Alcohol-Free Wild Wellness Retreats (AF-WW) are for those wanting to shift their relationship with alcohol and enjoy the process. Australians spent an extra $2 billion on alcohol in 2020 compared to 2019. Our retreats continue long after our time together - and come with a bonus 30-day program with eating plan specific to nutrients drinkers need replenished.
For every AF-WW retreat, we have a General Practitioner as part of our team. This is your opportunity to sit in a relaxed setting and ask the pressing questions you might not have time for in a typical consult, and listen in on insights direct from the doctor ... often round a crackling fire ... not your usual doctor's office.
For every AF-WW retreat, we have a General Practitioner as part of our team. This is your opportunity to sit in a relaxed setting and ask the pressing questions you might not have time for in a typical consult, and listen in on insights direct from the doctor ... often round a crackling fire ... not your usual doctor's office.
UPCOMING RETREATS & EXPERIENCES (2023 dates coming soon!)
AF-WW ONLINE 10-DAY COURSE
A$129.00
Ready for a life re-set? This Australian first is a merging of medical professionals, decades of experience & international thought leaders – all at your fingertips.
The Alcohol Free (AF) course is for those seeking a lifestyle recalibration who are keen to enjoy the journey. Based on a personally proven blueprint for wellness, we take years of science-backed knowledge and condense it into days. Think exclusive GP-hosted conversations, ocean plunges & NLP-led body scans, psychology insights and recipes designed to put back what drinkers are often deficient in. It's all right here.
I’m Alice and I’ve created this method for just one reason - I wish it was available 20 years ago for me. What you’ll find is a blueprint to freedom from alcohol. That doesn’t necessarily mean giving up forever. Your goal might be to cut back, or perhaps challenge yourself to a 3-month break to see how it feels … a sober curious experiment.
In this course you'll discover the 3 pillars that form the foundation of the Wild Wellness Method. The secret to this method is that it’s an easy recipe to follow, it’s backed by science and packed with genuine fun.
It's time to turn your wellness wild.
Find out more: ENROLL NOW.
Early Bird Price $129 - Limited Time Only
Enroll by May 30, 2021
From June 1, course $199
Full course content available June 1
BRUNY WILD WELLNESS RETREAT
A$1,395.00
Aug 30 - Sept 1, 2024 | Available by request
BRUNY ISLAND, TASMANIA
Escape to the wilds of southern Bruny and breathe deep. Let go. Tune into you.
Our Bruny Wild Wellness Retreat is for those seeking an antidote to modern life stress. This all-inclusive experience is about a lasting life recalibration. It's not just a yoga retreat. Not just a Wim Hof retreat. Not just a writing retreat. This is WILD WELLNESS. Think chatting with a mindset coach fireside, gathering for author-led journaling and walking together into the cool waters off South Bruny ...
This retreat is for those looking to optimise their wellness through a science-backed, wholistic approach. Get your Wild Wellness fill across 3 days of salty-air goodness. We're bringing the very best wellness professionals to Bruny including Annia Baron Clinical Psychologist/Mindset Coach/Yoga Instructor extraordinaire, Piet Blokker trained by Wim Hof himself and more. Fly-in chef Sophia Davey will nourish us well. Sold out in 2021/22, our retreats are packed with wholesome methods and a good dose of relaxation. No white coats. We just take the best of the traditional model and bring it into nature’s office.
We'll be remote, where the stars shine bright. Our home is Bruny Island Lodge, set on 860 acres of lush bushland. Get ready for ocean plunging, powerful journaling and guided breathwork. This is no ordinary wellness blueprint. You'll discover the Wild Wellness 3 pillars: connection, care and commitment.
This retreat is for you if:
- your wellness is secondary to your to-do-list
- limiting beliefs interrupt your flow
- you want wellness to be adventurous fun
Not sure what to expect? Read this cracking Sydney Morning Herald piece by Andrew Bain who attended a retreat. Want your own space? Camp onsite or just email and we can sort Cloudy Bay Beach house, The Pier House, Taylors Bay Cottage or Ventnor Guest House.
A discount of 15% off full retreat price applies to those who bring along a partner, friend or +one! Because we believe Wild Wellness is even better shared. There'll be plenty of time to wander the property's trails or find a sandy spot for good chats.
DETAILS
Friday 2pm - Sunday midday
Price per person: $1395pp
Maximum guests: 20 + facilitators
For all enquiries and bookings please email: [email protected]
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation x 2 nights at Bruny Island Lodge
- Chef prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner x 2)
- Wim Hof Method breathwork and cold water therapy
- Clinical Psychologist/Mindset Coach Masterclass
- Telling Your Story Wayfinder Studio Experience
- Author-led journaling
- Yoga in the wildly fresh air
- Ice bath by invigorating request!
