Gaia Retreat & Spa
Gaia Retreat & Spa
4.5
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4.5
27 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
3
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Gerardo
Melbourne, Australia226 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
A truly wonderful place of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. High quality and private rooms, and a common lounge / deck / dining area that oozes relaxation. The food is a true highlight, served by waitstaff from all over the world who reflect the vibe of the place. Sublime spa treatments (Sally’s Kahuna Classic was just that) and the advice of a very professional and knowledgeable naturopath has inspired me to take the health improvement journey beyond this amazing sanctuary.
Will return for sure. True bliss.
Will return for sure. True bliss.
Written 21 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mem H
NSW86 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
I have wanted to try Gaia Spa for years! I love day spas and have been to many around the world. Voted best day spa is a huge title. I could NOT believe they hold the title. A very dated spa, mediocre staff and check in experience, very unimpressive rooms and massage nothing special. Most disappointing was the dirty robe with a used tissue in the pocket that I was given to wear along with gross smelling pair of slippers. Eww. Won’t be back!
Written 20 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanPHunter
Melbourne, Australia41 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
I have just returned from a wonderful 4 night stay at Gaia with my sister in law. It was everything I expected and more. The ambiance and facilities were amazing. Staff so caring and knowledgeable. I cannot speak highly enough about the food. Plentiful, exciting - we ate with our eyes before our mouths.
Thank you everyone, I will be back
Thank you everyone, I will be back
Written 24 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Houdini546
Sunshine Coast, Australia40 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
I have to totally agree with previous review as regards lunch...very underwhelming..no choice..here is the bowl of pasta and salad ...that’s its..some watered pink something.
I was very happy with my therapist and two treatments..I don’t know how they manage with such small bathrooms...they don’t suit the rest of the lovely Balinese decor..they are quite conventional..
I think less is more with the food..2 or three small dishes of interesting vegan food is better than one huge bowl of a one choice salad.
And yes the cost of that bowl....
I would return but would go elsewhere for lunch..a shame as the dining lodge is stunning....
Service is wonderful..grounds..views and pool really lovely...
I was very happy with my therapist and two treatments..I don’t know how they manage with such small bathrooms...they don’t suit the rest of the lovely Balinese decor..they are quite conventional..
I think less is more with the food..2 or three small dishes of interesting vegan food is better than one huge bowl of a one choice salad.
And yes the cost of that bowl....
I would return but would go elsewhere for lunch..a shame as the dining lodge is stunning....
Service is wonderful..grounds..views and pool really lovely...
Written 28 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
purple-circle-girls
Byron Bay, Australia142 contributions
While the spa treatments are wonderful and the facilities and environment delightful, there are several things about Gaia that leave a bad taste in the mouth. For the day spa you pay at least $200 for a treatment which is a high price when compared to other local service providers of equal ability. That's OK, because the surroundings are so lovely and enhance the experience and you therefore expect a really pleasant experience.
However, there are some ways that make the whole thing seem a little underhanded and unpleasant, e.g. not being upfront about what's included in the price and waiting until after the service to tell you these things, hence having to pay more.
In addition, the lunch which we thought was included, wasn't, so we agreed to pay $32 extra only to find this bought us a glass of very insipid, tasteless pink "juice" which is not identified and a bowl of noodles with very minimal vegetables - no choice, nothing else and very poor service. It was, at most, worth $10 at any less than average local cafe.
When you expect a top class retreat from all accounts, this definitely left us feeling less than satisfied and took away from the pleasure of the 'treatment'. It was as if the place is 'going under' and they are trying to find any way they can to cut costs and diddle customers. NOT a good feeling to be left with. Would definitely be a 'POOR' if not for the treatment. They need to lift their game if they are to be sprouted as a first class retreat. I for one would not recommend it.
However, there are some ways that make the whole thing seem a little underhanded and unpleasant, e.g. not being upfront about what's included in the price and waiting until after the service to tell you these things, hence having to pay more.
In addition, the lunch which we thought was included, wasn't, so we agreed to pay $32 extra only to find this bought us a glass of very insipid, tasteless pink "juice" which is not identified and a bowl of noodles with very minimal vegetables - no choice, nothing else and very poor service. It was, at most, worth $10 at any less than average local cafe.
When you expect a top class retreat from all accounts, this definitely left us feeling less than satisfied and took away from the pleasure of the 'treatment'. It was as if the place is 'going under' and they are trying to find any way they can to cut costs and diddle customers. NOT a good feeling to be left with. Would definitely be a 'POOR' if not for the treatment. They need to lift their game if they are to be sprouted as a first class retreat. I for one would not recommend it.
Written 4 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris T
Bald Hills, Australia101 contributions
The best massage yet and I’ve had more ethan a few in some amazing places. The staff were welcoming and generous with their time. The massage was devine from top to toe. The spa was situated in a retreat with individual cabins nestled amongst the trees and bushes. It was so peaceful and the views were fantastic. Also available for day spa guest of which I was one. Next time I’d like to stay for a week with one of their yoga, detox programs. If you need to revitalise yourself this is the place to go.
