Attending a Shanti Yoga Retreat is a precious gift to oneself. It’s an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and simply be.

From the moment I arrived at The Nirvana property, all my senses were awakened by the captivating mountain vistas, beautiful aromas, and soothing sounds of nature. Entering the building begins with stepping through intricately carved antique wooden doors. Inside, the atmosphere immediately inspires a sense of wonder. Indian iconography adorns the space, while a large bronze statue of Nandi, the sacred bull, sits beside yoga mats, which are thoughtfully prepared with cushions, blankets, and bolsters. Everything feels rich in texture and thoughtfully placed, from the beautiful tapestries to the paintings depicting yoga, intricate hand-carved wooden panels, and bronze and stone statues. Every detail feels purposeful, creating an atmosphere of beauty and serenity. And this is just the beginning.

Each day follows a thoughtful schedule that balances meditation, yoga asanas, philosophical discussions, and social connection. Tours of the organic herb, fruit, and vegetable gardens offer a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. The experience is complemented by a specialised chef who understands the intricacies of Ayurvedic cuisine and its relationship to wellbeing. Meeting Shanti is a wonder in itself. You soon come to appreciate the privilege of being in the company of someone who has devoted a lifetime to the practice and philosophy of yoga. Each retreat explores a particular theme through philosophical discussions that weave together personal reflection and the wisdom of yoga. It is difficult to convey the depth of Shanti’s understanding and the remarkable ability to interpret ancient teachings in the context of modern-day dilemmas. These conversations invite reflection, offering insights that linger long after the retreat has ended.

After a long drive, the opportunity to unwind and reconnect with oneself is a major drawcard. Yet, beyond the peaceful surroundings and carefully curated daily schedule, it is the combination of Shanti’s wisdom, the beauty of the property, and the immersive yoga experience that makes the retreat so special. It is an invitation to pause, reflect, and return to everyday life with a renewed sense of balance and perspective.

Wow! I attended the August “Transform your life” weekend retreat. It was a very special experience. I felt so nurtured with the beautiful surroundings, gentle yoga and meditation practices, lovely fellow retreaters, the gorgeous dog Maya, the incredibly nourishing food and of course being able to talk with and learn from Shanti. She has an incredible presence. I am very keen to return to learn more. The property is so well set up (with retreats in mind). The delicious meals were enjoyed upstairs. There is a large yoga space downstairs with a number of separate bedrooms. My bedroom was very comfortable. The grounds are beautiful with lots of private seats to sit and reflect and enjoy the views. Participants are encouraged to share (as much or as little) around their reason for coming to the retreat on the first evening and there is a debrief discussion on the Sunday. There is plenty of time in between to contemplate and reflect. The tour of the kitchen garden was great and I enjoyed the gentle yoga sessions. There is always a fruit bowl if you get hungry in between the sensational meals. A huge thank you to Shanti for offering this retreat, Sue, Sonja, Maya, the other participants and all of the other helpers that make this place so special.

Attended the 3 day silent meditation retreat recently at Nirvana retreat and absolutely loved it. The accommodation, beautiful surroundings and healthy Ayurvedic food made this retreat extra special. More importantly our heartfelt gratitude to Shanti and her wonderful team who all made us very welcome. We are already planning our return!!

The wellness retreat is a way of life and so much to learn from beautiful shanti ,the staff 💖 there are wonderful and professional best of all is chef Sonja preparing healthy nutritious food daily .the atmosphere and surroundings natural gardens and sunrise are breathtaking.

"Whatever you have been doing, keep up that practice".  These words were spoken by my osteo practitioner. He could sense the deep relaxation and the palpable effect of meditation. I had just returned from a retreat at Shanti’s Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat in Beechmont, Queensland.

It was an Easter Retreat on Mindful Living and Mindful Being that allowed us to be immersed in deep, deep meditation, wonderful relaxation and yoga practices. We ate nourishing Ayurvedic inspired meals. Of particular interest to me is the philosophy shared by Shanti.

Nirvana is perched on a plateau overlooking ancient forest and the coast in the distance. Sunrise was an especially beautiful time. Birdsong accompanied our morning activities. Nearby, the Lamington National Park is available for walks in stunning rainforest.

I have returned home lighter and rejuvenated physically, mentally and spiritually.

Love and blessings to all, especially Shanti who I had the privilege to meet just 50 years ago.

