WellBeing chats with Gregg Cave, co-owner of Gaia Retreat & Spa along with Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John and Warwick Evans about the birth and growth of their dream child.
What inspired the four of you to found Gaia Retreat & Spa in 2005?
Olivia and I were out looking for a country house for me to buy in the Byron Bay region close to Olivia’s house and farm, which she has owned for over 30 years. We stumbled on this run-down old resort called the Sanctuary and that night we both dreamt we’d bought it. Olivia dreamt we called it Gaia Resort and I dreamt we called it Bella Vista Retreat — hence it ended up as Gaia Retreat & Spa. When we mentioned it to our friends Ruth Kalnin and Warwick Evans (former director of Macquarie Bank), they were keen to be involved. We all sat down and discussed what we’d do with it if we did buy it. It seemed we were all ready for an exciting change in our lives and Gaia Retreat & Spa was born.
What was your vision for Gaia at the time and how has this vision changed over the years?
By the end of the Gaia Group (that’s what we call ourselves) discussion it emerged that we wanted to create a place that we as four individuals would want as our ultimate holiday retreat. Good organic food, great treatments, yoga and activities that we could opt in or opt out of and, of course, a glass of wine at night if we chose. So we created an authentic-choice spa retreat. Gaia has grown so much as we have listened to our guests over the years and our aim is to simply share our dream.
Could you describe to us the Gaia “experience” that guests enjoy?
It is very difficult to pinpoint one experience, as each guest has different objectives and goals. One of the most common valuable threads, though, seems to be that our guests have the space to surrender and truly take time out for themselves — without feeling guilty about it!
How do you and the team at Gaia approach the concept of individual wellness?
We endeavour to tailor the experience to the individual where we can. On arrival, each guest receives a wellness or naturopathic consultation depending on their length of stay. This supports guests and offers them guidance for treatments and activities, and also gives them the opportunity to discuss health issues, complementary and preventive health medicines, and discuss all their dietary requirements for their stay and beyond.
Where do you think the spa and retreat industry is headed, both in Australia and abroad?
I think more and more people are looking at their own health and wellbeing a lot more closely these days. Most have identified the importance of putting themselves first so they can lead a healthier life, not only for themselves but for those around them. I believe the healing begins within us if we are open to surrendering and receiving. Spas and retreats give people the facility and opportunity to explore and open their consciousness to alternative choices in therapies and medicines.
Describe a typical day at Gaia Retreat & Spa.
A typical day at Gaia starts with morning yoga followed by a grazing buffet and hot breakfast. After that another activity is offered — maybe sculpture to explore their creative side or a fitness class to increase their endurance and inspire physical participation in their daily lives — then a light lunch is served. Pampering normally happens in the afternoon, then, depending on what scheduled activities are on offer that day, guests might try meditation to support and bring balance or attend a health and nutrition talk. Then they sit back and enjoy a three-course culinary gourmet dinner with some light modern opera in the background.
If they want a more intense stay, visitors choose one of our add-on focus packages for detox, fitness, weight loss, yoga or meditation. They help guests to home in on their goals with tools to take home and apply to their everyday lives.
How do you care for your own wellbeing?
I watch what I eat and am very blessed as I live on the property and have access to all the organic Gaia gourmet meals. I also walk every day, play tennis three times a week and practise yoga.
Where to next for Gaia?
Our vision for Gaia is driven by the guest — who knows where it could lead?! We have some very exciting projects on the table and have just opened three premiere Komala Villas: one-bedroom split-level villas that offer treatments in your room and a private heated plunge pool. We are also very excited to have released our own certified organic skincare line, Retreatment.
For more details, visit gaiaretreat.com.au.
