In the secluded rainforest of Queensland’s Currumbin Valley lies a place that has been changing lives for decades. Eden Health Retreat, Australia’s longest-running wellness retreat, has always stood for more than rest and relaxation. It’s a sanctuary for transformation, a place where guests come to reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with a deeper sense of wellbeing.
Now, the world is taking notice. Eden has been nominated for Australia’s Leading Retreat 2025 in the prestigious World Travel Awards™, a global honour that recognises the finest in travel, tourism, and hospitality. For a retreat rooted in authenticity and grounded in the natural world, this nomination is both a celebration and a turning point.
A Legacy Rooted in Nature
Founded on the belief that true healing happens in nature, Eden has welcomed guests for over 30 years into a space purposefully designed to nourish body, mind, and soul. Set on 400 acres of ancient rainforest, Eden’s natural setting is central to every element of the experience, from morning meditations among the trees to nutrient-rich meals crafted from seasonal, local ingredients.
The retreat has evolved thoughtfully over the years, yet it has remained steadfast in its core values: personal transformation, sustainable luxury, and holistic wellbeing. Every detail of the guest experience is considered, gentle, and grounded in care.
A Leader Who Lived the Journey: Ash Martin
Today, Eden is led by Ash Martin, whose own journey reflects the very transformation the retreat promises. A celebrated chef with a 20-year career in some of Australia’s top restaurants, Ash first arrived at Eden not as a leader, but as a guest.
Drawn to a healthier way of living, Ash embraced Eden’s wellness philosophy and eventually joined the team as Executive Chef. His menus celebrated simplicity, seasonality, and deep nourishment. But his journey didn’t stop at the kitchen pass. In 2024, he stepped into the role of General Manager, bringing his culinary creativity and hospitality expertise to all areas of the retreat.
“I’ve spent my career focused on precision, care, and creating memorable experiences,” Ash says. “Stepping into leadership at Eden means applying that same passion to every touchpoint of a guest’s journey… from what they eat, to how they move, sleep, and feel.”
Ash’s unique background allows him to lead with empathy and intention. His time as both a guest and a creator at Eden gives him rare insight into what makes the retreat so impactful and how to evolve it without losing its soul.
The Eden Experience
Eden is more than a place, it’s an invitation to reconnect. Guests are encouraged to slow down and step away from the digital world, allowing space for presence, reflection, and growth. From personalised wellness programs to serene rainforest walks, every experience at Eden is thoughtfully curated to meet guests where they are.
Highlights include:
- The Vitality Centre: Home to advanced therapies like Cryotherapy, ZeroBody Dry Float, and Infrared Sauna
- Creative and cultural workshops: Pottery, intuitive dance, Connection to Country, and the return of the Valley Swing
- Club Mud: A playful, therapeutic mud bath experience unique to Eden
- Digital detox: A cornerstone of the Eden philosophy, empowering guests to switch off and tune in
- Gourmet nourishment: Anti-inflammatory, gluten-free cuisine designed to heal from within, a reflection of Ash’s culinary ethos
The results are profound. Tension melts away. Minds grow still. Guests rediscover breath, movement, laughter, and sometimes, even tears, all signs of deep release and reconnection.
A Global Recognition
To be nominated in the World Travel Awards is no small feat. Often regarded as the highest honour in tourism, the WTA celebrates the very best the world has to offer. Eden now stands among that elite group, recognised for its unwavering dedication to excellence and transformation.
The 2025 WTA Grand Final will take place in Bahrain, where Eden will represent not just Australia, but the global rise of wellness travel done with integrity and heart. It’s a proud moment for the Eden team and a reminder that the most powerful journeys often begin in nature.
Now, we invite you to be part of this journey. By voting for Eden, you’re supporting a retreat that continues to change lives, lead with care, and showcase the best of Australian wellness on a global stage. Cast your vote for Eden as Australia’s Leading Retreat 2025 at the World Travel Awards website:
“We don’t believe in luxury for luxury’s sake,” says Ash. “We believe in meaningful experiences that restore, uplift, and stay with you long after you leave.”
A Moment to Celebrate
This nomination is more than a recognition, it’s a celebration of Eden’s legacy, its people, and the guests who continue to grow, heal, and reconnect within its rainforest sanctuary.
Whether you’ve visited Eden before or are yet to cross through its gates, now is the perfect time to support a homegrown retreat that represents Australia with heart, soul, and vision.
From a quiet rainforest valley to the world stage in Bahrain, Eden’s story is proof that wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life.
