aim to give your body a break from red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and saturated fat; experts who encourage body movement; and limited Wi-Fi that promotes digital detox. Activities range from group tai chi, yoga and meditation classes to private kinesiology (muscle-monitoring) sessions with an experienced practitioner. Two-night retreats from $1440 per person; elysiaretreat.com.au

3. Gaia Retreat & Spa, NSW

Spread over eight hectares in the Byron Bay hinterlands, Gaia - co-founded by the late Olivia Newton-John - dials up the luxe factor with top-notch accommodation: think spacious rooms, gleaming ensuites and private decks with plunge pools. Retreats range from the two-night Love the One experience designed for couples to the seven-night Restore Package aimed at giving you a long-ish break from a hectic life. An indulgent spa and a lovely pool further add to the appeal. Not to mention delicious meals with wines to boot. Two-night retreats from $2250 per person; gaiaretreat.com.au

4. Soma Byron Bay, NSW

The Tom Ford of wellness retreats, Soma was the setting of the Nine Perfect Strangers series, starring Nicole Kidman. The handsome two-storey building with lashings of timber and galvanised steel is home to 10 designer rooms, an infinity pool and a massive geodesic yoga dome. Three-night experiences range from Vedic meditation retreats suitable for beginners to the Rounding program only open to experienced meditators. Three-night retreats from $2600 per person; somabyron.com.au

5. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Qld

There's a reason Gwinganna - in the scenic Tallebudgera Valley, just 40 minutes' drive south of the Gold Coast - has stood the test of time. You have a problem? They have a panacea. Sign up for the four-night Condition Your Calm retreat specifically designed to tame anxiety hormones through mindfulness seminars and activities, or opt for the five-night Triple S break that aims at restoring balance as far as the three S's are concerned: sleep, sugar and stress. Two-night retreats from $1305 per person; gwinganna.com

6. Eden Health Retreat, Qld

There are no set programs at Eden, located in Currumbin Valley, about one-hour drive south of the Gold Coast. Instead, guests are encouraged to create their own based on their needs and preferences. Pick and choose from a range of wellness classes (yoga, Pilates, sound healing and meditation), follow the bushwalking tracks for an invigorating hike and devour nutritious meals at the onsite restaurant before enjoying a sound sleep in one of the well-appointed rooms. Three-night stays from $2250 per person; edenhealthretreat.com.au

7. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, Vic

Taking the waters in the mineral-rich pools of this bathhouse - about two hours' drive from Melbourne - has been a tradition since it was established in 1895. Make a weekend of it, thanks to a range of accommodation options nearby, including our favourite: Hepburn Springs Escape, with 13 cantilevered villas. Rooms from $359 per night; hepburnbathhouse.com

8. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Vic

Located on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Alba wins our vote for being the most drop-dead-gorgeous wellness sanctuary in Australia with more than 30 pools - from geothermal to rainwater. You can't stay here yet but the word on the street is that's about to change, with five lodgings set to open early next year. Watch this space. Wellness experiences from $80; albathermalsprings.com.au

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