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BYRON BAY MEDITATION & YOGA RETREAT FOR WOMEN

Friday 14 to Wednesday 19 November 2025

Our beautifully relaxing Byron Bay meditation and yoga retreat will give you the chance to unwind, enjoy the peace of nature, feel completely nurtured and begin to discover why living mindfully is essential to your wellbeing.

We stay at Sangsurya, a beautiful tropical ten-acre bush retreat just a few minutes drive from Tallow Beach in Byron Bay. The property features an open, airy meditation hall, a freshwater swimming pool and dining room that includes outdoor seating with easterly views across Arakwal land and the ocean.

A social enterprise built on the foundation of love, pure intention and service to humanity by the late Mona and Tony Kruger, this secluded residential retreat has been a place of refuge and healing to thousands of students and practitioners for over 30 years.

byron bay yoga meditation retreat kate & meg james

“Absolutely magical! I feel like all of my senses have been nourished and reawakened.”
Rebecca

Byron Bay Meditation & Yoga Retreat inclusions:

  • Five nights accommodation in a room style of your choice
  • Delicious and nourishing organic vegetarian meals
  • Early morning meditation
  • Morning yoga, qigong and walking
  • Daily quiet time
  • Afternoon session (varies but includes values workshop, music and conversation)
  • Guided walks to the beach and lighthouse
  • Evening relaxation meditation
  • Optional massage treatments (not included in retreat pricing)
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Who is this Byron Bay Meditation & Yoga Retreat for?

Our mindfulness meditation and yoga retreats are attended by women of all ages but mostly, we attract those who are looking for space, stillness and reflection. Many of our participants describe themselves as introverted so the energy of our group is always kind and supportive. Unfortunately, we don’t offer private counselling or coaching on retreat.

You will love this retreat if you’re looking for a gentle, peaceful experience.

Lead by

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Kate James

Kate James is the author of Quietly Confident and she’s a coach and mindfulness teacher. For over 22 years, she has worked to support introverted women build self-belief. She is described as an authentic, warm and down-to-earth workshop leader.

Catherine Morey-Nase - Clinical Psychologist

Catherine Morey-Nase

Catherine is a Clinical Psychologist and qigong and mindfulness teacher. She believes that people are their own best healers and she loves nothing more than walking alongside and supporting people who are curious and courageous.

  • byron bay yoga meditation retreat kate & meg james
  • Byron Bay Retreat Deck
  • Byron Bay Retreat Qigong
  • ByronBay-food
  • Byron Bay park
  • Byron Bay pool

What previous participants say

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“I discovered Kate’s meditations through Insight Timer six months before and thought bringing these meditations to life could only be a bonus, on top of nourishing meals and rest. I left five days later feeling like I was just beginning to get to know myself again. Between Kate’s soothing meditations and profound insights, and Catherine’s gentle guidance in qigong and mindful walking, I began to feel and remember parts of me I hadn’t known for 20 years. Kate and Catherine’s gifts complement each other so beautifully, that when combined with a group of women and the serene setting at Sangsurya, provide the opportunity for deep connection and healing.”

Jen

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“I came to the retreat simply wanting some time out and to be better at learning to be still. I leave with soooo much more. The past five days have exceeded my expectations in ways I thought was not possible. My heart is lighter and full of joy and for the first time in a while I not only feel excited about my future, but I want to jump in feet first. Thanks for reminding me just how much beauty and gratitude there is to be found in the everyday and how amazingly supportive a bunch of awesome women can be. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”

Claire

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“This retreat gave me the space to be free from judgement and to gain clarity of mind. I feel so empowered to take this authentic self back to my everyday life. It was just what my soul needed. Pushing my boundaries, stepping outside my comfort zone and confronting my internal judge. I’m trying not to promise myself too much about how I will improve my life, but I’m motivated and aware of the small changes I might make to be more authentic in my every day.”

