Run Escapes 12 | Lennox Head

From July 11th to 14th, we had the pleasure of hosting an unforgettable retreat in the stunning Lennox Head. Our accommodation was perfectly positioned right on Seven Mile Beach, with the sound of waves greeting us morning and night.

Meet the Team - The retreat was led by our dedicated team: Jacqui, the founder of Run Escapes; Mon, our mindfulness guide; Saffron, our yoga teacher and Maddie our photographer. Together, we created a welcoming environment and specifically curated itinerary for our guests.

Day 1: A Warm Welcome and Cozy Night

We kicked off the retreat on the first evening by welcoming our guests to their new home for the weekend. Each guest was welcomed warmly by a team member, given a house tour and time to settle into their rooms. Meanwhile, Jacqui was busy in the kitchen, whipping up a delicious homemade sweet potato and peanut curry, complete with homemade naan bread.

As the aroma of the curry filled the air, we gathered around the table for dinner. We played some introductory games to get to know each other better, and it was heartwarming to see how quickly the group bonded. After dinner, we headed downstairs to the lounge, where Mon led us through our first open guided meditation, setting a serene tone for the weekend.

Day 2: Sunrise Run, Whale Watching, and Adaptable Adventures

The second day began just before first light. We woke up to the sight of the sun rising over the ocean and set off for a group run along the beachfront. For those who preferred a slower pace, there was also a walking group, ensuring everyone felt included. The run was a breathtaking way to start the day, and to our delight, we spotted a few whales from one of the hills! We paused under Mon's guidance to soak in the moment of stillness and appreciate the natural beauty around us.

After our endorphin releasing run, we couldn't resist a dip in the ocean. Despite it being the middle of winter, the water was surprisingly warm, and the entire group bravely took the plunge, returning home with smiles and a renewed sense of energy.

Following our swim, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs and avocado on toast, along with yogurt, cereal, and fruit - no taste bud was left unsatisfied. With plans to go kayaking, we prepared our bathers and had some chill time to recover from our run. However, the surf conditions and winds had other plans.

In true "beginner's mind" spirit, the team quickly regrouped and reorganised our plans. Making a pivot is all a part of retreats when it comes to adventurous activities and the weather. Saffron hosted a lovely cool-down stretch session, exactly what our bodies after the adventurous morning. Instead of kayaking, we took a walk to a nearby tea tree-infused lake. There, we basked in the sun as Saffron led a yoga nidra session that was so relaxing it had some of us falling asleep (Jacqui, we’re looking at you!)

At the lake, conversations deepened as we got to know each other better, sharing lives ebs and flows. A few guests took to the tea tree lake even with chilly temps and Jacqueline, Mon, Sophie, and Maddie bravely jumped in… refreshing to say the least!

As the sun began to set, we walked back to the house to warm up for dinner. Saffron, showcasing one of her many talents, hosted a nightly activity - bracelet making with her business "Safsa." Guests bonded and laughed as they discovered bracelet-making was trickier than anticipated.

Dinner time brought us together over tacos, with Jacqui sharing captivating stories from her ultra-running experiences, and our guests listened intently. We ended the night just like before, gathering in the lounge downstairs in our pjs. We celebrated guest Laura’s birthday with a singalong and a delightful brownie cake—a wholesome way to conclude our first full day.

As we drifted off to sleep, we kept our fingers crossed for smaller surf in the morning, hoping for a chance to get out on the water. But no matter what, we went to bed feeling satisfied and content with the day’s adventures.

Day 3: Silent Sunrise Walk, Waterfall Hike, and Campfire Cheer

Day three began in a beautifully unique way. As the sun rose, we embarked on a silent walk together to the top of the headland. There was something profoundly special about moving in quiet companionship with people we had only recently met. Initially, the silence felt a bit uncomfortable, but it soon gave way to a deep sense of peace as we energetically connected with the world around us and each other.

At the top, we took in the view of a huge line of surfers eagerly waiting to catch a wave. I found myself thinking about how large the surf looked and how kayaking might still be off the table. Despite that, the scene was captivating. Every now and then, we could hear the surfers cheering each other on, celebrating the thrill of riding a great wave.

We enjoyed coffee from St Ali, using our BYO mugs. Maintaining silence while sipping our coffee presented its own challenge, yet it was incredibly peaceful. We communicated by simply being present and allowing each other to lead in our quietude. Mon eventually broke the silence with a beautifully guided meditation centered around our daily theme of curiosity.

As breakfast concluded, we were informed that kayaking was once again off the table. Not to worry—we had a backup plan. We headed inland for a scenic waterfall hike at Minyon Falls. Though the hike was challenging and rocky, our spirits were high from the relaxing morning. The waterfall was spectacular, and the climb to a better vantage point was definitely worth the effort. We paused at a water hole for a snack of our favorite Harvest Snaps.

After the hike, we made our way to a picnic area where Jacqui had set up a picnic. The wraps, pasta salad, homemade banana bread and fresh fruit were reminiscent of a lovingly packed lunch from home - like a warm hug for our taste buds.

Minyon falls was everyting we had hoped for and after about an hour drive back to the Lennox Beach House it was time to set up our campfire. Guests enjoyed some outdoor games like spike ball and frisbee on the grass while Saffron led a calming stretch session by the fire.

For our pre-dinner snack, we indulged in baked cheese and marshmallows cooked over the fire! Dinner featured salt and pepper tofu with Asian greens, and we gathered around the fire to enjoy. We played games like Chinese whispers, which added a nostalgic touch to the evening and had everyone in stitches.

Everyone was quite worn out from the day’s adventures, so we wrapped up early, hoping for another invigorating sunrise run the next morning.

Day 4: A Sunrise Farewell and Reflections of Gratitude

On the final day, we were up at the crack of dawn. By now, everyone had chosen their preferred distance for the morning’s run and grouped together accordingly. We enjoyed a serene run along Seven Mile Beach, taking in the breathtaking sunrise. Some guests went the extra mile to get in a few more kilometres, while the rest of us soaked in the peaceful start to the day.

Breakfast was nothing short of spectacular. Jacqui, our talented chef, treated us to shakshuka eggs - a definite crowd favourite. We all eagerly went back for seconds, savouring every bite.

After breakfast, there was some downtime to shower, pack up, and prepare for the closing activities. Saffron led a final stretch session, helping everyone transition into a calm and reflective mindset. Mon then guided our final session with the day’s theme of gratitude. We gathered in a sharing circle, reflecting on the weekend and releasing any lingering feelings - all the highs, lows and in-between. It was a poignant and fitting conclusion to our retreat.

As we wrapped up, we wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful, warm, and powerful women who made this retreat so special. It was a joy to experience such a stunning location like Lennox Head with you all.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of connection, adventure, and renewal. We look forward to welcoming you back for more incredible experiences in the future!

xxx

Love from the Team,
Jacqui, Mon, Saff & Maddie