Those who know me know three things: I like ‘healthy stuff’ like walks and plates stacked high with veggies, I’m pretty sceptical when it comes to the wellness industry, and I love a bit of luxury.

So, if you’re stumped as to whether your next holiday destination should be a paradise of wellness or a temple of indulgence, sign me up as a guide (because I’m a pretty big fan of both).

Having just returned from my first foray into the world of health retreats, I’m going to break down what’s on offer at Eden, a luxury health retreat in the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Valley, and what you might find at a fancy beachside getaway at a similar price point.

The people

What you’ll find at Eden:

I brought along Mum for my three-night stay in paradise, not because she needed a health retreat, as she told me the night before we arrived, “I’m as relaxed as it gets, my life is very balanced at the moment” (nice for some). No, I roped her in because she’s bloody good fun, we love to travel together, and it turns out we needed some quality time without my darling three-year-old interjecting. 

It would also turn out that we were in good company. One lunch, sitting in the dining space we found ourselves at a table full of mothers and daughters. And this is the first thing that sets Eden apart from our imaginary luxury getaway – the connection with other guests. 

Ash Martin, their new culinary director told me “At Eden, we promote connection, and we find the dining room perfect for this. Everyone comes together to share their experiences daily. However, if you need some space, we encourage guests to dine a little earlier or later to avoid the crowd or choose one of our quiet tables to read a book or relax.” 

I made that choice a few times because while I’m as chatty as it gets, I’m also a classic introvert, easily exhausted by small talk. The communal vibe definitely builds the longer you spend at Eden, and the more activities you choose to join, but what appeals to many guests is that you’ll always have someone to talk to if you feel like it, and you’ll always have somewhere to retreat to if you don’t. 

What you’d find at a beachside resort:

When travelling solo, you may get a friendly smile as you pass by fellow holidaymakers, but you won’t necessarily have guaranteed company. This might be music to your ears, but if you’re someone who already spends a lot of time alone, you’re probably better off somewhere like Eden, where when we first arrived, we were warmly greeted, and led on a tour of the (massive) grounds by one of the ‘Joys’ – serene-looking humans who float about intending to make your experience, you guessed it, more joyful.

Staff at beachside resorts are also there to cater to your needs, though any extras (like poolside service) will generally come at a cost. 

The Vibe

What you’ll find at Eden:

In the lead-up, Mum and I both lost count of how many people made Nine Perfect Strangers jokes, but the staff looking after us were so down to earth (though, disappointingly, none were Nicole Kidman). The place actually used to be called ‘Camp Eden’ and the vibe was decidedly different, focussed mainly on weight loss. I’m talking lots of raw food and getting yanked out of bed in the wee hours. They even filmed a season of The Biggest Loser there back in the day.

The new Eden appears to operate with an invitation rather than obligation philosophy where Mum and I could join in as much or as little as we wanted. You can spend the whole time alone or nearly every waking minute with others. You’re never told what to do or when to do it, but if you choose to fully commit to the program, you will be very well guided throughout.

What you’d find at a beachside resort:

Back at our beautiful, (imaginary) beachside vacay, you might well be confronted by noisy kiddos splashing in the pool when you’re trying to read A Court of Thorns and Roses. But you’ll also be on your own clock and free to design your own daily schedule. 

So, if you’re looking for some soul-searching and connection, I would say a place like Eden could be for you. But if you want total control and an itinerary set by your own daily whims, you might be happier at a resort.

The treatments

What you’ll find at Eden:

Honestly, the spa at Eden is as good as it gets. Mum and I both floated out of our deep tissue massages and forgot what day it was for a good hour. The therapists are nurturing, and kind and it genuinely feels like their pleasure to look after you. 

They also recently opened a Vitality Centre with more cutting-edge, high-tech wellness therapies – cryotherapy, an infrared sauna, and something called ‘Lutronic Healite II LED Phototherapy, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. However these and the spa treatments do come at an extra cost. 

