WILD WELLNESS MARIA ISLAND EXPEDITION
Nov TBC, 2024 | Also available by request
ON BOARD, EAST COAST TASMANIA
Wild Wellness heads to the east coast on a luxury expedition cruise with On Board.
*Fares are available on request. Just get in touch here for details.
Deep dive into turquoise water and through clear ocean waves. This is where On Board meets Wild Wellness on Tasmania’s East Coast. For one moment in time, November 2-4, experience three unforgettable days aboard your floating lodge.
This rare experience takes Wild Wellness on a luxurious maiden voyage – join us for this Australian first.
Breathe in.
Prepare for life-shifting wellness.
This Hobart to Freycinet cruise explores the wilderness of Tasmania’s famed eastern coastline. From shore excursions to floating journal sessions, we go deep. We wrap ourselves in nature across three powerful days aboard Odalisque III.
We go deep into the wilds. Deep into ourselves. Deep into breathing with Stay Koel’s Piet Blokker, trained by Dutchman Wim Hof himself. Those keen, can embrace cold water therapy, guided by Piet every step. This Wild Wellness cruise expedition is the antidote to modern life stress; for anyone feeling the overwhelm and needing a lasting life recalibration.
We’ll walk long ocean beaches, gather round Tasmanian meals prepared by the On Board chef and hit pen to paper, capturing moments. We’ll share stories and share the silence …
On the Wild Wellness On Board Expedition prepare for everything offered on a standard On Board expedition to the East Coast, with a dose of Wild Wellness infused by Piet Blocker and Wild Wellness Founder Alice Hansen.
With room for just 12 guests, your place can be secured by a deposit.
EXPEDITION DETAILS
A luxury escape to Tasmania’s East Coast on a bespoke expedition cruise.
Expedition Quick Facts:
Duration: 2-nights
Starts & ends: Hobart
Destination: East Coast of Tasmania
Cruise: Hobart to Freycinet Peninsula (or reverse)
Land transfer: Freycinet Peninsula to Hobart (or reverse)
Guests: Maximum 12
Vessel: Boutique expedition-cruise catamaran (24m)
Discover azure waters, sparkling beaches and dramatic sea cliffs from floating luxury accommodation aboard the Odalisque. On this intimate and immersive expedition, cruise past magnificent mountains and call into secluded beaches en route to national parks, historic sites, and peninsulas aboard the boutique vessel. Explore each day on guided walks and shore excursions in small groups, encountering fluffy lawnmowers (aka wombats) on Maria Island, climbing the granite-capped peaks of Freycinet National Park, or taking a clifftop bushwalk.
Why this is the experience of a lifetime:
- Discover three of Tasmania’s top National Parks (Freycinet, Tasman & Maria Island) from an exclusive perspective at sea level, visiting secret spots and hard-to-reach places such as Schouten Island
- Explore the renowned World-Heritage-listed Port Arthur convict site and Wineglass Bay on a guided walking tour
- Encounter a magical coastline on daily guided walks and wilderness cruises led by local experts, returning to the comforts of a floating luxury lodge. (We think the lounges feel softer and the bubbles taste better for having conquered the mountain!)
INCLUSIONS:
- Daily guided walks, shore excursions & wilderness cruises by tender
- Luxury accommodation on expedition-vessel Odalisque
- Daily Wim Hof Method breathwork and cold-water submersion with Stay Koel’s Piet Blokker
- Evening author-led journaling sessions with Wild Wellness founder, Alice Hansen
- Return land transfer from the Freycinet Peninsula to Hobart (or vice versa)
- Passionate & experienced local crew, including interpretive guide, skipper and chef
- All meals starring gourmet Tasmanian produce
- Non-alcoholic drink options
- National Park entrance fees
- Weatherproof rain poncho & expedition bag
ODALISQUE III
Floating Luxury Lodge in the Wilderness
Hitting the water in January 2023, Odalisque III is brand new, providing boutique accommodation and an exclusive wilderness experience for just 12 guests. The 24m catamaran features six well-appointed cabins and spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas with expansive ocean views.
Be Guided by Local Experts
Head into the wilderness with our all-star crew. From the skipper to the hand-picked expert guides, our talented and passionate team are the heart of this unforgettable experience. Their intimate knowledge of Tasmania will connect people to place. Plus, they’re funny and love to share a story (or three).
East Coast & the Tasman Peninsula
The east coast delivers spectacular scenery, wilderness hikes and the bliss of sharing the water with no one bar the occasional fisherman. This picture-perfect coastline is renowned for endless blue horizons, azure waters, isolated islands (which also double as national parks) and pearly-white, pristine beaches.
