Feeling rundown, tired and stressed out, I decided to book into a wellness centre for some relaxation and rejuvenation time and I chose the Byron Yoga Retreat Centre in Byron Bay.
Located just 5 minutes out of town in a clearing surrounded by trees, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre feels a world away from the vibrant town of Byron Bay town. The wellness centre was set in natural surrounds and I am woken by the sound of birds chirping outside and the glorious warm Byron sun shining through my window. It’s the first time I’ve woken up before my alarm in a long time, and I feel completely refreshed. Everyone goes to bed early, and gets up early at the Byron Yoga Retreat Centre – a nice change from everyday life.
Our day begins with a beautiful dynamic morning flow in the Garden Shala, overlooking the lush green permaculture gardens and the turquoise salt mineral pool. After an hour of moving, stretching and breathing, I feel ready to start the day.
I head over to the dining area for breakfast – you certainly don’t go hungry here! The breakfast buffet includes a delicious Ayurvedic healing dish called kitchari, porridge, stewed fruit, yogurt and muesli – there is something for everyone. I enjoy my breakfast outside on the deck, with the other retreat guests who are all like-minded yogis, here to relax and disconnect from the outside world. There are no TV’s or radios and the use of technology is discouraged, to allow for disconnection from the outside world, fostering presence and reconnection with yourselves and others.
Following breakfast we have our first workshop for the week ‘Elements of Alignment’ where we learn about proper alignment and staying safe in our practice. We have different workshops throughout the week, including meditation, Ayurveda, Sattvic cooking and ongoing wellness. We then have a mid-morning yoga class, before lunch – another delicious vegetarian dish with salad and veggies fresh from the organic permaculture garden. The food is fresh, colourful and vibrant, and you can taste the love that the gardeners and home-cooks put into the food.
After lunch, we have free time to ride a bike in to town or the beach, lay by the pool, relax and read a book or to get a massage or beauty treatment at the wellness centre. I floated away after my massage, straight back to the Garden Shala for a delicious restorative class, where we hold floor based postures supported by lots of props to help the body let go of tension and to activate the parasympathetic nervous system – the favourite part of my day!
Later, we enjoy another delicious meal and then wind down with an evening meditation before heading to bed early to get a good night’s rest, ready for the next day – Eat, Sleep, Yoga, Repeat!
I would highly recommend Byron Yoga Retreat Centre if you are looking for a wellness centre and a yoga retreat, the beautiful Byron Bay is definitely worth a visit!