I was fortunate to join a one day silent retreat at Nirvana over the Easter long weekend, and left feeling connected, restored & energised, with a deep sense of calm. Despite being new to this type of retreat, the day was well organised and included a comprehensive range of mindfulness activities. Meditation & yoga nidra sessions with Shanti were ran throughout the day. And guests could pre-arrange Ayurvedic-based treatments with Tracey, who offers personal consultations and a range of massages. To compliment all of this, 3 enriching Ayurvedic-based meals were served throughout the day, which had been carefully prepared by Sonja. They were also able to accomodate any dietary requirements. The property is easily accessible from the Gold Coast. It’s very private, peaceful and well maintained. There was ample personal time offered between each activity, so that guests could reflect and unwind, at their own pace. Thank you to all who were involved, I hope to join another retreat very soon!

So thankful for this experience. The home was comfortable, the food was great and the facilities were just right. I was able to meditate and I was given some Gems of wisdom from our Guru. Thank you so much.

Beautiful staff, place and great Ayurvedic food. Will definitely go back, shanti’s yoga is very relaxing and knowledgeable, I’m left wanting more, will definitely come back. Thanks 🙏

I’ve been on a 10 days ayurvedic detox retreat at Nirvana and highly recommend the experience. The place itself is amazing, with a panoramic view of the Scenic Rim, the people are the most loving and the vegetarian food is absolutely delicious! I am very thankful for Shanti Yoga community for this experience!

A beautiful getaway tucked away in the Gold Coast hinterland. I absolutely loved the yoga and meditation sessions led by Shanti — they were grounding and deeply enriching. The silent meditation day was especially powerful. Sonia was also an incredible cook. She prepared delicious, healthy, and deeply nourishing meals, and was so accommodating and hospitable throughout the stay. Her food really enhanced the overall retreat experience. The location is also ideal, with Binna Burra rainforest walks close by. If you have a car and want to get away for a few hours, there are many beautiful walks to choose from nearby.

This is my sacred place of retreat, a tranquil haven offering warm, nurturing accommodation, beautifully aligned with my path and passion for Ayurveda. With heartfelt gratitude, thank you Shantiji for sharing your wisdom and sacred teachings, making learning a true joy. Thank you, Sonja, for the 7 Star Ayurvedic cuisine, the inspiring cooking class, and the lovingly prepared, nourishing food that sustained and delighted us.

I attended Shanti’s Nirvana 10-day detox and yoga retreat, and it was exactly what my body and mind needed. The combination of gentle daily yoga, pranayama, and nourishing Ayurvedic meals helped calm my nervous system in a way I hadn’t felt in years. The whole experience gave me space to reset, release tension, and reconnect with myself. By the end, I felt clearer, lighter, and like my inner drive had been rebooted. The atmosphere is peaceful and supportive, and the teachings are deep-rooted, grounded, compassionate, and truly healing. Highly recommended for anyone needing a full mind–body reset. Namaste.

Shanti's teaching is absolutely transforming. I have been following her for decades, and I still come to Nirvana to retreats because of the depth of her teaching.. The environment is beautifully laid out with spectacular views and comfortable rooms, so that it feels like an Indian ashram with all modern conveniences. The vegetarian food is divine, a huge variety of organic and home grown food. Shanti's wholistic philosophy and the depth of her insight as well as the wholesome food and beautiful environment, make a retreat at Nirvana a wonderfully nourishing experience.

Best weekend!  Connecting with others, practicing gentle yoga, enjoying nourishing and nurturing food. The immediate sense of peace when you arrive. The air, the water, the sunrise! It is truly Nirvana. A heartfelt Namaste to Shantiji, Sonya, Sue, Christine (and Peter playing his part behind the scenes). Highly recommend.

After a beautiful winding drive up the mountain magic views. 
A warm welcome by Sue on arrival
Large antique indoors as you enter love the gong at entrance it gets rung at 7am into the yoga room with a great animal copper statue
Room are surrounding this room
Lovely simple rooms with a soft Indian feel clean crisp white sheets and towels then a cuppa tea large variety available but the fresh herbs from the organic garden was my choice Devine
All the rooms of this lovely homestead have so much richness and character to them warm and welcoming this is all upstairs so to take in the views with are magic
All meals Devine Beautiful fresh Ayurvedic organic food lovingly prepared by Sonya mostly some of the team help with prep and clean up
Self serve buffet style don’t tap but I will clap thank you lol
Sonya very efficiently showed us how to cook some of the foods the next day we made roti to go with lunch after a walk around the gardens the comqot fruit tasting was delicious
Shanti gave informative and insightful talks on Ayurvedic health and wellness with the magic of the views of nature and this was a rainy day to inspire you in a multitude of ways, this is coupled with gental yoga and relaxation am and pm that anyone can do very relaxing allowing you to heal and relax total unwind giving your self love , there was also time for pre booked massages or just person time to walk around the grounds in nature lovely large tress and forest areas birds singing cookabarras laughing a wallaby looking around oh the serenity is magic

