Wednesday 23 February 2011

Spas, B and Bs and Retreats go Organic!

Have you ever wanted to get away from the stress of daily life, in a beautiful location, and immersing yourself in organic and eco-living? Spanning the east coast of Australia, we have friends who run Bed and Breakfasts Spas and Luxury Retreats that offer not only that, but Rosnay wines to boot...

North QLD: Whitsunday Organic Bed and Breakfast
This is probably Australia's first B and B to aim to provide a complete organic experience. Owned and run by the delightful Kepke family, it sits on the heights of Airlie Beach overlooking the famous Whitsunday Islands. The Kepke family have maintained the organic ethos of the B and B, growing their own organic garden and supplying organic food and wine, but adding to that years of European restaurant experience and extra luxuries like organic massage. Check out this video that was just on Queensland Weekender!






Gold Coast Hinterland: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
This place is truly top end, offering the ultimate in luxury, location and generosity. I say that because they offered us a free stay there, simply because we supply our wine to them! Gwinganna has superb facilities, delicious certified organic cuisine, stylish accommodation and the unique Spa Sanctuary in a range of innovative programs from two to seven days. Australian owned and operated, Gwinganna provides scenic views of the coast and surrounding valleys and a casual relaxed atmosphere.

They also wrote this for us...
"Our philosophy has been based on sustainability, recycling, and being consciously certified organic. We set about finding the best quality organic wine to support this ethos and Rosnay wines became our preferred option. Our customers are discerning and most have well developed palates. We receive very good feedback from our choice of wine and this assists us to reinforce our message for optimum wellbeing. In all things that you consume, go for quality rather than quantity." Sharon Kolkka, General Manager, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat




NSW Northern Rivers: Gaia Retreat
Again, this is pure luxury. Discovered by Olivia Newton-John and close friend Gregg Cave, this retreat reflects Olivia’s personal elegance and connection with the environment, something she has had a strong affinity with for many years. "Gaia is an unpretentious retreat - A place to reconnect with the land and yourself - barefoot meets Armani we like to call it."

Gaia Retreat and Spa has a selection of specialised packages, services and facilities with retreat style accommodation and the award winning, on site Gaia Day Spa. They offer comprehensive Focus Health Packages, Fitness, Detox, Weight Loss, Meditation, Art and Yoga are personalized package programs tailored specifically to your needs, giving you the space to OWN the Gaia experience. And, once you've relaxed and grounded yourself, you are allowed a small glass of Rosnay organic wine, to complete your day!

Check out this video made during the recent tour by Oprah Winfrey!



The Hunter: The Tops Organic Retreat
John and Sharini Sergeant, who founded the Whitsunday Organic B&B, now run 4.5 star Tops Organic Retreat. It has secluded luxury loft cabins and family farm stay cottages alongside Hookes Creek, just a few hours north of Sydney. Beautiful polished timber floors, designer loft bedroom, large balcony to watch the wildlife and listen to the many birds forest sounds and connect with nature. The beautiful timber structure of the organic restaurant and wine bar is impressive and natural. The cottages can accommodate 6 - 8 people each with spa bath, fully equipped kitchen, lounge and large balcony by the creek. There are 50 kms of internal walks on 2000 acres private acres including the Dilgry River which was noted as being the cleanest river on the Australian main land.The kids can feed the chickens, ducks, geese, guinea pigs, cows, horses, puppy pet dingo (Jesse) play some tennis day and night then jump in the salt water pool to cool off. There is a large hay barn with swings and a table tennis room.

I just noticed on Google that this place is actually for sale as a running concern!

Victoria: Peppers Springs Retreat and Spa
Situated in Hepburn Springs, just over an hour from Melbourne and three minutes from Daylesford, Peppers Springs Retreat and Spa offers superb accommodation following in the warm art deco theme that characterises the retreat. There are 40 luxurious rooms to choose from including a self contained 1864 Villa Parma with four exquisite bedrooms.

Much of the produce for the well knwon DECO restaurant is grown on the owners nearby farm property - from walnuts, chestnuts, citrus and stone fruits to apples, pears and root vegetables, combined with an extensive wine list which includes Rosnay Organic.



Have you stayed in an organic B&B? Please share your experience in the comments!