Heart-Centered Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Queensland's Rainforest

The Free The Heart retreat is built around a specific idea: that modern life pulls our attention up into the head, and that a lot of our stress comes from living there too much. Over the weekend, Nina and Alex guide a series of practices designed to bring awareness back down into the heart. The schedule balances theory with hands-on practice, so you're not just hearing about these ideas—you're doing them in every session.

A typical day starts with a morning yoga class, followed by a pranayama session to work with the breath. After breakfast, there's a workshop that explores a different theme—how the heart and mind relate, how to work with difficult emotions, how to build a daily practice that sticks. Afternoons are lighter: free time, a meditation session, and then another workshop or restorative practice before dinner. Evenings close with a group meditation, often outside as the light fades.

The retreat is held at Solitude, a secluded rainforest property in the Numinbah Valley, about 40 minutes from the Gold Coast. The land includes a ceremonial labyrinth and a Native American Medicine Wheel, which are used for guided contemplative walks. The Nerang River runs through the property, feeding three waterfalls in the wet season. You can wander through strangler figs and open green spaces, past king parrots and wallabies.

Nina has practiced yoga and meditation daily for over 20 years and works as a life coach. Alex was a world champion athlete in his youth and now focuses on inner work and conscious relationships. Together they've created a retreat that feels both grounded and accessible. The teachings draw on classical yoga, but the delivery is practical and modern—no jargon, no pressure, just clear guidance you can take home.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off (from OOL or BNE) - 2 nights accommodation - Delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Filtered water and tea throughout the weekend - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama (breathing) classes - Specialized workshops - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Hot tub access - Free parking - Welcome drink - Free excursions to sites of interest - Access to the ceremonial Labyrinth and Medicine Wheel

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Optional private classes - Extra day/night stays - Camper van parking (available at additional charge)