Over all a wonderful warming experience and most grateful gift thank you all namaste 🙏🌈

Nirvana retreat was one of the most transformative, and maybe even the most transformative retreat I have ever done.  I feel like I have released a great deal on every level and have a new appreciation of myself and life.  I feel “washed” in a way that has given me new clarity, vision and new energy.  I feel renewed and more connected to myself.  Every part of the retreat contributed to healing and rest. My first point of contact was being greeted by Sue who was a beautiful, gentle, peaceful, kind and loving presence throughout the retreat. Shanti is an extraordinary teacher and I loved her presence and the yoga and meditation classes.  She was very attentive and generous of giving her time and attention to individuals when needed. The Ayurvedic teaching was very helpful in terms of understanding balance and harmony in the body and addressing a few specific challenges that I had been struggling with.  And the Ayurvedic treatments that I had were very powerful. Sonja is a wonderful cook and puts so much love into all the meal preparation and infectiously shares her enthusiasm.  She was always radiating such joy. All in all, I came away with what I was wanting most from a retreat and feeling better than I could have hoped for.  If you are looking for a way to create a change in yourself and life, rest, heal and find new clarity and vision, I recommend a stay at Nirvana. Thank you Shanti, Sonya and Sue!

After recently returning from a retreat at Nirvana, I am still floating. The change in my mind and body is palpable. Lessons learnt are being implemented; life is “back to normal”, but everything has somehow changed. Has the fog lifted, the focus sharpened, forgotten understanding returned? The whole retreat experience is bound in a gossamer web of transformative magic. Air, water, food, scenery, forest, all combine to support the transformation so subtly one is unaware of the process until it is done. Bliss!

A retreat that feels like home. Thanks Shanti, Sue and Sonya for the lessons, chats and for the amazing food. Namaste!

I have been enjoying Nirvana Yoga Retreat for over a decade. Being nestled in the picturesque hills of Beechmont, the property offers a serene escape from the city. Surrounded by rainforest trees and the fresh mountain air, you can feel the tranquil environment begin to relaxation and rejuvenation you as soon as you arrive. Nirvana has always provided a nurturing atmosphere where I can unwind with some simple yoga breathing, relaxation and meditation and also connect with like-minded souls. The main focus at Nirvana is on wholistic wellness and mindfulness. The Ayurvedic foods that is cooked fresh on the premises is so nourishing and delicious. It’s a humble yet profoundly beautiful space and Im so blessed to be able to enjoy a weekend getaway year after year.

I recently attended a retreat here seeking rest and reflection, and I was pleasantly surprised by just how deeply fulfilling the experience turned out to be. From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed and connected The yoga and meditation sessions were not only calming but also profoundly spiritual and insightful. They provided exactly the kind of inner stillness and clarity I had been hoping for. The food was absolutely exceptional nourishing, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared. I was captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. The natural environment is nothing short of magical and added a sense of peace. I left feeling grounded, inspired, and incredibly grateful. I would absolutely recommend this retreat to anyone looking to reconnect with themselves in a nurturing, beautiful space.

Wonderful retreat and location in stunning surrounds. Shanti’s health and meditation retreat specialises in traditional mindfulness meditation and the science of Ayurveda, which truly assists one in connecting with wholeness of being. Shanti is a genuine authentic yoga facilitator and host, and her team are friendly and warm. Sonja’s carefully prepared meals are divine and the quality of her cooking sets a benchmark. Highly recommend for mind body and being.  

I recently did an 8 day retreat here. It was a beautiful environment to do a retreat, so relaxing, with sessions of meditation, yoga, teachings on Ayurveda, discussions on yoga philosophy, beautiful vegetarian food and walks in the rain forest. There was a lovely group of people there as well, all keen to hear Shanti's wisdom and do the practices. Shanti is so accepting of us all, patient and kind, and teaches in a way that is very succinct. And it's not just what Shanti says, but how she lives also that is so inspiring and such a good example to me of how I'd like to live my life. I still feel the benefits of this retreat, as though the teachings are still going on, insights and clarity are still coming through to me. It was wonderful and I hope I can go back for another retreat very soon.

I’ve just spent 8 incredible days at Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat, and words are simply not enough to capture the depth of this experience. Shanti, Sonja, Sue, and the wonderful team of helpers created a beautifully welcoming and nurturing space where I felt truly supported to unwind, heal, and reconnect with myself. I am filled with gratitude. This retreat was the perfect gift—a chance to pause the busyness of everyday life and reflect on what truly matters to me. I deeply appreciated the meaningful conversations with like-minded people, which were both uplifting and thought-provoking. I’m also leaving motivated to recreate the delicious recipes we learned and to use my kitchen appliances to their full potential, making nourishing meals part of my daily routine. My cup is overflowing, my spirit renewed, and my heart full. Thank you and Namaste.

