To make the official start of the retreat, you will be invited to a welcome circle and restorative yoga session to kick-off your soul-enriching journey, before a delicious sustainable and locally-inspired 3 course dinner dining with newfound friends at the onsite Julaymba Restaurant.
Before retreating to your bayan for the night, you have the option to opt in to a true Indigenous experience with an Aboriginal art class hosted at the lodge with a local Indigenous artist. Learn about traditional methods including painting techniques, stories about traditional bush foods, construction materials and medicines in this 1.5 hour workshop and take home your own special gift as a souvenir of your time in the Daintree Rainforest.
Each evening you will retire to your eco-awarded ‘bayan’ (treehouse) nestled in the heart of the oldest rainforest on the planet. Wake to the gentle sounds of nature from your unique and modern bayan designed to immerse you in the ancient emerald vines and sounds of the jungle whilst still enjoying your creature comforts.
Throughout the retreat you have the opportunity to experience unique yoga, meditation and breath work sessions designed for all ages and levels of ability with internationally-acclaimed Mind-Body Coach, Emily Spurling of Karma Being. You will be gifted with practical techniques to improve your health and quality of life that will easily and naturally become part of your wellbeing rituals for years to come.
On Day Two, a short yoga flow and breathwork session will ease you into a day of rainforest and Daintree River immersion.
Following a delicious seasonal breakfast, you will depart on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting rainforest on ‘A Walk Through Time’ rainforest walk. The waterfall and swimming hole are sacred to the Kuku Yalanji women; for thousands of years they’ve bathed in its crystal-clear waters for healing and spiritual beliefs. Learn about the unique and amazing plants, insects, birds and other wildlife that surround us. Much of the wildlife you will see here cannot be found anywhere else in the world, with some species dating back 180 million years.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please, use this time at your leisure to explore the lodge grounds or enjoy some downtime before and after lunch at the Julaymba Restaurant. Our Head Chef will talk you through the origin of some of the local produce and native bush tucker ingredients that the Daintree region is renowned for. Practice the perfect balance of poses to gain strength and flexibility with a 3pm yoga class before spending the late afternoon cruising along the majestic Daintree River spying on crocodiles and an amazing array of birdlife, tree snakes, frogs and spiders (all seen from the safety of your boat). This evening a tropical BBQ will be served in the gardens.
On Day Three, start your morning with the soundtrack of the rainforest to accompany you whilst holding your favourite yoga poses which is guaranteed to have you floating into breakfast.
There’s plenty of free time in the itinerary today, ensuring you can rest, read, and recharge in a way that truly serves you. Consider signing up to one of the optional hour-long Ancient Rituals Workshop after lunch.
Harnessing the oldest healing science in the world, Ayurveda, this workshop will teach practices to promote health, beauty and longevity. Namely, Abyhanga or self massage which promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces stress, reduces the signs of ageing and stimulates digestion. You’ll make your own beautifying face mask and take home a special massage oil to continue this self-care ritual at home.
Take part in the deeply restorative meditation called Yoga Nidra, a profoundly healing practice that has been scientifically proven to alleviate anxiety and PTSD as well as promote deep sleep before a delicious 6 course degustation dinner, set in a breathtaking and pure rainforest environment. Spend the last night together reflecting on a transformative few days, before surrendering to a final restful evening in the healing rainforest.
On Day Four, you will roll out your yoga mat one last time for yoga, meditation and a closing circle before your onward journey home. By now, you’ll feel a healthy habit starting to form with morning yoga and breathwork sessions will help to solidify your intentions post-wellness holiday. Following your final breakfast at the lodge, leave the retreat with new friends, a deep transformation and sense of empowerment to keep forever or linger longer to enjoy a spa treatment.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, add-on an optional stop-over on your journey home. Approximately a 30 minute drive from the lodge, experience the spellbinding beauty of the Mossman Gorge where crystal-clear waters tumble over ancient granite boulders. A shuttle bus at the Mossman Gorge Centre will take you to the heart of the gorge, where you will be invited to take a cool dip in the river followed by a delicious Chef-prepared picnic on the riverbank to indulge in.
The Ecolodge features a main lodge with a bar, a rainforest restaurant and dining area overlooking the onsite lagoon, the Daintree Wellness Spa, an inviting swimming pool, private and pristine onsite waterfall and swimming hole and a multitude of quiet areas amongst the lush tropical rainforest to relax and unwind.
Guests can start their day at Julaymba Restaurant and choose from the à la carte breakfast menu, pairing their meal with fresh juice, artisan teas or coffee. Julaymba serves classic breakfast favourites with a Daintree twist, utilising fresh seasonal produce from the garden to your plate. Try the french toast served with famous Kuranda honey butterscotch and Daintree chocolate or biodynamic eggs sourced from local farmers.
For dinner, dine on the balcony of Julaymba Restaurant overlooking the lagoon among the rainforest. Choose from an à la carte or degustation menu. The restaurant menu changes regularly to showcase produce from the onsite vegetable garden and surrounding farms. The team of passionate chefs are inspired by the natural surrounds and create the perfect accompaniment to your rainforest experience. The current menu features the tropical tastes of the Daintree and the fresh tastes of the reef, featuring unique produce such as crocodile and rock lobster. A Vegetarian Menu is also available upon request and we cater to other dietary requirements.
