Most of us have been living a relatively subdued life over the past year, so you would think we would — or could — have spent any ‘spare’ time getting all fit and fabulous. Mmmm. Not quite.

For some (me included) a kind of lethargy and apathy took over, so what I needed was a solid reboot. A kick up the bottom where I would spend 5 days on getting  ‘me’ back together.

Enter, a seriously smart and sustainable health retreat, just a quick plane flight to Ballina away, where healthy and organic food, spectacular surroundings, walks, bike riding, meditation, and luxe spa treatments reiterated that without good health, I had nothing.

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Arriving at Gaia – 22km from Byron Bay and started by Gregg Cave, Olivia Newton-John, Warwick Evans, and Ruth Kalnin – is like settling in at a lush, luxe & lavish nirvana. As soon as you drive up the well-manicured road that leads to the main reception and dining space, Kukura House, you feel you have entered a cool and lush tropical rainforest.

It is no wonder Gaia is Australia’s most awarded pamper retreat as the views and tranquility of the Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay make you gasp.

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Gaia has 22 retreat-style bungalows, suites, and villas, and arriving at my oversized, modern yet homey open plan ‘Komala’ villa with its own pool (and a fave room of co-owner ONJ) I literally did a little happy dance.

My villa was huge, with a separate, step-down living area, a huge bedroom, and dressing room with a self-standing bath and that was aside from an oversized bathroom. Basically the size of an inner-city apartment. But with killer views.

One of the first things I did for my five days ahead was book different treatments with the first ‘relaxing’ massage getting me right into the Gaia zone. The huge spa area is a short walk for anyone staying on-site and has a huge pool attached for those wanting a leisurely dip before or after steam, facial, walk, or massage.

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There are so many seated ‘moments’ dotted around the grounds, including a Zen-like labyrinth, where you can just rest, relax, rejuvenate and ‘be’.

Nothing was ever too hard for any of the staff, whether I wanted a mid-morning muffin, a later room clean service, dinner in my room, or a much deeper massage. I had a killer Kahuna massage before I left, and I floated onto the plane and fell asleep the entire way home.

Gaia serves 3 totally scrumptious and clean meals a day in its light and airy Balinese-inspired dining room, with most of the vegetables and fruit are all from the Gaia garden, while fish or chicken are the ‘meats’ of choice.

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To be honest, I am not usually a three-meal-a-day person but for some reason, I was for these five Gaia days – the amount of walking and exercise had me looking forward to each and every moreish morsel. One thing that really struck me was the high calibre of the detoxing food – it was all just sensational – so much so, I even took an included cooking class with head chef, Dan. Although I’m still to create my Gaia protein nourish balls . . .

Yes, you can have wine at dinner if you like – but to be honest, I didn’t feel like downing alcohol as my system had started to feel fresh, clean, and healthier, even after a measly 24 hours.

At Gaia, there are no strict times for you to be anywhere, but what you do hear each day, is the wonderful sound of a large gong each morning when yoga is about to start.

Nothing is compulsory. No one knocks on your door to say ‘come on girl, get up!’, so you can take it as fast or as slow as you want. Thankfully, loud business calls are not recommended in public spaces like the spa and dining room. What a godsend!

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A trip to Gaia isn’t inexpensive – I’m just flagging that fairly important consideration right now – but if you’re looking for a way to boost a fresh and revitalizing way to life, you can look on a trip here as an investment in your health.

When I left, my eyes were clear; my heart and stomach full and a healthier me was well on the way.

*Melissa was a guest of Gaia Health retreat