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Every so often, I come across a place that quite literally takes my breath away. Sure, it sounds like a cliché, but there’s honestly no better way to describe my stay at Zensi Retreat.
Tucked away on a sprawling, ultra-private piece of countryside in NSW’s Mudgee wine region, this luxury wellness sanctuary is the definition of a secluded paradise. It’s the type of place you escape to when you need to slow down, switch off and simply breathe in the crisp country air – and that is precisely what I did for two blissful winter days. I didn’t leave the property once – not because there wasn’t plenty to do nearby (Mudgee is one of NSW’s largest grape-producing regions with more than 60 vineyards just a short drive away), but simply because I didn't want to miss a moment in paradise.
As I pulled onto the gravel driveway, I first passed a sleek standalone villa, specially designed for romantic couples’ getaways. Just beyond that sits Zensi’s true crown jewel – an expansive four-bedroom home that plays host to both self-discovery wellness retreats and private group stays. The main house comfortably sleeps up to ten guests, and you can add two luxury glamping teepees to accommodate an additional four travellers.
Life partners Ruby Chapman and Ray Tayoung built and designed Zensi Retreat from scratch – and you can feel and appreciate the deep intention behind every detail. Stone flooring makes you feel grounded from the get-go, while curved walls and soft lighting guide you effortlessly through the spaces designed for ultimate relaxation.I loved the soaring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that flood the open-plan living and dining room with glorious, warming sunlight. Here, I cooked up many cosy meals (trust me, the designer kitchen has every high-end gadget you could want and need), before curling up under weighted blankets on the elongated lounge.
Next door, the master bedroom feels like a private sanctuary, featuring a massive walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite centred around the biggest freestanding bath I’ve ever seen. For those staying in the bunk rooms, the stylish communal bathroom gives main character energy with a full wall of glowing LED mirrors, three make-up vanities, plus two toilets and showers. I especially loved the calming crystals dotted throughout each room, paired with mantra cards that served as a gentle reminder to be grateful for each moment of my stay.
You won’t find any clocks at Zensi. The entire estate is designed to help you completely lose track of time, whether you’re floating in the magnesium pool, strolling around the 33-acre property, stargazing from the outdoor sunken fire pit or simply staring into the endless horizon.
My favourite place to get ‘lost’ was in the dedicated wellness space. Seamlessly attached to the main house, this restorative haven features a bright yoga studio alongside a private bathhouse complete with a sunken heated spa, a traditional dry heat sauna and an open rainfall shower. You can soak, refresh, sweat and repeat as many times as your heart desires.
By the time checkout rolled around, I was seriously considering hiding out in one of the teepees indefinitely. Zensi Retreat isn’t just a luxury house; it’s a rare little pocket of the world where the only thing on your to-do list is pure self-care. So, gather a group, book that annual leave and treat yourself to a DIY wellness getaway here.
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