As wellness tourism continues to grow, Australia’s destination spa Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat has plans to expand its facilities, opening a new custom-designed wellness education centre by mid-2018.

Built at a cost of AU$1.7m, the new complex is designed with natural light and fresh air, and will provide more space for guests. It will feature a full suite of audio visual equipment, new amenities and new wellness consultation rooms.

Each stay at Gwinganna includes a focus on wellness education with informative seminars by leading practitioners and special guest presenters, and the new facility is designed to showcase this key component of Gwinganna’s programmes.

“Education has always been a strong foundation in the Gwinganna philosophy and with the growth of our business, we felt it was the right time to expand and improve this area,” general manager and wellness director Sharon Kolkka told Spa Opportunities. “Guests come to us for our expertise in preventative health care strategies and our past guests seek new and innovative educational programs. This new space will offer them a much more comfortable place to hear the very latest health messages and research.”

The educational component of a stay at Gwinganna has further expanded with two new products created in 2017 to help guests before or after their stay. Wellness at Home is available as an online package with videos and audio sessions, and also as a book. It is a collection of interviews, activities, guides and information with over 15 presenters and guest contributors. Covering four pillars of wellness, each section provides support for a busy lifestyle and includes detox, sleep, nutrition, stress and heart health.

“Gwinganna is recognised as being a leader in wellness education, providing expert advice around evidence-based research, and this is often a differentiating factor from other wellness offerings,” said Kolkka. “Guests return not just for the experience – they return to learn. Often we hear a first time guest say how pleasantly surprised they are by the expertise and quality of the educational aspect of each programme offered at Gwinganna.”

This year, Gwinganna has 14 programmes with 28 wellness seminars, and Kolkka said as wellness travel continues to grow, the resort will likely continue to expand its educational offerings.

“For us, education has always been key as it helps people understand what happens in their body and mind,” she explained.