Tess

Accommodation

Accommodation at Sangsurya is in Thai style hand-built timber-floored houses and cabins. Bedrooms are uniquely positioned amidst sub-tropical gardens and give a lovely sense of privacy and tranquillity. Each room has been individually designed and furnished to have its own charming ambience. All are heated, air-conditioned and have ceiling fans.

It’s difficult to describe the true essence of this property – it’s something you need to experience for yourself but previous participants have described it as ‘magic’ and ‘organic’ and many continue to return each year.

All inclusive pricing:

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Superior single, ensuite

$3,295

Small-single-with-ensuite

Superior single, shared bath

$3,195

Small-single-with-ensuite

Small single, ensuite

$2,995

Shared room, ensuite

$2,895

Friday 14 November to Wednesday 19 November 2025

Secure your place with a deposit of $500. Balance due August 2025.

BOOK NOW

More kind words

Not only was the retreat setting so breathtaking, relaxing and peaceful but Kate and Catherine have the most nurturing, kind and welcoming nature. Powerful and thought-provoking, the week was the perfect balance of rest, self-reflection and personal growth and development. Thank you.

Nicky

The most nurturing, healing and energising experience I think I’ve ever had! It was truly life changing. I feel calmer, happier, healthier, and more connected than I have in years. It has given me the confidence and awareness to start listening to and following my heart.

Ella

I came to the retreat feeling pretty good but as the days progressed, I realised that I had not been in touch with the ‘real me’ for years!! I found myself again. I feel inspired and filled with love and admiration for all of the beautiful women I touched souls with.

Sandy

It was a glorious time away for me to reset and have time to myself to reconnect and rejuvenate. I met some amazing women who made the journey even more beautiful. The setting was everything you need and more. I highly recommend it.

Jo

Words cannot do justice. The most amazing meditation retreat I have ever been to. I feel like it will change my life. Five days of perfect bliss, growth, nurturing, connections, nature, music and food. Heaven!! Please book me up for the next 50 years!

Kelly

I feel nurtured, rejuvenated and transformed. I wouldn’t change a thing. I have not felt so light, so courageous, so invigorated for years. I can’t wait to attend again.

Cathy

This was perfect, pure bliss on every level. The content, the atmosphere, the people, the connection, food and acceptance and safety to be one’s true self. These days are the most precious gift you can give yourself.

Karen

The most incredible five days of my life – I feel so light and still, a bit like I could conquer anything! I just hope I can maintain this back in the hustle of Melbourne life. Thank you so much.

Andrea

Kate is not just gifted as a teacher, coach and role model for mindful living, but she is also gifted in her ability to attract other gifted people to co-create a retreat that enlivens your senses and reawakens your soul.

Lena

Guest requirements

  • Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and travel insurance.
  • Participants should be free of medical or psychological contraindications.
  • Our retreat is an alcohol, smoke and fragrance-free experience to ensure the comfort of all participants.
  • Some experience in yoga and meditation is encouraged but beginners are also welcome. Please take classes at your own pace and assume responsibility for your own wellbeing.
Guest requirements

Frequently asked questions

Arrival & departure times

Guests are welcome to arrive at Sangsurya any time from 2pm on Friday, with our first session commencing at 4pm. Departure time is 10.30am on the final day.

How many women will be at the retreat?

We have a maximum group size of 18 women.

Can I book a 1:1 session with Kate or Catherine during the retreat?

Unfortunately, we don’t offer individual coaching or counselling on the retreat. Catherine is required to keep her clinical work separate from her retreat work which means that she is unable to take retreat participants on as clients. If you are a current client of Catherine’s, please reach out to her before making a booking.

Can you cater to dietary requirements?

All meals are vegetarian, and chef can cater for gluten free, dairy free, vegan and nut allergies.

I’m a beginner at yoga. Can I join the classes?

Yes, absolutely. Our yoga teacher teaches a gentle class and caters to all levels of experience.

