I was so lucky last weekend to spend two nights and a couple of lovely days at the Theosophical Retreat Centre in the Springbrook National Park in the hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast. Less than two hours from Brisbane this place seems a million miles away, nestled into the rainforest.

My daughter, Sally Waters, is a yoga teacher and each February she runs a retreat here. This year has been the first that I have been able to go, but like all the other participants, I’ll do everything I can to make sure I can go each year.

Sally facilitated a wonderful program which included yoga, of course, waterfall walks, swimming in a cold mountain pool, dance and tree qi gong. Marg was our chef for the weekend and the food was amazing – vegetarian but so so delicious and you should have tasted the beautiful desserts – no stinting or fasting here, unless you wanted to, of course and, believe me, nobody did. There was rest time, when I read my book: “Nine Perfect Strangers” by Liane Moriarty, a great read about nine people at a health retreat for nine days. I enjoyed the book but their retreat bore no resemblance to ours, I’m pleased to say.

The accommodation at the retreat centre is basic but comfortable. I heard no complaints. There’s a great dining room, a covered outside eating area and individual rooms with mainly shared facilities as well as a great hall for yoga and activities.

We were a group of twelve and another couple joined us for the day on Saturday – we weren’t all strangers but we did get to know each other over the 48 hours and we formed a very supportive group. Sal has a lot of energy and loves movement especially to music and she inspired us all with that energy. I’ve even got my yoga mat out each morning since I came home – let’s hope I can keep that up.

I enjoyed the peace and stillness of the mountains, the company, the movement – I enjoyed it all and I’m looking forward to next year.