Living Valley Health Retreat

Bek Malherbe

5

The Living Valley experience is unmatched. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced the same level of care at any retreat - or even a hotel. Rather than spoiling us with extras or indulgences, Living Valley delivers genuine, authentic and professional care across every aspect of the retreat experience. From Itai, our Guest Services Manager, who checked in with me multiple times each day; to Kirsten, the naturopath, who oversaw everything I ate (and didn’t!) and communicated my needs seamlessly to the kitchen; through to massage therapist Gill who I booked in for daily treatments, and Rowan and her team of chefs, who personalised each meal - I could not have felt more cared for. Thanks Living Valley. I'll be back soon - for a third time!

Lori Harrison

5

From my first contact on the telephone with Sarah and Janine I was incredibly impressed with the caring and concern provided. Every single person employed by LVHR went out of their way to ensure my needs were met. Itai (sorry about spelling) Guest Services Manager was insightful, genuinely caring and empathetic. It's been a few weeks now and I can't remember all the names of people who impressed me (part of my condition). The fire ceremony, singing and sound meditation were way above expectations. The wonderful therapists really listened and couldn't have done more than they did. The knowledge provided and variety in the shop was excellent. The food was superb - but it is important for you to let them know when you'd like more or less (I was at first hesitant) or something different. There were too many activities and I need to take responsibility for organising myself better. The steam baths, ice baths, bush walks, swimming pools, classes (physical fitness, health lectures, meditation etc) were all amazing. I needed a 'reset' and that was achieved. I've still a way to go, but I intend following up with Natalie (the naturopath). When I reflect on all the services I received I realise (although at first I thought it was quite expensive) that it was great value and this support for my mind and body was way overdue.

B

5

I attended the two week Flourish program this year and can honestly say Living Valley has shifted my life. Although it may seem like the price is high, what you receive is more than you would should you book a holiday and go overseas etc. The meals are like eating at a fine dining restaurant. The impeccable creativity and serving sizes had me full after the second day. The accomodation is basic, but all you need. I was hardly in my room throughout the day as there were so many things you could opt in and out of. The property is divine. It’s exceptionally tranquil and taken care of with a lap pool, stunning views, steam rooms, enough health and beauty therapies that you’d have your fill, as well as beautiful walks. Activities are abundant. There are Pilates, stretch, yoga, a gym, two pools and everything in between such as cooking classes and health talks. The staff were out of this world and I never saw one member not try do everything they could for us. The deep care they showed vastly surprised me. What impressed me was the communities formed each week. They gave us me so many laughs and reminded me how important socialising it. In the end, my improvements have surprised everything I thought. My skin is clear, I’ve lost three kilos, the entire way I eat has changed, what I learnt about what goes in our bodies has shifted the stress has gone from my mind and even coming home I am sticking to everything I learnt and gained. I feel like me. I am eternally grateful for the knowledge and care you guys provided and I will recommend you to anyone who asks xx

B A Kelly

5

When the Middle East conflict put a stop to a European holiday via Qatar, I decided to keep the leave I’d booked and treat myself to a healthy break from my demanding job. And, given south-east Queensland is a smorgasbord of health retreats, I also decided there was no reason to try just one. I booked into two retreats – around one week stay at each – one on the Sunshine Coast (Living Valley) and another on the Gold Coast (see separate review). I’ll admit I was a little uncertain about visiting Living Valley. I’d stalked this place for years and was a bit put off by a notion of rusticity. I also wondered if it had a whiff of too much “woo woo” about it. What got me over the line, however, was a new program, Biohack, that spoke to exactly what I was looking for. Well, I’m very happy to say that the days of being rustic are long gone for this retreat. Apparently, it underwent extensive renovation during Covid downtime and the rejuvenation and redirection of this not-for-profit institution has continued under the management of Giselle, the daughter of the original founders. The five days of focused care was nothing short of exceptional. While there are numerous cottages of different standard dotted about the property, there are never more than around 20 guests at any one time. You can enjoy the privacy that is easily found or you can socialise at the various opportunities for communal activities. Everyone is on their program of choice and this was catered for with skill, care and discretion. Speaking of catering, the food was superb and plentiful for everyone. Even when doing some fasting segments, I didn’t experience hunger due to the carefully curated diet which was balanced by the naturopath, Kristen, and prepared by the chefs to match my constitution. The facilities at Living Valley are extensive and immaculately maintained (I didn’t smell a hint of mustiness anywhere, even though it had been raining for a couple of weeks and the coastal areas of Queensland are notorious for damp). The landscaped grounds are maintained by a team of gardeners who should be congratulated on the presentation. All the walking tracks are fully paved, so there are no dodgy, muddy walks that you hadn’t planned to take. (There are plenty of bush tracks if you wish to do some hiking – just be aware there are also plenty of mosquitoes – the one downside I found to the whole stay, though it was during wet weather which didn’t help.) Above everything, however, it was the staff that elevated this place to one I will very happily return to and recommend to others. Everyone I came across was an absolute professional in their field. Aaron, the PT, even offered up an insight into exercise I'd never previously considered and its an approach I've happily embraced. I’m well-versed in the wellness industry and I keep abreast of the evolving trends – so, I found, does Living Valley. Without abandoning some of the still very relevant wisdom of days of old, these guys are up with the very latest in scientific research and developments in the health and wellness space. Oxygen chambers, IV infusions, fresh water pools, infrared saunas, steam rooms, ice baths, colonics, equine therapy – you ask, they have it. And then there were the abundance of spa-based treatments. (While I like my treatments science-based, there were also many spiritual energy-based approaches available if that’s more your thing.) Without losing the country retreat charm, Living Valley presents as a modern, immaculately maintained health retreat where peace and privacy is a highlight for its guests, as is the focus on each person as an individual. After the first three days, I felt more rested than when I had done a three week stay in a Thailand retreat. Well done, Living Valley – I look forward to returning, hopefully with my husband in tow, as I know this is one health retreat he would actually enjoy. Oh, and an added bonus you won't get at every retreat - you can choose to leave the grounds to enjoy the local attractions of the stunning Sunshine Coast. #Blessed