After a very hectic year in 2010, Princess Darlene was desperately in need of some rest and relaxation over the festive season and decided five nights at Gaia Retreat & Spa in Byron Bay was the perfect place to recharge the batteries.
After packing her suitcase full of Camilla caftans, t-shirts and harem pants plus White Sands bikinis, Darlene arrived at Gaia Retreat just after new years and was overwhelmed with the beauty of the 25 acre property and the tranquillity of the private villas.
Gaia Retreat was opened by business partners, Gregg Cave and Olivia Newton-John, approximately six years ago when Gregg was looking for a home in the Byron Bay area.
‘Olivia knew I had always wanted a home in Byron Bay and we were scouring the area when we literally fell upon the property and thought it would be a wonderful location for a Retreat,” said Gregg.
“We didn’t want to emulate any other Resort and we wanted to create our own place that was stress free and offered things to do, the best treatments, the finest organic food and guests could still enjoy a glass of wine.”
“At the official opening Olivia described Gaia as ‘barefoot meets Armani’ which is a phrase we continue to use because the Retreat is incredibly spiritual,
chic but understated.”
Although she took the time to relax, Darlene made the most of the various activities on offer, booking into individual yoga sessions, a breathing session, massages plus a spiritual healing session.
“Often when you book into a restaurant or a holiday destination it never lives up the website but Gaia Retreat was so much more and I would have extended my stay if I had the opportunity,” said Darlene.
“Danielle my yoga instructor was an amazing woman and I only wish I could have brought her and one of the macrobiotic chefs back to Perth with me,” said Darlene.
Gregg describes Gaia Retreat as the ultimate place for guests to ‘surrender’ where you can stop, reground and reconnect with nature and Gregg shared three simple tips for Style Palace readers who don’t have the time in their schedule to enjoy a destination like Gaia Retreat.
‘Breathe, drink plenty of water and make sure you take time for yourself every day, even if it is just five or ten minutes, but always make time for yourself,” said Gregg.
Gaia Retreat is a very special place and it is easy to see why it has developed a national and international reputation as the ultimate place to relax and unwind. Over the years the Retreat has attracted a long list of well known personalities such as Delta Goodrem and Richard Wilkins whilst international celebrities such as Pink are rumoured to have featured on the guest list.
“Gaia Retreat & Spa is easily one of the best holiday destinations I have visited anywhere in the world and I am so grateful to Gregg and the staff for an amazing stay,” said Darlene.
“I recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing get-away and I look forward to returning one day soon,’ Darlene continued. To find out more about Gaia Retreat & Spa, visit www.gaiaretreat.com.au
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