Northern Beaches Mums Group
Northern Beaches Mums Group

Review: Billabong Retreat

Northern Beaches Mum Laura had the chance to experience some much-needed “me time” at Billabong Retreat. Here is her raving review…

Billabong Retreat is an eco yoga retreat offering amazing organic whole food cuisine, an incredible nature setting, a stunning resort-style swimming pool, transformative yoga retreats, health retreats, mindfulness retreats and meditation retreats.

It’s been a hard year for me with health issues, a struggling teenager at home and work has just been manic. I needed a break, a little bit of me time so I decided to book myself in for a day trip to the Billabong Retreat after hearing great reviews from a few friends who had already stayed there. Now I’m not really into yoga but loved the fact you didn’t need to be, they cater to many different needs…

At first, I felt bad leaving my hubby and struggling teen, but I needed this time for me to regenerate. I figured if I looked after my state of mind a little more then they are going to get a better version of me – a better wife and mum.

When I arrived, the staff were very welcoming, and I was shown around the retreat.

I then went for a walk around the grounds and sat at the lake in a chair where just sat back and closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of nature. 

I had a look at the rooms which look amazing! I think I will do an overnight stay next time. The rooms are nicely spaced out and there aren’t too many of them so there are never a lot of people here.  The rooms look spacious, modern, and equipped with everything needed for the ultimate retreat experience. My favourite was the bathtub on the balcony… oh I must go back and sit in one of those overlooking the lake.

I then went for an infra-red sauna. Now I must admit just sitting is something I am not good at. The first five minutes I struggled to just sit but I soon got into it. 40 mins later my program finished, and I felt relaxed and then enjoyed a nice shower to cool off.

I had an hour before lunch so popped on my swimsuit and headed to the magnesium mineral pool. It was a lovely hot day, so a swim was in order. I was the only one at the pool so I could totally float around and relax.

Then it was time for lunch. All the food they source is organic, seasonal, and super fresh. It’s also all vegetarian. I was blown away by how yummy it all was. It felt healthy but it was all so flavoursome. I was expecting it to be small portions too, but no the portions were generous. I felt full yet felt I had fuelled my body full of goodness. After lunch, I headed back to the poolside for a lay by the pool to let the food settle and chatted to a few other women there on their own.

Being a retreat there was no way I going to go without a massage, so I booked into the spa for a very relaxing 1 hour massage and a Reiki session. Both were amazing. I fell asleep during both and woke myself occasionally with the odd snort!!

After this, I went and sat in the lounge and just sunk into the sofa and read my book until my yoga session. I’ve only ever tried yoga once before, but they cater for all levels. By the end of this session, I was well and truly the most relaxed I have ever been. I can’t recall ever feeling this relaxed.

I was only 75-90 minutes away from the Northern Beaches, but I felt a million miles away.

The drive home was pleasant with my favourite music playing. I was ready to take on the world once again! It had hit the spot. I couldn’t believe how I felt after just 7 hours there. A day trip to the retreat is going to be a regular treat for me. I love living on the Northern Beaches but that drive to the bush and nature is well worth it.

I can’t think of a better place to completely switch off, unwind and just experience the sensation of leaving everything behind.

Phone: 4573 6080
Location: 41 McClymonts Road, Maraylya
Website: https://billabongretreat.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billabongretreat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billabongretreat/