I’m not usually one who wins much. Maybe $2 on a scratchie here or there, but never anything big.

I was speaking to some friends of mine after recently finishing my Diploma of Nutrition studies. That end of trimester rush to complete assessments, keep running my Thermomix team successfully, be the best parent and wife I can, feed myself and somehow remember to breathe and exercise is overwhelming. Chatting to my friend I remember saying “all I want is a massage!” with plans later on that day to go out and get one falling through. I was exhausted in every sense of the word.

I feel like the Universe had been listening to my conversation. At the time there were a few things that had not quite worked out the way I had hoped. Things I had put a lot of energy into. No wonder I was so exhausted. 

It felt like I had been heard when later on that same night I opened my Instagram to discover I had won two nights for myself and my sister to stay at world renown Gaia Retreat! Thanks to Jessica Sepel, I had won my massage!! 

So last week Amy and I set off, childless and carefree, for two nights at Gaia Retreat.

I would have to say my most favourite part is the food (of course). But more so that there’s no menu to chose from. There’s no choice to make, it’s just the deliciousness that the wonderful chef has created. I didn’t realise how much of a relief it was not to have to choose my meals!! 

We spent the first day leisurely walking the property, tasting things in the garden. Completing the labyrinth on the top of the hill. It was so nice to just stop and reconnect with myself. 

We were treated to an afternoon at the Day Spa, which is one I’ll never forget. Our ‘treatment’ (massages), included the detoxifying steam room, a salt scrub, warm coconut milk rinse, a clay mud wrap, scalp massage and full body massage. Oh so heavenly….

One activity I particularly loved is the morning Yoga. I’m not usually a breakfast person (even though I know my body functions best when I’ve eaten in the morning, not just refulled with caffeine) and I found myself hungry after each session, so I’ve attempted to continue the practice. I’ve always been a stubbornly 7 am morning person, as a night owl I find that time works best. But if I’m honest, I’m awake before 7 most mornings anyway. Why not get up and make the most of it with a quick Sun Salutation? Or a few stretches? I’ve done it most mornings since coming back so far and hope to continue it! 

Amy and I enjoyed meeting the other guests, fast friendships were formed for the short time we were there. Such wonderful ladies! The staff were so wonderful and inviting. Definitely somewhere I’d go back to in a heartbeat. 

Massive Thanks goes out to Jessica Sepel and her team, what a fantastic prize to win. I know the Universe, God, was listening when I asked for that massage!