New reason to holiday at home as Currumbin Valley retreat unveils multimillion-dollar revamp

Spa sessions, a rainforest flying fox and stunning balcony views - a Currumbin Valley health retreat is about to reopen after a big revamp. SEE WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE

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LIKE many of us, Currumbin Valley’s Eden Health Retreat will look a little different when it emerges from its COVID cocoon.

Australia’s longest-running luxury health retreat has taken advantage of the holiday-maker hiatus to embark on a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, adding 12 new cabins, a kitchen and dining facility, and a pavilion before an anticipated December reopening.

An artist’s impression of the new lodgings in Eden Health Retreat in Currumbin Valley

Eden general manager Chris van Hoof said Queensland’s COVID-19 lockdown provided an opportunity for reflection and self-improvement.

“When we had to close our doors back in March we had no idea we were going to be doing this development, but the owner had the approved DA in place for a number of years,” he said.

“One of the things that Eden has always done really well is that we give people a chance to reprioritise and focus on themselves, and that’s exactly what’s happened with COVID.

“I don’t think you can come out of a time like that without change.

“We’re in the final push (of the development) now, with the finishing touches on the yoga pavilion and landscaping.”

The addition of 12 high-end cabins will take the five-star retreat’s capacity to 40.

“They’re a completely different design – a really luxe offering,” Mr van Hoof said.

“They’re quite open plan with beautiful timber finishes and big, deep-set baths.

“Guests have their own private deck, looking over the property towards Cougal Cascades and the bluff of Mt Tallebudgera.

Guests will be treated to mountain views from private decks

“It’s stunning to see the colours in the morning as the sun creeps its way up the valley. It really is a special time.

“During this build we’ve also seen some of the most wonderful sunsets over that side.”

Eden’s changes aren’t just cosmetic. A purpose-built kitchen and dining area will facilitate a fresh focus on food, with all meals included in reimagined packages.

“We have revamped the program, leaning quite heavily into nutrition,” Mr van Hoof said.

“We have a permaculture garden and (Eden chef) Georgia Barnes is all about organic and wholefoods – touching food, seeing where it grows and transferring that into everyday applications.

Eden’s fresh focus on food will include goodies from the garden.

“We’re just about to release our new programs with three-night and six-night stays.

“We’re looking at December 30 for the first three-night stay, with bookings available towards the end of the month.”

Guests can do as much or as little as they like, signing up for boxing, yoga and pilates sweat sessions in the refurbished gym or soaking up the scenery from a mineral pool and hot tub.

Mr van Hoof said Eden would still offer its signature adventure attractions, including a giant swing, power pole challenge and rainforest canopy flying fox, alongside spa services.

“We’ve got just over 300 acres here (120ha) – a mix of cleared old farming land, beautiful ancient rainforest, little streams and waterfalls, and kilometres of private bushwalks,” he said.

“The adventure activities are designed to push the boundaries of where people are comfortable, so they can face their fears if they choose.

“With the power pole, you climb to the top then jump off and catch a trapeze.

“The spa has acupuncture and medicinal-based therapies through to really relaxing treatments.”

Mr van Hoof said he “couldn’t wait” for the most significant change in the retreat’s 36 years of operation.

“International travel closing down has pushed people toward finding a healthy alternative at home,” he said.

“People are really taking ownership of their health beyond eating well and exercising.

“It’s a sanctuary out here and helping people do that, really stripping it back, is what we do best.

“The east coast of Australia is our strongest market and as borders open we’re anticipating we will be in a very positive position.”