Welcome to our nurturing all-inclusive Over 55s Yoga Retreat. A gentle, restorative escape designed to support your body, mind and spirit. This is your time to slow down, release what no longer serves you, and rediscover ease. Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and with simple tools to bring lasting balance into your everyday life.

Over 55s Yoga Retreat

A gentle invitation to rediscover yourself.

Life after 55 can be a beautiful chapter. A time to slow down, reconnect with your body, nourish your mind and spirit, and enjoy the gift of presence. Our Over 55s Yoga Retreat is created especially for you: an opportunity to move with care, rest with ease, and share space with others who value peace, grounding and community.

Whether you’re new to yoga or returning after many years, you’re warmly welcome. We honour where you are now, and offer gentle, nurturing support for whatever is next.

Over 55s Yoga Retreat Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • All meals: nourishing, delicious vegetarian cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to meet dietary preferences and allergies
  • Unlimited herbal teas and fresh fruit throughout your stay
  • Up to three rejuvenating massages or treatments to support your well-being
  • Access to onsite bicycles for scenic rides
  • Heated 20-metre mineral salt swimming pool
  • Up to three daily yoga classes, including Flow, Classic Hatha, and Restorative/Yin options
  • Workshops on healthy aging, wellness, and nutrition
  • Free time for rest, reading, reflection, beach or nature walks, or peaceful solitude.
  • Evening restorative yoga or guided meditation to unwind and support deep rest

Please note – our yoga retreat program is flexible, so you can join in as much or as little as you feel up to. 

Over 55s Yoga Retreat Dates

8 Day Over 55s Yoga Retreat

Dates: August 7 – 14, 2026

All inclusive Retreat

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 3 nutritious meals per day
  • 5 wellness/lifestyle sessions
  • 3 yoga classes per day
  • 3 massage treatments
  • Evening meditation

Investment: from $2,765

Early bird offer available until June 17

Payment plan available

5 Day Over 55s Yoga Retreat

Dates: August 10 – 14, 2026

All inclusive Retreat

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 3 nutritious meals per day
  • 3 wellness/lifestyle sessions
  • 3 yoga classes per day
  • 2 massage treatments
  • Evening meditation

Investment: from $1,770

Early bird offer available until June 20

Payment plan available

Weekend over 55s Yoga Retreat

Dates: August 7 – 9, 2026

All inclusive Retreat

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 3 nutritious meals per day
  • 2 wellness/lifestyle sessions
  • 3 yoga classes per day
  • 1 massage treatments
  • Evening meditation

Investment: from $1000

Early bird offer available until June 13

Payment plan available

You’ll leave with…

A calmer nervous system, greater ease in your body, and renewed vitality.

Tools for mindful living, breathwork, gentle movement, restorative habits.

Deeper connection with yourself.

New friendships and shared experiences in a supportive community.

Restful pause, reflection, and renewed perspective.

Over 55s Yoga Retreat Schedule

Arrival Day

8:00am - 2.45pm - Arrive anytime and settle in to your accommodation
12:30pm - Lunch (optional - for an additional cost)
3:00pm - Welcome Circle and Meditation
4:30pm - Restorative / Yin Yoga Class
6:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Guided Meditation / Yoga Nidra

Full Days

6:45am - Yoga Class
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Wellness / Lifestyle Session
10:00am - Morning Break
10:30am - Yoga Class
12:00pm - Relax
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm - Relax / Treatment
4:30pm - Restorative / Yin Yoga Class
6:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Guided Meditation / Philosophy / Wellness session

Final Day

6:45am - Morning Flow Yoga
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Yoga Philosophy and Closing Circle
11:00am - Check out and departure (you are welcome to stay on to use the facilities and have lunch)

Wellness / Lifestyle Sessions

Our over 55s Yoga Retreat is a fully immersive program designed to nurture body, mind and spirit. As part of the week, you’ll take part in a series of age related wellness and lifestyle sessions woven into the schedule to complement your yoga and relaxation.

Across the retreat, you’ll enjoy:

  • Tuesday: Yoga for healthy aging

  • Wednesday: Cooking class

  • Thursday: Garden tour

  • Saturday: Fundamentals of asana alignment

  • Sunday: Yoga philosophy

These sessions are an integral part of your retreat experience, offering both inspiration and practical tools to take home with you.

Stories from the Heart

Byron Yoga Centre is wonderful. Exceptional teachers, yoga that caters to each level of experience, sublime physical environment. I am leaving feeling deeply nurtured, grounded and re-energised. I highly recommend this experience. 

Pam, Psychotherapy, Vic.

BYC is proof that “Like affects Like” – you will leave stronger and more grounded than you arrived. Truly a place of healing. 

Catherine, Nurse, Qld.

