Tattarang acquires globally acclaimed Gaia Retreat & Spa
SYDNEY, October 22, 2021 – 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 located about 20km 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, most recently recognised as Continent Winner – Luxury Spa Retreat and Global Winner – Luxury Wellness Healing Retreat at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2021, and Global Hotel of the Year in 2018 at the World Luxury Hotel Awards – a first for an Australian hotel.
Set across 8ha 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 property division Fiveight has acquired the retreat, with its lifestyle division Z1Z to deliver all hotel and associated operations.
The transaction was facilitated by Colliers’ Karen Wales and Gus Moors.
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 been able to find the right custodian to take the reins of our precious piece of paradise,” Mr Cave said.
Ms Newton-John 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.
“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.”
Tattarang Chief Investment Officer John Hartman said: “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.
“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.”
Tattarang is one of Australia’s largest private investment groups and is owned by the Forrest family. Its investment portfolio spans across agri-food, energy, resources, property and lifestyle. Tattarang’s six business divisions are: Fiveight, SFM Marine, Squadron Energy, Wyloo Metals, Z1Z and Harvest Road.
