Billabong Retreat expands its wellness offerings

The Billabong Retreat - a wellness retreat in north-west Sydney - is offering new deluxe accommodation, an over water yoga studio and enhanced guest facilities.

Billabong Retreat founder, Paul von Bergen previously placed the retreat for sale in 2022, with an expected price guide exceeding $25million.

Billabong Retreat - centred around a serene billabong situated in lush native Australian bush in Maraylya – is undergoing a $1.5 million expansion which also includes upgrades to existing guest rooms and leisure amenities.

von Bergen shares “Stress is ever present, no doubt exacerbated by living through two years of a pandemic as well as everyday life pressures, and at no time has Billabong Retreat been more in demand. We are thrilled to have expanded our capacity for not only overnight guests, but also for day retreats as well as corporate groups.”

The retreat has increased its guest accommodation from 19 to 26 rooms, including three Deluxe Cabins overlooking the billabong with outdoor bathtubs and four contemporary Terrace Ensuite rooms with private sunset balconies. The original Treehouse and Cottage guest rooms have also been refurbished and there is now accommodation for 52 guests.

The new Lotus Studio, a timber pavilion sitting above the tranquil billabong, now hosts daily yoga and the Waterside Pavilion has been enclosed to expand its use both during the winter months and also as a private space for group workshops, one-on-one sessions and meditation practice.

A deck has been built overlooking the popular magnesium swimming pool and relaxation pods are being planned for the billabong. The Wellness Centre now offers Relaxation and Hot Rock Massage, Reiki, Facials, Iridology, Far Infrared Sauna and Neuro Emotional Technique.

Retreat programs – which include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, self-care and stress relief – are also being expanded in 2023, along with the introduction of specialist retreat days to complement the existing Day Retreats and Corporate Retreats.

von Bergen adds “we anticipate a growing demand for corporate retreats and are well equipped to accommodate companies wanting to bring a group of employees to the property for a day or overnight. We have developed a comprehensive Staff Wellness Program that incorporates modern science, mindfulness, stress management, nutrition and fitness delivered in a relaxed bush setting.”

“Prioritising health and wellbeing is highly beneficial not only for individuals but for companies seeking to reduce absenteeism, improve productivity and decision making, cultivate more effective team work and foster happier, more engaged employees.”

The enhancement project, which began in 2022 is set to be completed by the middle of this year.

Retreats starts at $300 per person per night for a mid-week stay (shared bath) or $450 (with ensuite) and includes all delicious wholefood meals, drinks and snacks, daily themed workshops, daily yoga, and evening meditation.

Day Retreats (8.30am-5.00pm) start at $150 per person or $250 for a package including attendance at the daily workshop and a spa treatment in the Wellness Centre.

Group Retreats – including Corporate Retreats and Team Wellness days start from $350 per person for teams of eight to 21 people and programs can be customised to suit.

For more information, visit billabongretreat.com.au