Deviot, the Tamar Valley, Tasmania
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Our first Gourmet Yoga retreat in Australia took place in a house overlooking the Tamar River in Northern Tasmania. This took us back to our roots, as we both grew up in Launceston. Five guests joined us at Deviot, about half an hour from Launceston, for a three-day retreat. The house was amazing, split over two levels with views looking east across the river to Mount Arthur.
We practiced yoga each morning in the sun on the deck, with the evening restorative practice taking place inside. The retreat kicked off with an evening meal prepared by Ede. We started with blue cheese and walnut madeleines, followed by roasted stuffed beetroot with local asparagus and radishes, then topped off with a delicate pear and hazelnut frangipane tart. With full bellies, Ellen led a relaxing yoga nidra and we headed off to bed.
The next day started with a yoga practice in the sun, overlooking the river. After breakfast we headed to a wine tasting at Holm Oak, where Bella the Labrador and Nyah the Maltese made us feel very welcome! Holm Oak’s expert sommeliers took us through a range of their wines, which are all exceptional cool-climate varieties. Afterwards we visited their General Manager, Pinot the Pig, who graciously, if not slobberishly, welcomed our apples!
That evening, after a soothing restorative yoga practice, we dined on local scallops, pan-fried with a Leatherwood honey glaze, followed by a leek and chard crostata. The dessert was a salted chocolate tart, topped with an almond praline. To describe it as very rich doesn’t do it justice! No one was able to finish their slice, although everyone kept the leftovers for later. Some were even seen sneaking bites before the next day’s afternoon restorative yoga session!
For lunch each day, we ate at local restaurants, specifically those who showcase local ingredients. Timbre, at Velo Winery, is well-known to locals as a great dining establishment. The food created in their wood-fired kitchen is exceptional; they brought us plate after plate of local, seasonal dishes packed with greens, root vegetables, rich sauces and glazes. Even the cheese on toast, prepared in their wood-fired oven, was sublime!
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For lunch each day, we ate at local restaurants, specifically those who showcase local ingredients. Timbre, at Velo Winery, is well-known to locals as a great dining establishment.
One of the highlights of the retreat was being led through Notley Fern Gorge by our friend Elspeth, who’s a Forest Therapy Guide. The Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, helps you interact with the landscape in a thoughtful way and has many health benefits. Over 2 hours we walked mindfully through the forest, taking in our surroundings and spending time with the trees, the creek and the wildlife. It was an incredibly soothing exercise and we all left feeling calmer and more at ease.
The next morning, after a sun-drenched yoga practice on the deck, no one could decide whether to have my french toast or eggs and smoked Tasmanian ocean trout... so we all had both! A hearty brunch was the perfect way to round out the retreat and say goodbye to one another.