I arrived burnt out, energetically out of shape and fatigued. Within the first morning waking up I already noticed changes within my posture and body. I’ve been able to let go of anger and got some great tools to manage my Anxiety and PTSD. Thanks

Dave, Vic
Over the last 5-years I have returned 3-times for retreats. The first time I went I’d never done any yoga in my life – it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner have a lifetime of practice. The teachers help us all. The entire staff from the cleaners, gardeners, cooks, teachers and resort hosts are so lovely and nurturing. Always greeting you with a smile and and open heart. If you are worn out from life and need some nurturing then Byron Yoga will give you a recharge, love and laughter and let you get to know yourself a little better.

Duncan L

I stayed for a 7-day yoga retreat. It was an amazing week of learning, relaxation and new friendships. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to deepen their yoga practice or even start one and learn in a supportive environment. The teachers were excellent at providing options for those like me with injuries and you are supported with amazing food, massages and magnesium salt pool. Equally as good were the friendships formed, and the conversations had. The location is beautiful and peaceful, and all the staff are lovely and knowledgeable

Heather G.

Not being a proficient yoga practitioner, and being somewhat older, I initially felt some trepidation at the prospect of a 7-day yoga retreat, with 3 classes a day!
Yet, all of the staff and yoga teachers were amazing, in that they were not only congruent with what they were teaching, but they were also 100% supportive of each individual’s preferences and needs.
The rustic atmosphere was relaxing and the 3 massages included in my package were amazingly calming, which was exactly what I needed after such a busy year work-wise. I also really enjoyed learning and experiencing a truly authentic yoga lifestyle, great food, early nights, and simple amenities, all within a stunningly beautiful location.
Thanks so much for having me!

Janet S.

BYC is a fabulous retreat, offering excellent yoga instruction in a non-judgemental relaxing environment. For me an additional bonus is the beautiful mineral swimming pool and close proximity to Byron for a beach walk and swim.

Alison P. - Victoria

5th return visit – always enjoyable and relaxing, great facilities and outstanding staff. Beautiful setting.

Jen R. - Victoria

You come as you were, and leave as you should be.

Anastasia - Qld.

I just loved coming here. I learn something new every day. Meet amazing people. Incredible food! I love the variety with classes as well!

Shannon C. - Qld

Byron Yoga Retreat helped me integrate and balance. At the end of my 7 day retreat my body was relaxed and mind was clear of clutter.

Lina J.

Byron Yoga Retreat helped me integrate and balance. At the end of my 7 day retreat my body was relaxed and mind was clear of clutter.

Katherine

A true escape and opportunity for rest and self care in the most supporting, nurturing and peaceful community.

Fiona M.

Time to relax, time to give back to yourself, time for you. Come to Byron Yoga Centre.

Phil M. - Victoria

I did the 7 day retreat in Jan 25. I can’t leave without complimenting BYC and staff for a wonderous collection of skills, hard work, friendliness and compassion! It was smoothly run, I could feel the love! All the details have been thought of and little free extras were given, making me feel welcomed. They even catered for my needs; a special insight is needed to do this, they have it! We had a dance to my favourite song at the end of a yoga class. Yaaahoo. Big hugs, Thank you, Lorenzo.

Lorenzo I. - NSW

A Day in Retreat

This Over 55s Yoga Retreat is designed to gently reset your body, calm your mind, and restore balance to your emotions.
Our program is flexible, and you are invited to join as much or as little as feels right for you.

Morning
Start your day with a gentle sunrise yoga session – slow-flow, suitable for all levels and mobility. Follow with a nourishing breakfast: vibrant vegetarian dishes that vary daily.

Mid Morning
Join an optional wellness workshop that might explore nutrition, yogic philosophy, or practical self-care tools to support your daily life.

Midday
After lunch, enjoy free time to curl up with a good book in the sun, rest in your room, stroll along the beach, or unwind by our 20-metre mineral salt pool – a gentle way to soothe tired muscles and restore energy.

Afternoon 
Immerse yourself in a deeply relaxing yin or restorative yoga session to help your body and mind drop into stillness. These sessions are slow-paced and encourage letting go of tension while fostering inner calm.

Evening
Dine together under the stars with a wholesome, freshly prepared meal, enjoying connection and conversation, or simply quiet reflection. End your day with gentle meditation or relaxation, allowing your body and mind to rest fully.

The structure of the program, gentle yoga, nourishing meals, workshops, and ample free time, ensures you feel restored without ever being overwhelmed. This retreat offers a safe, supportive space to release what no longer serves you, set intentions for wellbeing, and take home simple tools to maintain balance.

Meet your Hosts

Our experienced Byron Yoga Centre team is here to support your journey with warmth and integrity. With decades of experience and a genuine love for what we do, our teachers guide you with compassion and presence.

"We're not here to fix you. You're not broken. We're simply here to hold space while you return to your wholeness."

