I arrived at Eden Health Retreat not just tired, but physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually empty after an unexpected health experience and a month in hospital. I’d heard of Eden Health Retreat before, spoken about reverently, but this was my first time experiencing it for myself. I had five nights ahead of me, like a soft exhale I desperately needed.
Nestled deep in the lush embrace of the lands of Currumbin Valley, Eden feels less like a destination and more like a homecoming. The land itself is medicine. It hums with life, and pulls you into her womb, inviting you to unfurl. Giant trees stand as guardians, birdsong punctuates the silence, and the local horses and ponies feel like sacred healers.
My cabin was luxurious yet grounded, a cocoon for my highly sensitive body. Everything was natural and soft, and gave my nervous system permission to loosen its grip, and for the first time in months, I felt safe enough to fully soften.
Each day unfolded with a gentle rhythm: sunrise yoga, breathwork and meditations, slow stretches, nourishing food, spa rituals, and time. Time to walk. Time to sit by the creek. Time to breathe without counting. The balance between structure and space was perfect. There was enough offered to feel held, and enough freedom to find your own way. I began to remember what it felt like to be myself, not performatively, but truly, viscerally me.
One of the most profound experiences I had at Eden was during a Kahuna massage. This bodywork isn’t just a massage; it’s a spiritual ceremony conducted through touch. In long, flowing strokes, my body was reminded that it was sacred and could receive love. It could release everything I was holding.
As Ash Martin, Eden’s GM shares, “The Kahuna massage is one of our signature treatments. This sacred Hawaiian bodywork is based on a holistic philosophy that sees the body as deeply connected – physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s designed to release energy blockages, especially those tied to emotions, and help restore balance throughout the body.”
I left that session feeling changed. My body felt looser than it had in months, and my spirit felt alive again, albeit delicate. As the days went on, and I experienced more of the exquisite spa offerings Eden has available, my body softened more and more, and my spirit strengthened.
Behind Eden is a clear and heartfelt vision. “In the words of our owner, Robert Christie, his dream was simple: to create a sanctuary where people could rest, recharge, and leave with the tools for a healthier, better future.”
And you feel that. Eden doesn’t just offer wellness programming and luxe accommodation; it offers a reorientation to self. As a highly sensitive person, I’m always pretty quick to pick up where there’s misalignment or lack of integrity, but at Eden, the foundational beliefs ripple through every part of the experience to create holistic healing through emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
As well as the spa treatments, accommodation and beautiful natural atmosphere, Eden offered a unique opportunity for social connection in ways I didn’t expect. Although the guests were all there for different reasons, there was a commonality and even familiarity in the group. As we shared meals and activities, we shared parts of ourselves and lives with one another, which was just as healing for me as anything else. I was reminded how important it is that we continue finding ways to connect with one another, over the little and big parts of life.
The food, too, was a major part of the healing. Each meal was vibrant, fresh, and prepared with palpable intention. Ash Martin later shared, “Our food philosophy is all about clean, minimally intervened, mostly organic produce. We’re not about restriction – we’re about giving guests what they need to feel better inside and out. Every menu is designed to support healing, energy, and enjoyment.”
Menus changed daily, and the chefs ran cooking demonstrations to empower guests to continue this way of eating back home. It wasn’t about eating ‘clean’ as much as it was about eating in a way that made my body feel nourished and at ease.
As my final morning arrived, I noticed how different I felt. I hadn’t just rested, I had reconnected. With the earth. With my body. With myself. Eden didn’t fix me, because I was never broken, but it offered me the space to remember myself. From this place, I am able to move in the world with clarity, peace and acceptance; and continue my health healing journey with patience and grace. For this, I am eternally grateful.
In a world that often demands we go faster, Eden gently reminds us how to slow down. And in doing so, how to come home – not to a place, but to a way of being that is softer, truer, and deeply alive. As a busy mother of two boys, and a woman with big dreams and an active life, I want to call out to my sisters, and encourage you to listen to some of the lessons Eden taught me and slow down, rest, trust and witness your own magnificence radiate. You deserve it.
About Nicola Callard
Nicola is a gentle guide and facilitator who believes in the power of authentic connection to heal our world. With advanced qualifications in psychology and group dynamics, she creates nurturing spaces where individuals rediscover their innate wisdom and voice. Through her mindful approach to therapy, public speaking, coaching, and group facilitation, she weaves together ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience to support others in their journey back to wholeness. Her podcast “What it means to love” and community gatherings serve as sanctuaries for meaningful conversations about conscious living and deep human connection. Find her sharing insights about slow living and sustainable wellbeing at @mindset_architect_collective.
The content in this article published by The Paige is provided for entertainment and general information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be relied on as such. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health or medical conditions.
