Samantha’s Review of Golden Door Health Retreat

Golden Door and who’s it for?

Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia is located in the beautiful NSW Hunter Valley. Featuring 74 villas this exceptional property is the only purpose built destination health retreat in Australia. Offering Healthy Lifestyle Weekend taster and longer stays ranging from three to seven nights all structured to deliver a holistic wellness experience. Healthy delicious meals are taken together ideal for the solo traveller who wishes to connect with others and attendees range from 25 through to 65+ all with their own unique reason for heading to the Golden Door from major life events, kick-starting their well-being, improving fitness or simply to take a healthy spa break, the program and classes are catered to all.

Golden Door and who’s it for?

Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia is located in the beautiful NSW Hunter Valley. Featuring 74 villas this exceptional property is the only purpose built destination health retreat in Australia. Offering Healthy Lifestyle Weekend taster and longer stays ranging from three to seven nights all structured to deliver a holistic wellness experience. Healthy delicious meals are taken together ideal for the solo traveller who wishes to connect with others and attendees range from 25 through to 65+ all with their own unique reason for heading to the Golden Door from major life events, kick-starting their well-being, improving fitness or simply to take a healthy spa break, the program and classes are catered to all.

Getting There

Located just 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney there are many easy options to arrive at the Golden Door Health Retreat for both local and international guests including self-drive and a shuttle service operates from the airport for 7-day guests and a small fee applies for those staying less. Ask us for more information.

The Hotel & Accommodation

Guests at the Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia stay in beautifully appointed luxurious private villas with either one, two or three bedrooms and featuring a large living space with kitchenette, a spacious bedroom with built-ins, and bathroom including bathtub and separate shower. Villas are serviced daily and with the special Golden Door turn-down service each night. In-room herbal teas help to aid the detox process and calm the nervous system and at dusk you can watch the kangaroos come out to graze from your private balcony and drink in the sunset views. TV, DVD and CD player are also included though guests are encouraged not to use them and enjoy some digital downtime.

The Elysia Day Spa centre, features both a heated indoor and outdoor pool and is the largest day spa in New South Wales, boasting 26 wet and dry treatment rooms, purpose built Vichy shower rooms, manicure and pedicure beds, relaxation lounges, steam rooms and spa baths, private sun gardens and a purpose built Watsu pool.

The villas fan out around Meditation Hill (where each day begins with Tai Chi at sunrise) and are at the heart of the property with all facilities just a short walk from any of the rooms and all offering magnificent views. 

There is a small boutique on-site where guests can purchase must-have items and a coin-operated laundry in which to wash clothes if required during your stay. For the many fitness activities and wellness consultations there are purpose built areas including the wellness centre, studios including a spin room, an indoor ball court, tennis courts and a fully-equipped gym.

The Fitness

Each day begins with an optional wake-up knock at the door followed by tai chi on Meditation Hill. Then you have a choice of a 5km walk or deep-water running in the indoor pool before breakfast followed by a daily stretch class. Each day offers a variety of different activities and guests are encouraged to take part in as many activities as suits their individual journey, during the initial wellness consultation guests share the reasons for their stay and recommendations are made on how best to meet their goals. 
Some of the activities include:

• Tai Chi
• Walking
• Spin
• Boxing
• Gym Circuits
• Volleyball
• Deep water running
• Yoga

The following day’s activities are provided only the night before to encourage guests to live in the moment and the fantastic team in the Wellness Centre will do their best to ensure you can attend classes or seminars you wish.

The Food & Detox

In-house Chef David Hunter has been working with the team at Golden Door for 17 years to create nutritionally dense, delicious and healthy meals which are served up with love by the team at each sitting, portion sizes are very generous and most meals were limited dairy and gluten, or gluten free, there is no red meat, coffee or alcohol and cutting down on these items at least a week prior to attending is recommended to ease the detox process and allow you to fully maximise your stay. All dietary requirements can be catered for.

A highlight of the stay is a the cooking class with David, showcasing four dishes in under an hour to inspire guests to take home these learnings and prepare their own healthy dishes post retreat.

The Staff

The entire team at Golden Door Health Retreat radiate a positive energy and genuine interest in wellbeing, everyone from the front-desk staff to house-keeping and right through to General Manager Bridget were always smiling and going out of their way to make sure all guests had the best time possible.

Mel our retreat leader was very friendly, knowledgeable and also a physiotherapist ideal for advising guests which modifications they might make for any existing injuries or a one on one consultation during your stay.  I enjoyed a couple of great boxing workouts with Tony and Matt put us through our paces in spin. The team take turns in leading the optional daily seminars on offer and share some incredibly beneficial advice with guests. All the staff were very professional and instantly put you at ease.

Highlights

• Spa Elysia offers world-class day spa facilities including a purpose built Watsu pool for the ultimate Golden Door Signature treatment.

• Fun twists on your favourite fitness classes, look out for disco spin, karaoke stretch and more guaranteed to help you smile through even the toughest workout.

• Challenge yourself with the 10km hike on Saturday, popular with new and returning guests alike.

The Scenery & Surroundings

Located inland in the beautiful Australian countryside at Pokolbin, Golden Door Health Retreat is located high on the hillside overlooking vineyards and valleys in the foothills of the majestic Brokenback Mountain Range.

My Summary & Verdict

Whether for a weekend stay or a full week of rejuvenation, the all-inclusive health and wellness programmes available at Golden Door Health Retreat are perfect to give you a fresh lease on life with a holistic blend of exercise, nutrition, health education, relaxation and spa indulgence, the program has been specially developed to motivate change and give you the tools you need for lasting results. 

We recommend staying for 2 weeks or longer for serious health results or weight-loss and there are reduced rates available for extended stays - ask us for more information.

► Guests receive spa inclusions as part of their standard program however additional treatments can be purchased and we offer a 10% discount when booked through Health and Fitness Travel before departure.

How to Book

To request a quote or for more information visit our Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia page. Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness holiday.

Find out Why to Book with Us and further details on How to Book.

Win a healthy weekend for two:

We have teamed up with the Golden Door team to give away a healhy weekend for two, find out more here.