Just Breathe - Mt Jukes Eco Retreat
In the shadow of the mighty Mt Jukes, a mountain forged from ancient volcanic rock, lies Mt Jukes Eco Retreat—a sanctuary where nature's strength and beauty converge to inspire and rejuvenate. As the sun traverses the sky, casting shifting hues upon the rugged landscape, visitors are drawn near, captivated by the mountain's majestic presence and magnetic allure. At its base, a pristine spring water creek flows ceaselessly, adding to the enchantment of this natural wonderland.
Offering a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this retreat embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability, tranquillity, and rejuvenation. Organic products and food nourish both body and mind, while a range of healing classes help those escaping a hectic lifestyle to soften the noise in their head.
Once you arrive, just breathe. The silence is sublime.
Surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment, Mt Jukes Eco Retreat offers a range of luxuriously rustic rooms to recharge after each blissful day.
Supreme Lodge: Where Luxury Meets Natural Beauty
The Supreme Lodge greets guests with an air of rustic charm and understated luxury. Crafted from high-quality earthy materials, this accommodation option exudes warmth and elegance. The true highlight of the Supreme Lodge lies in its unique design feature—Selenite crystals adorn the walls, casting a spell of peace, clarity, and well-being throughout the space. The private outdoor bath and shower provide a sense of serenity to be at one with nature.
Deluxe Cabins: A Haven of Elemental Harmony
The deluxe cabins offer a serene retreat amidst nature's embrace. Designed in the shape of a half-moon, each cabin symbolises fertility, intuitiveness, and empowerment. Adorned with hand-painted Mandalas representing the five elements, these private sanctuaries with ensuites invite guests to reconnect with the elements and find inner harmony.
Glamping Tents: A Natural Oasis of Comfort
For those seeking a closer connection to nature, the glamping tents provide the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness. Spacious and inviting, each tent features a private ensuite and offers stunning views of Mount Jukes. The highlight of the glamping experience? The cast iron baths, where guests can indulge in a moment of pure relaxation while soaking in the natural beauty of Mount Jukes.
What makes this retreat truly remarkable, is that it was conceived and constructed by one man, Dave Deakin. What started as a bare block of land has been lovingly crafted into Australia’s only purpose-built retreat that is fully off-grid eco and organic. The wooden yoga shala is a masterpiece in itself with perfect acoustics for sublime sound healing.
Dave's journey from a high-flying entrepreneur to teaching tranquillity and wellness is nothing short of extraordinary. After building a successful empire spanning seven different industries, Dave found himself at a crossroads when a tragic car accident claimed the life of his brother.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a profound spiritual awakening, a transformative shift from a life driven by ego and wealth to one centred on inner peace and well-being.
"It was a typical Good Friday morning, and my brother was coming over for lunch," Dave recalls.
"That morning, I was sick like I had never been before.
"A couple of years before this, my brother and I were at the same café, not together, and we discovered that we had the same watches bought in two different cities.
“When he was labelled clinically dead after the accident, my watch stopped at that time and is still at that time today."
In the aftermath of the accident, Dave found himself grappling with profound existential questions, his sense of reality shattered by grief and loss.
"It was a pivotal moment, a stark reminder of life's fragility," he reflects.
"For the first time, I glimpsed the vast expanse of existence beyond the confines of my own ego."
As he stood at the crossroads of despair and enlightenment, Dave made a conscious choice—a choice to embrace the unknown, to surrender to the ebb and flow of life's unpredictable currents.
From the bustling streets of India to the serene landscapes of Bali and Thailand, he immersed himself in the ancient traditions of Tantra/Hatha yoga, Ayurveda, and Tibetan Singing Bowls. It was here, amidst the tranquil beauty of these sacred lands, that Dave discovered the true essence of yoga—not merely as a physical practice but as a pathway to infinite possibilities and inner harmony.
“Yoga gives us the tools to live an infinite life; it's not about form, it’s about function,” Dave said.
“Flexibility comes when the mind becomes flexible."
Dave's spiritual odyssey took a decisive turn when he faced a series of debilitating injuries, including multiple broken bones and surgeries. Yet, it was through these challenges that he discovered the true power of mind-body connection. As he delved deeper into yoga and mindfulness practices, Dave experienced a profound liberation—both mentally and physically.
"Free mind, free body," he reflects, a testament to the transformative potential of embracing adversity and letting go of control,” he said.
Today, Dave's journey has come full circle with the creation of Mt Jukes Eco Retreat—a sanctuary for the soul and a testament to the power of conscious living. Through his teachings, Dave seeks to inspire others to embrace the extraordinary potential within themselves and reclaim their innate sense of purpose and joy.
There are retreats to suit every need and lifestyle, from a half-day taster for those who are short on time but are intrigued by the allure of escaping the hustle and bustle, to what Dave describes as a life-changing signature six-day experience.
“If you want to do the extraordinary, you have to let go of the ordinary,” Dave said.
During the immersive retreats, the sublime begins with silence.
Discover serenity and renewal with the Rest and Recover Weekend Retreat, a 3-day, 2-night escape to a tranquil oasis. Let the stresses of daily life fade away as you indulge in much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation for your mind, body, and soul, surrounded by the beauty of nature, a seismic change for body and mind in a weekend.
Or, embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner peace at the popular Silent Retreat. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, take a step back and immerse yourself in the profound power of silence.
For those seeking deeper healing, the six-day retreat is a completely holistic experience.
Throughout the retreat, you will have the opportunity to attend various workshops led by Dave on personal development and self-empowerment. These sessions will cover topics such as goal setting, mindset shifts, visualisation techniques, and strategies for overcoming challenges.
To boost your sense of empowerment and resilience, Dave uses lineage-based yoga, sound healing, yin or restorative yoga that push you beyond your comfort zone and help you tap into your physical and mental strength while feeling grounded and centred. Also, the power of the breath using many pranayama techniques is cultivated.
Finally, be prepared to be nourished in a way you may not have experienced before.
“We believe that food is fuel for your body, mind and soul, with delicious and nutritious, grounding meals that support your overall well-being,” Dave said.
Dave’s partner prepares flavourful dishes using fresh organic produce grown at the retreat or locally sourced ingredients from local farmers in season, offering a balanced and nourishing culinary experience.
With a heart as expansive as the mountains that surround him, Dave continues to share his wisdom and compassion, not only through his teachings but also through his commitment to community and philanthropy.
Once the Eco Retreat’s gardens reach an abundance of nutrition, Dave’s aim is to deliver his organic fruit and vegetables to local charities supporting homelessness and women’s refuge. His mission is clear, to serve others and nurture a world where wellness and peace prevail.
Ellwoods Rd, Mount Jukes
0400 599 570
