Gaia Retreat’s owners have submitted a planning application to the local government authority in Byron, Australia, for an AU$37 million (US$24.2 million, €21.0 million, £10.3 million) expansion of the facility that was originally co-founded by Olivia Newton-John in 2005.

The wellness facility in Brooklet was purchased in 2021 by Fiveight, the property development arm of an investment company called Tattarang, owned by Andrew and Nicola Forrest. They bought it for AU$30 million (US$19.8 million, €17.7 million, £9.9 million).

The design for the upgrades across the eight-hectare site is by Troppo Architects.

When asked about the planning application, a spokesperson from the retreat told Spa Business: “Gaia Retreat and Spa has been a sanctuary of healing and connection on Bundjalung Country for more than 20 years.

“The proposed redevelopment is a thoughtful investment in its future, enhancing sustainability, supporting local jobs and strengthening the region’s wellness reputation,” added the spokesperson.

“True to Gaia’s values of healing, gratitude and health, the plans are sensitive to the site’s natural and cultural significance.”

Expanded facilities

The property’s expansion will include the creation of a new spa complex and treatment rooms – replacing an existing facility. This will include upgrades to the existing pool area, the addition of plunge pools, relaxation areas and a recovery programming area.

The development will also see the construction of an arrivals hub building, with a Porte Cochere (a covered entrance for vehicles), reception, restaurant, guest lounge and shop.

The existing social relaxation and welcome area called Kukura House will be refurbished, with new back-of-house facilities for laundry, housekeeping, staff rooms, education spaces, an office and a kitchen.

Four more luxury suites and villas will be added to the site, taking the total accommodation to 26 keys. Seventy-one new car parking spaces will also be created and a new restaurant pavilion will be built.

Accessibility will be improved via a new lift and a bridge will be erected over a creek.

There will also be a range of infrastructure improvements, demolition works and vegetation management plans.

If the plans are approved, the refurbishments and expansions would be completed in stages, to keep parts of the retreat operating throughout construction.