A moment of Zensi
Editor Kate explores the subtle nuances of Zensi, a new luxury retreat space in NSW’s Mudgee, and of her soul.
Late last year, I packed my bags for a two-day escape in Mudgee, NSW, with my sister-in-law, Lauren. We checked into Zensi, a new luxury retreat space 15 minutes from Mudgee town centre and the airport. I had no expectations for the retreat, but I did have plenty of intentions. I wanted to deeply relax, reconnect to my essence, spend quality time with Lauren and sit in circle with other women.
The name Mudgee, derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi, which translates to “nest in the hills”, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the charming region. Paying homage to this, Zensi offers its own version of a nest – a sanctuary where one can feel embraced, nurtured, safe and free to explore. It is these qualities that founders Ruby Chapman and Ray Tayoun weave beautifully into every moment of Zensi.
The embrace
When I first opened the heavy black oak door to Zensi’s main house, I was greeted by Ruby’s warm smile. Her welcoming embrace immediately made me feel at home – it was familiar and comforting. I later learned that Ruby practises reiki, which could explain the nurturing energy I felt in our initial encounter. I met her husband Ray, who offered Lauren and I a glass of champagne, and we joined nine other women on a tour of the house.
It’s difficult to describe the interiors of Zensi because words are limited in their expressions. What Ruby and Ray have created transcends words – they’ve shaped a feeling, a pause, a moment in time.
Every nook has been meticulously crafted by the husband-and-wife team. With Ruby working on the interior design and Ray on the build, both the main house and villa feature curved walls, beautiful stone flooring and stunning marble finishes. The ambiance of the space honours the beauty of raw and earthy materials, which was a conscious and integral design choice for the couple.
Accommodating up to 10 guests, the house seamlessly adjusts to the seasonal shifts of Mudgee. Featuring an indoor wood fireplace and sunken outdoor firepit for the cool evenings and a rejuvenating mineral pool for the summer months, there’s no reason to leave. With a 10-person sauna, hot or cold spa, wellness room, helipad and so much more, Ruby and Ray have truly thought about it all.
The villa, where Lauren and I stayed, comfortably sleeps two and features an oversized round bath, an outdoor firepit, indoor wood fireplace, outdoor hot and cold plunge pool and sauna. From our king bed, we watched the horses, cows and alpacas graze in the surrounding 33 acres and listened to the sparrows sing.
Feeling deeply nurtured
At Zensi, the nurturing manifested in various forms: Qi gong, organic wine tasting, incredible Ayurvedic food, sunrise and sunset yoga, reiki, sound healing, breath work and connection with like-minded women. Each practice created a deep sense of rejuvenation for both Lauren and I, however one moment stood out the most.
On Saturday, Ali Skiba, a sound healer and voice activation coach, led the group through a breath and sound healing session. Using singing and crystal bowls, guitar, flutes, drums and her beautiful voice, she immersed our bodies in sound. The vibration of the singing bowls deeply penetrated my soul, to the point that I was void of any tangible form. I was soaking in pure sound frequencies. As I dropped into a meditative state, Ali led the group through a few rounds of breath retention. Suddenly, a vision of my grandmother and grandfather, who have both passed, flashed by. They were surrounding my son, husband and I, saying, “We are always with you, we are always here.” The warmth, comfort and familiarity this left my heart was astonishing.
As the words “lean towards love” floated around my mind, Ali began singing Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. Beside me, Lauren joined in, sharing her angelic voice with the group. As she harmonised perfectly with Ali, I couldn’t help but sob. I allowed the tears to stream down my cheeks, soaking my eye pillow, and I heard sobbing all around the room.
In the heart of Mudgee, as a collective of powerful women, we let it all out. We cried, we listened, we lent in, we held and we were held.
Afterwards, I found myself attempting to process the profound impact. This symphony of emotional release etched itself deeply into my soul, serving as a powerful reminder that such transformative moments are to be cherished. They arise spontaneously, born of creativity and manifestation, intricately intertwined by surrender and stillness.
Ayurvedic offerings
Over the weekend, we ate incredibly delicious food. Alex (LAST NAME), a culinary genius, was our private chef. His Ayurvedic menu consisted of carrot and coconut soup, sattvic soba bowl, lentil dal, crispy tempeh sticks, pea samole, fruit platters, mango cream and so much more. Everything we ate was vegan, gluten-free, good quality and perfectly cooked.
Alex was an early riser, diligently preparing breakfast and lunch, and consistently the last one to go to bed. His unparalleled dedication to creating good, soulful food shone through in every dish.
A sanctuary of self-discovery
Zensi is much more than a retreat space; it’s a sanctuary of self-discovery and indulgence. It offers the perfect blend of luxury, nature and wellness activities. My intentions to pause, embrace and immerse myself in the beauty of living were surpassed. Entering Zensi, I had no expectations, however the retreat not only raised my personal vibration but also deepened the bond and connection I share with my sister-in-law.
For more information, visit zensiretreat.com.au
Photography: Katie Wade and Alysha Dawn
