FAQ’s

Explore some of our frequently asked questions for more detailed information relating to your stay:

Yes, Gaia is one of the few retreats that offer check in any day of the week (subject to availability). This allows you to stay when it is convenient and suits your schedule. We also tailor dietaries and spa experiences to the individual’s needs.

Check in to rooms is after 2pm and check out is 11am daily. Complimentary transfers from Coolangatta and Ballina airport are available at set times as outlined below. Check- ins arriving by car must arrive before 5pm daily – outside these times a late check-in fee may apply.

Complimentary transfers from Ballina and Coolangatta are available at the following times:

Ballina Airport

Ballina to Gaia – Pick up at Ballina airport within 30 mins of scheduled arrival time

Gaia to Ballina – Pick up at Gaia Retreat & Spa: Every hour commencing at 7.30am with last pick up at 5.30pm

Coolangatta Airport

Coolangatta to Gaia

  • Pick up 12.30pm AEDT (6th October 2024 - 5th April 2025)
  • Pick up 1.30pm AET (8th April 2024 - 5th October 2024)

Gaia to Coolangatta – Pick up at Gaia Retreat and Spa: 12.30pm

* Please note: All Coolangatta Airport flights must be scheduled to land a minimum of 30 minutes before scheduled pick-up times to avoid delays for all guests travelling.

As we are a retreat and value time out for you and others to maximise what Gaia has to offer. Our minimum age for guests is 16.

Many guests travel alone, which is the perfect way to truly retreat and capture the true essence of the Gaia experience. Our team will make sure you are well looked after whether you choose a solitary retreat or the company of others. Gaia is a wonderful place to establish friendships, connect with others or simply surrender with time to nurture and contemplate.

At Gaia we want you to escape the stresses of new millennium living, offering you a haven of peace. Mobile phones are permitted at Gaia, however, to respect the tranquility of other guests we ask that phones be switched off and not used in any public areas of the property. They may be used in your rooms or on Samira Lookout. Laptops are also allowed at Gaia, although we recommend you leave work at work, remember this is your time out. Wireless internet is available throughout the retreat. Due to our location set in the hinterland, mobile reception and internet access can be limited at times.

Gaia Retreat & Spa is 15 minutes from Byron Bay, less than 30 minutes’ drive from Ballina Airport and approximately 60 minutes from Coolangatta Airport. The Retreat is nestled in the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay, poised on the highest point in the shire and set on 25 acres in the region known as the healing capital of Australia. DOWNLOAD Directions to Gaia – CLICK HERE

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance prior to arrival as we know that sometimes plans can change. Refer to our cancellation terms below.

Gaia Retreat and Spa is not responsible or liable for any costs associated with your travel arrangements including but not limited to;

  • Administration fees relating to changes within the give day period
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Travel delay and alternative transport expenses
  • Personal liability
  • Additional expenses for accidental injury, sickness and hospitalisation

Some therapies and specialty treatments are exclusive to certain therapists and have limited availability. For this reason we highly recommend you book your Spa treatments and any additional activities in advance prior to your arrival. This will ensure time is allocated and you don’t miss out. Our Day Spa team will contract you prior to arrival to discuss your requests. For all spa requests, please email; dayspa@gaiaretreat.com.au

If you are following a Detox Focus and Yoga Add-on during your stay we recommend at least 5 days prior to your arrival that you reduce the consumption of caffeine, alcohol & sugar. By doing this it will help soften any of the normal withdrawal effects that you may experience allowing you to receive the best possible results during your stay.

We suggest casual, comfortable clothing. Our packing suggestions include the following:

  • Running / walking shoes
  • Shorts & T-shirts / Exercise clothing
  • Tracksuits – cooler months
  • Warm jumper, jacket – cooler months
  • Swimwear for pool, sauna and hot tub
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Casual Evening wear
  • Hat/cap
  • Slip on shoes/ thongs for use in spa (optional)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent

Your deposit is non-refundable but transferable for use within 12 months if 5 days’ notice is given prior to arrival date. On check-in the remainder of the package rate is paid and is non- refundable.

As treatments are tailored to your needs, we require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, or the full treatment fee will be charged.

Visa & Mastercard credit card payments will incur 1.5% merchant service fee, AMEX a 2.5% merchant service fee. This surcharge will be added to the amount payable.

Gaia Retreat & Spa is a non-smoking property and cleaning fines apply should smoke be detected in your room.

Although we love all animals – Gaia is not a pet friendly property to ensure that all guests can enjoy total relaxation and time out.

Gaia's rotating activities schedule allows guests to participate in an early morning, mid-morning and/or early evening activities at an opt-in opt-out arrangement. Each day may typically start with an early Yoga Session, these practises include a series of stretches and breath control work to guide our guests into a new day. The mid-morning class is often energizing or creative, designed for everyone to enjoy, we welcome all levels and capabilities. In the evening, our classes are a chance to wind down, allowing you to connect with your body and tap into the restful healing as an essential component of your wellness journey.

Download a Sample Schedule here

Spa Etiquette

For you to be able to completely surrender to your Gaia Day Spa Experience and enhance your journey, please see the following points relating to your time at our Day Spa.

Your treatment has been especially reserved for you, so please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment, allowing you to wind down and fully enjoy your Gaia Experience. Should you be travelling from Queensland, please consider the one-hour time difference during day light savings.

For the relaxation, enjoyment and privacy of all our guests, mobile phones and other electronics are not permitted in the Spa Retreat areas. We also ask that you speak quietly during your time at the Spa. Please bring your swim wear and enjoy some time by the pool, have a sauna or relax in our stone hot tub.

We highly recommend you book Spa treatments and any additional activities in advance at your earliest convenience. This will ensure time is allocated and you don’t miss out.

Gaia Day Spa has limited spaces and times available, so we request for you to book sooner rather than later with an open mind and an open heart to flexibility.

Please note: There is a minimum of a 90 min Spa treatment per person for Gaia Day guests. This includes complimentary use of our Spa facilities including Pool, Hot Tub and Sauna.

If you have any queries, please contact the Gaia Day Spa direct via Ph: (02) 6687 1670 or email dayspa@gaiaretreat.com.au

Gaia Retreat & Spa Restaurant is not open to the public but if you are coming in for a treatment as a day guest you are able to pre-book and enjoy lunch at our Kukura House Restaurant. This is the perfect way to complete and nourish your Gaia Day Spa visit and make it a joint experience with friends or family.

Please note: Lunch bookings prior to arrival are essential. Inform the Day Spa to add a lunch booking to your treatment, call Ph: (02) 6687 1670 or email dayspa@gaiaretreat.com.au

For your comfort, a robe and slippers will be provided. There is also a locker for your personal belongings.

Please inform us of any health related issues you may have at the time of booking. Conditions we need to know about include (but are not limited to) things like: high blood pressure, heart conditions, allergies and pregnancy. If you are unsure whether something might be important, please discuss this with our Spa team. Also, the consumption of alcohol before, during or immediately after Spa treatments is not recommended.

As we have reserved this space exclusively for you, and your therapist is especially coming in to look after you on the day, we require 24hrs notice for any cancellations or to reschedule your appointments. Cancellations or rescheduling outside of this time will be charged the full treatment fee.

Last Minute Offer $300 Retreat Credit