Co-founded by Olivia Newton-John, Gaia is the Byron hinterland’s soft-power fix: daily movement, serious spa, and paddock-to-plate done properly. Not an escape—an upgrade. Three days in and your nervous system remembers how to purr.
LOCATION
933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet NSW 2479
RETREAT SNAPSHOT
The BioHax Edit:
A rainforest-backed retreat co-founded by Olivia Newton-John (yes, that one), where luxe detox meets barefoot healing. Think clean air, cleaner nutrition and a serious Day Spa heartbeat.
THE EXPERIENCE
Perched high in the Byron Bay hinterland, Gaia is where spa culture and soul work finally get married. With 25 acres of rolling hills, Balinese-style pavilions, and personalised retreat programs, it’s not about escaping life, it’s about upgrading it.
This is curated self-care: tailored schedules, daily movement, spa treatments that don’t hold back, and nourishing organic meals served in your robe if needed. Come solo, as a couple, or with your not-so-broken bestie. You’ll all leave recalibrated.
WHO IT'S FOR
BioHax Snapshot:
Stressed execs, exhausted mums, seekers, cynics, creatives, and wellness junkies who want the Byron vibe without the Byron circus, plus their reluctant, golf-loving partners who suddenly don’t mind tagging along.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
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Komala Villas – Luxe indoor-outdoor living with private magnesium infinity plunge pool, deck & daybed cabana; private treatment area; double shower; reclining bath.
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Sura Terraces – Elegant open-plan villas with sunken bath, private courtyards, and hinterland views.
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Layana Rooms & Acala Suites – King beds, rainforest outlooks, and minimalist luxury with soulful touches.
WELLNESS INCLUSIONS
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2-hour signature massage included in most packages
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Daily yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and Qi Gong
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Infrared sauna, magnesium pool, Vichy shower, and spa rituals
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Naturopathy, astrology, sound healing, reiki, and somatic therapies
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Breathwork and emotional release sessions
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Workshops on gut health, hormones, and anti-aging
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Access to gym, tennis court, meditation walks, and bushland trails
FACILITATOR TEAM
Multi-disciplinary dream team (over 35 therapists/healers) including naturopaths, yoga and movement instructors, bodywork therapists, energy healers, chefs, and retreat hosts, all tailored to your schedule.
DINING & NUTRITION
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Daily organic meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Wholefood, plant-based cuisine with local and garden-sourced produce
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Gluten-free and dairy-free options
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Signature juice and smoothie bar
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Paddock-to-plate philosophy guided by seasonal harvest
ECO / SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
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Onsite organic gardens and native regeneration
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Waste minimisation and composting
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Eco cleaning products and no single-use plastics
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Sustainable build materials and energy-efficient facilities
HIGHLIGHT FACILITIES
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Magnesium mineral pool
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Infrared and dry saunas
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Outdoor spa pavilions
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Yoga and meditation halls
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Bushland trails and hilltop lookouts
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Steam room and Vichy shower suite
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Boutique wellness shop and apothecary
- Private golf driving range and putting green
WHAT TO BRING
Everything essential is provided - robes, towels, bath and body products, yoga mats and even retreat journals. You’ll only need your activewear, swimmers, and whatever crystals or supplements your intuition insists on.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
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World Spa Awards — Oceania’s Best Wellness Retreat (2024)
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World Travel Awards — Australia’s Leading Retreat (2024)
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Ballina Shire — Excellence in Sustainable Tourism (2025)
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World Luxury Hotel Awards — Global Winner: Luxury Wellness Healing Retreat (2021)
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Multiple awards for wellness tourism, luxury spa experience and destination retreat
SEASONAL PROGRAMS
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Menopause Reset
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Vitality & Longevity Week
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Seasonal Equinox Retreats
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Women's Circle and Hormone Harmony Weeks
- Realign - golf + wellness (includes off-site coaching at Teven Valley)
DURATION / PACKAGES
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2 to 7+ night retreat packages
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All-inclusive stays with flexible itineraries
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Specialised programs available year-round
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Personalised wellness consultation on arrival
Now available:
Realign Package (3, 5 or 7 nights)
Reset your nervous system and find your footing again. This structured immersion blends daily spa treatments, holistic movement, mindfulness sessions, and nutrient-dense organic meals to help you downshift, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Designed for those running on cortisol fumes, creative burnout, or post-chronic stress recovery.
GETTING THERE
Fly into Ballina or Gold Coast airports. Transfers available. Approx. 25 mins from Byron Bay or 60 mins from Gold Coast.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I check in any day?
Yes — flexible check-in any day of the week, subject to availability.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 2 pm; check-out 11 am.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes — complimentary set-time return transfers from Ballina (BNK) and Gold Coast/Coolangatta (OOL) with select packages.
How far is Gaia from Byron Bay and the airports?
About 15 minutes from Byron Bay; ~30 minutes from Ballina; ~60 minutes from Gold Coast.
What’s included in a stay?
Daily activities (yoga/meditation/breathwork, Pilates, functional training, nature walks), all meals, and access to retreat facilities; transfers on set schedules with applicable packages.
Is the cuisine strictly wellness-focused?
Yes — seasonal, local, whole and organic “paddock-to-plate” cuisine.
Is Gaia alcohol-free?
The focus is low/no alcohol. Non-alcoholic pairings are available.
Minimum age?
Guests must be 16+.
I’m coming solo — is that normal?
Yes. Many guests come solo. Join group activities or keep to your own rhythm.
What’s the Day Spa policy for non-staying guests?
Day guests are welcome with a minimum treatment booking; use of selected facilities is included around your appointment.
Can day guests dine at the restaurant?
Day guests can pre-book lunch in conjunction with a spa booking.
Should I book spa treatments ahead of time?
Yes — popular therapies book out; reserve in advance.
What are the daily activities like?
A rotating schedule — typically early yoga, a mid-morning energiser or creative session, and a wind-down class in the evening. Opt in/out as you like.
Is there Wi-Fi? What about phone use?
Wi-Fi is available. To keep spaces calm, mobile and laptop use is limited to private areas.
What should I pack?
Activewear, swimmers, comfy layers, hat and a refillable water bottle. Robes, slippers, mats and amenities are provided.
Smoking or pets?
Non-smoking retreat; pets are not permitted.
Payment surcharges?
Visa/Mastercard 1.5%; American Express 2.5% (subject to change).
Cancellation policy (retreat stays)?
Deposits are non-refundable; with sufficient notice, stays can generally be transferred within a set window. Balances paid on check-in are typically non-refundable.
Cancellation policy (Day Spa)?
Please give 24 hours’ notice or the full treatment fee may apply.
Realign vs Rebalance — what’s the difference?
Realign blends wellness with a coached golf component off-site; Rebalance focuses on perimenopause/menopause support and healthy ageing.
What’s the shortest stay?
Packages start from 2 nights; longer immersions (5–7+ nights) are available.
Do I need travel insurance?
Recommended — plans can change and cancellation terms are strict.
Where can I work if I must?
Keep laptops to your room or a quiet lookout; shared spaces are tech-light to preserve the retreat feel.
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Article originally published: 9 June 2025, by Editor