I’ve been on a 10 days ayurvedic detox retreat at Nirvana and highly recommend the experience. The place itself is amazing, with a panoramic view of the Scenic Rim, the people are the most loving and the vegetarian food is absolutely delicious! I am very thankful for Shanti Yogas community for this experience!

Simply beautiful and peaceful and much to appreciate food and healthy environment.

Wonderful retreat and location in stunning surrounds. Shanti’s health and meditation retreat specialises in traditional mindfulness meditation and the science of Ayurveda, which truly assists one in connecting with wholeness of being. Shanti is a genuine authentic yoga facilitator and host, and her team are friendly and warm. Sonja’s carefully prepared meals are divine and the quality of her cooking sets a benchmark. Highly recommend for mind body and being.

A lovely place with welcoming people, delicious food, powerful conversations, and the best relaxation and yoga. Highly recommend it!

Well positioned on the high mountains of Beechmont, looking out to the Coast and Mt Warning. The sunrise is incredible, Sonya's cooking is unrivalled, and Shanti and her students will teach you things you don't forget.

Lovely retreat, view is just stunning, deep conversation and beautiful organic food 🙏

Feast for the heart, eyes and soul. 🙏🏽 A pause in time allowing the perfect reset my body was yearning for. Complete with stunning scenery, either clear skies and mountain vistas, or surrounded by the fog, mist and clouds. Either way, super peaceful. Yoga and meditation practices. Nourishing meals prepared with great thought and care. Abhyanga Massage to complete the blissful feels. I shall return x 🧘🏽‍♀️💚

Nirvana hit pause on my busy life and had me searching within to embrace the connection of the mind body and blocks in my digestive system. Through mindfulness practices, Shanti’s wisdom and Sonyas Ayurvedic cooking I was able to not only enjoy foods I haven’t been able to digest for years, but my skin has regenerated with a radiant glow and I’m feeling deep peace within my self. This land has healing powers through and through. Sink your bare toes into the soil and explore beautiful connections with fellow retreatants. I am thrilled to have begun my journey on the Ayurvedic path of health and wholeness through Nirvana. Excited to return to this beautiful home!

Hi Shanti, just want to thank you for a wonderful time I had during the Ayurveda detox retreat. I really enjoyed the healing process and just having time out to be with myself in great company and to recharge and heal on a deeper level. 

Recently I attended Shanti's Detox Retreat and found it most beneficial. Since returning home, I've noticed I have much more energy throughout the day and can achieve considerably more without effort. My food tastes more flavoursome. I wake earlier in the morning, alive and ready to start the day. The food at the retreat was delicious and generous in quantity. We ate very well, but somehow my weight dropped?? I can therefore highly recommend the retreat to all who are contemplating it.

Thank you Shanti and all the attendees at the weekend retreat. Great conversations only matched by wonderful teachings and healing yoga and meditation... and I haven't even mentioned the food! A warm, friendly environment at what feels like the top of the world. I am already looking forward to my next retreat. Namaste.

Wonderful and renewing experience. I learnt so much about Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. The food was also incredible, organic, delicious and vegetarian. Will definitely go back.

I have spent 7 years struggling with my energy levels and health. I had tried everything. Finally I discovered Shanti. In just 10 days Shanti has reenergised me. I am literally jumping out of my skin and can't wait to start growing my company again.

Shanti shared so much wisdom and she is truly inspiring. The daily meditation, deep relaxation and yoga are so good for the body, mind and soul. And the food... well let's say I was expecting to be hungry and unsatisfied all the time, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. Sonja, who is in charge of the kitchen, makes the most delicious food I have ever tasted in my entire life, that I ended up always going back for seconds (or thirds), and that while detoxing! The retreat is located on such a beautiful spot with breathtaking views and sun/moonrises, plenty of space to go sit in silence by yourself or connect with nature by walks in their private rainforest. I learned so much about Ayurveda and myself and would highly recommend the 10-day-detox retreat to anyone interested in improving their health and learning simple steps you can easily implement in your every day life to further benefit your physical, mental and spiritual health. So grateful I got to experience this and I will definitely be back. 🙏🏻

10 days away in a place filled by pure love energy. Meditation, yoga, Ayurvedic approach and incredible detox food. Shanti’s knowledge is wide and wise.