The Soak Bathhouse founders are bringing a bold new vision to this Tallebudgera retreat
High above the Gold Coast, where rolling green hills give way to sweeping views of the coastline, a new chapter of Australian wellness is beginning. Niki and Alexis Dean, the duo behind Soak Bathhouse, have acquired EcoView Retreat in Tallebudgera Valley, with ambitious plans to transform the spectacular hinterland sanctuary into a destination for immersive wellness experiences that go well beyond the traditional weekend escape.
Since opening their first Soak Bathhouse on the Gold Coast in 2020, Niki and Alexis have helped bring contemporary bathhouse culture into the mainstream, expanding Soak Bathhouse’s footprint across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Their latest venture marks a significant departure from the accessible, everyday ritual of communal bathing, turning their attention to multi-day retreats centred on personal growth, connection and self-discovery.
“When we created Soak Bathhouse on the Gold Coast in 2020, we weren’t simply opening another wellness business, we were reimagining an entire category,” Niki explains.
“We believe the retreat industry is ready for its next evolution. People are no longer looking simply to escape for a weekend. They’re searching for experiences that genuinely transform the way they think, feel and live.”
The setting at EcoView Retreat in Tallebudgera Valley certainly makes a compelling first impression. Purpose-built in early 2025, EcoView Retreat sits high in the hills, offering sweeping views across the hinterland to the Gold Coast skyline and ocean beyond. The private property accommodates just 30 guests across 15 beautifully appointed eco cabins, creating an intimate environment where the landscape is very much part of the experience.
A recent investment has introduced a panoramic swimming pool overlooking the coastline, adding to an already impressive collection of facilities. There’s a yoga pavilion positioned to capture the views, infrared saunas, indoor and outdoor gyms, landscaped grounds and private bushwalking trails winding through the surrounding valley. Expansive communal dining areas encourage guests to gather, while an oversized fire pit provides a setting for evening conversations and ceremonies beneath the stars.
The real point of difference, however, lies in what happens during a stay. Alongside continuing to host corporate retreats and private groups, EcoView is introducing six signature experiences, each centred on a different intention and designed to meet guests at different stages of life.
First up is TRIP – Go Beyond Wellness Retreat, an immersive program exploring expanded states of consciousness through legal, non-drug practices. Holotropic breathwork, guided shamanic journeying, meditation, music, movement and fire ceremonies form part of an experience intended to encourage self-discovery and emotional reflection.
Five additional retreats, JOY, QUEST, DREAM, RISE and LOVE, will follow, each with its own philosophy and carefully curated program. Rather than prescribing a single approach to wellbeing, the collection gives guests the opportunity to choose an experience that resonates with their personal interests and intentions.
The natural surroundings will play an important role throughout, with sunrise movement sessions overlooking the valley, guided bushwalks and evenings gathered around the fire. Food is equally considered, with award-winning chef Darryn Bonhomme developing menus to nourish guests during their stay, alongside refreshments and snacks available throughout the day.
Subscribe for updatesFor Alexis, the ambition is to create something that stays with guests long after they’ve packed their bags.
“This isn’t another wellness retreat where people come for yoga, healthy food and a weekend away before returning to exactly the same life,” Alexis says. “We wanted to create experiences that really shift people. Experiences that challenge perspectives, unlock emotion, reconnect people to themselves and leave them walking away fundamentally different from when they arrived.”
With EcoView located just 25 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, the experience is surprisingly accessible for somewhere that feels so far removed from the everyday.
EcoView Retreat is located at 660 Trees Road, Tallebudgera Valley. The property welcomes private groups and corporate retreats, with its new collection of signature wellness experiences being introduced. For further information, visit EcoView Retreat.
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