Embracing Self-Care: A Recap of Longevity’s Winter Wellness Retreat

This past weekend, the Longevity team gathered for our inaugural Winter Well-Being Retreat, an event dedicated to prioritising self-care and well-being. Nestled on a stunning 26-acre estate in the heart of the Hunter region, the retreat provided a serene escape from our daily routines, allowing us to recharge, reconnect, and rejuvenate in the most tranquil surroundings.

Our retreat was held at the beautiful Glen Eden Estate, a picturesque location that offered spectacular views of the Brokenback Mountain range. The winter season transformed the estate into a cozy haven, with soothing hot tubs, an invigorating sauna, and the comforting ambiance of crackling fires. The estate’s Wellness Hub, complete with a mineral pool, round cedar hot tub, and cedar barrel sauna, became a central spot for relaxation and recovery.

Activities and Sessions

The retreat was thoughtfully designed to offer a blend of structured activities and free time. Our communal area, The Station, hosted a variety of classes and sessions, including:

• Yoga: An introduction to yoga helped many of us find balance and inner peace.
• Pilates: Strength and flexibility were the focus of our Pilates sessions.
• Meditation and Breathwork: These sessions provided tools to enhance mindfulness and reduce stress.

Additionally, Sunday featured a fun and relaxing round of golf with Kale, adding a light-hearted touch to the weekend.

A Digital Detox

In today’s always-connected world, finding time to disconnect is essential for mental health. To support this, we embraced a “dry” and device-free environment. This meant no alcohol on-site and limited use of devices, encouraging us to be present and fully engage with the retreat experience. Mealtimes were device-free, promoting deeper conversations and connections.

Recovery and Relaxation

Our days were filled with opportunities for recovery and relaxation. The estate offered a variety of recovery options, including:

• Sauna Sessions: Perfect for unwinding and detoxifying.
• Cold Water Immersion: For those brave enough to take a plunge!
• Hot Tubs: Strategically placed near the tents, pool, and log cabin cottage, providing ample opportunities to soak and relax.
• Ice Bath: A double freezer ice bath located in The Station added an invigorating challenge for those looking to boost their recovery.

Creating Free Space

A major goal of this retreat was to create “free space” both physically and mentally. By stepping away from our routines and embracing new activities in a new environment, we were able to fill our cups in ways we often neglect in our busy lives. The retreat allowed us to simply “be,” to engage in self-care, and to connect with each other in a relaxed and calm setting.

Team Member Reflections

The retreat wouldn’t have been the same without the wonderful team spirit. Here are a couple of reflections from our team members:

Grayson Kieran (Senior team member at Pymble) shared:

“Thank you Grace Ryan, Andrew Verdon, and Jarrat Wood for all the effort and planning that went into the weekend! Even though I was only there for the one night it was so great connecting and just being with the team. It’s always a timely reminder of being so privileged to work with a group of great humans.”

Alice Cuthbert Cheney (New team member at Kingsgrove) expressed: 

“Thank you so much Jarrat Wood for facilitating such an amazing team culture. Special thank you to Grace Ryan and Andrew Verdon for all the time and effort spent planning and coordinating such an amazing event, we wouldn’t be there without you! Thank you to the team as a whole for being so kind and welcoming, it made my first retreat so special. “

Rhiannon Minett (New team member at Drummoyne:

“A massive thank you to Grace Ryan and Andrew Verdon for organising such a great weekend with many opportunities for us all to unwind and hit the recharge button for the second half of the year. Shoutout to Jarrat Wood for allowing this to become possible, and for creating an amazing team environment. It’s great to be a part of a company that not only cares for their client’s wellbeing but as well as their employees. First retreat is one for the books!”

Looking Ahead

The success of our first Winter Well-Being Retreat has set the stage for what we hope will become an annual tradition. The feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are already looking forward to next year’s retreat.

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible and to all who attended. Together, we created an unforgettable experience that highlighted the importance of self-care and well-being. We hope to carry the lessons and relaxation from this retreat into our daily lives, continuing to prioritize our health and well-being as we move forward so we can be at our best for our clients. 

Take the Next Step Towards Your Well-Being

Are you looking to improve your wellness and well-being? Our team of dedicated exercise physiologists is here to help you achieve your health goals. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or simply wanting to enhance your overall fitness, we offer personalised exercise tailored to your needs. 

Contact Longevity Exercise PhysiologyDrummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Pymble, Kingsgrove,Neutral Bay,Rhodes, Five Dock, Casey,Gungahlinand Coburg on 1300 964 002 today to start your journey towards a healthier, happier you.

Until next time, stay well and take care! 

Written by Rachel Booker