Why Learning to Interact with Horses is Trending in the Wellness Space
How Sugar Beach Ranch is changing the wellness landscape with equine-focused Sweet Retreats.
Embark on a journey of rewilding and connection at the exclusive Sugar Beach Ranch in Ballina and its newly launched Sweet Retreats. The three-day, women’s-only retreats will see guests immerse themselves in the sprawling natural playground that surrounds the fully equipped horse ranch – not to mention getting up close and personal with the friendly equine residents.
The property was owned by music industry legend Chris ‘CM’ Murphy OAM, the late manager of INXS. Sugar Beach Ranch is now lovingly helmed by his eldest daughter, Stevey Arena, alongside her husband and two children. Backed by more than 20 years’ experience as a special and corporate events planner, Arena has opened the gates of Sugar Beach Ranch to carry on her father’s legacy.
“After years of living in the fast lane, my father moved to Sugar Beach Ranch to indulge his love of agriculture and horse training. The times we spent riding along the beach and exploring the lush hinterland are some of my fondest memories. With our new Sweet Retreats, we’re allowing others to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the digital age and rediscover their authentic self, alongside our beautiful horses.”
A sweet escape
Curated by women, for women, Sweet Retreats provides guests with an opportunity to unwind, relax, and cultivate inner peace – but not just with yoga and green juices. Drawing on the principles of equine therapy, Arena, alongside equine psychotherapist Maxime Willems, will take guests on a journey of self-discovery.
“As creatures of prey, horses are master observers and hypersensitive to movement and emotions. They offer instant feedback on our own personal presence and relational dynamics, but they do so without judgement. Handling and interacting with horses can teach you how to be more present, which is something we could all use a little more help with.”
Attendees will also be treated to five-star cuisine and given the chance to participate in grounding activities such as yoga, meditation and breathwork, alfresco equine painting, sound bowl healing, regenerative planting, dove releases, and nature therapy and ceremonies. Guests will glamp under the stars in a private or shared tent and have access to a resort-sized magnesium swimming pool, plus the 60 stunning acres of the ranch’s estate.
THE DETAILS
Sweet Retreats Women’s Wellness Retreats will be held on June 28th-30th, and September 20th-22nd 2024. Prices start from $2,599. For more information visit www.sugarbeachranch.com
COUPLES’ RETREATS
As well as offering women a safe space to nurture and reconnect with both their bodies and minds, Sugar Beach Ranch Sweet Retreats will soon cater to couples wanting to escape the daily grind and deepen their connection. Launching in September, this retreat is the perfect opportunity to rediscover – and reignite – your relationship.
CORPORATE WELLNESS
Arena and Willems currently offer half- and full-day equine-assisted team-building workshops for employers looking to elevate their team’s dynamics and ignite a renewed sense of purpose. Harnessing the powerful feedback from horses, teams will learn to connect on a deeper level and communicate more effectively.
ABOUT SUGAR BEACH RANCH
Set on 60 acres of unspoiled coastline, Sugar Beach Ranch is a secluded gem in the Northern Rivers boasting unparalleled access to 30km of unspoilt beaches, coastal walking trails and luscious horse paddocks. Located an easy 40-minute drive south of Byron Bay, the ranch boasts two self-contained bungalows, which can be booked via Airbnb, an intimate campground and a resort-sized magnesium salt pool. The ideal setting for a wellness escape, the ranch is also the ultimate location for weddings, elopements, photoshoots, corporate events, and full-scale productions. It remains a fully equipped horse ranch, with its equine residents remaining the heart and soul of the estate.
ABOUT STEVEY ARENA
As the founder of Surfing Cowboys Special Events, Stevey Arena brings a wealth of experience to her new role as manager of Sugar Beach Ranch. Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience as an events planner and fuelled by her passion for equine wellness and holistic wellbeing, Arena has created an array of truly transformative experiences for individuals, couples and teams seeking rejuvenation and personal growth.
ABOUT MAXIME WILLEMS
With a background in sociology and education and accreditation from the Equine Psychotherapy Institute, Maxime Willems fosters deep connections between individuals and horses, harnessing the therapeutic power of equine interactions. Alongside her dedicated team, she curates dynamic equine assisted team-building sessions at the enchanting Sugar Beach Ranch. It's here, surrounded by nature's beauty, that Maxime cultivates an environment conducive to growth and connection.