I’m pretty lucky to be able to say that I’ve had two stays at Billabong Retreat. The first one was in spring during the week. The second one was a winter weekend escape. Needless to say, they were two very different experiences for multiple reasons. But they were both very enjoyable and productive.
Billabong Retreat is a yoga and wellness retreat, located in Maraylya (next to Dural), just on the outskirts of Sydney. On arrival you could be forgiven for believing that you’ve traveled for hours to get to this beautiful secluded and peaceful place. As you approach the retreat, be sure to have the car windows down so you can hear the bird song welcome you.
The location boats a gorgeous yoga studio up in the tree tops, if you’re really lucky you might spy a tawny frog mouth. A communal meal room that seems to always smell delicious with vegan organic produce constantly being prepared. A magnesium pool, a spa for tranquil treatments like hot stone massages, and the choice of private or shared rooms.
Spring Retreat
My first stay in spring was just to treat myself, so I went for the most budget friendly option and stayed in the Lodge ensuite. I really got to appreciate the billabong as I walked past it every morning and night. I slowly strolled from my room past it to yoga, meals and back again. It was lovely to stop and talk to the monitor lizards and wallabies along the way.
Winter Retreat
The second time I stayed at Billabong retreat was out of necessity. I’d just had to put my dog/first baby down, and trying to manage my emotional loss along with that of my young daughters was rough. So I decided to take care of myself.
Luckily I had a 50% off voucher from my first stay. I rang to book in, preparing myself to stay at the Lodge and toughen up to walking through the dark and cold. But I was very kindly offered a Treehouse Ensuite room which meant I only had to walk a few meters to yoga and meals. It was lovely and convenient. Yet I found myself walking down to the billabong to sit and enjoy nature in the middle of the day.
Compare The Two
So what’s the difference between a mid week and a weekend stay? Put simply, for me it was the people. Throughout the week Billabong Retreat tends to attract solo flyers who are there to really reflect. They slowly walk around considering the peacefulness that others are enjoying.
On the weekend, it attracts more groups of people, and we all know what happens when a group of ladies go away together. Quiet is not a word anyone would use to describe that. Realistically I should have expected this, but I didn’t so it was a bit of a shock at first since my first stay was so peaceful.
Once I got over the initial shock of noise I was loving the yoga and delicious, healthy food that I didn’t have to think about planning, cook or clean up after. Not to mention the ‘nature bathing’ which has suddenly become a trendy word. That said the whole retreat during mid week was quiet and peaceful.
I felt that I was able to connect with nature and myself much more at the midweek retreat than I did during my weekend stay. During the latter I found myself sneaking off to my room for some quiet time.
Everything happens for a reason, and going with the flow and making the best of a situation is life’s purpose.
Regardless of the season or time of the week, I highly recommend escaping to Billabong Retreat, you will thank yourself for it.
Suggested readings from the kind folk at Billabong Retreat: Loving What Is by Byron Katie, You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L Hay, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
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