July/August 2017 AsiaSpa 73and eye masks proves too much for some
and snoring becomes the background lull.
After a little chuckle, I open my eyes to see
people packing their props away and leaving
the pavilion, realising while still prone that
I drifted off as well. It doesn’t take long to
give into this new world.
DAY 3
There is something beautiful about the
camaraderie of everyone waking up at
5.30am for qigong as the sun comes
up. Everyone wants to be here which is
extremely bonding. We are given three
options for afterwards, and I choose the
challenging walk again, this time with
two killer hills, and am rewarded with
awe-inspiring views of the Gold Coast and
Coolangatta. Starting the day in nature is
much more than just exercise – it feeds
the soul.
I choose the yang option, a weight class
involving classic squats, lunges, deadlifts,
push-ups and planks, followed by a deep
water running pool session. In both, Ali
ensures our form is correct to develop a
strong foundation before moving on to high-
intensity moves, which is hugely beneficial.
Today’s lecture with Shannon is on
the detrimental effect of sugar on health
by kick-starting inflammation in the body
which leads to chronic diseases, and gives
a presentation on how much sugar common
sauces and drinks contain, compared with
the recommended amount of six teaspoons
a day by the World Health Organisation. She
says setting yourself up for success means
eating breakfast every day, including clean
proteins, essential fats and complex carbs,
and to avoid hunger and consequent dips
in blood sugar.
Lunch and dinner at Gwinganna are
served family style, and the fare is superb.
Guests can be a tough crowd but all meals
are punctuated with oohing and aahing over
the simple but delicious healthy offerings.
Lunch is juicy grilled prawns accompanied
by miso soup, a tomato salad and plenty
of greens, while dinners have consisted of
white fish, potato koftas and quinoa lasagne,
accompanied by trays brimming over with
organic veggies. Eating well has never been
easier.
One of the most unique Dreamtime
options are those involving the property’s
horses. I choose the Equine Assisted Journey,
a spin on an emotional well-being approach