*Transfers to/from Bruny Island not included
LOCATION
Bruny Island Lodge - 670 Lighthouse Rd, South Bruny
Those keen for their own space are welcome to camp onsite or email to arrange a stay nearby at Cloudy Bay Beach house, The Pier House, Taylors Bay Cottage or Ventnor Guest House.
WHAT IS WILD WELLNESS?
Australia's Productivity Commission Report estimates mental illness is costing Australia $220 billion a year. Our burdened health system cannot cope. Deep in this system of revolving rehab doors, I (Alice) began to wonder if there were other pathways when things got hard - wilder ways out. I mined the world for answers, from downtown Hobart to Colorado and spent wintery mornings diving into waves.
Over time, I gathered a team so fine that Wild Wellness became far greater than my own mission. This blueprint for wellness is an Australian first; taking years of science-backed knowledge and condensing it into days. It’s a wholesome wellness script based on three core pillars: connection, care and commitment.
I believe there is no better place to experience Wild Wellness than Tasmania. Whatever your wellness goals might be, this method is about returning to you; listening in.
WHAT IS THE WIM HOF METHOD?
It's a combination of breathing, cold therapy and commitment, offering a range of benefits. The power of the Wim Hof Method can help unlock a range of well-researched and documented health benefits including:
· Rebalancing your immune system
· Reducing inflammation
· Improving focus, mood and cognitive function
· Improving cardiovascular health
· Balancing the body's stress response
RETREAT TEAM:
ANNIA BARON - PSYCHOLOGIST & MINDSET COACH
Annia is a Mindset Coach & Clinical Psychologist, Yoga Teacher and Musician. She alchemizes her love of neuroscience, holistic health practices, and creative arts to help others elevate their inner wellbeing. Annia has lectured in Psychology for the
University of Tasmania, is the resident psychology writer for The Hobart Magazine,
and collaborates with local Tasmanians to share their stories via her podcast.
At the heart of it all, Annia is devoted to empowering others in cultivating
compassionate living, deepening connection to community and nature, and
celebrating the diversity and oneness in us all.
PIET BLOKKER - WIM HOF-TRAINED
Piet was trained by none other than Wim Hof himself! Dutch born, Piet now calls North West Tasmania home and lives by a flowing river perfect for cold water plunging. At the age of 50, Piet was challenged with Lymphoma and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Realising he needed to take care of his health, he began learning about reflexology, energy healing and came across Wim Hof, taking the 10-week course straight away. It proved a life saving decision - his awakening process began and today Piet is enjoying life free from arthritis and cancer. A Wim Hof trained breath worker and cold water therapy pro, Piet can't wait to guide you. Find out more at Stay Koel.
HELENE THOMAS PhD - CREATIVE AUDIO CONTENT MAKER
For the past 28 years, Helene has worked with stories, in some form or another. As a journalist, radio documentary maker, researcher and podcast producer, she has been entrusted with people’s deeply personal experiences. Helene will be conducting a powerful group experience as well as offering the opportunity toto hop inside her custom-built Wayfinder Mobile Storytelling Studio for 'Story as Soul Medicine;' an individual or small group experience that invites deep listening. Helene believes there is healing power in telling our story and having someone bear witness. It empowers, strengthens our self-worth, allows us to discover ourselves in a new way and helps us make sense of our experiences. This is an invitation to be present, trust in yourself, let go, and see what unfurls for you. Following your experience, Helene will put together an audio package of this unfurling, and it will be yours to keep (this part is optional).
SOPHIA DAVEY - CHEF AND FOUNDER OF BLOOM KITCHEN
Sophia from Bloom Kitchen is an intuitive personal chef, specialising in Ayurvedic, Vegan, Vegetarian Cuisine for wellness retreats all over Australia and the globe. Drawing passion and inspiration from her world travels and yogic philosophy, particular attention is paid to each dish which, is holistically prepared with and aligned to 3 core pillars - gut health, flavor and freshness. All ingredients used are proudly organic and locally sourced. With a deep understanding of the principles of Ayurveda and a passion for healing from within, each meal is balanced, nutrient rich and alive with prana. Combining an array of spices from all corners of the globe, Sophia's dynamic creative cooking style will leave you feeling deeply nurtured from the inside out. Find out more about Sophia here.
ALICE HANSEN – FOUNDER/JOURNALING FACILITATOR
Alice is a professional travel writer and author. As the founder of the Wild Wellness Method, she has cultivated relationships spanning 20+ years with experts across the wellness field. On her quest to seek answers for her own struggles, she has connected with medical experts, international thought leaders and tapped into decades of experience to formulate a proven blueprint. Writing is a key element and she’ll guide you through a journaling process tailored to your wellness journey.
When she’s not at the laptop, you’ll find her on wild Tasmanian trails.
