Gaia Retreat and Spa named one of Travellers Choice Awards Top Relaxation Spa Hotels

Me relaxing at the multiple award-winning Gaia Retreat and Spa

World travellers have recognised the Byron Bay health retreat owned by Olivia Newton-John and Gregg Cave as one of the most luxurious spa experiences on the planet.

Gaia Retreat and Spa has been honored again this year as one of the top Relaxation and Spa Hotels in the World on the 2012 Travellers' Choice Awards.

The Travellers' Choice awards are judged by the editors and travellers of Trip Advisor, one of the world's most popular travel website.

The retreat has won numerous accolades since it was opened by Ms Newton-John and Mr Cave in 2005.

Set in lush sub-tropical gardens at the highest point in Byron shire, the location alone creates an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation.

"There are very few places like it," Mr Cave said.

"We are sitting on the healing capital of Australia and I think Gaia taps into that."

The 20-room boutique hotel and day spa employs 35 healers and therapists who all provide unique and specific skills.

Gaia offers massages, alternative therapies, facials, a sauna, pool, gym and yoga room, so there is a focus not just on luxury, but health as well.

Mr Cave said the secret to Gaia's success was its friendly service, fresh organic cuisine and a philosophy that treats every guest as unique.

"People come here to have a personalised retreat journey because we are tailored to the individual," Mr Cave said.

Oprah Winfrey lavished praise on Gaia when she treated her studio audience to a day at the retreat last year.

I spent several days at Gaia last month, and I can personally attest to the beauty, serenity and healing nature of Gaia. It was really the perfect way to unwind and find "center" again. If you head to Australia, don't miss your chance to relax at one of the very best retreats in the world.

Pre-order Olivia Newton-John's "Gaia" from Amazon

Olivia Newton-John's CD "Gaia: One Woman's Journey" is now available for pre-order through Amazon for a February 28th release date.

A lot of people had the impression this CD was more along the lines of "New Age" music, but it's really terrific pop music. Strong vocals and great lyrics make this a terrific CD in my opinion.

Listen to a sample of "Not Gonna Give In To It" from the CD:



From Olivia about "Gaia: One Woman's Journey": "I am so delighted that this very personal album has finally been released in North America. I wrote all of the songs on this CD in 1992 on my farm in Australia, after completing treatment for breast cancer."

"Every song reflects that experience - my raw emotions and feelings and my close connection to Mother Earth, Gaia. I am so grateful that now, almost twenty years later, I am extremely healthy and that I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet and be inspired by so many wonderful people - fellow cancer thrivers - thank you for sharing your experiences with me!"

You can find more info about the CD by clicking here. I think you'll like :)

A very special celebration at Gaia Retreat & Spa in Australia

I spent January 21, 2012, at a wonderful, fantastic and perfectly appropriate birthday celebration for my dear, fabulous Gregg Cave. Spectacular doesn't begin to describe the evening. I'm so happy so many close friends came together from all over the world to celebrate Gregg Cave's birthday in the most perfect setting in the world, the award-winning Gaia Retreat & Spa.

Gregg is one of the owner's of Gaia Resort and Spa, and he's the man who makes it all move and flow so seemingly effortlessly on a day to day basis.

Beyond that, he has the most wonderful spirit and makes everyone around him feel at ease in whatever setting he is in.

This is how to have a birthday,  If you have special event coming up, you can't do better than Gaia Retreat & Spa.

Happy happy birthday Gregg!

Me with Michael, Olivia, Louise from ONJCWC and Rowina Thomas of the Lyall Hotel
at Gregg Cave's birthday celebration