Join us in congratulating the winners of the 2018 Gold List Awards, Australia’s only reader-voted awards. This gives honor to the best hotels around the globe selected through various categories in the luxury and leisure space.
Join us in congratulating the winners of the 2018 Gold List Awards, Australia’s only reader-voted awards. This gives honor to the best hotels around the globe selected through various categories in the luxury and leisure space.
As specialists in the industry of luxury and wellness holidays, we are delighted to see two of partners win awards and a few others in the finalists pool:
Winners
Best Australian Health and Wellness Retreat
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Set over 200 hectares of divine rainforest bushland on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is the healthy sanctuary for those looking for utmost peace and tranquility. Ecotourism certified, connect with experts who will teach you resilience in the modern world. You can choose how much or how little you wish to do. Reap the full benefits of your wellness holiday as you boost your health with an incredible selection of activities including bushwalking, fitness classes, boxing, yoga and Pilates before indulging in luxury spa treatments.

Pause and refresh by the pool
Best Overseas Health and Wellness Retreat
COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali
With lush tropical surrounds, chic residences, private pool comfort and a 360-degree approach to health and fitness, COMO Shambhala Estate sets the standard for all-inclusive wellness luxury. You know you’re in good hands with onsite experts including a dedicated Ayurvedic doctor, oriental medicine consultant, certified yoga teacher, certified Pilates and personal fitness instructor and nutritionist ready to guide you during your stay. If your body calls for a complete lifestyle overhaul or just a much needed wellness break in the sun-drenched paradise of Bali, this flagship COMO retreat is the escape you cannot miss!

Luxurious interiors of one of COMO Shambhala Estate’s suites
Finalists
Best Australian Health and Wellness Retreat
Gaia Retreat & Spa
Set in the Byron Bay Hinterland, find the idyllic spa sanctuary that is Gaia Retreat & Spa. From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for something special, with surroundings that are simply awe-inspiring and a warm friendly staff to welcome and assist you. Whatever your self-care needs require, from a weekend revive package to a pamper filled week of restorative spa treatments and activities, Gaia has you covered. Nutrition is the main component in all programs and special diets are catered for, offering everything you need for a balanced lifestyle.

Take time for mindfulness and meditation at Gaia
Best Overseas Boutique Hotel, Villa or Lodge
Amatara Wellness Retreat, Thailand
Boasting world-class facilities matched with the awe-inspiring sceneries, delve into a five-star healthy retreat in Thailand at Amatara Wellness Resort. Take in the stunning sea views from your balcony or your own private pool and enjoy a range of holistic spa therapies, including the world’s first Thai Hammam experience. In between treatments, take part in a variety of activities like yoga, fitness classes to cooking classes or stand-up paddle boarding. Guests are bound to return home with a rebalanced state of soul, mind and body.

Sea view villa bath at Amatara
Best Overseas Health and Wellness Retreat
Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, New Zealand
Surrounded by New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps, eco-luxury wellness retreat Aro Ha fuses stunning sceneries, eco accommodation and the best vegetarian cuisine. Aro Ha is a surreal place to connect with like-minded individuals, yourself and nature during sub-alpine hikes and kayaking trips across the lake to the natural bird sanctuary of Pigeon Island. Together with yoga, meditation and spa sessions, achieve optimal wellness at this otherworldly getaway, leaving you refreshed and revitalised long after your stay.

Breath-taking views at Aro Ha
Chiva Som International Health Resort, Thailand
Located on the beautiful private coast in Hua Hin, Chiva Som is the ultimate luxury health retreat perfect for a lifestyle overhaul. Go about your wellness program unplugged, be it to address stress related issues, aid weight loss or detox. Learn about healthy nutrition during spa cuisine cooking classes and then enjoy a calming walk by the beach. Try an intense session of Muay Thai, before soothing sore muscles with spa treatments for a state of total offline relaxation.

Chiva Som International Health Resort
Fusion Maia, Vietnam
Tucked amid a private stretch of one of Da Nang’s pristine beaches, this boutique resort is a picture of sophistication and luxury. Let the cool ocean breeze set the mood for a de-stress holiday as you spoil yourself with a gamut of pamper options and healing spa therapies. With a holistic approach to wellness, you can add your fitness pursuits and nutritional goals to the mix of activities. Shuttle buses are also available to take you to the town of Hoi An, giving you the complete cultural experience.

Downtime by the pool at Fusion Maia
Kamalaya, Thailand
Fittingly named, Kamalaya literally translates to ‘lotus (kamal) realm (alaya)’, a symbol for personal growth and expanding of the human spirit. While everything about this retreat is perfectly worthy of a couples’ wellness getaway, it’s particularly well-suited to solos wanting to do serious work on lifestyle issues such as stress and sleep. Experts at Kamalaya aim to make your stay as personalised as possible with one-on-one consultations on arrival to ensure your wellness program fits you best.

Experience pure bliss at the al fresco spa treatment area
Among 17 finalists, the Best Country award was awarded to Italy, truly a destination of world-renowned beauty and excellence in all areas. Also, special congratulations to Qantas for winning this year’s Best Airline Business Class category.

Discover Italy
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 1300 551 353 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect healthy holiday.



