The Best Mum❜s Retreats In Sydney

  • Parents Only

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Researching this list had the ellaslist office planning their next cheeky weekender! As much as we love our little ones, some ‘me time’ could be just what the doctor ordered: a weekend of R & R, peace, quiet, and connecting back to who you were pre-babies. We’ve gathered a list of the best mum’s retreats in, a short drive away, or quick plane ride from Sydney, for the relaxing time alone you so badly deserve.

1. Gaia Retreat & Spa, Byron Bay


Co-owned by Olivia Newton-John, even Oprah Winfrey has made an appearance at this incredible venue! Gaia Retreat is nestled in the stunning hinterland region of Byron, on a 25-acre lush green property. The focus here is on healing- through a combination of yoga classes, a naturopathic clinic, massage, kinesiology, hypnotherapy, counselling, meditation, and the element that is particularly raved about: food (as appealing looking as it is fresh and healthy)! You can tailor your retreat to suit you- opt in or out of activities, and leave a renewed woman.

gaia

2. Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat & Spa, Hunter Valley


Hit the reset button! Experience health and wellness at its finest and most elegant at the Golden Door Elysia. Disconnect from the pressure, stress and challenges of everyday life and make new routines and learn new skills to take home with you. Experiences include Tai Chi at sunrise, guided walks, deep water running in a heated pool, stretch classes, workshops & spa treatments. Many of the retreats have a specific schedule for you to follow, so this one’s great if you need quite a bit of guidance. You will stay in a stylishly decorated villa overlooking vineyards and the Brokenback Mountain Range.

golden door 2

3. Billabong Retreat, Maraylya


Mums (and non-mums!) just adore this eco-friendly retreat! A mere 45 minutes from Sydney, at Billabong, you’ll receive an enriching dose of yoga, meditation and mindfulness. You will feel one with nature because the location is natural and earthy, the food is vegetarian, organic and locally sourced, the yoga is utterly transformative, and the new pool is stunning. You can enjoy massages, kinesiology, reiki, private yoga sessions, hypnotherapy in a number of different retreat styles, including the “Stress Management” program. You can stay in your choice of deluxe suites, treehouses, lodges or cottages- by yourself or dorm-style. There is a program to suit every type of person with all kinds of budgets.

billabong

4. Solar Springs, Bundanoon


Solar Springs is ideal for the outdoorsy mum- those who want to get moving without the baggage of lugging prams and toddlers around! Health and fitness activities include morning walks, bushwalks, yoga, cycling, tennis, stretch classes, archery, aquafit, pilates, Boxfit, Power bar circuit and more. But don’t be fooled, Solar Springs is still an ideal venue for true relaxation- here you can also have facials, massages, body wraps, body polishes, manis, pedis, eyebrow tinting and waxing! Set in a cosy, heritage-rich town that you’ll enjoy exploring in your free time.

solar springs

5. Motherground, Victoria


If you’re just not ready to leave bub at home, this retreat for mums and their little ones is for you! Motherground is a unique retreat that offers mums the opportunity to connect with their (under 18-month-old) baby and re-connect with themselves. They host retreats in Flowerdale, Victoria, and elsewhere such as Byron Bay and even in the United Kingdom! Activities and experiences include yoga, postnatal care counselling, nutritious, delicious food, onsite nannies, massages, and just general time-out for a hot cup of tea or some magazine flipping. It’s a place to recuperate after the exhaustion that is pregnancy, giving birth and early motherhood, a chance to rejuvenate and reset your expectations about the often-difficult reality of motherhood.

motherground

6. Lilianfels Resort and Spa, Katoomba


Lilianfels is the perfect place to cosy up in winter, as you breathe in the fresh mountain air. You’ll have more freedom here than most retreats, functioning as a hotel more so than a relaxation program. It’s a haven for relaxation with a day spa that is to-die-for. Indulge in massages, facials and body wraps, followed by fine dining at a range of on-site options including high tea in The Lounge, buffet breakfasts at The Orangery or dinner by a fireplace at the hatted Darley’s Restaurant. This retreat is for mums whose idea of R & R involves a glass of red rather than a green smoothie.

lilianfels

Like this? Then you’ll love our list of the best mum’s nights out.

 

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