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WE WORK TOGETHER


in the world. Te technique, which incor- porates nurturing, circling strokes around the breast, is intended to help treat the side effects of painful periods, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, bloating/water retention and menopausal systems. Olivia describes it as an


“incredibly powerful massage for women.” Offering unique treatments such as this


is one of the ways that Gaia Retreat & Spa stands out from its competitors. Choice and freedom are the others. “We’re a choice retreat,” says Cave. “You can come to Gaia and create the experience that is right for you, rather than having to do scheduled daily group activities.” Having said that, however, one of the most popular activities is a group fitness class called Let’s Get Physical – aſter Newton-John’s hit song – and Cave admits that “some guests may be hoping that Livvy will be taking it!”


CARING FOR THE FUTURE Newton-John describes Gaia Retreat & Spa as a humble place compared with other spa retreats. She says that while the direc- tors only started out with a small budget, they’ve grown the retreat organically – add- ing things and doing it up as money was made. “You have to always keep improving,” she says. “But we are known for our care and that’s what I want people to go away with.” Cave is more forthcoming about the retreat’s success – despite the downturn


PERSONAL FILES OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN


Favourite spa: Golden Door, Los Angeles Favourite treatment: A hot stone massage How do you relax? Play tennis, walk my dogs or write a song Favourite book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Favourite food: Anything fresh and simple What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? From my mother’s example, I learnt to have strength and never give up.


GREGG CAVE


Favourite spa: Six Senses Destination Spa, Thailand Favourite treatment: Shirodhara How do you relax? I walk my dogs on the beach every morning Favourite book: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – I love adventure and I love Paris What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? It’s a Deepak Chopra saying that Olivia shared with me – “You want It? Create it!”


Cave and Newton-John (above) teamed up to open the Gaia Retreat & Spa in 2005


there’s been a return on invest- ment and the partners are 100 per cent committed to the business and see it as a long- term project. He says: “I’m an owner of Gaia, as well as the person who runs it, so I have a vested interest in making


sure that the wellbeing of our guests comes first.” Currently, four new lux-


ury suites are being built; but although there is room to expand further – only two of the 30 acres has been developed


GAIA RETREAT & SPA BY NUMBERS


n 80 per cent of guests come from Australia, 15 per cent from the UK and Europe and 5 per cent from the US


n Te female to male ratio of guests at the retreat and spa is 70:30


n 38 per cent of guests are repeat visitors – some are on their eighth visit


n Average occupancy is 72 per cent n Te average length of stay is seven days n A two-night Revive package costs au$913 (us$802, €631, £526)


n Gaia Retreat & Spa has 65 employees, 35 of whom are therapists


n A 90-minute Hot Rocks Relaxation Massage is priced at au$195 (us$171, €135, £112)


– the directors are adamant that they don’t want anything bigger as it could lose its heart. As if to compensate for this, Cave says


they are considering a rollout of Gaia Retreat & Spa-inspired day spas across Australia. But although a couple of hotel chains


have approached them to expand the brand, they’ve decided to take control themselves. Te first day spa is due to open in 2012. As for Newton-John, she says her life’s


focus remains on health and wellness and that contributing to the world in a positive way is what keeps her well. She continues to raise funds for the Olivia Newton-John


48 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital


Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal and it is her dream that in addition to traditional treatments, cancer hospitals of the future will set new standards in offering comple- mentary therapies focusing on meditation, relaxation, massage, art and music, nutri- tion, exercise and aromatherapy. Longer term, Gaia Retreat & Spa still fea-


tures very much in her plans also. “It’s still my favourite place to be – the place I love to go the most. Maybe in the back of our minds, we’re creating somewhere we’ll retire to with amazing organic gardens, food and incredible friends.” l


SPA BUSINESS 3 2010 ©Cybertrek 2010


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