Who are the men checking into health retreats?

Elysia Wellness Retreat reveals growing number of male wellness travellers ahead

of International Men’s Health Week

With all eyes on men’s health ahead of International Men’s Health Week (June 9 – 15), the expert team at the award-winning Elysia Wellness Retreat has confirmed increasing numbers of men are embracing the new broader understanding of wellness.

Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Elysia Wellness Retreat offers a raft of escape packages, seminars, activities and inspiring guest speakers dedicated to improving everything from anxiety and sleep issues to physical health, as well as bookable seminars focused purely on men’s health topics.

With Beyond Blue reporting that 43%[i] of men experience anxiety or depression at some stage, it’s imperative to provide support and services where men can talk about their health and take a holistic approach to their wellbeing, and dedicated wellness retreats are growing in popularity as a way to escape the everyday and prioritise self-care.

“When I started at Elysia 10 years ago, we’d see one male in every group of 30 in the program each week. Now, around 20% of our guests are men, typically aged 45 and above and checking in for a solo stay, a number which will continue to rise with accelerating awareness of men’s mental health challenges and the importance of open communication, as well as growing acceptance for those taking time out for self-care, or to seek support,” said Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Operations Manager, Amy O’Neill.

“We want men to leave the daily grind behind and come into an environment designed to nurture their physical, mental and emotional health, whether that’s a digital detox, a full mind and body reset, a spot of pampering, or connecting with like-minded guests. It’s all about broadening our understanding of what makes us feel well.”

“Some of our male guests are nervous initially and concerned about stepping outside their comfort zone, especially if a partner has booked the stay for them. Overwhelmingly, their feedback at checkout is positive – they love the nutritious food, find the treatments rejuvenating, really enjoy the team-based activities, get a lot out of the guest speaker sessions, and feel proud of themselves for trying something new.”

According to Amy, the biggest benefit for all guests checking into the retreat, including men, is giving themselves the time and access to professional help to learn how to make meaningful long-term changes for their overall wellbeing, something many don’t make time for in their day-to-day lives.

In addition to guest speakers and practitioners for guests staying on weekends, Elysia Wellness Retreat regularly offers dedicated seminars on topics of interest such as:   

About men, for men, with men 

This seminar, available on request for group bookings, presents information on key topics surrounding men’s health and wellbeing in an open forum discussion to leave men more informed and aware of their bodies and better equipped with practical strategies to take control of their own health.

Biohacking for longevity 

An in-depth look at what we eat, current health issues and foods to consume – and avoid – for optimum health. This seminar equips guests with fact-based knowledge of food as medicine to encourage dietary improvement by consuming a broad range of wholesome foods.

Let’s talk about sleep 

A dedicated sleep facilitator provides expertise regarding the causes of fatigue, how to quantify good sleep and practical tips to implement at home to optimise sleeping habits.

Guests booking an inclusive package enjoy nutritious cuisine as well as the use of facilities including tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fully equipped gymnasium. Program options include high or low-impact physical activities, from boxing and volleyball to sunrise tai chi and bushwalks and access to extensive spa and wellness treatments (at an additional cost). These range from facials, massage, and reflexology through to one-on-one nutrition coaching, personal training, yoga classes, physiotherapy, meditation and sound healing, or resilience coaching.

For men ready to try a wellness retreat for the first time, Elysia Wellness Retreat’s new ‘Touch of Wellness’ packages for one or two nights include a daily wellness class, gourmet wellness breakfast, use of on-site facilities, and the opportunity to customise with additional treatments.

Local residents of the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Port Stephens can also take advantage of exclusive Day Spa deals including 15% of facials from Monday to Friday or 10% off all spa and wellness treatments between Monday and Thursday, including massages, acupuncture and meditation.

Call 1300 991 254 or book online today to treat yourself.

[i] https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/mens-mental-health#mensstatistics 

About Elysia Wellness Retreat

Located in the Hunter Valley, the secluded retreat offers an immersive wellness experience for mind, body and spirit. Whether it’s a full week of rejuvenation or a weekend stay, Elysia’s vast array of experiences and spa treatments will suit anyone’s needs. Facilities include two indoor yoga and meditation studios, a wellness centre, meditation hill, vegetable garden, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, fully equipped gymnasium and indoor cycle room, tennis court, activity court and walking tracks. The Day Spa at Elysia offers over 50 therapies and treatment in-keeping with Elysia’s holistic and natural approach health and beauty.

For more information, please visit www.elysiaretreat.com.au and connect with Elysia Wellness Retreat on Facebook and Instagram.