Food & Drink
Meals are an indulgent culinary experience made from fresh seasonal Tasmanian produce. Our specialist chefs have been borrowed from some of Hobart’s top restaurants. Expect perfect picnics, freshly-baked cookies pulled from the oven just as hungry hikers return, and flavoursome feasts in what is quite possibly the most remote restaurant in Tasmania. Choose from a splendid selection of non-alcoholic offerings. Drink in hand, sink into a soft lounge and take in the everchanging view.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
World-heritage listed Maria Island
Maria Island National Park is a haven for wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Head ashore for a stroll to the patterned Painted Cliffs via the historic convict settlement, or beachcomb along the island’s long, sandy isthmus.
Tasman Peninsula’s soaring sea cliffs
Cruise between the 300m dolerite towers of Cape Pillar, the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, and rugged Tasman Island. Hike to dizzying heights on the Cape Hauy clifftop walk. Search for seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds.
Secluded beaches of Freycinet
Ashore and afloat, explore the pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and pink-granite peaks of the Freycinet Peninsula. Wineglass Bay’s beauty is world-renowned - we celebrate the lesser-known coves and corners too.
WHAT IS WILD WELLNESS?
This blueprint for wellness is an Australian first; taking years of science-backed knowledge and condensing it into days. It’s a simple, wholesome wellness script. There is no better place on the planet to experience Wild Wellness than Tasmania.
Australia's Productivity Commission Report estimates mental illness is costing Australia $220 billion a year. Our burdened health system cannot cope. We believe there's another way ... a wilder way. No matter what your wellness goals might be, this method is about returning to you; listening in.
The method is based on three core pillars: connection, care and commitment. Think invigorating cold dips, silent walking beneath towering rainforest, nourishing Tassie fare and fireside journal writing. You'll discover a blueprint to lasting wellness featuring insights from Director of East Sydney Doctors, Dr. Chris Davis. We take the best of the traditional model and bring it into nature’s office.
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
WILD WELLNESS TEAM:
PIET BLOKKER - WIM HOF-TRAINED
Piet has been 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 breathworker and cold water therapy pro, Piet can't wait to guide you through your Bass Strait plunge.
ALICE HANSEN – WILD WELLNESS 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 ELEMENTS:
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. On this retreat, 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 contemplative time. 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 Tasmanian journey.
COLD WATER PLUNGING
Ready to invigorate your life? Discover the power of cold-water therapy - delivering everything from reduced inflammation and better sleep through to increased immunity. Our morning submersions will have you feeling alive and energised.
Guided by Wim Hof-trained Piet, discover the power of cold-water therapy. We’ll go deep, exploring the benefits across four days of wilderness 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 four days, under expert guidance. Expect to be challenged, reset and exhilarated. Of course, no part of Wild Wellness is compulsory. If you'd prefer not to dive into cold water plunging simply stay On Board!
BREATHWORK
Take a deep breath. Isn’t it about time? Learn scientific 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.
ALICE'S WORKSHOPS
Day 1: Tonight, we meet our Wild Wellness journals. On Board, 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 day is about commitment. Wellness doesn’t just happen in three days. It’s not about escaping life - your On Board retreat is lifelong with Wild Wellness. We make our commitments in writing and ensure we have plenty of fun, nature and joy weaved in.
HEALTH INFORMATION
The retreat is for 18yrs+
For the Wim Hof Method elements, we advise out of precaution not to participate if you are:
- pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- epileptic
- have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular/heart issues
- have a history of serious health issues (ex. Stroke, COPD)
- have Raynaud’s disease (Type 2)
- have cardiovascular issues & health conditions including high blood pressure (please get in touch if you have concerns and consult your doctor)
If you have questions relating to health or any of the above apply to you, please contact [email protected] and seek approval from a medical professional.
All participants will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and waiver during the booking process.
CANCELLATIONS
All bookings incur a 20% cancellation fee which is non-refundable
If you cancel within seven days of the expedition or fail to arrive, the full cost is incurred
Special/emergency cases can be discussed
Covid-19 Cancellations
If the expedition cannot proceed due to Covid-19 restrictions, a full refund will be issued
We have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place
Minimum Number Cancellation
We have the right to cancel the retreat up to 14 days prior to the start if minimum numbers are not met. You will receive a full refund. If other reasons prevent the retreat from going ahead (unforeseen circumstances) you are welcome to a full refund/reschedule.
Direct bookings
For all enquiries and bookings please email [email protected]
*Travel insurance is recommended.