6 Wellness Escapes To Restore Your Mind, Body & Spirit

6 Winter Wellness Escapes To Restore Your Mind, Body And Spirit

We get it – hibernation majorly appeals when there’s a chill in the air and the sky is greyer than the hoody now accompanying your workouts.

But mate, you’re not a bear, so it’s time to crawl out of this winter slump and dig out your suitcase. Simply planning a getaway can boost your wellbeing, say researchers from Erasmas University Rotterdam and NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences, but actually going on that vacation? Even better. Consider these escapes the perfect cold-season antidotes to nourish and warm you from the inside out.

For your mind

Billabong Retreat, Sydney NSW

"You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows that they might do because of it, because of your words." Erin Morgenstern . . There have been many stories shared around this fireplace. We love to provide a space where people can relax, chat, read... and of course, stay warm! Thank you for the lovely photo @yoga.with.tracie 🙏

If you’re looking to get away from the daily grind, consider Billabong Retreat. Nestled in bushland just 45 minutes outside of Sydney CBD, this family-run yoga and meditation sanctuary has everything you need to unwind and recharge the batteries. We’re talking tree-house cabins, nourishing vego food and daily cleansing, self-care and stress management workshops. Max chill, min fuss.

Look what's served for dinner. Half-baked pumpkin baked in coconut oil and whole spices served with a creamy cashew "vegan" cheese sauce and roast eggplants in tomato and basil sauce.

Must do: Sound healing meditation. Lie on a yoga mat and prepare to be transported to a place of calmness and tranquillity. BYO crystal.

Details: From $250 pp, dorm share per night, billabongretreat.com.au

Unyoked, regional Victoria

What Monday arvos should be like Location: One of our cabins #unyoked #monday #disconnect

The ultimate digi-detox experience. Completely immerse yourself in solitude in a tiny house in the wilderness. Unyoked offers off-grid escapes within a stone’s throw of Melbourne. The cabins are solar-powered, totally self-sustaining and provide only the essentials (a comfy bed, warm shower, stove and writing supplies.) There’s no phone reception. No wifi. Just all the time in the world to enjoy the simple things in life: cooking, reading, relaxing and hiking. Sign us up.

Sick of the office? Four new tiny houses in untapped wilderness locations went live for early-bird bookings today! #unyoked #disconnect #microadventure Photo: @heygents

Must do: Cook damper on the campfire under the stars. Bliss.

Details: From $199 per night, unyoked.co

For your body

Talallah Retreat, Sri Lanka

Salty days at @talalla_retreat. Recharge in the stillness and sunshine. . 📸 @_carlybrownphotography_ . . . . #sunshine #surf #paradise #paradisegetaway #talalla #TalallaRetreat #talallabeach #sea #salt #retreat #retreatholiday #beachholiday #travel #srilanka #srilankabeaches #SriLankaTravel #beach

Pipe dreams of becoming the next Tyler Wright? Talallah’s week-long surf camps cater for all abilities, no matter whether you’re a total rookie or hang ten on the reg. You’ll have daily theory classes and world-class coaches showing you the ropes. Plus, there’s ample opportunity to explore your epic surrounds - from bike riding through the local village to trying out a traditional cooking class. Swim. Sun. Stretch. Repeat.

Deepening your yoga practice in a tranquil & natural environment is a powerful experience. 🌼 . 📸 Credit: @noshoes_noworries . . . . #TalallaRetreat #talallayoga #talalla #talallabeach #retreat #yogaretreat #yogaretreatsrilanka #srilankabeach #srilankayoga #srilankatravel #srilankaretreat #yogini #yogi #tropicalholiday #relax #relaxingholiday #rejuvinate #travel #travelingyogi

Must do: Day safari to Udawalawe National Park. Get up close with elephants and leopards at one of the largest animal sanctuaries in South Africa.

Details: From $1200 per person dorm share, talallaretreat.com

Active Escapes, Noosa QLD

Noosa's National Park is a highlight for our guests. Amazing shot of the fairy pools by @mmmandsss #fairypools #noosa #fitnessretreat

Burpees before breakfast? Sunset circuits? Rubbing shoulders with the likes of trainers-du-jour Andrew Pap and Amanda Bisk? So much yes. If #cleaneating and ab-sculpting is your jam, Active Escapes is your getaway. With thrice daily sweat sessions on one of Oz’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll be pushing your mind and body to the limits with wakeboarding, hiking and even an ‘amazing race’ on the agenda.

Counting down the days for this mega babe @amandabisk to be training us in Noosa there's still time to book in and enjoy the best week ever with @amandabisk @_adamdunne @zannaconlan @ali_dixon #booknow #fitnessretreat #vacation #yoga #fitness #surfing #fun

Must do: Rooftop yoga, looking out over Noosa and the neighbouring national park.

Details: From $1,950 per person double share for 6 nights, activeescapes.com

For your spirit

The Sherwood, Queenstown NZ

So nice to be getting to the stage where we can look at the lunch and brunch menu's again... especially when the dishes taste as good as this little study in summer from @bloodoil_1

Set on three acres of alpine hillside in picturesque Queenstown, this eco-resort (which still has its original 1985 motor inn façade) was created with three things in mind: wellbeing, community and sustainability. Think: fire-side-singalongs, storytelling evenings, healing health workshops and wholefoods foraged from their biodynamic vegetable garden. And the best part? It won’t break the bank.

For when you need some time in a tent...which we all do at some point... thanks @heath.lowe she's weathering well.

Must do: See the sunrise from the tepee. The views over Lake Wakitipu and The Remarkables are nothing short of, well, remarkable.

Details: From $150 double share per night, sherwoodqueenstown.nz

The Arkaba Walk, Finders Ranges SA:

Some prefer an aerial view by helicopter, others admire her atop one of Arkaba's nearby mountains by 4WD safari. And some, like the exclusive group with us today, choose to take their #arkabawalk experience up a notch by adding a challenge day to summit Mt Aleck - the highest point on the Elder Range. However you experience Arkaba, you'll share an inspirational bush experience in the grandeur of our very own Elder Range in @southaustralia's Flinders Ranges. An ancient eroded line of red-rock bluffs lying wholly within Arkaba's boundaries now home to two colonies of the near threatened Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. 📷@australia

Bush bashing meets luxe on this four-day, three-night fully-guided trek through the outback. You’ll cover over 48km on foot over a variety of terrain - from rolling hills to dried creek beds - with the stunning Elder Range and Wilpena Pound as your backdrop. Plus, when you return to camp each day your luggage will await, along with a chilled hand towel, a selection of local wine and a chef-prepared three-course feast. This the ultimate opportunity to self-reflect while reconnecting with nature.

Have you slept in a swag in the wilds of outback @southaustralia? Signature swag camps on the #arkabawalk give you the option of sleeping out under the stars (or under sheltered bush huts) with the third and final night in comfort of the #arkabahomestead 📷@tscharke

Must do: Sleep under the night sky in a swag made up with a few creature comforts - sheets, doonas and fluffy pillows.

Details: From $2,200 per person twin share, arkabawalk.com

Lucy Bode

Lucy is WH’s Digital Editor, Features Writer, social media guru and resident woo. A long black lover and foodie at heart, she considers peanut butter an hourly staple and believes chardonnay is the superior drop. When she's not at the beach, barre or yoga studio you'll find her coming up with new and improved ways to kill her unkillable houseplants