John Ogilvie is the CEO and Founder of Byron Yoga Centre. He is also one of Australia’s most respected and experienced teachers.

John has been practising yoga for more than 45 years and teaching for over 40. John developed his signature style of yoga, Purna Yoga, after 20 years of disciplined yoga training including both the Iyengar and Ashtanga lineages. Purna integrates asanas, breathing techniques, meditation and philosophical principles.

The Purna method John teaches focuses on safety through intelligent sequencing, individual attention including hands-on assists, and the use of props to support optimal alignment. John’s teaching style is entertaining and accessible. His instructions are clear and simple, always encouraging students to listen to their own body’s needs and only work at a level appropriate to the individual, at any given time.

John encourages students at all levels to build flexibility, strength and stamina of body, mind and spirit. Many students discover, as a consequence, that yoga becomes a way of life. You can read John’s inspiring story here.

Marita is our Head Teacher Trainer at Byron Yoga Centre.

As a gymnast from a young age, Marita realised early on that she’s happiest upside-down – and when she found yoga, it was love at first Downward Dog.

She began teaching Iyengar-influenced yoga in 2002 after apprenticing with her first teacher. A few years later, Marita discovered vinyasa yoga, and relished the freedom of flowing through movement and connecting with breath – her yoga practice became a moving meditation. Marita’s teaching can now be described as alignment-based vinyasa.

When teaching, Marita aims to instill the peace and happiness that she experiences through yoga within her students. By both challenging and nurturing, she teaches people to stretch and strengthen their muscles, but also to breathe, to stand tall, and to live with compassion.

Elise is our Retreat Manager, where she has been both teaching and hosting our retreats since 2016.
She teaches a range of styles including vinyasa, yin, restorative and a powerful slow flow. All her classes have an emphasis on body awareness, alignment, nervous system regulation and the mind body connection. Her intention is to create a space where students can connect, grow and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Elise’s background in personal training and holistic wellness guided her own wellness journey, which led her to yoga in 2013. Since then, she has traveled to India to complete her 200-hour Level 1 training in Hatha and Ashtanga, followed by numerous additional trainings at Byron Yoga Centre. Elise has been teaching yoga since 2015 and has led hundreds of retreats. She loves connecting with guests and sharing her passion for yoga. Elise believes there is a form of yoga for everyone, and her goal is to help students discover their unique path.

Ross has a love for sharing the ancient wisdom teachings of Yoga and Mindfulness, teachings that have profoundly changed the course of his own life. His favourite thing is when others feel for themselves the healing, nourishing and transformative effects of these simple and time tested practices and principles. He is particularly passionate about helping to facilitate mental wellbeing.

Ross qualified as a yoga teacher in 2013 joining the Byron Yoga Centre team in 2016 where he continues to facilitate retreat groups to this day.

He has completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy with world renowned teacher and yoga therapist Dr N. Chandrasekaran, as well as trainings in various meditation techniques, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Trauma Aware Yoga, Zen Thai Shiatsu massage, and Reiki.

Ross loves swimming in the ocean, enjoying yoga, meditation, and good food… learning, teaching, playing, and walking…and enjoying time with his wife Mariana, their two sons Benji and Jesse, and their cat Shanti, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia.

Mariana is a Yoga teacher, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and the founder of VIDA Ayurveda, bringing over two decades of experience to her work. Her cosy clinic sits in the tranquil surroundings of Byron Bay, where she supports clients with a nurturing blend of yogic wisdom and Ayurvedic healing.

Her journey into wellbeing began with a lifelong fascination for the science of life. From scuba diving in her teens to studying marine biology and eventually becoming a Yoga teacher, Mariana has always been driven by one question: what truly makes us feel more alive?

This curiosity led her to immerse herself fully in a yogic lifestyle while living in Spain—teaching, studying, and deepening her practice. When she later travelled to Australia, she discovered Ayurveda and instantly knew she had found her true path. After years of intensive study and hands-on experience in both established Byron Bay clinics and private practice, she opened VIDA Ayurveda.

Mariana’s approach is grounded, compassionate, and attuned. She brings a rare balance of heart and mind to her treatments, offering a style of care that is both deeply nurturing and rooted in traditional Ayurvedic wisdom.

Her mission is simple: to help people feel better, live healthier lives, and reconnect with their natural vitality. Mariana believes wholeheartedly that Ayurveda is one of the most powerful pathways to feeling more vibrant, awake, and alive—every single day.

Colin’s love of yoga was born in Edinburgh at the age of 21 with a rigorous Ashtanga practice. He has been involved in many styles over the years, across a number of countries, from Iyengar to Hot Yoga and most recently Vinyasa, Yin and Myofascial Release.

