Byron’s Gaia Retreat & Spa in Line for $37m Update

Private capital is flowing into wellness tourism as Tattarang advances a $37-million redevelopment of a hinterland sanctuary founded by pop star and actor Olivia Newton-John.

Plans filed with Ballina Shire Council by Fiveight, the property arm of Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s investment company, outlined a comprehensive renewal of the Gaia Retreat & Spa in the Byron hinterland, 74km by road south of the NSW-Queensland border.

Prepared by Urbis, the proposal for the iron ore billionaires includes a new arrivals hub and restaurant pavilion, a purpose-built spa complex, upgrades to villas and the pool precinct, and four new guest suites—taking capacity from 22 to 26 keys.

Also proposed are extensive landscape restoration and water-management upgrades across the 8ha site at 933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet, about 20km south-west of Byron Bay.

Established in 2005 by Newton-John along with Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin and Warwick Evans, Gaia became a benchmark for luxury wellness tourism—winning Global Hotel of the Year at the 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards and helping shape the Byron hinterland as a destination for immersive health and wellbeing experiences.

Gaia changed hands in 2021—less than a year before Newton-John’s death in August 2022—in a deal reported to be worth about $30 million. The British/Australian singer sold more than 100 million records in a 50-year career, including the 1981 US smash hit Physical.

“After 16 years, we are excited to pass the baton to new visionaries to nurture and grow this majestic hinterland oasis,” Newton-John, who also starred opposite John Travolta in Grease, said at the time.

▲ Rendering of the Troppo Architects scheme for the Gaia Retreat & Spa redevelopment in the Byron hinterland.

A Gaia Retreat & Spa spokesperson said the new chapter reflected a long-term investment in the retreat’s evolution.

“Gaia Retreat & Spa has been a sanctuary of healing and connection on Bundjalung Country for more than 20 years,” the spokesperson said.

“The proposed redevelopment is a thoughtful investment in its future, enhancing sustainability, supporting local jobs and strengthening the region’s wellness reputation.”

For Fiveight, the project extends a growing national portfolio of high-end lifestyle and tourism assets, including Western Australia’s Samphire Rottnest, Cape Lodge in Margaret River and the heritage-listed Indiana Tea House at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach.

It reflects Tattarang’s broader strategy of investing in “iconic Australian destinations” which combine heritage, hospitality and experience-led value creation.

When announcing Gaia’s acquisition in 2021, Tattarang director Nicola Forrest said the group invested “in unique and meaningful places, places with the capacity to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities”.

▲ The project would improve guest amenity and landscape integration without compromising the retreat’s secluded feel, the proposal said.

The strategy is unfolding amid record levels of investment in Australia’s tourism sector and surging demand for wellness-based experiences.

According to Austrade’s Tourism Investment Monitor 2024, the national tourism investment pipeline has hit a record $63.4 billion across 346 projects, including $11.4 billion in accommodation developments.

Within the pipeline, wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing categories.

Grand View Research forecasted the Australian market would reach about $A46 billion by 2030, while Expert Market Research projected $A35 billion by 2034—both signalling annual growth of roughly 10 to 15 per cent.

Gaia’s redevelopment would position it squarely within this growth narrative—an established brand being reimagined for a market increasingly driven by sustainability, experience and wellbeing.

Architectural plans by Troppo Architects showed the retreat would retain its intimate scale, keeping built form within the existing footprint while improving access, landscaping and flow around the pool precinct.

A new spa complex would consolidate several smaller structures into a single, purpose-built facility connected to yoga, fitness and treatment spaces.

Planning documents also highlighted native plants and upgraded water-retention systems designed to protect vegetation and reduce downstream impact.

The retreat employs about 70 staff, with the redevelopment expected to generate additional construction and operational roles.

While no timeline has been confirmed, the works were expected to be staged to allow parts of the retreat to remain open during construction.