Noosa Springs Spa
Here wellness means so much more than making hollow promises to eat less and exercise more - for us - it’s about embracing a way of life that fuels the mind, body and soul.
Find freedom in allowing yourself to let it go and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
With health retreats, day spas, fresh local produce and nature-based activity, taking time out to care for yourself on the Sunshine Coast will leave you shining from the inside out.
Join a wellness retreat
Time moves a little differently on the Sunshine Coast, slipping by not by the hour, but leaping between moments. This New Year, learn to stop and appreciate the little things at a wellness retreat.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat, located in the Hinterland town of Maleny, offer two-night wellness retreats, with their next one scheduled to run from 7-9 March. The retreat is led by wellness expert Rachel O’Brien and features yoga, mindfulness, breath workshops and award-winning food that is guaranteed to leave you in a state of zen.
Spa Spicers Tamarind
In the Noosa Hinterland town of Kin Kin, you’ll find Living Valley Retreat, where health and wellness is a way of life. Offering everything from a three-day ‘Rejuvenator’ package through to three-week retreat’s there is something for everyone to pause, reset and ensure your New Year sets you up for a thriving 2022.
Reset with a spa day
It’s important to take time out every now and then for a little self-care, and with a number of beautiful spas to choose from, the Sunshine Coast is just the place to do it.
Ikatan Balinese Day Spa has been voted Queensland’s Best Luxury Day Spa, and it’s not hard to see why. Here nature meets luxury, with the spa nestled in beautiful tropical gardens. Simply choose your package, sit back and relax. Spa lovers will also enjoy the newly opened Tank Bathhouse and Day Spa in Bli Bli, where you can enjoy a gourmet lunch, spa treatment and soak.
Ikatan Day Spa, Doonan
Other must-visits include Spa Anise in Maleny, The Spa at Noosa Springs Resort and the Asante Day Spa in Coolum. For an experience that will leave you floating – literally - try The Float Space in Maroochydore where you can lay in your own private float tank, great for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Visit Chenrezig Buddhist Retreat
Nestled in the trees in the Hinterland town of Eudlo you’ll find Chenrezig Institute; one of the largest Buddhist centres in the western world. Chenrezig is a Tibetan word that refers to the Buddha of Compassion and with this approach to life, the centre offers mindful yoga every Friday morning as well as guided meditation sessions. For visitors to the Sunshine Coast, Chenrezig is an incredible place to not only learn more about Buddhism but help transform your mind and heart for the benefit of others. Their onsite Big Love Café is a must-visit too, offering delicious vegetarian food to enjoy overlooking the rainforest.
Get back in touch with nature
It’s long been known that spending time in nature is good for your mental health. Something as simple as walking barefoot on the beach can leave you feeling more connected with the world around you, and the New Year is the perfect time to make more conscious choices to immerse yourself in nature.
Sunrise at Mount Coolum
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of Australia’s most pristine natural environments. Here is one of the few places in the world where you’ll find two UNESCO declared biospheres sitting side by side, one of only two everglade systems in the world, more than 100km of pristine beaches, pockets of sub-tropical rainforest and the Glass House Mountains that are actually remnants of volcanic activity that occurred 25-27 million years ago.
With so much to see and do, why not book into a glamping retreat such as Starry Nights or Ingenia Holidays Rivershore to truly be at one with the world around you.
Get your body moving
Find you’re lacking motivation to hit up the gym? There are plenty of ways to get in your daily step-count (and work up a sweat!) on the Sunshine Coast – without it feeling like a chore.
Outdoor Adventure Australia offer amazing guided treks through some of the Sunshine Coast’s most pristine natural environments, a perfect way to start your New Year feeling grounded. Explore pockets of lush sub-tropical rainforest on their two-night Gheerulla Loop walk in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland or explore the Great Sandy Biosphere on the five-night Cooloola Great Walk for true bucket list experiences.
Hiking in the Glass House Mountains
For a full workout experience, take your spin class outdoors with Ecotekk Sunshine Coast who offer guided tours on electric bikes, hold a yoga pose on a SUP board with Noosa Stand Up Paddle or create your own HIIT class with a climb to the summit of Mount Coolum.
Eat well
If you found you indulged in a few extra Christmas calories over the silly season, the Sunshine Coast is home to a number of cafes and farmer’s markets where fresh and healthy local produce is the order of the day. The Kawana Waters Farmers Market, held each Saturday morning, is a great place to stock up on fresh fruit and veg, as is the Yandina Country Markets and Fishermans Road Markets in Maroochydore.
Kin Kin General Store
If you’re looking to dine in try Kunara in Forest Glen, a certified organic café offering a range of vegan and vegetarian fare. Other must-visits include VanillaFood in Noosa, the Kin Kin General Store, Evolution Fuel in Maroochydore and Greenhouse Café Caloundra.