This Hunter Valley Retreat Is a One-Stop Shop For a Detox
Instead of heading to Hunter Valley for a wine-filled weekend away, why not consider a wellness getaway there? At Elysia Wellness Retreat, you can meditate or do yoga in studios, stroll on one of a few walking tracks and learn healthy life tips at workshops and seminars.
“Over the years, we’ve noticed guests tend to come for one of four reasons: to de-stress, heal through grief, break or reset habits or just relax and unwind,” says Melissa Ingram, Retreat Manager. “But they always get something more out of the retreat.”
The retreat has 74 villas on its 4-hectare hinterland property, a roughly 2-hour drive from Sydney and 75 minutes from Newcastle. It also has a wellness centre, indoor activity centre and indoor and outoor pools. You can play a game of nighttime tennis on floodlit courts or cycle alongside friends in an indoor bike room. There’s also a fully-equipped gym, outdoor veggie garden and library where you can borrow books that you can take back to your villa.
If you’re keen to up the pampering, the on-site spa has 26 rooms and a menu that includes a gua sha face and head massage, a hair and scalp treatment and a massage called ‘Hawaiian Kahuana’ that uses a combination of soft and deep tissue massage to work with your body’s natural rhythms.
Ingram says the retreat gives chance to put themselves first — taking stock of their health, wellbeing and peace of mind. While many know the importance of doing so, life gets in the way. But facing what we’re avoiding – that, she says, is where the magic starts. When guests give themselves the permission to pause.
“It’s not about pressure or perfection — it’s about meeting people where they are, without judgement,” Ingram says. “There’s a real sense of joy here too, and connection. It’s a healing place, but it’s also a happy one.”
The retreat was designed for guests to plan their own wellness journey. You can join a deep water running class, or Pilates or Tai Chi sessions. Or you can go at it on your own — soaking in the sun on your villa deck or catching up on sleep, only joining other guests for meal times and morning and afternoon tea. Food at the retreat is all made with nutritious wholefoods, some of it from the veggie garden.
“Some guests come here to do it all, some come to do nothing, but most land somewhere in between,” says Ingram. “We’re here to support whatever path you’re on. That might mean being gently pushed out of your comfort zone, but always in a space that feels safe, supportive and nurturing.”
While Elysia is about resetting your life and can mean detoxing your body, Ingram stresses it’s not about extremes. The retreat offers coffee and tea at breakfast for those who prefer it. “It’s about making choices that are right for you,” she says.
From June 23 to July 18, the retreat is offering a long-stay promotion with 15% off three- and four-night stays and 20% off five and seven nights. It also includes 10% off two-night tailored programs. Travel needs to be before December 14, 2025.
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