He began teaching by accident in 2019, completing his Level 1 course in Sydney and has been teaching weekly ever since. Furthering his experience through the Level 2 at Byron Yoga Centre in 2023, he then attended the Restore Training (Yin and Myofascial) with Lennox Yoga later that year.

With an emphasis on bringing together breath, alignment, presence, music and poetry, he endeavours to bring the full open hearted; depth of yoga to participants. With a sprinkling of occasionally good humour, his passion is to meet people wherever they are, regardless of age, sex, body type, injuries and capability.

Accommodation

At Byron Yoga Centre, we believe your surroundings play a meaningful role in your overall sense of ease and wellbeing. Our accommodation is simple, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to support rest, reflection and a deeper connection to your retreat experience.

Choose from our private ensuite rooms for added comfort and privacy, or our more affordable shared-bathroom options, offering a cosy and welcoming stay without compromising on tranquillity. No matter which option you select, you’ll enjoy peaceful spaces, garden views and the calming atmosphere of our retreat centre — the perfect place to unwind between sessions.

Learn more

Vegetarian Menu

We boast 3 acres of beautiful organic gardens, which supplies most of the food for our vegetarian menu. Our meals are meticulously crafted to be nutritionally balanced, cleansing, and nourishing.

Our commitment to SLOW means sourcing super-fresh produce from our own organic gardens whenever possible and opting for local, organic, and in-season ingredients. This ensures not only the exceptional taste of our meals but also provides toxin-free food with maximum freshness, delivering optimum nutrients to the body.

Learn more

Retreat Facilities

As a Yoga Retreat guest, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to our 15 acres of retreat lands. Wander through and taste the magic of our 3 acres of organic fruit, vegetable and herb gardens. Soak in our solar heated 20 metre mineral salt pool rich in magnesium. Relax amongst the banana trees in our Balé. Or use one of our on-site bikes and ride into town or explore the local beaches.

Explore
Byron Bay

Our Yoga Retreat guests love spending time at the beach, walking the iconic lighthouse trail, whale or dolphin watching, hanging out in cafes and browsing the unique shops in this funky town known for its alternative and laid back atmosphere. Byron Yoga Centre is conveniently located within walking distance from town. We’ve put together a list of a few of our favourite activities to do in and around  Byron Bay during your stay.

Learn more

Commitment to
Sustainability

For over three decades, Byron Yoga Centre, led by John Ogilvie, has been on a dedicated journey to weave sustainability into the very fabric of our ethos. We recognise the profound interconnectedness between our well-being, the health of our planet, and the vitality of our shared communities. Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s a way of life. This includes solar power, rainwater harvesting, eco-friendly toilets, recycling intiatives, composting, and community outreach.

Learn more

The yoga taught at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is called Purna, meaning integrated or complete. We offer a holistic approach to yoga integrating not just the physical postures but also meditation, pranayama and philosophy. Read more about purna yoga. 

The following items are not included in the 7 Day Yoga Retreat price, but can be added by request:

For returning guests who are looking for a varied experience, or for those wishing to combine the retreat with more adventurous activity or to explore the local area – we have several program options and activity partners (subject to availability, minimum numbers and additional costs). You can also choose to book extra options when you purchase your retreat. See below for more details.

ActivityAvailabilityMinimum numberAdditional costBooking process
Communal Sauna Session DailyNo minimum number$35 for 2 x 10-20 minute sessions (valued at $45)Book with your retreat
Surf Lesson Could be 9am or after lunch for approx 4 hours, tide and weather dependentNo minimum number$99 per person per lesson (board and wetsuit included)Book with your retreat (refunded if cancelled due to weather)

Sauna

Add a Sauna Experience

You can now add a sauna experience to your retreat for a reduced rate. Learn more about our sauna here

FAQs.

Absolutely. This retreat is designed especially for guests 55 and over, including complete beginners. All yoga sessions are gentle, accessible and easily modified for different bodies, mobility levels and experience.

Not at all. There is no expectation of fitness or flexibility — this retreat is about meeting yourself where you are. Our teachers offer slow, supportive practices with plenty of props and variations.

The daily schedule is spacious and gentle. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you like. This retreat is designed for comfort, rest and wellbeing — not intensity or pushing limits.

No. Everything is optional. You’re encouraged to listen to your body and create the rhythm that feels nourishing for you.

We offer private ensuite rooms for extra comfort, as well as more affordable shared-bathroom rooms. Please note that these shared bathrooms are about a 50m walk from the rooms. All rooms are simple, peaceful and designed to support rest and relaxation.

Comfortable clothing, swimwear, a reusable water bottle, a hat, walking shoes, and a light jumper for evenings. Yoga mats and props are provided.

Absolutely. Many guests attend alone, and our small, gentle group environment makes it easy to feel welcomed and supported.

Virtual Tour

Join our Community