A couples retreat does not have to mean a week away and a big bill. At its heart, a retreat is simply time set aside to step out of routine and focus on each other. That can be a whole weekend in the country, a day at the hot springs, or two hours at Mirosuna, our quiet studio in South Melbourne. Here is how to plan a couples retreat in Melbourne to suit the time and budget you have.
Quick answer: you can do a couples retreat in Melbourne in as little as two hours with a private couples experience at Mirosuna in South Melbourne ($385 per couple), make a day of it at Peninsula Hot Springs, or go away for a weekend in Daylesford, the Mornington Peninsula or along the Great Ocean Road.
What is a couples retreat?
A couples retreat is dedicated time away from everyday life to rest, reconnect and talk about what matters. Some are guided, with practices designed to help you open up. Others are simply a change of scene with space to slow down. What they have in common is intention: you go there for each other.
Couples retreat options at a glance
| Retreat | Time | Cost | From the CBD |
|---|---|---|---|
| A couples experience at Mirosuna | 1.5 to 2 hours | $385 to $390 per couple | Mirosuna, South Melbourne (about 10 minutes from the CBD) |
| Half-day city retreat (two experiences) | 3.5 to 4 hours | About $770 per couple | Mirosuna, South Melbourne |
| Peninsula Hot Springs day | A full day | From $60 per person | About 90 minutes |
| Dandenong Ranges day | A full day | Mostly free | About 1 hour |
| Daylesford weekend | 2 days | Varies with accommodation | About 90 minutes |
| Great Ocean Road weekend | 2 days | Varies with accommodation | About 2 hours to Lorne |
A couples retreat in the city: half a day
If you cannot get away for a weekend, bring the retreat to you. At Mirosuna, our studio in South Melbourne, choose one of our private couples experiences, or pair two for a half-day retreat:
- A Mindful Date (2 hours, $385): a guided reconnection journey with reflective, conversational and playful practices, including a creative body painting activity.
- Couples sound meditation (1.5 hours, $385): connection practices, then deep rest side by side under alchemy crystal singing bowls.
- Couples reiki (1.5 hours, $390): a calm session where you both receive reiki to release the tension that builds up between you.
Finish with a slow lunch nearby and a walk along the beach at Middle Park, and you have had a genuine retreat in an afternoon.
Mirosuna is at 18A Ross Street, South Melbourne. To book, please email hello@mirosuna.com or use the enquiry form.
Day retreats near Melbourne
- Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal (about 90 minutes). Bath house entry is $60 to $90 per person depending on the day. For more privacy, private bathing packages start from $155 per person, and a weekday getaway for two is $235 per couple.
- Yarra Valley (about 75 minutes to Healesville). Cellar doors, long lunches and gentle walks.
- Dandenong Ranges (about an hour to Olinda). Forest walks, gardens and tea rooms in the cool air.
Weekend couples retreats in Victoria
Daylesford (about 90 minutes). Victoria's spa country, with mineral springs, bathhouses, lakeside walks and cosy accommodation. Ideal in the cooler months.
Mornington Peninsula (about 90 minutes). Combine the hot springs with wineries, beaches and a candle-making workshop at Red Hill Candle Co ($110 to $119 per person).
Great Ocean Road (about two hours to Lorne). Coastal walks, ocean views and slow mornings. Plan fewer stops than you think, so the drive stays relaxing.
Phillip Island (about two hours). Beaches, coastal boardwalks and a quiet pace outside the holidays.
How to plan a couples retreat
- Set an intention. Agree on what you want from the time: rest, fun, a big conversation, or all three.
- Agree on phones. Decide together when devices are off.
- Plan rest, not just activities. Leave empty time in the day.
- Include one guided moment. A meditation, a class or a couples experience gives the retreat a centre.
- Close well. Before you head home, each name one thing you want to carry back into everyday life.
A retreat at home: a simple afternoon plan
- 2pm: Phones off. A walk together, no destination.
- 3pm: A 20-minute guided meditation side by side, such as our Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Meditation.
- 4pm: Tea and five questions to ask your partner.
- 5pm: Cook dinner together.
- Evening: One of our at-home date ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What is a couples retreat?
Dedicated time away from everyday routine for a couple to rest, reconnect and talk. It can be a guided experience or simply a change of scene with intention.
How much does a couples retreat cost in Victoria?
It ranges widely. A two-hour private couples experience at Mirosuna in South Melbourne is $385, a hot springs day starts from $60 per person, and a weekend away depends mainly on accommodation.
Can you do a couples retreat in one day?
Yes. A half-day in the city with a couples experience and a slow lunch, or a day at the hot springs, gives you most of the benefit without the travel.
Planning a special occasion? See our anniversary ideas in Melbourne and romantic things to do in Melbourne. Thank you for making time for each other.