Are retreats worth the hype? My honest first retreat experience in Australia

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to go on a wellness retreat.

It was one of those things that always sat in the “one day” category… something that felt equal parts luxurious, indulgent, and a little out of reach. I wasn’t sure what to expect, whether I’d feel comfortable, or if it would actually live up to the idea I had built in my head.

But this year, I finally did it.

And now I can honestly say… it exceeded every expectation I had.

The retreat I chose

After much deliberation and research, I booked the Rise, Reflect, Renew Retreat in Trentham hosted by Tess Williamson. From the moment I arrived, I could feel that this wasn’t just something thrown together, every detail, from the welcome drink, personalised gift bags in our room, to the sense of calm Tess created, was thoughtful and intentional.

Everything from the accommodation to the exceptional food, the yoga sessions, and the mindful workshops felt aligned. Nothing felt rushed or forced. It was a space that allowed you to slow down, breathe, and just be.

What a retreat is actually like

Before going, I had many questions running through my head:

• Will there be enough food?

• Will I be allowed to go at my own pace?

• Are they going to take my phone?

• What if I don’t connect with anyone?
  

The reality was the complete opposite. Within hours, I felt at home (of course, with less responsibilities — man, it felt weird not washing up), but what I'm trying to say is it felt easy and comfortable. There’s something about being surrounded by women who are all there for a similar reason that breaks down any walls very quickly. Conversations felt natural, not forced. And the connections I made were genuinely one of the most unexpected highlights of the entire experience.

And for anyone wondering the same things I was…

No, my phone wasn’t taken and locked away in a box. Yes, there was more than enough food (including sweets). And the schedule? It was there for guidance, not pressure.

You were free to move through the days in a way that felt right for you. To join in, to rest, to take a moment for yourself, whatever you needed. Most importantly, it was about putting yourself first… without guilt or explanation.

Is it worth the price?

Before booking, I think it’s natural to look at the cost and wonder… is it worth it?

Yes, you’re paying for:

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Classes and workshops
  

But what I didn’t realise is that you’re also paying for:

• Space away from your everyday life

• Time without distractions

• The opportunity to reconnect with yourself

• A shift in your energy and mindset
  

It’s not just a weekend away, it’s how you feel while you’re there, and even more importantly, how you feel when you leave.

How I felt during and after

The best way I can describe it is… calm.

Not just relaxed for a moment, but a deeper kind of calm that comes from slowing down properly. The space felt warm, safe, and genuinely supportive, which made it so easy to fully relax and be present.

Every part of the retreat felt like a perfect blend of everything I love: movement, meaningful conversations, empowering workshops, nourishing food, and time to exist without pressure.

By the end of it, I felt:

• Refreshed and recharged

• Clear on my goals

• Grateful

• And honestly, like I had come home to the best version of myself

I didn’t expect how much I would take away from just being in that environment for a few days. Sometimes it’s not about doing more, but about stepping away long enough to hear your own thoughts again and remind yourself of what's most important to you.

My tips if you’re considering a retreat

If you’ve ever thought about going on one, here’s what I’d say:

• Remove expectations – The more you let go of what you think it “should” be, the more you’ll get from it.

• Lean into the experience – Talk to people, try everything, be present. You’ll get out of it what you’re willing to put in.

• It's not a place to trauma dump – While retreats can be incredibly safe and supportive spaces, they’re not about offloading everything all at once. Everyone is there on their own journey, and part of the experience is being mindful of the space you’re sharing.

• Go with a positive, open heart – The energy you bring into the experience really matters. When you arrive open, present, and willing to receive, you allow yourself to fully embrace everything the retreat has to offer.

• Find a retreat that truly aligns with you – Every retreat is different, so take the time to choose one that reflects what you’re looking for. Whether that’s rest, movement, connection, or personal growth. When it aligns, you’ll feel it.

• See it as an investment, not a cost – It’s easy to justify spending money on practical things, but this is an investment in you.

So… Are retreats worth it?

The answer is yes! For me, this retreat was honestly one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself.

I walked away with so much more than I expected, not just rest, but a true connection with myself. It was a reminder of how important it is to slow down, reconnect, and put yourself first. And maybe that’s the real value of it, not just the experience itself, but what it brings you back to.

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of going on a retreat, wondering if it’s worth it…

This might be your sign.

A final thank you to Tess for creating such a welcoming and beautiful retreat. It's an experience I learnt so much from, and one I’ll never forget.

If you’re interested in experiencing one of her retreats for yourself, you can find more details here: 👉 Website: https://www.tesswilliamson.com 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.reflect.renew.retreats

And if you’d like to see more moments from my time there, I’ve shared a collection of photos over on my Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/DV7xOmcEf7J/?igsh=Y3NodjN4emF0ZjZz