Lorna Jane unveils luxury Byron retreats

ACTIVEWEAR pioneer Lorna Jane Clarkson will launch a range of luxury wellness retreats at her newly transformed Ewingsdale estate, SOMA, from September.

The Brisbane-based entrepreneur purchased the 9nine-hectareha property on Kennedy’s Lane for almost $11m last year and has since undertaken an extensive refurbishment of the property, which featured in the Nicole Kidman television series Nine Perfect Strangers.

 

The estate now includes 10 guest suites, newly landscaped walking trails, a bathhouse and sauna, a saltwater pool and two purpose-built wellness domes for activities including yoga and meditation.

Expanding Clarkson’s long-standing Active Living philosophy into immersive wellness experiences, SOMA Lorna Jane will offer three- and four-day retreats designed to help women manage burnout, navigate hormonal changes and restore balance in their increasingly demanding lives.

 

 

The retreats will be led by a team of health practitioners, educators and specialists, covering topics including hormone health, nervous system regulation, behavioural change, longevity, leadership and performance.

Locals will also be able to attend through day passes, allowing guests to participate in retreat programs while returning home each evening.

Clarkson also purchased the Coorabell estate Coorabella for $14m in 2021.

 

The property, centred around an 1880s homestead and a three-storey barn, is best known as the venue where actress Margot Robbie married British director Tom Ackerley in 2016.

The SOMA launch further strengthens Byron Bay’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading wellness destinations, with the region combining its natural beauty with a growing collection of luxury retreats, eco-resorts, bathhouses and spas.

 

 

The annual Wellness Tourism Summit is held at Crystalbrook Byron, while Byron Bay was recently named Australia’s Best Wellness Town in the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

Nearby Brooklet is also home to the award-winning GAIA Retreat & Spa, co-founded by Olivia Newton-John in 2005, which has been recognised as Australia’s Leading Retreat at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025.