Written 27 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Desibro
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia60 contributions
I had the pleasure to visit the day spa recently and have already booked my next visit. Absolutely heavenly treatment felt like 3 hours instead of an hour and a half. So lush that time stood still! I had the Indian scalp treatment and hot stone massage just delightful! Beautiful clean and elegant facilities really first class and the lovely staff treated you like a queen! My only comment would be I found out AFTER my treatment that I could have stayed for the day and enjoyed the pool and booked for lunch! I wish I’d known when the lady took my booking! Happily I had my swimmers with me and enjoyed a pool swim and a quick post treatment relax by the pool! I’m booked again with a friend and we will take time to really relish the whisper quiet serenity of the surrounds (and booked for lunch!) the gardens and grounds were exquisite I took some snaps on my phone as I was so impressed! What a fantastic treat!!!
Written 15 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jude3106
Melbourne13 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
What an amazing place! I was asked just before leaving "What was the best part?" - I have to say it was the feeling of love and genuine care I felt. The staff are professional and passionate about their respective skills and all treatments and consultations are given with 'just a little bit more'. The food is so wholesome, delicious and plentiful.
I got such a lot from my week there.
Congratulations to Greg and his amazing team who make the experience WONDERFUL! I came home fitter, healthier and happier within myself - I get it Greg!
I got such a lot from my week there.
Congratulations to Greg and his amazing team who make the experience WONDERFUL! I came home fitter, healthier and happier within myself - I get it Greg!
Written 5 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
noelleAB
Sydney, Australia69 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
I spent 3 nights at Gaia Retreat & spa last week and all i can say is it was unbelievable The grounds are amazing, the staff are amazing, the food is absolutely fantastic- fresh, creative, gluten free, tantalizing. The yoga every morning was amazing.
There is nothing that i could fault at this place. Everyone women should do it for a week once a year. I came back fresh, motivated and so relaxed. I LOVED IT
There is nothing that i could fault at this place. Everyone women should do it for a week once a year. I came back fresh, motivated and so relaxed. I LOVED IT
Written 15 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carltonlizzie
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia8 contributions
Sept 2016
I had a wonderful five nights staying at this sublime health retreat. From the welcome at the Gold Coast airport right up until the moment I left, every staff member I interacted with was exceptional. The Gaia experience is not to be missed. Wonderful food and lovely wait staff, excellent spa treatments and therapists and the kind and caring ladies in the office. I could not have been happier with my experience.
I stayed in the most basic accommodation but was completely happy. The rooms are quiet and peaceful and beautifully appointed.
The setting is amazing, on the highest point in the district with beautiful views to enjoy when walking around the property. It was a feast every time I went out for my morning walks.
In terms of the peace and quiet, I found the vast majority of guests are very considerate of not using mobile phone devices in the public spaces and I only saw one incident where someone was on a teleconference on their phone whilst in the restaurant which I was not impressed by! However, I understand that it's hard to enforce this rule when you're dealing with guests who have paid a lot of money for their experience so it's a tricky area. I felt the guest was inconsiderate of others. Overall though, the lack of phone calls in the public spaces was a welcome relief...I certainly enjoyed the peace and quiet continuing when I was attending meals. The sound of people talking to each other face to face was lovely:)
I would like to highly commend the fantastic fitness coach who made me feel so empowered and confident that I was on the right track:)
Finally, I spent time with the naturopath's and took away not just helpful information and tips to take home with me but also found them both passionate and interested in my health journey.
I came home feeling a million times better than when I arrived and am very grateful for the wonderful experience. Thank you to staff and management.
Liz
I stayed in the most basic accommodation but was completely happy. The rooms are quiet and peaceful and beautifully appointed.
The setting is amazing, on the highest point in the district with beautiful views to enjoy when walking around the property. It was a feast every time I went out for my morning walks.
In terms of the peace and quiet, I found the vast majority of guests are very considerate of not using mobile phone devices in the public spaces and I only saw one incident where someone was on a teleconference on their phone whilst in the restaurant which I was not impressed by! However, I understand that it's hard to enforce this rule when you're dealing with guests who have paid a lot of money for their experience so it's a tricky area. I felt the guest was inconsiderate of others. Overall though, the lack of phone calls in the public spaces was a welcome relief...I certainly enjoyed the peace and quiet continuing when I was attending meals. The sound of people talking to each other face to face was lovely:)
I would like to highly commend the fantastic fitness coach who made me feel so empowered and confident that I was on the right track:)
Finally, I spent time with the naturopath's and took away not just helpful information and tips to take home with me but also found them both passionate and interested in my health journey.
I came home feeling a million times better than when I arrived and am very grateful for the wonderful experience. Thank you to staff and management.
Liz
Written 15 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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