SOMA retreat information
The Retreat
This retreat offers a gentle yet powerful introduction to mindfulness, self-compassion, and embodiment, specifically tailored for doctors. It provides a steady framework for building emotional awareness, nervous system regulation, and practical tools for navigating the demands of medical life.
Designed as a restorative and skills-based experience, the Mindfulness and Wellbeing Retreat supports participants to reconnect with their own needs- without guilt- and to begin integrating daily practices that protect against burnout and enhance presence in clinical care.
No prior experience with mindfulness is required. This retreat is ideal for doctors at any career stage who are seeking space to pause, reflect, and develop sustainable ways to care for themselves as they care for others.
Educational talks are held in the stunning geodesic dome flanked by towering giant bamboo creating a rich sensory experience and beautiful natural backdrop for meditations and reflections. Stimulating yoga, relaxing bodywork sessions and gentle moving meditations are also all included in the timetable to help you to slow down and tune into what your body and mind need.
The Location
Just ten minutes from the heart of Byron Bay, SOMA rests gently on 22 acres of pristine rainforest- a tranquil, architecturally designed haven where the natural world holds space for restoration and reflection. Towering bamboo, ancient trees, and quiet walking paths invite a slowing down that feels both rare and necessary.
This is a small, purpose-built retreat centre designed for intimacy and ease. With space for just 10–12 doctors per retreat, SOMA offers a uniquely relaxed and personal experience, ideal for those who prefer quieter learning environments and value time for both meaningful connection and restorative solitude. Conversations unfold naturally around shared meals in the light-filled main house, while expansive decks and shaded nooks provide plenty of opportunity to unwind alone, journal, or simply breathe.
The land here has long been recognised by Indigenous Australians as a place of deep healing, and it holds that energy still. Within this setting, the gentle soundscape of rustling leaves and birdsong replaces the urgency of alarms and notifications. SOMA’s signature geodesic dome, framed by soaring bamboo, becomes a sanctuary for learning, dialogue, and stillness.
Each detail of the environment is intentionally crafted to support the retreat experience: from the magnesium pool that eases tension, to nourishing, shared meals that sustain clarity and calm. Whether gathered in shared reflection or walking alone among the trees, participants are gently invited to soften- body, mind, and pace.
SOMA is not a retreat from medicine, but a return to the parts of yourself that make good medicine possible. A place to pause, listen inwardly, and reconnect with the meaning that brought you to this path.
Retreat details
Inclusions
4 Days / 3 Night Accommodation
- Bespoke designed private king room with ensuite
- All chef prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner + morning & afternoon tea), tea & coffee
- Expertly curated and delivered educational program featuring interactive workshops, coaching and intensive master classes
- 4 days exclusively working with skilled industry & leadership experts
- 45 minute 1:1 executive coaching session with Capstan Partners with access to ongoing coaching packages
- Comprehensive workbook to help guide your learning and support your leadership growth
- Guided stress reduction practices including meditation, breath work and mindful movement
- 22 acres of picturesque private land for gentle, meandering walks
- Exclusive use of the entire retreat venue and access to all the amenities including sparkling pool, sauna & ice bath
- Full access to the stunning communal areas with the geodesic yoga dome, fire pit, entertaining deck and sun lounges overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of the far northern NSW hinterland.
Accomodation Details
Byron Bay is a beautiful and unique region with expansive rolling green hills flanked by both unspoilt beaches and stunning hinterland. SOMA is nestled between these amazing vistas and surrounded by 22 acres of private land for you to explore. Each room in the main house faces the sunset valley giving you stunning evening views as well as luxurious ensuite bathrooms stocked with beautiful Mukti organic amenities for your use.
Outside, a freshwater infinity pool, zen garden and communal fire pit provide the perfect space to relax and unwind. The geodesic yoga dome is perfectly placed for quiet meditations and yoga classes and the onsite bathhouse provides a serene space for massage treatments as well as access to an ice bath and infrared sauna.
All rooms have their own ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities available in the main living area. Wi-Fi and swimming towels are provided and there are many cleared paths around the 22 acre property that are perfect for you to wander allowing you to see and hear the sounds of nature, creating an unforgettable hinterland encounter.
