South Australia's Top 10 Wellness Retreats

Enrich yourself with one of South Australia’s 10 best wellness experiences.

You don't have to plan an extravagant escape to Bali to invest in your own wellbeing. From kayaking to meditation, nature escapes, day spas in Adelaide and off-grid accommodation - it is no wonder South Australia is quickly becoming the hottest new wellness destination. Whether you wish to embark on a destination yoga retreat, cherish yourself at a luxurious city spa or are simply in need of a weekend getaway close to Adelaide - we have compiled some of the most unique wellness experiences to put on your wish list.

1. Sequoia Lodge, Adelaide Hills

Relaxation comes naturally when you check into Sequoia Lodge, set high above the Piccadilly Valley, a region that is currently under consideration for a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, 'Sequoia' has even more to offer you than its inspiring location. Bathe in the sun on your private terrace or engage in sunrise yoga. Book into the spa for an organic facial or a rejuvenating massage, then luxuriate in the infinity pool or the artesian spring-fed hot pools. Take a hike in the natural surroundings, practice your yoga with a panoramic view before awarding yourself with some of the best local wines. Sequoia Lodge surpasses the standards of world class to embrace a new level of greatness - South Australian class.

2. Untamed Escapes Four Day Yoga Retreat, Fleurieu Peninsula

 Looking for a more substantial reset than your after work yoga class can offer? It's time to embark on a four day spiritual journey along the Fleurieu Peninsula. Expect nature walks, morning yoga, meditation, winery tours, cooking classes and luxe accommodation. Each day of this Untamed Escapes retreat kicks off with some time on the mat, followed by a day full of restorative activities - including kayaking across the pristine Myponga Reserve and dabbling in Ayurvedic cooking.

3. Cliff House, Lifetime Retreats, Kangaroo Island 

Sometimes a wellness spa amounts to just experiencing a perfect escape in nature with someone you love. Cliff House boasts three bedrooms and is set against a cliff overlooking Snelling’s Beach on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. With a cliff-edge bath, circular tower bedroom and cushioned sunken pit (with open fire), the architecturally designed Cliff House embraces you in stylish luxury, surrounded by the most sublime wilderness.

4. Gate Keeper’s Day Spa, Adelaide Hills

Discover the beauty of Mount Lofty House before retreating into the warm envelope of the nearby Gate Keeper's Day Spa for a life affirming, sensory journey. Treat yourself to an indulgent vanilla bean and cocoa or lime caviar treatment. Sick of the morning commute? cleanse your body of any city toxins with a deep clay exfoliation or a full body massage. Emerge feeling your sparkling best and ready to treat yourself to all that Mount Lofty House has to offer - or retreat to the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens for a moment of mindfulness. 

5. ESCA at Nest & Nature, Fleurieu Peninsula

Where to stay in South Australia for luxury lovers looking to switch off? Try ESCA, where everything is first-class, but without the pretension. High quality furnishings are meticulously modern yet surround you in stylish sanctuary, and everything from the crystal wine glasses to the egg-shaped tub adds to this remarkable getaway. Take in the expansive view and sound of bird song from your outdoor deck bath before retreating inside for a cosy dinner by the wood fire. Located just an hour outside of Adelaide, choose to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of this secluded property, or opt to add a special wellness inclusion. Their 'In-House Wellbeing' upgrades include a private yoga class and in-suite massage.

6. Eos Spa + Wellness Sky City, Adelaide

Live the spa life in the heart of the city amid the exquisite surrounds of this scenic hotel spa. Eos Spa + Wellness embodies the calm essence of dawn - a place to unwind, indulge and renew. The Eos rituals and treatments utilise organic and wild-harvested Australian products by iKOU. Fruit and flower anti-ageing extracts make up iKOU’s advanced, natural bio-active formulations which deliver visible results to the skin. Choose an indulgent spa ritual between Enlighten, Luxuriate or Flourish and then emerge feeling tingly and brand new.

7. Lifeflow Tara Hills Meditation, Adelaide Hills 

Embrace serenity in this meditation sanctuary situated just 45 minutes away from the Adelaide CBD. Set amid the rolling hills, large gum trees and abundant bird life of peaceful Native Valley - a sublime space to enter a deeper spirituality and mindfulness. Discover the best way to meditate to align to your needs, including guided meditation, walking meditations, theory classes enhanced by deep relaxation and yoga classes. You’ll be in the hands of Lifeflow meditation teachers who have been highly trained and have engaged in this discipline for a minimum of ten years. This ensures you are in a safe space and afterwards, ground yourself in nature, exploring the local bush walks.

8. The Frames, Riverland

A magical river runs through it. This is, of course, the award-winning six star luxury retreat, The Frames, set on the banks of the Murray River, which offers you true nourishment of your body and soul. Go with the flow in a luxuriously appointed gondola on a sunset cruise, or join a wetlands safari, discovering the lushness of nature. You could even paddle your own canoe. Discover more about the region and its spirituality from the local Indigenous community. Then return each day to your private heated swimming pool and hydrotherapy spa. Your only challenge is to think of ways to extend your stay.

9. Wandering Souls, Kangaroo Island

Become grounded in the ultimate retreat - a glamping site on Kangaroo Island where you have a choice of opulent tented accommodation. Wandering Souls redefines glamping, with 1000 thread count sheets for your queen or single sized bed and a duck feather doona. Discover the local wildlife, including seals, echidnas, dolphins, kangaroos and koalas. Book a spa experience in your own tent with face and body rituals and luxury products. Kangaroo Island is an unforgettable, enriching wellness destination.

10. Endota Day Spa, Novotel Resort, Barossa

Enjoy the surrounds of one of Australia’s prime wine regions as you nurture yourself at this Endota spa with a full range of treatments available, including deep tissue and remedial massage and a soothing stone massage. Experience an organic infusion facial or anti-ageing treatments, including hydro-microdermabrasion, Light Therapy (LED) and clinical facial peels. This is a spa menu that is curated especially for your needs, to enhance a feeling of wellbeing and a lightness in your step. Together with all of the wellness options in South Australia, this Barossa spa is dedicated to having you feel like a different person than you were when you arrived.

LOOKING FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY?

Wellness doesn't just come in the form of yoga or meditation. It can look like time spent investing in yourself in a beautiful location. Why not treat yourself to a weekend away with high thread counts in one of South Australia's top luxury stays or a gentle wake-up call from birds chirping in nature.