Is there wifi available?

No unfortunately, but there is phone signal if you need to be online. We do, however, encourage you to spend most of your retreat time on a ‘digital detox’.

How do I get there?

Guests are responsible for booking their own flights and transfers. The closest airports are Ballina and Coolangatta (Gold Coast). You’ll find a range of airport transfer providers available online including Byron Bay Express.

What is your cancellation policy?

In the event of cancellation the following refund fees, minus the deposit, apply.

  • The deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to another retreat or to a friend if 90 days notice is given.
  • Cancellation 90 days or less before due arrival date, 0% refund.
  • Cancellation more than 90 days before due arrival date, 50% refund if your place is able to be filled.

You’ll find  all retreat terms and conditions here retreat-terms-conditions

Terms & conditions

Airfares, transfers and travel insurance not included in pricing. Please read
our cancellation policy and retreat terms and conditions here.

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It’s not often in life that you meet a truly kindred spirit but that’s how it felt when I first met my dear friend and colleague, Catherine Morey-Nase over 12 years ago now. As time has gone on, we have continued to discover many shared interests and passions and maybe more importantly, we view the world in much the same way. We both value the virtue of kindness, we see sensitivity as a strength and we know the transformative effect of self-compassion. After hosting five retreats together, Catherine (who is a Melbourne based Clinical Psychologist) and I have decided to collaborate more often. Next year, we’ll be hosting a series of online workshops which we’ve called Compassionate Conversations. Our focus will be on helping you to: ✨ listen more closely to your heart ✨ live in alignment with your true values ✨ learn to be kinder to yourself ✨ pursue the life you really want, and ✨ to do all of these things gently. Our first workshop will be held on Saturday 18 January at 9am and we’ll be talking about approaching the new year with intention, rather than making New Year’s resolutions or goal setting. We’ll share teachings, our own insights and some wonderful resources. We would love to see you there. You’ll find a link to book in my bio.✨
This week, see if you can let go of the pressure you’ve been putting yourself under. The sense that you need to be striving. The desire to change something about yourself. Set your intention to be at peace with where you are right now so that you can really live in this moment. ✨
The theme last week with clients was a general feeling of overwhelm. Amidst the usual pressures that seem to come at this time of year there've been unexpected bills, sick children, leaky ceilings, workplace tensions and understandably, feelings of stress and anxiety. The best antidote to overwhelm is cultivating your capacity for equanimity, but that's not always easy when you're in the thick of it. The following few tips might help though. ✨ Step away from the chaos for ten minutes and breathe your way back to a sense of stillness. ✨ Choose just one thing to tackle first and put your efforts into that. ✨ Acknowledge that you’re at your capacity and say no to anything extra this week. ✨ Even if you feel you don’t have time, switch off your phone and sit down with a quiet cup of tea. ✨ Be brave enough to ask for support and be open about what you need. If you know someone who is overwhelmed right now, offer some practical help. Instead of saying, “let me know what I can do”, be specific about how you can assist. Offer to drop a meal in, collect children from school or lend a hand in the garden. Most overwhelmed people don’t know what they need so it is helpful to be proactive. And if you're in need of some immediate peace, join our beautiful, supportive community, live this morning on Insight Timer where we chat and meditate for around 30 minutes, starting at 9.30am. Everyone is welcome, beginners included. You'll find the link in my bio. 🙏
I have a handwritten copy of this quote on my desk with the added words: "This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination." A reminder that so often think we’ll be happy once things are different in some way. The invitation this week is to pause every now and then and let yourself soak in the beauty and complexity of any given moment. Even if it isn’t perfect, see if you can be at peace with it anyway. ✨
What an absolute privilege. 14 years of this place and as always, the most beautiful group of women. #byronbayretreat 🙏
