Farmhouse Wellness Escape with Yoga, Cooking & Spa Treatments in Victoria, Australia

The retreat is hosted by Sylvia Manovski, a naturopath, yoga teacher, and massage/reiki practitioner, in her own farmhouse. She bought the property and renovated it to create a comfortable, cozy space for small wellness groups. The setting is rural Victoria, with wood fires, garden views, birds, and friendly farm animals. The program is intentionally flexible — every activity is optional, and the schedule is a guideline rather than a strict timetable.

A typical day starts with gentle yin yoga suitable for complete beginners, followed by a homemade breakfast. Mornings might be spent on a countryside walk, reading, or joining Sylvia in the kitchen for a cooking class where she shows you how to prepare the nutritious, plant-based meals she serves. Afternoons are free for mindful activities, a massage or reiki session, the infrared sauna, or the magnesium pool. Evenings bring meditation and restorative yoga in the dedicated studio, then dinner, often followed by time by the fire.

The farmhouse sits on 10 acres, so there's plenty of space to wander, and Daylesford and Ballarat are a short drive away if you want to explore. Activities like feeding the animals, colouring, and gentle stretching are all available at your own choice, as one guest review noted. With a maximum of six guests, the experience feels personal and unhurried — Sylvia is known for being warm, attentive, and "nothing is too much trouble." Many guests comment on how they left feeling nourished and cared for, with practical tools to bring more calm into their daily lives.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in the farmhouse - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Daily morning yin yoga classes (all levels) - Daily evening meditation and restorative yoga classes - Two 60-minute massage or reiki sessions per guest - Cooking classes with naturopath Sylvia Manovski - Use of infrared sauna and magnesium pool - Free parking on-site - Free pick-up and drop-off from Ballan Railway Station - WiFi access

What's not included

- Airport transfers (unless arranged separately) - Flights to Melbourne - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Optional extra nights