By Visit Sunshine Coast

On the Sunshine Coast, Australia, wellness means so much more than making promises to eat less and exercise more- it’s about embracing a way of life that fuels the mind, body and soul. It's about finding the freedom to allow yourself to let go and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

With health retreats, day spas, fresh local produce and nature-based activity, taking time out to care for yourself on the Sunshine Coast will leave you shining from the inside out.

 

Join a wellness retreat

Time moves a little differently on the Sunshine Coast, slipping by not by the hour, but leaping between moments. It is here, you can learn to stop and appreciate the little things at a wellness retreat.

In the Noosa Hinterland town of Kin Kin, you’ll find Living Valley Retreat, where health and wellness is a way of life. Offering everything from a three-day ‘Rejuvenator’ package through to three-week retreats there is something for everyone to pause, reset and ensure you are set up for a thriving year ahead.

 

Reset with a spa day

It’s important to take time out every now and then for a little self-care, and with a number of beautiful spas to choose from, the Sunshine Coast is just the place to do it.

Ikatan Balinese Day Spa has been voted Queensland’s Best Luxury Day Spa, and it’s not hard to see why. Here nature meets luxury, with the spa nestled in beautiful tropical gardens. Simply choose your package, sit back and relax.

Spa lovers will also enjoy the newly opened Tank Riviera in Mooloolaba, a one-of-a-kind, totally immersive, luxury spa and hospitality experience. Inspired by the many amazing day clubs of the Mediterranean rivieras, TANK combines six magnesium pools, sauna and steam room, treatment rooms, champagne river cruises, a designer degustation restaurant, luxe waterfront bar and sunset deck into the ultimate day club experience.

Other must-visits include The Spa at Noosa Springs Resort, Aqua Day Spa at the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort and the Asante Day Spa in Coolum. For an experience that will leave you floating – literally - try The Float Space in Maroochydore where you can lay in your own private float tank, great for your physical and mental wellbeing.

 

Visit Chenrezig Buddhist Retreat

Nestled in the trees in the Hinterland town of Eudlo you’ll find Chenrezig Institute; one of the largest Buddhist centres in the western world. Chenrezig is a Tibetan word that refers to the Buddha of Compassion and with this approach to life, the centre offers mindful yoga every Friday morning as well as guided meditation sessions. For visitors to the Sunshine Coast, Chenrezig is an incredible place to not only learn more about Buddhism but help transform your mind and heart for the benefit of others. Their onsite Big Love Café is a must-visit too, offering delicious vegetarian food to enjoy overlooking the rainforest.

 

Get back in touch with nature

It’s long been known that spending time in nature is good for your mental health. Something as simple as walking barefoot on the beach can leave you feeling more connected with the world around you, and 'now' is always the perfect time to make more conscious choices to immerse yourself in nature.

The Sunshine Coast is home to some of Australia’s most pristine natural environments. Here is the only place in Australia where you’ll find three UNESCO declared biospheres sitting side-by-side, one of only two everglade systems in the world, more than 100km of pristine beaches, pockets of sub-tropical rainforest and the Glass House Mountains that are actually remnants of volcanic activity that occurred 25-27 million years ago.  

With so much to see and do, why not book into a glamping retreat such as Starry Nights or Ingenia Holidays Rivershore to truly be at one with the world around you.

 

Get your body moving

Find you’re lacking motivation to hit up the gym? There are plenty of ways to get in your daily step-count (and work up a sweat!) on the Sunshine Coast – without it feeling like a chore.

Outdoor Adventure Australia offer amazing, guided treks through some of the Sunshine Coast’s most pristine natural environments. Explore pockets of lush sub-tropical rainforest on their two-night Gheerulla Loop walk in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland or explore the Great Sandy Biosphere on the five-night Cooloola Great Walk for true bucket list experiences.

For a full workout experience, take your spin class outdoors with Ecotekk Sunshine Coast who offer guided tours on electric bikes, hold a yoga pose on a SUP board with Noosa Stand Up Paddle or create your own HIIT class with a climb to the summit of Mount Coolum.

 

Eat well

The Sunshine Coast is home to a number of cafes and farmer’s markets where fresh and healthy local produce is the order of the day. The Kawana Waters Farmers Market, held each Saturday morning, is a great place to stock up on fresh fruit and veg, as is the Yandina Country Markets and Fishermans Road Markets in Maroochydore.

If you’re looking to dine in try Kunara in Forest Glen, a certified organic café offering a range of vegan and vegetarian fare. Other must-visits include VanillaFood in Noosa, the Kin Kin General Store, Evolution Fuel in Maroochydore and Greenhouse Café Caloundra.