From Muay Thai training in Koh Samui to camel rides in Port Stephens, One Playground’s new Destination One retreats are bringing together fitness, recovery and travel in a fresh take on a typical wellness getaway. 

One Playground has built its reputation on sleek, design-led wellness spaces across Sydney, but its latest venture expands its fitness philosophy far beyond the gym floor. 

The super boutique gym chain has announced its evolution into the wellness travel space with “Destination One", a collection of retreats spanning coastal destinations in NSW as well as an international getaway to Thailand. 

Carving out its own niche in the wellness world, One Playground aims to combine performance and recovery with experiences informed by destination, designed to leave guests feeling both challenged and restored. 

We spoke to the coaches and team behind the concept to learn more about the retreats and why wellness-focused travel is striking a chord with Australians right now.

Camel riding, firewalking and Muay Thai 

While One Playground’s coach-led, community philosophy underpins all three retreats, each has its own curated schedule. 

The Port Stephens retreat, led by mobility specialist Ariel Comeau and seasoned boxing coach Joey Bowling, makes the most of the region’s coastal landscape. Hosted at The Ambers, a private five-acre, family-owned estate, the retreat takes place in a setting that Comeau says “perfectly aligns with the experience we want to create." 

Guests can expect a mix of “outdoor experiences and adventure-based activities with the natural landscape of Port Stephens", from “camel riding along the beach and coastal walks to sunrise mobility sessions by the water". 

Bowling is equally excited about the downtime, highlighting the “chef-made breakfast" after morning workouts, access to “the pool, the sauna and massages" and a final-night “Mexican fiesta with a non-negotiable dancing party!"

The second New South Wales retreat heads to Gerringong, where guests will stay at Seacliff House, a secluded coastal sanctuary with sweeping views and a resort-style pool. 

Destination coach Gabby Roux says participants can expect “performance-style training sessions, functional fitness, partner and team-based challenges, recovery and nervous system work, mindset workshops and breathwork."

Roux is particularly excited about the retreat’s “signature fireside evening and firewalking experience", adding: “The workouts are not just about fitness, they are designed to build resilience, trust, confidence, and self-belief." 

The most ambitious of the three retreats takes guests to a luxury beachfront villa in Koh Samui. Alongside chef-prepared meals, an infinity pool and a catamaran day trip, participants will take part in strength training, recovery sessions and Muay Thai coaching. 

Led by Jose Da Rocha, the Koh Samui retreat places a strong emphasis on cultural immersion, with the expert coach stating that local experiences will play “a massive role". 

He tells us, “Thailand has such a strong connection to wellness, recovery and Muay Thai culture, which aligns perfectly with the style of retreat we wanted to create."

“Members will experience the culture, food, scenery and energy of Koh Samui through group dinners, local excursions, island experiences and activities that showcase the best parts of Thailand." 

The growing appeal of wellness travel 

The launch of Destination One comes at a time when Australians are increasingly seeking holidays that offer more than an escape. 

According to Jayden Abonyi, One Playground’s Growth Marketing Executive and the driving force behind the concept, travellers are becoming more intentional about how they spend their time away. 

“Post-COVID especially, people seem to value doing things that feel meaningful, social and memorable. Travel is part of that, but so is looking after yourself," he says. 

“They want structure, movement, good food, recovery, connection and a sense that the time away has actually done something for them." 

That growing appetite for wellness travel is also broadening who these experiences are designed for. While Destination One grew out of the One Playground community, the retreats are open to everyone, not just gym members. 

Koh Samui coach Da Rocha emphasises that “You absolutely do not need to be an elite athlete or have Muay Thai experience to join", while Port Stephens coach Comeau believes the most important quality is simply “openness" and a willingness to step outside of routine. 

That inclusivity reflects a broader shift in wellness travel. Experiences are increasingly being designed around participation rather than performance, with the focus on trying something new, building healthy habits and engaging more deeply with a destination (and ourselves). 

Retreat details 

Port Stephens (August 27-30): features structured training, recovery sessions, mindset workshops, shared meals and time in nature. This getaway is all-inclusive excluding transport. 

South Coast (September 10-13): combines elite training with high-performance mindset work. This getaway is all-inclusive excluding transport. 

Koh Samui (October 12-18): centred around strength and conditioning, Muay Thai, recovery sessions and luxury wellness experiences. Excludes flights, includes airport transfers. 

Costs: 

Port Stephens: Rooms from $2999 

South Coast: Rooms from $2250 

Koh Samui: Rooms from $4499 

Booking: 

Join the waiting list here, and a member of the One Playground team will reach out within 48 hours.