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When you check in to Elysia Wellness Retreat, you get handed a name tag and room key sheathed in a little plastic case. Slipped in the back is a small paper schedule. One look at what’s on offer for the day ahead and I’m back to being nine years old again – hungry eyes scanning the activities on offer and planning what to do next, like I’m in a kid's club. Except, it’s not three-legged races and arts and crafts – here it’s all about pilates and sunrise tai chi. That, I can do.
From sweeping Hunter Valley views in every room to daily yoga and meditation – and a glass of wine on the weekend – a stay at Elysia, located a two-hour drive from Sydney, is all about switching off. There is something about having no responsibilities that does elicit a childlike wonder for your stay. The leafy surroundings of the 74-room resort are greener, the country air is fresher and simple ingredients taste better.
I’m only at Elysia for two nights but I feel massively renewed heading back into my nine to five. If you’re feeling burnt out and stagnant in your routine, or need a little (supportive) kick up the bum to shape some better wellness habits, I can’t recommend this getaway enough. Here’s what it’s like to stay at Elysia Wellness Retreat in the Hunter Valley.
What to expect at Elysia Wellness Retreat
You can book a retreat package or just a room. Book the latter if you’re just after a base for exploring the best of the Hunter Valley. While the former includes all your meals, a discount or credit for spa treatments (depending on how long you stay), speaker talks in the evening – and as many fitness and wellness classes as you can dream of.
From Pokolbin’s central intersection, it’s an eight-minute drive to Elysia, some of which is along a rugged road. The journey up is well worth it for the views the resort has sitting on top of a hill. The resort forms a big loop, starting with the reception and dining building as you walk in, with the spa centre, pool and fitness rooms all a couple of steps away. Then there’s the accommodation all lined up along a short five-minute circular track. Plus, there’s a 25-metre heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, tennis court, indoor activities court (hello, pickleball), a gym and a magnesium spa that all guests have access to in their stay (and helps with their eight-hour sleep).
What is the yoga, spa treatments and daily wellness schedule like?
Here’s an example of what the schedule looks like on my first day:
6.30am: Aqua aerobics
8am: Breakfast
9am: Stretching
10am: Sound healing
11am: Yoga
12pm: Lunch
3pm: Circuit workout
4pm: Myofascial stretch and release
6pm: Dinner
8pm: Guest speaker
Some classes are nothing revolutionary – just a bodyweight exercise circuit set up by the instructor in the gymnasium, or a simple yoga flow. Nonetheless, they’re still a great way to spend the time. Some standout activities have now become a welcome part of my at-home wellness routine despite (or maybe due to) how novel they were. I leave the myofascial stretch and release class feeling like 90 per cent of my tension was shed on the foam roller, and the sound healing session shows me how something as simple as humming calms the nervous system.
It’s a pick and choose structure – do one class and spend the rest of the day strolling around the lush grounds, or do them all. The spa menu is lush with premium prices. Get a little refresher like a mani pedi and express facial or really treat yourself to one of the long treatments, like the hot stone relaxation massage.
What are the rooms and views like at Elysia Hunter Valley?
Due to the aforementioned loop structure of the resort and its mighty throne on a hill, every single room has breathtaking views of the Hunter Valley – whether you’re in a lower or second floor apartment. Retreat-goers have the option to stay in a one, two or three bedroom suite with a full kitchen, ensuite with bath, and balcony (the perfect spot to have a cup of tea in my opinion). If you're after flashy five-star luxury, this isn't this place, but the newly renovated rooms are a lovely, clean space to unwind from a jam-packed day. If you’re looking to just stay for one night, you can book a one- or two-bedroom valley-view suite (for a fraction of the price) that includes brekkie. While room-only bookings start around the $250 mark per night, retreats are about double the price (including all your meals and classes).
What is the food and all-inclusive dining like at Elysia Wellness Retreat?
One thing I really love about the food at this wellness retreat is that it’s not the kind of bland healthy eating that will make you drive through Macca’s on the way home craving a cheeseburger. It’s filling, balanced and still has plenty of meaty options like chicken and fish. They can also cater to vegetarians and vegans.
Breakfast is a full buffet with toast, eggs, a muesli station, and fresh fruit, and other offerings rotate like salmon, smashed avocado, vegetable quiches and stir-fried veggies. There’s also a tea and plunge coffee station that you can access all day. One meal is offered at lunch and dinner (but they’re big portions, so you won’t go hungry). I'm dining with my lovely mum so we enjoy a window seat with views of the valley, but if you're flying solo, you can pull up a chair at the large table in the centre of the room and get to know your fellow retreaters.
On Saturdays, instead of choosing the meal of the day, you can opt for something from the Fusion menu, or go the whole hog with a three-course meal for a little extra. This refined offering has only just landed at Elysia, allowing resort guests and visitors to settle in every day at lunchtime for entrees like tuna tataki and squid pasta salad; mains like Hainanese chicken and rice and russet potato gnocchi; and dessert includes a chocolate mousse with berries.
Generally mealtimes are alcohol-free, but when you’re ordering off the Fusion menu, you have access to a delicious range of drops from the Hunter Valley region. I have a glass of the Oakvale verdelho, and it’s a super smooth accompaniment to my meal. When in the Valley, right?
Is Elysia worth it for a wellness getaway near Sydney?
Easy answer: yes. I’m well and truly back into my normal routine and I miss the version of me that stayed at Elysia. I felt fresh from all the good eating and movement and it’s a privilege to not have anything else to do in the day other than prioritise my health through wellness classes. There’s no skirting around the fact that it’s an expensive escape but if you’re sharing a room with a friend, partner or family member, and factor in that your meals and classes with instructors are included, I think the cost is justifiable for a lifestyle reset.
Address: 165 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Price per night: From around $250 p/night
Closest transport: Branxton Station (20 minutes drive away)
Book now: Click here
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