Discover Byron Yoga Retreat Centre in NSW

Sponsored by Byron Yoga Retreat Centre December 19, 2018

Set on 12 hectares, surrounded by trees, this tranquil eco-haven feels secluded, but it’s just a 20-minute walk to the centre of Byron Bay. The simplicity and authenticity of the Byron Yoga Retreat Centre allows guests to reconnect with nature, slow down and disconnect from the outside world, offering space for rest, relaxation and reflection.

The experience

The iconic tourist destination of Byron Bay on the North Coast of NSW is well known as a yoga hub and a place of healing and natural beauty. Byron’s world-famous surf beaches are just a short walk or short cycle ride away and the breathtaking hinterland, rainforests and waterfalls are all within a 20-minute drive from Byron Yoga Retreat Centre. The secluded and peaceful centre offers a number of accommodation options including quad-share cabins, twin-share accommodation with shared bathrooms or private ensuite rooms. The rooms are basic, clean and comfortable, most with views of the glistening pool or lush tropical grounds and organic vegie garden. There are four yoga spaces, a 20-metre heated mineral salt pool, a spacious outdoor dining area and cafe, as well as plenty of comfortable spaces to relax and read a good book.

The yoga

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is the home of Byron Yoga Centre, founded by John Ogilvie more than 30 years ago. It is now Australia’s leading teacher training academy and retreat centre. Ogilvie developed the style of purna yoga, combining his many years of experience to create this classical alignment-focused hatha yoga with intelligent sequencing. Purna, meaning integrated or complete in Sanskrit, represents a holistic approach to yoga — integrating the physical asana postures with yoga philosophy, meditation and pranayama. This accessible and comprehensive style of yoga is accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced students. Retreat programs also include restorative yoga, which helps to deeply relax the body, balance the nervous system, release tension and calm the mind. There are also yin yoga classes in the program, a nourishing practice that releases fascia and improves joint mobility and flexibility.

Retreat programs

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers three-, five- and eight-day Yoga and Wellness Retreats every week plus some special retreats such as the Women’s Retreat and New Year Retreat. The daily program starts with a dynamic morning flow class, breakfast and a workshop on yoga, wellness, meditation or yogic philosophy. After a break for a delicious fresh juice, guests enjoy a classic purna yoga class before lunch and then free time to relax by the pool or enjoy a massage, followed by a nourishing restorative or yin yoga class, dinner and then meditation. Each retreat also includes a walk up to the world-famous lighthouse, where you will often see dolphins and whales (during their migration season). The specialty Women’s Retreats follow a similar program, with workshops specifically focusing on women’s health. The three-day retreat is a perfect long-weekend getaway to reset and refresh, while the five-day retreat allows more time to recharge and the eight-day retreat is the ultimate experience to really settle in, slow down, rest, recharge and develop healthy habits to take home.

The food and organic garden

Often a highlight for guests, the organic vegetarian food is not only delicious, but also nutritious. Prepared using the freshest organic ingredients, either from the on-site permaculture gardens or from local and organic suppliers, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre follows the principles of SLOW food: Seasonal, Local, Organic and Without processed foods of any kind. All food is made from scratch by passionate cooks, creating nourishing, home-style meals. There are vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options available, and allergies can be catered for. All meals are vegetarian, following the Ayurvedic principles of sattvic cooking, with lots of digestive herbs and spices that promote detoxification and healing and which lighten the body, mind and spirit. Retreat guests are offered a fresh cold-pressed juice in the morning break, and coffee, hot drinks and healthy sweet treats are available for purchase.

Things to remember

The retreats are all inclusive including meals, accommodation, yoga and treatments — the three-day retreat includes one massage or treatment, the five day includes two and the eight day includes three. Optional extras such as an extra night before or after the retreat, an additional treatment, naturopath appointment or activities including surfing, kayaking or a Crystal Castle tour can be added to your booking for a fee.

Getting there

Byron Bay is just a 20-minute drive from Ballina Airport, 45 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport or two hours from Brisbane. All three airports are serviced by frequent shuttle buses that can be booked in advance and will drop you off at (and pick up from) Byron Yoga Retreat Centre. If you are coming from town, it is a five-minute taxi ride.