Inside Long Island’s exclusive Elysian Retreat in the Whitsundays
Craving an island getaway? We go inside the ultra exclusive Elysian Retreat open to only 20 guests at a time
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As I move through chaturanga and into upward facing dog, I’m suddenly thrown out of my concentrative yoga state, captivated by the picture-perfect moment before me.
I’m at Elysian Retreat on Long Island in the Whitsundays – a pared-back, solar-powered, eco resort offering accommodation for just 20 guests in 10 bohemian-styled bungalows along the waterfront.
Like a health retreat of sorts – without branding itself as such – Elysian offers yoga every morning (and in the afternoons on request) on the deck circling its special mineral pool, which promises to relieve stress and anxiety, detoxify the body, reduce aches and pains and induce a peaceful night’s sleep.
This particular morning the sunlight is gently shining, creating a perfect reflection of the swaying palm trees and cloud-flecked blue sky in the pool while a fine breeze generates fine ripples across the shimmering ocean in front. I should be moving into downward dog, but I find myself fumbling for my camera, intent on capturing this flash of natural beauty.
And it’s these little moments that Elysian is all about.
With only Telstra phones able to pick up reception on the island and Wi-Fi restricted to just the main pavilion (it’s not available in the bungalows) guests are forced into a tech detox, allowing them to reconnect with nature and each other.
In fact, one of the best things about the island retreat is the opportunity to make friends with fellow holiday-makers, sharing a few drinks and laughs during the nightly canape hour before settling into dinner with your significant other. It’s the best way to be social and meet new people, but also ensure you get one-on-one time if you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or just time away from the daily grind.
This is the type of retreat you bring a stack of good books to, and do nothing but sleep, eat, read and repeat.
Of course a little more adventure can be had with the complimentary use of kayaks, with guests able to paddle around to another section of the island where a rigorous hiking track awaits. But this requires a decent level of fitness or determination, with the kayak trip on the way there taking about half an hour, but double that on the way back as you fight against the rather strong current.
Paddleboarding and snorkelling are also available at the retreat, while motorised activities can be organised for an additional cost, with everything from jetski and biking adventures to helicopter and boat tours.
A must is the Whitehaven Beach boat and snorkelling experience. Larrikin of the sea and former Sydney to Hobart sailor Captain Dave takes guests past Hamilton Island to the magical 7km long strip of brilliant white silica sand, sharing stories of his nautical adventures along the way, including how locals really felt about actor Johnny Depp when one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed in the Whitsundays.
If you run into windy weather, the boat ride can feel more like an adrenaline adventure with the vessel bouncing around like a toddler after red cordial. But when the breeze drops off it’s a fairly relaxing but lengthy voyage.
After a short stop at one of the lookouts to familiarise ourselves with all the small islands in the area, Captain Dave drops us off at one of the most secluded parts of Whitehaven Beach, where we’re given picnic blankets, beach umbrellas and an impressive four-course packed lunch to enjoy.
Parked up for about two hours, you can swim in the divine turquoise waters, or go for a walk, as we did, with parts of the sand so soft it’s almost like walking in fresh snow – the granules coming up to around mid-calf height.
It’s enough to work up a serious hunger and, back at Elysian, chef Johnny (ex-Esquire, Brisbane City, and Paper Daisy, Cabarita Beach) ensures guests are satiated with a bespoke three-course dinner nightly, catering to your tastes, while keeping things beautifully light, fresh and local. All meals are included in your stay, including a two-course lunch and two-course breakfast daily, which are just as elevated as dinner. And while it may sound like a lot of food, Johnny’s health-focused, clean style ensures you never feel like busting out of your bikini.
The bungalows are simply appointed, with a Byron Bay beach shack kind of charm, the true joy coming from the rope swing on the back deck, which will have you feeling like a child again.
And with a year like 2020, maybe going back to our carefree childhood is just what we all need right now.
The writer was a guest of Tourism and Events Queensland