Gaia Retreat named Australia’s best

GAIA Retreat & Spa has been named Australia’s Leading Retreat in the 2024 World Travel Awards.

It is the fourth year in a row that the property, at Brooklet in the Byron Bay hinterland, has been recognised with the award.

The wellness getaway, which was co-founded by Olivia Newton-John in 2005, has 22 rooms, suites and villas and offers a range of tailored programs that include healthy gourmet meals, spa treatments and activities such as yoga, Pilates, Qi-Gong and sound healing ceremonies.

Gaia’s general manager Emily Griffin said the team was humbled and honoured by the announcement.

“These awards are extremely important as they recognise both excellence and effort in the industry and are voted by both

the public and industry peers,” she said.

“The hospitality and wellness industry operates at a very high level, and it requires us to always be thinking ahead and anticipating our guests’ needs.”

Griffin said many guests who come to Gaia are navigating grief, trauma, burnout or health challenges, whilst others are celebrating life milestones and enjoying time with family or friends.

“Seeing guests arrive weathered by life’s journey and leave thriving and full of passion for their next steps is such an honour,” she said.

While Gaia is now owned by Australian property revitalist company Fiveight, Griffin said Newton-John’s presence is felt throughout.

“Olivia embraced complementary therapies that improved her wellbeing and helped her maintain her positive spirit,” she said.

While Gaia’s ethos — your life, your retreat, your choice — has remained unchanged over the years, its offerings are constantly evolving.

It is soon launching a ‘Rebalance’ package designed to support women through menopause and beyond.

“We offer locals a 10 per cent discount, so if you live in the area come and see what all the fuss is about,” Griffin said.