TOP 3 AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES
Australia is a land rich in natural beauty, cultural wisdom and soulful experiences – all of which make it the perfect backdrop for wellness travel.
Whether you’re craving stillness or adventure, structure or spontaneity, there’s something here to support your personal version of wellbeing. And best of all, many of these experiences can be easily booked through your travel agent.
Main image: Gwinganna. Above: Kris Abbey
As someone who’s visited more wellness retreats than most, I can confidently say Australia delivers – and then some.
From guided hikes and grounding rituals to nature-fuelled encounters you’ll never forget, here are three of my favourite (for now!) wellness experiences around the country.
1. Seven Peaks Walk, Lord Howe Island – NSW
Run by Great Walks of Australia, this is not just a hike – it’s a transformative experience set on one of the most pristine islands on the planet.
Over five days, you’ll traverse volcanic peaks, lush rainforest, coastal cliffs and coral-fringed beaches. It’s challenging in parts but incredibly rewarding.
I did the walk with Great Walks of Australia and one of the optional extras – Mount Gower – is not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re up for the challenge, do it.
You’ll get well outside your comfort zone, but the high you get at the summit (both literal and emotional) is absolutely worth it.
And when the day is done, you return to a soft bed, nourishing meals and the kind of old-school hospitality that makes you feel completely looked after.
https://greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/walks/7-peaks-walk
2. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat – QLD
This iconic retreat has earned its reputation as one of the world’s leading wellness destinations.
Tucked into the lush Gold Coast hinterland, Gwinganna offers complete immersion – a space to unplug, unwind and reset.
Their programs are all-inclusive, with movement classes, spa treatments, workshops and delicious organic food.
It’s the kind of place where you arrive frazzled and leave feeling like the best version of yourself.
The first time I went, I realised how wired I’d become – by day two I was walking barefoot, reading for pleasure and finally getting deep, uninterrupted sleep.
It’s powerful and the effects linger long after you’ve left.
3. Swim with Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef, WA
Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have.
Each year, these gentle giants migrate along the Western Australian coastline and from March to July, you can join respectful, eco-certified tours to witness them up close.
It’s both humbling and exhilarating. Floating beside a creature the size of a bus – with nothing but the sound of your breath and the deep blue below – it’s like a moving meditation.
It reminds you just how incredible nature is and how small (in the best way) we are in comparison.
https://www.ningaloowhalesharks.com
TOP 3 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Wellness travel doesn’t stop at the border – in fact, stepping out of our day-to-day rhythm is sometimes the very thing we need to reconnect, reset and reimagine what wellbeing means to us.
Whether it’s in a jungle outside Bangkok, a secluded alpine valley in New Zealand, or a mountaintop palace in India, the global wellness scene offers immersive experiences that transcend pampering.
These are journeys of transformation, deeply rooted in local culture and healing traditions – and absolutely worth crossing oceans for.
1. RAKxa Wellness – Bangkok, Thailand
A true sanctuary in the middle of chaos, RAKxa sits on the peaceful “Green Lung” island just across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok.
It’s where cutting-edge diagnostics meet traditional Thai healing, all delivered in one of the most stylish wellness settings I’ve seen.
What makes RAKxa special is how holistic and personalised it is – from anti-inflammatory meals and advanced medical testing, to acupuncture, Ayurveda and time spent in complete digital detox.
It’s luxurious without being flashy and grounded in science without feeling clinical. A haven for anyone serious about longevity, healing, or just hitting reset with intention.
2. Aro Ha – Glenorchy, New Zealand
This is hands-down the most transformative retreat I’ve ever done.
Tucked away in the Southern Alps near Queenstown, Aro Ha combines sub-alpine hiking, plant-based nourishment, yoga, mindfulness and functional movement – all in a landscape that honestly looks like it’s been painted.
What sets Aro Ha apart is the complete recalibration it offers. You arrive with a suitcase full of stress and leave with clarity, vitality and a sense of purpose you didn’t know you were missing.
Every detail is intentional, from the architecture to the daily schedule, and the staff are intuitive, nurturing and incredibly skilled. It’s not just a retreat – it’s a rebirth.
3. Ananda in the Himalayas – Rishikesh, India
Set in the Himalayan foothills above the sacred Ganges River, Ananda is a former royal palace turned into one of the world’s most iconic destination spas.
It’s serene, spiritual and rooted in ancient wisdom – think Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation and Vedanta philosophy delivered with five-star polish.
Everything here is intentional. The treatments, the food, even the sacred rituals built into the daily flow.
You can come for physical rejuvenation, emotional healing, spiritual exploration, or simply to be still in a setting that feels utterly timeless. A must for anyone seeking depth and transformation.
