When the ocean was calling my name - but so too were the comforts of a retreat-like space with a sauna and yoga—an escape to The Island ticked all the boxes.

It’s chilly down south this time of year, but the steam rising from our private sauna as it met the crisp ocean air was the perfect remedy for the winter cold. Exhaling the week behind us and breathing in the scent of cedar mixed with salt, I sank into the present momenT - grateful for this beautiful little sanctuary we’d found ourselves in.

Nestled quietly beneath the in-house gym and yoga studio - where complimentary classes were offered throughout our stay—we settled into the thoughtfully designed guesthouse that was ours for the weekend. Surf movies snuggled up on the plush couch, indulgent couple’s showers in the double raincloud bathroom, and a blissful night’s sleep following a sauna and ice bath session... it was exactly what we needed.

Beach walks were made all the sweeter knowing our fur-baby could join us. As the sun set across nearby Smiths Beach each evening, we rinsed the sand from our toes and retreated to the studio, lighting a fire in the tropical courtyard out front.

Between the sauna, surf and sandy toes, yoga upstairs with host Ashlea, and getting muddy and playful in a pottery class with local legend Alyce, this Riparide escape felt utterly wholesome - a winter reset I’d been dreaming of.