What Makes Us One of the Best Yoga Retreats in Australia?
In an era of constant productivity and hustle culture, where much of our worth is tied to our jobs, and how we contribute to society, it’s important we take time to rejuvenate and reconnect with ourselves and our purpose. That’s exactly what we focus on here at Soma, and it’s this deep commitment to helping our clients reawaken their purpose and preserve their holistic well-being that makes us one of the best yoga retreats in Australia in 2025.
While this may sound like a whole lot of mindfulness marketing jargon, we really do mean it, and throughout this article, we’ll show how our retreat is set up to support your journey—whatever that may look like. We’ll also explore the unique aspects of our retreat that set us apart from others in Australia, all while answering the age-old question: ‘Are yoga retreats actually worth it?’ (Hint—they are!)”
Whether you’re looking to recuperate and reconnect with yourself after a challenging period, strengthen your mindfulness abilities, or simply deepen your yoga practice, our retreat offers a peaceful space for all of these things and so much more.
Stunning Surroundings That Allow You to Unwind & Connect With Nature
The key to being considered one of the best yoga retreats in Australia is location—and Soma has got that down pat. Tucked away amongst the lush hinterland of Northern NSW, with panoramic views of gently rolling farmland, you’d never actually believe that you’re a mere 10 minutes from the bustling streets of Byron Bay. And that’s the beauty of Soma. Here, you’re able to truly disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with your mind, body, and purpose while immersing yourself in the beauty of your natural surroundings.
Wake to a soundtrack of rustling leaves and lyrical birdsong, and spend your days practising yoga, strengthening your mindfulness, and exploring our stunning surroundings. Whether you’re admiring the iconic 250-year-old fig tree in our backyard, strolling through our lush bamboo rainforest, or simply relaxing by the pool—at Soma, you’re not just surrounded by nature; you’re part of it.
5-Star Luxury Accommodation that Encourages Relaxation
In 2016, what was merely a modest 3-bedroom home surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Byron Bay hinterland is now known as Soma—a luxury two-story, 10-bedroom residence that plays host to a variety of meditation, yoga, and wellness-based retreats. Designed by Balinese-based architect Rieky Sunur with the vision of Soma director and creator Gary Garrow in mind, Soma’s residence seamlessly blends in with its natural surroundings.
The design embraces the Vedic philosophy of Vastu Shastra by prioritising open-plan living, soft, calming aesthetics, and the use of natural materials, creating a sanctuary that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation. The residence boasts an expansive kitchen and dining area with 10 handsome king-sized bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom and rainforest shower, offering individuals an elevated experience of serenity and calm away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Vibrant, Locally Sourced, Plant-Based Menu
We all know that a balanced diet is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. At Soma, we take this philosophy one step further. We believe that your body is your home, and instead of neglecting it, we should nurture it and celebrate all it does for us—and what better way to show our gratitude than by fueling it with nourishing, locally sourced whole foods?
That’s why, during our yoga retreats, our guests enjoy a delicious, full, four-day paddock-to-plate, plant-based menu prepared by our Soma chefs. Our menu is wholly locally sourced and thoughtfully crafted to support our guests on their journey of wellness and yogic transformation. Every ingredient we use and every dish we serve is intentional, providing the energy and clarity needed to make the most of the retreat experience.
Plenty of Free Time to Recharge and Reconnect With Yourself
With our yoga retreats, our aim is to guide everyone through a journey of transformation and self-exploration. That is why, although we follow a loose schedule of events, we intentionally leave room for free time. We do this so that our guests can personalise their retreat experience and engage in activities that interest them, as well as give them the freedom to truly unwind and reflect.
Why? You might be asking—we wholeheartedly believe there is no better way to reconnect with yourself than by allowing space for rest, reflection, and personal exploration. Whether that means going on a self-guided stroll, relaxing in the hammock, or meditating under our 250-year-old fig tree, we encourage our guests to engage in meaningful free time, whatever that looks like for them.
Guided by a Team of Wellness Visionaries
They say that a student is only as good as their teacher. At Soma, we believe this to be true, which is why we have brought together some of the most talented wellness professionals in Australia to facilitate our retreats and guide our guests on their journey of personal transformation. Every member of the Soma team brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience to every retreat. This allows our guests to feel at ease, knowing that whatever session they’re attending—they are learning from some of the best in the world.
Renowned Vedic astrologers, holistic teachers, yoga instructors, Vedic meditation practitioners, and ayurvedic health coaches have made Soma part of their own professional journey, and we’re honoured they’ve chosen to be part of ours. We’re so thankful to be able to work with such a talented group of visionaries. Our team, we believe, is the driving force behind our success and is the reason why we consider ourselves one of the best yoga retreats in Australia.
Variety of Workshops to Strengthen Your Mindfulness & Find Your Inner Balance
You could probably guess by now that our yoga retreats are about much more than just deepening your yoga practice. But what you might not know is all the other wonderful experiences our guests have the opportunity to enjoy during one of our yoga retreats. Beyond just the physical practice of yoga, our retreats offer a carefully curated blend of movement, mindfulness, self-discovery, and connection.
From breathwork sessions to guided meditation practices, sound baths, knowledge workshops, and more, our yoga retreats are all about enhancing your holistic well-being. You may be thinking—what exactly does this mean? Well, at Soma, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to complement one another, creating a holistic journey that nurtures both your body and mind. Each element works together to give you the tools and space to thrive in every aspect of your life.
Thoughtfully Designed Luxury Facilities & Amenities
When it was first built, Soma founder Gary Gorrow had a vision—to create a sanctuary of peace and rejuvenation. Through careful planning and intention, he achieved exactly that. The result? A wellness retreat that perfectly blends relaxation with a touch of luxury.
More than just a yoga retreat, though, Soma offers guests access to a range of 5-star amenities, including a freshwater infinity pool and communal firepit that overlook 22 acres of farmland and provide the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Speaking of unwinding, our geodesic yoga dome with in-floor heating and glass ceiling and our infrared sauna and ice bath provide guests with opportunities to balance their body and mind. Could you ask for anything more?
Daily Yoga Sessions Led by Renowned Yogi’s
Regardless of what brought you to this page, welcome; we’re happy to have you. Second, you’ve come to the right place. Our yoga retreats are designed to meet you exactly where you are, offering a space to deepen your practice and embrace personal transformation at your own pace.
Each day, we’ll explore different yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Kundalini,
allowing you to connect more deeply with your body and breath. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practising for years, these sessions are an invitation to simply show up, listen, and be. All of our daily sessions are delivered in our architecturally designed geodesic yoga dome and are guided by a talented team of yoga visionaries, each with their own unique style, depth of knowledge, and experience.
Want to Know More?
If you would like to learn more about our yoga retreats, how much they cost, what you can expect, who they benefit, and more, head to our Yoga Retreats page, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to connect with you and share all the information you need to support your journey.
Namaste.