Queensland Fitness Retreats: Magnetic Island and Gold Coast Small-Group Training Weeks

The Magnetic Island retreat is the longer of the two: seven nights in modest three-star rooms with a modest gym on site, but a large magnesium pool, two recently resurfaced tennis courts and big lawns used for training. The resort sits at the foot of the Walking Track and backs onto the National Park, so it is quiet, yet it is a short walk from the Nelly Bay central hub. Alma Bay and Horseshoe Bay are built into the training and activities, and the secluded beaches between them are only reachable by the Walking Track or by boat.

Each day on Magnetic Island follows the same structure: morning cardio, morning mobility, evening resistance training, then evening flexibility, core and relaxation work. A nutrition seminar is included, as is a one-on-one PT session and a travel fitness gift pack. Midday group activities are optional, so you can join in or spend the time on the beach.

The Gold Coast retreat is shorter and sharper: four nights in a five-star resort set on the Australian PGA golf course, five action-packed days, and twice-daily small-group training. Departure is Friday at 06:00 from Melbourne or 07:00 from Sydney, landing at Gold Coast Airport by 08:00, and the Mt Warning climb happens on arrival day before resort check-in. Rooms come as standard with two double beds, which makes sharing a value-enhancing option, or as a Superior King.

What separates these from a generic fitness week is the trainer. Peter Osment is the founder and head trainer of Healthy Switch, and the sessions are run by him rather than handed to whoever is on shift. Members who have trained with him for years describe sessions that are always different and always challenging, and one review credits the programme with an 8kg weight loss and a return to running.

Both retreats are priced and run as all-in packages: meals, accommodation and training are included, with the Gold Coast trip also including a personalised take-home programme from your one-on-one PT session. The Queensland dates are chosen for the seasonally dry period at each location, so you are training, beaching and relaxing in the climate the destination is known for.

What's included

- 7 nights resort accommodation (Magnetic Island) or 4 nights 5-star resort accommodation (Gold Coast) - Daily meals - Twice-daily training sessions - Morning cardio and mobility sessions - Evening resistance training and flexibility/core/relaxation sessions - 1-on-1 PT session - Nutrition seminar (Magnetic Island) - Relaxation, nutrition, mobility and wellness sessions (Gold Coast) - Personalised take-home programme (Gold Coast) - Travel fitness gift pack (Magnetic Island) - Mt Warning climb on arrival day (Gold Coast) - Optional midday group activities

What's not included

- Travel to and from the retreat departure points - Flights to Gold Coast Airport (unless arranged separately) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional activities not listed as included - Alcohol and drinks outside included meals