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.
Angela Aho, Thailand coach.
Ariel Corneau, Port Stephens coach.
Gabby Roux, South Coast coach.
Joey Bowling, Port Fitness coach.
Jose Da Rocha, Thailand coach.
Matt Gardner, South Coast coach.
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!"
Immerse yourself in a wellness retreat nestled on a breathtaking five-acre estate at The Ambers.
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."
Seacliff House is just two hours easy drive south of Sydney CBD.
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."
Fitness sessions at Baan Kilee.
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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."
Wellness travel is becoming a top trend.
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).
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
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.
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Isabelle is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Sydney Travel Guide, Cruise & Travel and the The New Zealand Herald. Born and raised in London, but now living in Sydney, she loves exploring Australia, whether that’s pitching a tent under the stars, tackling a coastal hike or going for an ocean dip. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature from Durham University, where she served as Director of Commentary for the arts and culture magazine Wayzgoose.
Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.
Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.
1. Nights come to life
Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.
2. A thriving arts and culture scene
Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.
For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.
4. Diverse food offerings
Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.
Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.
Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.
5. Alternative lifestyles reign
Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)
This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.
6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep
Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.
7. Boutique stays
Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)
Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridgesecluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.
8. Form community connections
Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)
If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.
