Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat

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Helen Penemenos

via Google

This is my sacred place of retreat, a tranquil haven offering warm, nurturing accommodation, beautifully aligned with my path and passion for Ayurveda. With heartfelt gratitude, thank you Shantiji for sharing your wisdom and sacred teachings, making learning a true joy. Thank you, Sonja, for the 7 Star Ayurvedic cuisine, the inspiring cooking class, and the lovingly prepared, nourishing food that sustained and delighted us.

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Genevieve Mullins

via Google

A beautiful getaway tucked away in the Gold Coast hinterland. I absolutely loved the yoga and meditation sessions led by Shanti — they were grounding and deeply enriching. The silent meditation day was especially powerful. Sonia was also an incredible cook. She prepared delicious, healthy, and deeply nourishing meals, and was so accommodating and hospitable throughout the stay. Her food really enhanced the overall retreat experience. The location is also ideal, with Binna Burra rainforest walks close by. If you have a car and want to get away for a few hours, there are many beautiful walks to choose from nearby.

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Deca

via Google

I’ve been on a 10 days ayurvedic detox retreat at Nirvana and highly recommend the experience. The place itself is amazing, with a panoramic view of the Scenic Rim, the people are the most loving and the vegetarian food is absolutely delicious! I am very thankful for Shanti Yoga community for this experience!

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Su Pollard

via Google

At 7am on the wide Nirvana balcony the air is soft and still, punctuated only by the whip-crack calls of whipbirds high in the nearby rain forest. Mauve/green hills roll gently down to the Coast. An eagle circles and dives. I take a slice of fresh aloe vera and sip steaming herbal tea. Summoned downstairs to the spacious yoga room by the sonorous beats of the gong, I settle on a mat with a back support and plump cushions stuffed under my knees, for meditation. Pale sun slants through the full-length windows. Shanti, our teacher and mentor, guides a path to a deeper state through breath. As every part of my body gradually relaxes I become still, almost weightless, yet very alive. I see flashes of colours, cobalt blue and emerald as intense and brilliant as a peacock’s feathers. I feel laughter bubbling up. I’m smiling. Breakfast is a nutritious porridge made with dates and other "secret" ingredients followed by home-made bread toasted and drizzled with local honey. Around the huge, carved dining table the chatter is light and easy. In some ways we’re a disparate small group of varying ages and experiences, from different locations, but each seeking a more profound understanding of the key to living a joyful, positive life. As each day of this nine-day retreat comes, deep, raw emotions emerge, hurts and scars that have shaped our past and define who we think we are. The sessions of meditation, reflection, contemplation, deep relaxation and exercise, all masterfully guided by Shanti, cleanse and heal. By day nine the faces around the big table are visibly lighter as though layers of dusty cobwebs have been swept away. At a recent weekend Retreat I was not well, laid low with a flu of some sort. I had flown from interstate two weeks prior with a clear plan to attend every possible yoga class conducted by Shanti at the Yoga Studio in Southport, culminating in the weekend Retreat. After each wonderful, three hour class I would float back to my rented apartment in a “yogic dream” (as I had done on a previous visit!). In reality I coughed and spluttered and barely left the apartment couch. As I contemplated my “unmet” expectations, I realised its accepting what actually happens that matters. I may have missed valued classes but in their place I was showered with care and kindness by Shanti and staff members. My heart opened. Every “expectation” had been met.

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R & D Williams

via Google

I have been enjoying Nirvana Yoga Retreat for over a decade. Being nestled in the picturesque hills of Beechmont, the property offers a serene escape from the city. Surrounded by rainforest trees and the fresh mountain air, you can feel the tranquil environment begin to relaxation and rejuvenation you as soon as you arrive. Nirvana has always provided a nurturing atmosphere where I can unwind with some simple yoga breathing, relaxation and meditation and also connect with like-minded souls. The main focus at Nirvana is on wholistic wellness and mindfulness. The Ayurvedic foods that is cooked fresh on the premises is so nourishing and delicious. It’s a humble yet profoundly beautiful space and Im so blessed to be able to enjoy a weekend getaway year after year.