“Spring into Spring” Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga Retreat
Unplug and revitalise over six-days, enjoying exclusive access to a private 42-acre sanctuary nestled in the serene Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Treat yourself to six days of restorative rest and relaxation on the rolling green hills of Alstonville, just south of Byron Bay. This retreat is your chance to Spring into Spring — literally and figuratively — by focusing on wholesome living and high-quality “me” time.
You will be hosted in a tranquil, private escape set on 42 acres of subtropical property. Accommodation is in bespoke 1- or 2-bedroom cottages, where stunning ocean views await from most rooms. With exclusive access to the entire property and its facilities (including private nature trails and a refreshing salt pool), this is the ideal quiet location to truly reset and recharge away from the usual pressures of life and work.
Dates
In 2027 the retreat will run from Monday 29, August — Saturday 3, September. (TBC)
If you’d like to stay for just part of the retreat or can’t afford the full fee please feel free to contact Agnes to discuss your options. theyogaexplorer@gmail.com / 0468 722 016
Venue
The retreat will be held at the Alstonville Country Cottages. A complimentary bus will get you there from Ballina airport.
What’s It Like On Retreat
The retreat provides an opportunity to reflect, deepen existing practices, or develop new ones in a supportive atmosphere alongside like-minded individuals.
The user-friendly program includes:
- Daily meditation and deep relaxation sessions.
- Mindful movement practices (nourishing Yin and slow Vinyasa Flow yoga, plus integrative Qi Gong).
- Talks and group discussions for all levels.
If you are new to meditation and mindfulness, you will be gently eased into the practice with simple, expert instruction. Experienced practitioners can enjoy customised talks and discussions.
The atmosphere will be friendly and light-hearted, with the schedule allowing plenty of free time for reading, naps, or a stroll.
Please note that outside of scheduled talks and group discussions, the retreat is conducted in silence. This is an encouragement to respect the quiet time of others, especially in the meditation hall and dining areas.
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
The Alstonville Country Cottages offer 8 well-designed, individually landscaped cottages with 1 or 2 bedrooms (most with ocean views). Various single or twin/double share options are available.
* Prices are per person and include food, accommodation, fees for tuition and charter bus to and from Ballina airport. (Flights not included).
To register for the retreat simply pay the required $250 deposit.
Payment plans are available.
Once the deposit has been received we will email you to arrange the details of your booking, at which time you can choose your accommodation and let us know about your dietary requirements.
If you have any questions please email theyogaexplorer@gmail.com
What To Expect
On retreat there will be meditation and deep relaxation sessions, mindful movement practices, as well as talks and group discussion. Free time will be available for you to walk, read or do as you please.
Note that outside of the talks and group discussions the retreat is conducted in silence.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t talk; but it does mean that you are encouraged to respect the wishes of other participants for quiet (especially in and around the dorm rooms, within the meditation hall and in the dining area).
What’s included:
- 5 nights accommodation.
- 3 healthy and hearty vegetarian meals per day.
- Dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure.
- 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).
- Integrative qi gong.
- Meditation and mindfulness instruction for all levels.
- Walks through the farm and forest.
- Private space to practice meditation and yoga.
- Access to salt pool.
- Charter bus to and from Ballina Airport.
Not included:
- Flights to and from Ballina Airport.
- Travel insurance.
- Yoga mat and props. Please BYO.
- Snacks/drinks.
Meals
Hearty vegetarian meals are provided three times daily (starting with dinner on arrival and ending with breakfast on departure), along with teas and coffee. We are happy to cater for special dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free options.
Getting There
Alstonville Country Cottages Farm is at 7 Alstonville Cemetery Rd. Alstonville, NSW 2477.
You will need to arrange flights to and from Ballina Airport.
A shuttle to and from Ballina Airport has been arranged (at no extra charge to you):
- Shuttle to the retreat centre will depart Ballina Airport at 2pm on Monday August 29, 2027.
- Shuttle will arrive at Ballina Airport around 11am for departing flights on Saturday September 3, 2027.
Your fllights need to be coordinated accordingly.
“Melbourne Meditation Centre’s retreats have become an essential part of my well-being. Every retreat offers something new to learn. It’s a perfect time for reflection and personal growth. The environment is always peaceful, making it an ideal setting for meditation. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to relax and rejuvenate!”
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— Daniella Schillaci
“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