What you’d find at a beachside resort:

Most luxury resorts will have a spa on-site, or at least one nearby to recommend, so you will likely be well catered for if it’s a bit of pampering you’re after. 

Food and drink

What you’ll find at Eden:

The food we ate at Eden was very nourishing, mostly organic, quite veg forward, (mine in particular since I’m vegetarian) and entirely gluten-free. The menu is set each day, and designed by Chef Ash, who tells me “Going to a health retreat where you don't have control over what you order or eat can be challenging. Many people assume healthy food is just lentils and chickpeas and can be quite boring. I want people to enjoy and be pleasantly surprised by what can be done with healthy and nourishing meals.”

This is another thing that separates our two holiday options – you won’t find alcohol, sweet snacks or indulgent feasts at Eden, and caffeine is limited to teas and ‘low-caff’ coffee, however, everything you eat and drink while there is included in the package. 

What you’d find at a beachside resort:

Now, if you choose a resort near restaurants and bars, you’ll likely have a blast trying a new cuisine each day, or laze about poolside ordering snacks and cocktails right to your lounge chair. These will all add up cost-wise, but if you’re looking to indulge, this is definitely the choice for you. 

Facilities and Activities

What you’ll find at Eden:

All activities at Eden are included in your package, and each evening you’ll find an itinerary listing the next day’s offerings at your door. They have everything from circuit classes and Pilates to sound healing and pottery, glow worm walks and multiple hikes up and down the surrounding mountain trails. There’s also a fully equipped gym, a heated pool, spa and sauna (all available to guests 24/7). 

I was keen to dive into the activities the day I arrived, so I trudged in and glided out of a gentle stretch and meditation class, led by Barry, (who lives on the property) and can boast a 38-year tenure at the retreat. I really loved all of the yoga and meditation focussed classes, and the sound healing was a real treat.

What you’d find at a beachside resort:

You’re not likely to find what’s on offer at Eden in your luxury resort stay, but you’ll probably find a gym and pool/s on the grounds. You’ll need to head off-site for other activities and some (like yoga classes) will come at an extra cost. 

Accommodation

What you’ll find at Eden:

Driving through the gates of Eden, it’s impossible not to be awe struck by the natural beauty. Our driver paused on the bridge to open his window and make what I’m sure is a well-worn joke about these ten seconds being his wellness therapy. Then it was straight up the calf muscle-tightening hill to our, honestly, quite spectacular cabin. 

On night one, once back at the room, I’ll say it, I was hankering for a wine and a good rom com… but alas, if you’re looking for the TV remote in your room, you’ll come up short. There’s no reception anywhere on the grounds At Eden, and while there is WIFI available at reception, you’re ever so gently encouraged to digitally detox. So after we dismissed the idea of having an Uber driver meet us at the front gates with an iPad and a bottle of bubbles, we picked up our books and relished the SOS signal on our phones. 

What you’d find at a beachside resort:

Depending where you stay, you’ll definitely have a TV in your bedroom (and maybe even one above the bath!) with a range of movies available to purchase or stream. You’ll also have the comfort of your nightly TikTok scroll, so if you can’t imagine spending a day offline, this might be the choice for you. 

So, which is it?

If you’re still on the fence, maybe the best question to ask is, ‘How do I want to feel when I get home?’ I often return from a beachside escape feeling tanned, well rested and a bit bummed that it’s over, then it’s right back into life as if it never happened.

Getting back from Eden felt different. I did dive right back into work, but the things that would usually send my heart rate soaring, just… didn’t. I’ve been on social media less, and I truly have felt a sustained calm follow me (at least this far) into my week. In the end, it’s really about what you think will serve you best. If you’re up for some initial discomfort for a potentially lasting reward, take this as your cue to pop your health retreat cherry, but if you just want to kick back, indulge and play, it’s resort life the way.