The day for guests at this this wellness paradise often begins with the gentle waking of mind and body with Tai Chi or yoga atop Mediation Hill – a unique feature of Elysia, located at the heart of the property and offering sweeping views of the sun-drenched, expansive valleys below. 

In addition to the breathtaking 360-degree panorama which offers an undisturbed scene of the sprawling wine country, this is the perfect way to welcome the day and build your chi (energy) as you clear your mind each morning. 

Each sunrise session here provides a moment of calm reflection and a healthy start to the day, setting the tone for the holistic journey ahead.

Joined by the exquisite sight of rippling hills and verdant glens, dotted with rows of grapevines which create a picturesque tapestry of agricultural beauty, guests unwind and lightly awaken to start their day at dawn – if they so choose.

One of the key features of Elysia Wellness Retreat is the ability for guests to pick and select which kind of relaxation package suits them best. 

Choice is an essential aspect of the freedom one can explore here, adding to the experience, and the range of treatments and packages available address all preferences and needs. 

Guests are encouraged to partake in private wellness sessions with skilled practitioners in fields such as naturopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, kinesiology, and Feldenkrais, further personalising their wellness journey – and the packages on offer are extensive and allow for each person to craft and create their own transformative holiday. 

This allows guests looking for a fully immersive experience to initially book Elysia’s all-inclusive base program which consists of nightly accommodation, regular nutritional meals, daily program activities, and the use of all onsite facilities. They can then choose to add spa or wellness credits on to their booking (at an additional cost) to provide them with the flexibility to do as much or little as they wish. From life-giving nutritional advice, energising activities and fitness, weight management or relaxing meditation, Elysia invites guests to select a custom range of programs.

For those who dare, one of the more recent and popular additions to Elysia’s offerings is an ice bath immersion group class, and this invigorating activity draws on the benefits of cold water immersion to enhance the immune system and mental health. 

However, there is also the option to choose a ‘room only’ Elysia Escape Suite (*which excludes meals, group classes) with the flexibility to also pick whichever spa and wellness treatments suit best, and still dine at the restaurant throughout the day, as desired. 

The restaurant in itself is another experience altogether – and historically being available to wellness guests only, this culinary jewel will open its doors to external guests on Friday and Saturday nights from August this year, so it will soon be able to be discovered by everyone as the Hunter Valley’s only wellness-focused restaurant.

Offering guests a balanced and nutrient-rich menu that looks good, does good and helps diners to feel good, Elysia Restaurant invites you to indulge in gourmet delights crafted by Executive Chef Jamie Hartcher.

Having previously worked at roles including The Regent of Sydney, The Alpine Hotel Thredbo, The Caves Beach Hotel, and the Peppers Hotel Group – Hartcher brings over 17 years of extensive knowledge and expertise to the table, and champions organic, locally sourced ingredients via his delectable menus.

The thoughtful dishes, allowing guests to indulge in specialties rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, are skillfully prepared without red meat, caffeine, sugar, or saturated fat. They also encompass produce from the retreat’s own vegetable garden, ensuring meals that are not just delicious, but also nourishing in every way.