Gunnebah Retreat Centre

Our Vision
Gunnebah is a spa for the soul.
Reconnect with who you are, why you are here, overcome inner obstacles and authentically express yourself in the world.

We bring together a program of events and workshops led by high quality teachers and facilitators who lift the spirit, inspire creativity, encourage personal growth and deepen connection with self and others.

What to expect
When you come to Gunnebah, you can expect to find….clean, comfortable, charming facilities…. warm, attentive and caring service…. a secluded, tranquil and grace filled environment in which to relax, unwind and drop into the workshop or retreat experience.

We aim to provide you with everything you will need to be comfortable and at ease. If it’s raining there will be an umbrella; if it’s dark there will be a torch; for mozzies, repellent or a citronella oil burner. We provide all bedding, a face cloth and a bath towel. In the bathroom you will find hand soap, shower gel, a hair dryer and shampoo. In the laundry, there is detergent, an iron and pegs. We have wireless access, mobile phone reception for Telstra next G phones and access to a landline. And if you want to relax we can arrange a massage or a facial.

We suggest that you bring: comfy clothing, rain gear, walking shoes, soft indoor shoes/socks, a small personal torch, bathers and a beach towel for the pool, warm clothes for winter and cool clothes for summer, a sun hat and personal items.

And if you need something that is not on offer, simply ask and we will do our best to provide it.

The Team

The current Gunnebah team consists of Muhsin and Leonora Raven, Marlena Sue Basser and Pascal Masset. They live in the Gunnebah residence and see this enterprise as more than a business. It is a community, a lifestyle and a service. Together they make up a caring, responsive and professional team.

A History

Gunnebah was founded as a retreat centre in 1989. Originally farming land, it was built from the earth on which the centre now stands, by founders, Sheila and Stuart. The centre was specifically designed for groups with the ideal spaces for shared living, work and play.

Sussana and Paul Beck bought Gunnebah in 1997 and further developed the centre and the grounds, creating a deeply nurturing space for workshops and retreats. Through their 10 years, Gunnebah developed a reputation for superb food, loving service and a special energy that grounds and enhances personal and spiritual development.

In 2007 they sold the centre to the current team, who have embraced the history and spirit of Gunnebah (an aborginal word, meaning place of joy and birth) and who bring their own talents and energy to enhance and develop this special place,

The Region

Gunnebah is conveniently located only 35 minutes from the Gold Coast airport, 2 hrs from Brisbane, 50 minutes from Byron Bay and 12 minutes from Murwillumbah. It is situated in the largest Caldera in the Southern Hemisphere and close to the mystical Mt. Warning.

Set on the banks of the Tweed River, Murwillumbah is renowned for its attractive scenery and is often referred to as the "prettiest town in Australia". It hosts a range of delightful cafés and restaurants.

There are also many wonderful drives into the surrounding National Parks, Nature Reserves and small villages.

The Future
Dear friends, customers and partners of Gunnebah,

It has been over four years since we took custody of this beautiful place we call Gunnebah. It has been an amazing time of visioning, working, collaborating, learning, and growing.

We have made many improvements to Gunnebah, inspired by your needs and suggestions. We have grown the business three fold, attracting new customers and maintaining old ones.

We have been inspired by the teachers, touched by the participants and energised by the programs you have brought here. The connections we have made with you have truly been a highlight of our time here and we hope that many of the friendships we have made will last.

All in all, these have been four and a half wonderful years.

But as you know, life unfolds, offering new opportunities, challenges and pathways. Howie now lives near Uki and is forging a new career as a photographer; Peter and Isti are living in Victoria near to their children and grandchildren; Marlena (with Pascal) is feeling called to travel and focus on developing her own programs; while Muhsin and Leonora are contemplating retirement and a change of pace.

So we have arrived at a point where it is time to hand Gunnebah over to the next caretakers. The people, who are ready, willing and able to carry Gunnebah forward into her next phase.

Yes, we have decided to place Gunnebah out in the world for sale. And you, as our friends, customers and partners are the first people to hear this news.

We are telling you, because each of you know, more than anyone, just how special Gunnebah is. And how well she has served the different groups that have come and been held by her grace as their work unfolds.

I guess deep down we are hoping that perhaps one of you or your friends or colleagues may be called to continue this work of holding Gunnebah. It is our highest intention to see Gunnebah continue in the same spirit, as a retreat centre that can hold and host the many and varied programs of yoga, tantra, meditation, dance, community building, creativity, life reflection and spiritual growth that have passed through her doors.

We don’t know how long it will take before we attract the right people to carry Gunnebah forward. But, please be sure that we will continue to serve you at the same high standards, with the same passion, love and commitment as we have been doing since we arrived at the end of 2008. And when the right people appear, to take on this important role, we will give them all the time they need to learn the ropes, understand your needs and to seamlessly continue running Gunnebah.

We hope this news excites and inspires you. Change after all can be a wonderful thing.

Perhaps you feel called to be the next caretaker of Gunnebah or maybe you know just the person for the job. If this is the case, please make contact. We would be happy to discuss it with you and provide you with any information you may need to contemplate this opportunity.

If you have any concerns or questions, Please do not hesitate to call me on 02 66791565. or email me to marlena@gunnebah.com.au

With love and light
Gunnebah Retreat