“You are not the person you were five years ago. You evolve as your self-image does, so make sure that it’s an accurate one. Give yourself credit for everything you’ve overcome that you never thought you would, and everything you’ve built that you never thought you could. You’ve come so much farther than you think, and you’re so much closer than you realize.” Brianna Wiest These beautiful words from @briannawiest might inspire you to take your journal out this week. Write about all of the ways you've changed and grown over the past five (or so) years. Resist the temptation to think about what you still want to change and instead, simply acknowledge yourself for what you’ve achieved already. ✨
5 small things that will boost your self-esteem. 1. Instead of comparing yourself to others, notice all of the ways you are beautifully unique. 2. Remind yourself daily of your innate goodness. This is true for every one of us. 3. Dial down your self-critical thinking. This is easier said than done but once you start to notice the habit of self-criticism, you can move your thoughts in a different direction. 4. Say ‘no thanks’ or ‘I’m sorry I can’t do that’ without explanation. Boundary setting can be harder when we have low self-esteem but often we over-complicate it. Keep it simple but friendly. 5. Do one tiny thing that makes you feel brave. It’s the way to assure yourself that you have the commitment and the courage to change. ✨
Have you ever thought of hosting your own personal retreat? It's something I've done a few times now and I can't recommend it more highly. It's particularly helpful if you're feeling a little burnt out, if you want clarity about a decision or if you just need a bit of self-care. Here are a few simple steps to make your retreat a success. * Ideally, take yourself away from your home environment for at least three days and spend the time in a place where you have direct access to nature. * Set an intention for your retreat, for example, reconnecting with yourself, discovering your values or simply 'retreating', in the pure sense of the word. * Plan to be offline for the duration of your retreat. Let people know you'll be away and ahead of time, download any meditations, music, yoga classes etc so you can access them with your device on flight mode. * Pack everything that will make you feel nurtured. Nutritious food, herbal teas, your favourite books, comfy clothes, your own pillow, a cosy blanket, essential oils, your journal, sketchbook and anything else that will make your time beautiful. * Allow your days to unfold naturally. Wake at dawn and watch the sun rise. Meditate, breathe, sit in stillness, walk, swim, dance, practise yoga or qigong, journal, write poetry, eat mindfully. Listen to your body's rhythms rather than planning how you'll spend your time. * As the noise of the outside world falls away, turn your awareness within. Become more aware of your body. Connect more deeply with your breath. Tune into the emotions you’re feeling. Listen to your heart and trust your innate wisdom. * Before your retreat is over, reflect on everything you’ve become aware of. Think about how you can transition back gently. Allow time to reflect once you're home and do everything you can to hold onto the stillness you've created. ✨
A few minutes before taking this photo yesterday, I had a bit of a fright. While walking from the road to the beach (slowly, given my foot is still recovering), I had my first close encounter with an eastern brown snake. I rounded a corner and startled this beautiful creature as it lay across the path in the sun. We both reacted in a split second. As quickly as I leapt in the air, the snake reared off the ground and its head missed my ankle by just a few centimetres. My heart nearly leapt from my chest. Naively, I hadn't even considered snakes on that short sandy path but I really should have known better. They've been on this land forever and I was recently told that there are greater numbers this year as a result of the weather we've had. It was a timely warning to be a little more cautious. While walking alone on a narrow path, it can help to make a bit of noise. And if you’re hiking any distance, it's probably smart to wear boots. Once my heart had stopped pounding, I experienced the strangest feeling of awe. It's incredible how much fear sharpens your senses. I'm amazed at how high I leapt and so quickly and at the same time, surprised at how much detail I was able to absorb in such a brief moment. The glorious bronze of the scales, the little flecks of gold as the sun caught its back and those onyx black jewels of eyes. It really was the most magnificent creature. Still, I'm pleased that our encounter was brief. A minute after our shocked reaction, the snake slithered off into the bushes and I walked a little more quickly to the beach. Both of us a little shaken but grateful to go our separate ways. ✨
© Kate James 2024

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we live and work on, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

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