Getting There
SOMA is located in Ewingsdale, 40 minutes south of the Gold Coast, following a beautiful coastal drive. Departing Coolangatta on the Gold Coast Highway, follow the signs to merge onto the M1 Pacific Motorway heading south. SOMA is nestled in the beautiful hinterland to the west of the motorway. Conversely, you can fly into Ballina airport and arrange transport for the 30 minute drive north on the Pacific Motorway to SOMA.
Transport in the Byron Bay area can be difficult so we suggest that you either arrange transport via a private transfer company or hire car before your arrival to the area.
Itinerary
DAY ONE
3:00pm Arrive & check in
3:30pm Welcome
4:00pm Educational talks: Behaviour Change, Goal Setting & Reflecting on Personal Wellbeing
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Guided mindfulness masterclassDAY TWO
7:00am Morning Mindfulness masterclass
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Educational talks: Compassionate Self Inquiry
11:00am Morning tea
11:15am Educational talks: Cultivating Self Awareness
1:15pm Lunch
2:00pm 1:1 coaching sessions with Capstan Partners coaches
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Practical self care strategies masterclassDAY THREE
7:00am Mindful movement session
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am 1:1 coaching sessions with Capstan Partners coaches
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Educational talks: Wellness Centred Leadership4:00 pm Afternoon tea4:30pm Educational workshop: Practical Coaching Skills
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Guided mindfulness masterclassDAY FOUR
7:00am Morning mindfulness masterclass
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Educational talks: Nurturing Resilience in Yourself & Your Team
10:30am Conclusion* Please note, timetable may be subject to minor changes at our discretion.DAY ONE
3:00pm Arrive & check in
3:30pm Welcome
4:00pm Educational talks: Behaviour Change Psychology & Burn out
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Guided mindfulness masterclassDAY TWO
7:00am Morning Mindfulness masterclass
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Educational talks: Self Compassion
11:00am Morning tea
11:15am Educational talks: Imposter Syndrome & Self Reflection
1:15pm Lunch
2:00pm Free time
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Guided mindfulness masterclassDAY THREE
7:00am Morning Mindfulness masterclass
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Educational talks: Values, Reducing Reactivity & Holding Space
11:00am Morning tea
11:15am Educational talks: Boundaries & Communication Skills
1:15pm Lunch
2:00pm Workshop: Stress Management Strategies4:00pm Free time
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Screening of My Year of Living MindfullyDAY FOUR
7:00am Morning mindfulness masterclass
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Educational talks: Mindfulness in Medicine & Nurturing Resilience
10:30am Conclusion* Please note, timetable may be subject to minor changes at our discretion.Book With Confidence
We support you in the following ways if you need to make changes after booking one of our retreats:
- 90 days or more from start of retreat: we are happy to transfer your booking to another available retreat (with any difference in price paid by you or refunded by us).
- Outside of this policy: We maintain cancellation lists for all sold out retreats and where possible will do our best to share your place with those on the waitlist. If we are able to replace your booking then you will be entitled to a refund minus $200 administration fee.
- We strongly encourage you to take out travel insurance in case of injury, illness (including COVID-19) or cancellation by you. Unfortunately we cannot refund you for these occurrences outside of our Book with Confidence guarantee. Please make sure you have read our Terms and Conditions before purchase.
COVID POLICY:
We strongly encourage you to take out travel insurance for your trip to cover you in the event of contracting COVID-19 prior to travel and not being able to attend the retreat. If the retreat is unable to be held due to COVID related restrictions or border closures, the retreat date will be postponed and all bookings will automatically transfer to the new date. If you are unable to attend the new date, please get in touch for alternative dates and options.Pricing & Payment Information
3 night/4 days accommodation options include:
- Single room
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- Single occupancy $8450 pp + gst
- Private ensuite with luxury amenities provided
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Thank you for choosing Whole Hearted Medicine retreats!
All prices listed are plus GST. If you require a payment plan please get in touch with us via info@wholeheartedmedicine.com.au including ‘payment plan’ in the subject heading to discuss available options.
We suggest you take out travel insurance in case of injury, illness or cancellation by you. Unfortunately we cannot refund you for these occurrences outside of our Book with Confidence guarantee (above). Please make sure you have read our Terms and Conditions before purchase.
- Single room