Explore Byron Bay Detox Retreat in NSW

Sponsored by BYRON BAY DETOX RETREAT June 3, 2016

Byron Bay Detox Retreats is set among 30 acres of native bushland fronting onto the turquoise waters of Tallow Beach, just south of Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron, on the NSW North Coast.

The closest airport to Byron Bay Detox Retreats is Ballina Byron, about a 30-minute drive away, while Coolangatta Airport is about a one-hour drive away. Shuttle buses from both airports take clients directly to the retreat centre, or a personalised pick-up can be arranged.

The experience

This is a holistic detoxification retreat that works at a cellular level of purification for total mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Retreaters are nourished beyond a mere pamper in their health-seeking journeys by a dedicated team of naturopaths and therapists.

Clients have a choice of additional treatments, which are a range of traditional and ancient healing techniques that are tailored to suit individual needs

Byron Bay Detox Retreats offers both group and personalised fasting programs for a wide-ranging clientele.

Clients have a choice of additional treatments, which are a range of traditional and ancient healing techniques that are tailored to suit individual needs. Therapists are hand-picked from the Northern Rivers region to ensure that the delivery of each treatment is world-class.

Head facilitator, Natalie Purcell, offers the Taoist abdominal organ massage, Chi Nei Tsang, which clears blocked internal pathways to alleviate negative emotions and sickness.

A tempting taste of what else is on offer includes an integrated kinesiology and theta therapist that uses refined techniques to release emotional baggage and self-limiting beliefs; a Zen shiatsu practitioner, who combines knowledge from around the Eastern world; and Hawaiian-educated kahuna body workers, who use their own body movements during massage to synchronise heartbeat and breathing patterns. Other treatments include traditional reiki energetic healing as well as medical intuitive healing for those with an illness who might still be searching for the cause of their imbalance.

Friendly bush turkeys amble around the tea-tree strewn property and kookaburras delight at breaking waves as retreaters unwind on the timber-floor decks of their private cottages.

The rustic and more luxurious cottages, as well as studios, are all equipped with reverse-cycle air conditioning, living areas, adjoining bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom.

The cottages offer tranquillity and solitude, and many group retreats are run during the year with an intimate atmosphere that offers support while detoxifying the mind, body and soul.

Gatherings are held in an undercover, pyramid-like yoga Shala, equipped with bifold doors that open to the negative-ion-rich environment. These group sessions include morning meditation and yoga classes, as well as the retreat’s signature sound healings that are a gentle yet powerful blend of chimes, bowls and sacred voices to create a harmonious vibration within consciousness.

On the menu

Retreaters fast on cold-pressed, organic juices (served three times daily), which are typically a fusion of alkalising vegetables such as kale, spinach and turmeric. An evening mineral broth is also served along with an unlimited variety of herbal teas and alkalised water.

This detoxification process is accelerated by three sessions of colonic hydrotherapy and a daily infrared sauna — both of which are on-site — and, ideally, a dip in the ocean. Also included in the retreat’s package are supplements for heavy-metal, bowel, liver and parasite cleanses.

Breaking the fast

After being nurtured through the five days of fasting, retreaters are served a fast-breaking breakfast of fresh papaya with a hint of alkalising lime and mint. They are then rewarded with a raw-food cooking class from the retreat centre’s expert chef that culminates in their first lunch for many days. Retreaters not only learn how to make superfood smoothies, as well as raw sauerkrauts, pastas and desserts, but also enjoy them with the group. Raw-food cuisine is served throughout the final 24 hours of the retreat. This culinary knowledge, in addition to the knowledge and inspiration attained from seminars and consultations, is then taken away by retreaters to continue into their daily lives.

Your stay

Prior to attending the retreat, clients are requested to fill out a health questionnaire to assist its globally qualified team of naturopaths in devising a program to suit their needs.

Clients are advised to follow pre-fast procedures in the days leading up to attending the retreat centre to aid their transition to detoxification. Also, just as important as fasting is breaking a fast and clients are given information on how to slowly ease their reset internal organs and purified mind, body and soul back into their lifestyles after their enlightening time at the seaside sanctuary.

All retreaters are reminded that any impurities such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine are not allowed during the retreat and food of any kind is to be abstained from during their stay to allow the healing process to occur.

Extra options

Booking one month in advance ensures first choice of cottages in the retreats that are typically fully booked.

Included in the package is accommodation, colonic hydrotherapy, infrared sauna, all juices, broths, teas and meals as well as on-site supplements. Also included in the starting package are group yoga and meditation classes, sound-healing sessions, educational seminars, naturopathic consultations, raw-food cooking classes and fast-breaking meals.

Retreaters can also opt for their own cottage, rather than sharing a bathroom, or a studio apartment, for extra costs.

The option of a private and exclusive personalised retreat is also available year-round.