Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat Review: A Luxurious Wellness Escape in the Gold Coast Hinterland

Tucked into the Gold Coast Hinterland with sweeping views that stretch all the way to the sea, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is a sanctuary I didn’t realise I needed until I arrived. As someone who’s always on and always online, stepping into this peaceful haven, where phones are tucked away and the outside world quietens, felt like a deep exhale I hadn’t taken in years.

What to Expect

From the moment I arrived, I felt taken care of. Every detail is thought through, every corner designed to support rest and renewal. You’re placed on a program that gently guides your day, starting with a 6:00am and running through until about 8pm. It sounds intense, and it can be, but the beauty of Gwinganna is that you’re never pushed. You’re invited. You can opt in and out depending on how you feel, what you need, and the goals you’ve set for your weekend.

The structure gave my days a sense of rhythm: energising mornings, deeply nourishing food, gentle movement, and soul-restoring downtime. It’s a holistic reset that nourishes both mind and body, and somehow, it all feels completely doable.

The Food

Let’s talk about the food, because it’s a highlight in every way. Gwinganna’s meals are organic, seasonal, and utterly delicious. It’s not about restriction here, there’s plenty to eat, and every bite is packed with nutrients and flavour.

Mornings began with warming teas, turmeric and ginger infusions, and a cooked breakfast that might include eggs from the property’s own hens, fresh herbs and greens picked from the garden, and satisfying, wholesome sides. Throughout the day, nourishing snacks would appear: apricot and tahini bliss balls, fresh fruit, crunchy seeds.

Dinners felt like a hug. Think pumpkin risotto made with body-loving ingredients, vibrant vegetables cooked to perfection, and hearty, satisfying meals that never left me hungry. There’s filtered water everywhere, and you’ll often be offered a shot of apple cider vinegar before meals to support digestion. It’s thoughtful, it’s delicious, and it reminds you how good real food can make you feel.

The Experience

I stayed in one of the Billabong Villa rooms, light-filled, luxurious, and blissfully quiet. Waking up to birdsong and stepping out onto my deck with a cup of tea (herbal and organic of course) set the tone each morning.

Our days started with gentle Qi Gong as the sun rises, overlooking the coast, then on to an energising hike through the surrounding bushland, with two pace options so everyone felt included. Then came a yoga class, where gentle movement helped us reconnect with our bodies. One morning, we even did a salsa dance class, laughing, moving, feeling free.

After a nourishing lunch, the pace softened. It was time for spa treatments in one of the largest spas in the southern hemisphere. The menu here is extensive, massages, healing therapies, medi-facials, and everything is delivered with care and expertise. I chose a massage and a facial, and both left me feeling like I was floating.

Afternoons were quiet: lounging by the pool, reading in the sun, walking the grounds, or just sitting still and listening to the wind in the trees. There’s no pressure to do anything, just an open invitation to tune in to what you need.

Meals are served communally, and there’s something lovely about that. Whether you arrive solo, with a partner, or in a group, you’ll meet others who are all there for the same reason: to rest, to reset, and to feel better.

Throughout the weekend, I picked up little wellness tips I’ve taken home with me, things like drinking warm water with lemon in the morning, ways to quiet the mind before bed, and the power of slowing down.

The Location & Facilities

Gwinganna’s facilities are world-class. From its stunning spa and movement studios to its open-air dining areas and walking tracks, everything is designed to encourage calm. The location is unbeatable, perched above the Gold Coast, surrounded by ancient trees and valley views that take your breath away.

It’s also surprisingly convenient. Located close to the Gold Coast airport, with scheduled pickups and drop-offs, getting there was easy, but once you arrive, it feels like another world. There’s limited reception and no phones allowed in public areas, which means no constant buzzing or news updates. For once, it’s just you, your breath, and the world around you.

The Afterglow

By the time the weekend came to an end, I felt relaxed, lighter, and more at ease than I had in a long time. Gwinganna is the perfect antidote to the modern world. It reminded me how important it is to take a moment for yourself.

I left Gwinganna with more than a few pampered muscles, I left with clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of self. And that, to me, is the real magic of this place.

Would I visit again?

Absolutely, my plan is to make this an annual event, prioritising my wellness and scheduling it in as I would any other important event. I would love to take my mother or sister along on the next trip, and Gwinganna is also launching its first-ever Mother Daughter Retreat this spring, a four-night escape designed to reconnect and strengthen this special bond, open to daughters aged 14 and up, the program includes expert-led wellness seminars, yoga, nature walks, sound healing, and nourishing organic meals.