RETREAT ITINERARY
FRIDAY – 2pm onward
2.30pm: Introduction to Wild Wellness and welcome
3.30-5pm: Afternoon breathwork with Piet & optional cold water therapy
6.30pm: Candle-lit chef-made dinner
7.30pm: Dr. Helene Thomas Group Deep Listening Experience
8.30: Fireside journaling session (Pillar 1: Connection)
*Storytelling individual sessions & reflexology by appointment daily
SATURDAY
7.30am: Breathwork & cold water plunge
*Piet recommends on an empty stomach. Those not participating can enjoy breakfast options before official hot breakfast!
9am: Chef-made breakfast
10am: Clin Psychologist/Mindset Coach Masterclass with Annia
12.30pm: Chef-made lunch
1.30-3pm: Ice bath sessions
3-4pm: Yin/Restorative yoga session
4-6pm: Wayfinder studio sessions/beach walks/optional meditation
6.30pm: Candle-lit dinner
7.30pm: Evening yoga/free time
8.30pm: Fireside journaling session (Pillar 2: Care)
SUNDAY
7.30am: Morning breathwork & cold water plunge
9am: Chef-made breakfast
10.30am: Journaling session (Pillar 3: Commitment)
11.30am: Reflection/Farewell
12pm: Departure & optional relaxed lagoon picnic
*the above itinerary may be subject to change
RETREAT ELEMENTS:
MINDSET COACHING MASTERCLASS
Annia's joy is supporting you to create a life you desire and deserve. This Masterclass is under wraps for those who come to Bruny - her wisdom will move you.
JOURNALING/CONTEMPLATIVE WALKING
The power of hitting pen to paper. It’s not new. Leonardo da Vinci’s journals spanned some 5,000 pages. But the therapeutic wonders of reflective writing didn’t emerge until the 1960s, when a New York psychologist devised what he coined the Intensive Journal Method. We won’t pen thousands of pages but we will invite self-discovery through the written word. Our Wild Wellness Journaling Method will cross our three foundational pillars.
We combine journal writing with optional pre-contemplative walking. In a noisy world it’s rare to hear nature’s silence. But in this Tasmanian stillness, it’s possible to reconnect with you. Nature has a way of casting its healing spell. In Japan, it’s known as forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), and literally translates to bathing in the forest atmosphere. It doesn’t require anything of you but to tap into the senses and soak it in …
This is your retreat, your words and your Bruny Island journey.
WILD WELLNESS JOURNALING
Day 1: Tonight, we meet our Wild Wellness journals. Around the fire or cosy indoors, we begin our writing. Alice introduces you to Wild Wellness and its three pillars; connection, care and commitment. Of the ‘three C’s’ this evening the sun sets as we contemplate connection.
Day 2: It’s journal time. Today, we explore care, namely self/soul care and care for others. Do you care for yourself as you would a dear friend? We ask questions and we let answers flow.
Day 3: Our final morning is about commitment. Wellness doesn’t just happen in three days. It’s not about escaping life - your retreat is lifelong with Wild Wellness. We make our commitments in writing and ensure we have plenty of fun, nature and joy weaved in.
STORY AS SOUL MEDICINE
This ritualised story sharing experience taps into the sacred act of storytelling. Offering a richly immersive auditory experience for individual retreat guests or small groups for 90 minutes, the invitation is for guests to open themselves up to the healing power of being fully present while listening deeply to sound and stories. Find out more here.
COLD THERAPY
Ready to invigorate your life? Discover the power of cold-water therapy with Piet. Our morning submersions will have you feeling alive and energised. Those keen, can sink into one of our ice baths at the lodge. (Alice highly recommends this!)
We’ll go deep, exploring the benefits across three days of cold water immersion. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never dipped a toe into the Wim Hof Method or you’re an enthusiast from way back. You’ll learn strategies and tools that will last long beyond your three days, under expert guidance. Expect to be challenged, reset and exhilarated.
BREATHING
Take a deep breath. Isn’t it about time? Learn ancient breathing techniques that work wonders and can be tapped into for a lifetime to come. This breathwork is about boosting energy, dropping stress, recalibrating the nervous system, detoxing your system and so much more.
NATURE
On Bruny, we are gifted with nature in her most wild mood. We’ll immerse you in our island landscape to soak up its transformative ways. Bruny enjoys access to a stunning coastline that we’ll be exploring on foot together as well as rugged wilderness for those keen to venture further. Tack a day onto the start or end of the retreat and hit the trails.
HEALTH INFORMATION
All participants will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and waiver during the booking process in relation to cold water immersion and retreat activities.
CANCELLATIONS
All bookings incur a 20% cancellation fee which is non-refundable. If you cancel within seven days of the retreat, the full retreat cost is incurred Special/emergency cases can absolutely be discussed.
DIRECT BOOKINGS
For all enquiries and bookings please email [email protected]
*Payment plans available.
We can't wait for you to join us.
Alice x
PS. Read more about the Bruny Retreat at Primer.