Mission Beach Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga Retreat
Enjoy seven days of rest and relaxation at Tranquility, situated in 9 hectares of environmentally significant rainforest running down to the beach at Perry Hervey Jetty in Mission Beach.
Warm yourself up — literally and figuratively — by spending a week in North Queensland this winter. You’ll stay in delightful single or twin rooms, be treated to delicious vegetarian fare and enjoy a program of user-friendly meditation, yoga and walks through the rainforest and along the beach.
Dates
The retreat is held every year, commencing on on the first Monday of July.
In 2024 it will run from Monday July 1 — Sunday July 7.
Venue
The retreat is held at Tranquility Retreat, near Mission Beach, about halfway between Cairns and Townsville. A complimentary bus will get you there from Cairns airport.
“The retreat was exactly what I needed — a place to relax and switch off my ‘doing’ brain. The meditations taught me to make space in my head from all the constant thought and left me much more refreshed than just a weekend away.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Rebecca Hale
What’s It Like On Retreat
If you’ve never been on a meditation retreat before, this is a great place to start. The atmosphere will be friendly and light-hearted and the schedule includes plenty of free time.
You’ll have opportunities to join us on short hikes along the beach and through the rainforest and in a variety of practices designed to stretch, loosen and nourish the body.
With secluded beaches meeting the Great Barrier Reef, unique accommodation, a dedicated meditation and yoga space, massage and delicious cuisine, Sanctuary Retreat is an unspoilt paradise and perfect winter escape.
Note: Sanctuary Retreat is situated on a ridge within the Clump Mountain National Park. Access to the retreat centre (from the carpark) is via a 600m walking track. The paths to the meditation/yoga hall, pool and some huts are quite steep. Whilst vehicular access to the beach can be arranged, and staff will be happy to carry your luggage to your room, participants with injuries or fitness / health issues may like to take these details into consideration before booking.
Teachers & Approach
The retreat is led by two warm, friendly and experienced teachers: Matt Young, Director of the Melbourne Meditation Centre, and Agnes Gonfaus, from Natural Curiosity.
They’ve designed the retreat to be a perfect place for you to rest, relax and restore your wellbeing.
Whilst on retreat you won’t have to worry about a thing. All your needs will be taken care of and you’ll get to enjoy a simple, slower pace of life. Your meals will be lovingly prepared by our expert chefs and you’ll be able to take time out to sleep, read or enjoy the beautiful natural location.
The atmosphere on retreat is friendly and laid-back. You don’t have to get up before dawn, or sit in silence for hours on end. Nor will you have to endure long talks, a demanding schedule or bland food.
Matt and Agnes will be able to offer you valuable insights into your meditation practice. They’ll share unique an innovative approaches to meditation, introduce you to helpful concepts and techniques, and facilitate discussions in which you’ll be able to hear and learn from your fellow retreat participants.
Accommodation
You can choose between single and twin/double rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms. View detailed descriptions, photographs and pricing.
All prices are per person and include food, accommodation, fees for tuition and transport from/to Cairns airport.
What To Expect
On retreat there will be periods of meditation, yoga, qigong, talks and group discussion. Free time will be given for you to walk, swim, read and take time off.
What’s included:
- 7 nights’ accommodation.
- Fully catered retreat with three healthy and hearty vegetarian meals per day, including dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure.
- Tea and coffee station.
- Daily meditation (sitting and moving meditation).
- Daily yoga (nourishing yin yoga and slow vinyasa flow with variations to cater for complete beginners as well as for more advanced practitioners) and integrative qigong.
- Meditation and mindfulness instruction for all levels.
- Walks along the coast and through the rainforest.
- Private space to practice meditation and yoga.
- Yoga mat and props. You can bring your own yoga mat if you prefer.
- Access to a secluded beach and swimming pool.
- Charter bus to and from Cairns airport.
What’s not included:
- Flights to and from Cairns airport.
- Extra snacks, drinks and desserts.
- Travel insurance.
- Massage (optional treatments).
Meals
Three exceptionally tasty vegetarian meals are provided daily, along with a variety of teas, coffee and fruit. We cater for those with special dietary needs, including those requiring vegan or gluten, wheat and dairy-free meals. View a sample menu or take a virtual tour of the dining room.
Getting There
113 Alexander Drive, Mission Beach QLD 4852.
You will need to arrange flights to and from Cairns. A shuttle bus to and from Cairns airport has been arranged (at no extra charge to you).
Shuttle bus to the retreat centre will depart Cairns airport at 2pm on Monday July 1, 2024.
Shuttle bus will arrive at Cairns airport around midday for departing flights on Sunday July 7, 2024.