Forrest family private investment group Tattarang has announced its purchase of Gaia Retreat & Spa – the country’s most awarded boutique lifestyle retreat – ensuring the internationally renowned luxury lifestyle brand remains in Australian hands.

Founded in 2005 by co-owners Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John & Warwick Evans, Gaia is about 20 kilometres southwest of Byron Bay, on the New South Wales Far North Coast.

Gaia is a global leader in personalised health and wellbeing and a regular recipient of international hotel and spa awards. In 2018, Gaia Retreat & Spa was announced winner of the prestigious ‘Global Hotel of the Year’ by the World Luxury Hotel Awards, becoming Australia’s first and only property to join an elite and illustrious list. In 2020, Gaia was also awarded the 'Global Chairman’s Award' by World Luxury Hotel Awards and this year was recognised again as ‘Global Winner – Luxury Wellness Healing Retreat’ as well as ‘Continent Winner - Luxury Spa Retreat’ at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2021.

Set across eight hectares of pristine hinterland with views of the Byron Bay and Ballina coastline, Gaia boasts 22 luxury rooms and suites, a restaurant, large lounge area and deck, retail boutique and reception. 

The property also includes a wide range of recreational facilities including a naturopathic consulting room, day spa with 10 treatment rooms (14 beds), saltwater heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, yoga studio, fitness centre, tennis court, walking tracks and outdoor fire pit.

Tattarang Director Nicola Forrest AO paid tribute to Gaia’s founders for creating and sustaining an iconic Australian brand with a coveted global reputation for excellence in wellness and luxury. 

“As custodians of truly unique Australian experiences, we understand and deeply respect the founding vision of Gaia which has transformed a wellness philosophy into one of Australia’s most celebrated destinations,” Mrs Forrest said.

“We are investing in and developing unique and meaningful places – places that have the capacity to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Tattarang’s business approach is holistic – it’s not just about investing in quality businesses, but ensuring sustainability and community benefit.” 

Tattarang Chief Investment Officer John Hartman said the Group’s property division Fiveight had acquired the retreat, with its lifestyle division Z1Z to deliver all hotel and associated operations. 

“Through our lifestyle division Z1Z, we are investing in brands, products and experiences that share the best of Australia with our guests, with Fiveight’s philosophy driven by a focus on creating and owning iconic properties and precincts, with a long-term horizon,” Mr Hartman said.

“Our investments say as much about the aspiration and much-envied modern lifestyle that our country enjoys as it does about the exciting future it represents. Our commitment to investing in iconic Australian experiences is something we look to sharing as we welcome returning Gaia guests and those yet to discover the unique experience.”

The highly diverse Z1Z portfolio features hospitality, food & beverage, fashion and sport, including iconic Australian brand R.M.Williams, Cooee restaurant and the Western Force rugby team. Fiveight’s diverse property portfolio includes residential, commercial, and industrial assets across Australia, including Indiana Tea House at Perth’s famous Cottesloe Beach, The Swan Brewery also in Perth, and the proposed

Ningaloo Lighthouse Resort near Exmouth on Western Australia’s North-West Cape.

Gaia co-founders Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John & Warwick Evans said they are delighted their globally awarded retreat is entering its next chapter under Tattarang.

''It is with great honour and gratitude that we have found the right custodians to take the reins of our precious piece of paradise. From the moment we met the Tattarang team at Gaia and shared our story with them, we knew there was no other group we could entrust our business to,” Mr Cave said.

“After 16 years, we are excited to pass the baton to new visionaries to nurture and grow this majestic hinterland oasis - a place which has been so deeply embraced as a 'home away from home' for so many on their wellness and healing journey,” Olivia Newton-John said. 

“We are so very thrilled to see how this fresh, exciting and innovative group will preserve our legacy and we wish them as many heartfelt moments as we have shared with our wonderful loyal staff and guests over the years."

Gaia was marketed for sale via an international expression of interest campaign and sold by Gus Moors and Karen Wales of Colliers.

Related Reading: Olivia Newton John’s beloved Gaia Retreat & Spa for sale by Colliers

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