Weekend Reset: 5 wellness escapes within a few hours of Sydney

16 Feb, 2026

Feeling a bit flat or frazzled after the festive season? Need a getaway to look forward to? Don’t worry about getting your annual leave approved for a full-blown holiday, sometimes all we need is to plan a weekend away for a change of scenery. A wellness escape isn’t just about switching off your phone (although that helps), it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself and coming home feeling genuinely refreshed and ready to carry-on. 

Within just a few hours of Sydney, you’ll find some of the top luxury stays in NSW and destinations that prioritise well-being, designed to restore your spark. Whether you’re craving a simple off-grid escape or a health and wellness retreat in Australia, these five inner health-focused escapes are perfect for a proper reset.

The Wellness Farm

Hunter Valley

With a name like “The Wellness Farm”, it’s not hard to guess what to expect from a stay at this Hunter Valley-based getaway. The property feels purposely removed from the noise with wide open skies and uninterrupted views unintentionally slowing you down.

Misty mornings begin with movement or meditation in the dedicated and beautiful lakeside space while afternoons can be spent drifting between the red cedar barrel sauna, cedar hot tub and saltwater pool. With a variety of cosy accommodation options, you can opt for a solo or couples escape or hire the whole property and bring the gang for your own private wellness retreat

While you’re there: Elevate the wellness factor with a visit from Astrological Reiki Resonance. This mobile service will come to your accommodation in the Hunter Valley and lead you through a transformative 90-minute Reiki-inspired healing to delve into a deeper understanding of yourself.

Happy Buddha Retreats

Blue Mountains

If a yoga retreat in the Blue Mountains sounds like your idea of a soul-soothing getaway, Happy Buddha Retreats is calling. Designed to “get your happy back”, the wellness sanctuary offers a number of different short-stay retreats to suit anyone and everyone looking to refill their cup.

Our suggestion? The signature Inner Joy Retreat offers two nights and three days of yoga, meditation, sound baths and quiet mountain time, leaving you refreshed and nurtured. Nourishing, vegetarian meals are provided throughout your stay and you’ll have plenty of free time to spend out exploring nature (don’t miss the onsite waterfall!).

While you’re there: Unleash your creativity with a private art class led by Connect with Creativity. Using a variety of techniques, you’ll be reminded of what it was like to just play without any expectations.

Linnaeus Farm

South Coast

One look at Linnaeus Farm and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled upon a sun-washed manor in the south of France, rather than a secluded property on the South Coast of New South Wales. With its fresh country air, expansive design and luxurious trimmings, it’s almost impossible to feel anything but a sense of calm as you explore the 3.5 hectare property.

All guests are welcome to use the facilities which include a stunning outdoor pool, meditation hut, vegetable garden, infrared sauna and, of course, a firepit for making the most of those cool, country evenings. The team are avid supporters of the local Berry community, and you’ll be treated to a welcome basket of yummy goodies upon arrival.

While you’re there: Call in a group massage from Wellness Luxury Escape South Coast and hop in the onsite sauna after to help flush out toxins.

Sierra Escape

Mudgee

There’s a good reason why glamping in NSW is so popular. It’s the perfect blend of nature and luxury and with the state's endless open spaces and beautiful landscapes, it serves as the perfect backdrop. A stay at Sierra Escape near Mudgee is more than just an escape to the wilderness, it’s a chance to truly focus on your inner wellbeing.

Take yourself on a self-guided walk on some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Australia before retreating to your private, safari-style tent and soak in the outdoor tub as you watch the sky light up with stars. A weekend here will bring you back into yourself and remind you that there is more to life than schedules and screens.

While you’re there: We just love ice baths in Australia. So luckily, just a short drive from Sierra Escape, you can treat yourself to a contrast therapy session at Sense of Solis. Switching between hot and cold can improve circulation and promote healing, making it the perfect addition to your wellness weekend.

Crane Lodge

Sydney

Want a wellness alternative to a visit to a day spa in Sydney? How about a full wellness weekend at a luxury treehouse in the Northern Beaches? Crane Lodge is more than just a place to stay. It’s a complete, private wellness retreat.

Not a moment of your two-night stay here will be wasted. You’ll immerse yourself in forest bathing and a traditional tea ceremony, move through a rejuvenating yoga class, and enjoy a three-course meal prepared by your private chef (yes, you read that right). When you’re not nourishing yourself from the inside out, take some time to cosy up by the firepit, soak in the cedar hot tub or float in the magnesium-rich heated pool.

While you’re there: Create your very own memento by taking part in a Mindful Macrame Workshop. Based in the Northern Beaches not far from your stay, this is a wonderful activity to get you back into your flow state.

Image credits: The Wellness Farm, Happy Buddha Retreats, Linnaeus Collection, Sierra Escape, Wild Luxury.

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