Events + Stay

I was looking for a retreat to help me heal, one that would nourish my mind, body and spirit and this deep healing retreat delivered - it is an amazing start (or restart) to any healing journey. The second I drove in & saw the “Coolabah cottage” I started to feel the peace I had been longing for. I was met with welcome from such a generous person - Janella goes above and beyond. The food is nourishing and tastes absolutely amazing, and the sessions with Janella really opened my eyes. I will definitely be recommending this retreat to everyone and returning myself.

I have found both experiences to be life changing. As both a patient and participant in Janella’s Deep Healing Retreat, I have found both experiences to be life changing. Janella’s knowledge, experience, warmth and friendliness are felt from the first encounter. She has an ability to make you feel comfortable immediately. By the way, the nurturance and food on her retreat is amaaazing ! make sure you attend!

Thank you, Janella, for a wonderful retreat! I had three nights of utter care, love, nourishment and kindness. If you don’t know Janella, she is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ people. Her knowledge is outstanding, and meeting her, you just know that she is doing some amazing work in this world. I feel so lucky to have been welcomed into her beautiful Byron Hinterland space, and to have received guidance that will stay with me for life. Janella’s food was out of this world (I’m still craving the first dish I had!) and she knows some wonderful people that will make your retreat extra special – think Astrology sessions, yoga and massage. Bliss. Thank you again, Janella, and an extra thank you for adapting the retreat to allow my boys to stay overnight.

Suffering with PMR I was unable to work, drive, dress myself and other things you take for granted. Janella gently and informatively gave me the tools and guidance required and now 4 months on I'm back at work as a carpenter, Amazing I know! Sincere thanks to you Janella, I could not have had this outcome without your help.  

How can I possibly put into a few words the gratitude I feel for the help Janella has so lovingly given to us. It was the most relaxing time of my life. I needed a restart in every way and Janella's retreat was perfect. So much generosity, kindness and though. My thyroid issues and my wellbeing are on the improve. I would stay just for the food, every mouthful was delicious. Thank you Janella.

I highly recommend this Retreat to anyone needing to improve their health or wellbeing or simply to decompress, self-care and refill your cup. This is definitely the environment to do it in. I left feeling more energised and motivated to make further changes in my life for the better.  

Janella has a world of knowledge and is able to assist in a myriad of complex health issues. I've learnt to incorporate health foods and herbs into my diet following the notes given to me from each consult. Thank you Janella for all that you've taught me and for your support and guidance.

At that time, I viewed food merely as fuel, without understanding its potential benefits or risks. I was unaware of the harmful effects of certain preservatives and chemicals that were part of my daily diet. Janella's care, compassion, and deep understanding led to a transformative journey. As a result, I not only successfully completed an Ironman but also became a parent to two healthy children, and now lead a fulfilled, happy, and healthy life with a deep appreciation for the power of food and herbs. -Over the years, Janella has provided invaluable support during both times of wellness and challenges. Her advice extends beyond her exceptional nutritional knowledge to encompass the balance of body, mind, and soul. She has recommended podcasts, books, movies, and courses, all of which have been impactful. -I am profoundly grateful for Janella's wisdom and guidance and regard her as one of my most essential mentors.

Way before I met Janella, her book Elixir was like a trusted friend to me, always there with simple, powerful advice that challenged me to think a little differently about the way I cooked, ate and lived my life. I never imagined that one day I would meet this incredible woman, and yet, for the past twenty years, Janella has been a regular source of wisdom, care and kindness for me and my four children. Every consultation with Janella expands my thinking and when our sessions are over - even e-sessions, I float off feeling like I’ve been wrapped in the warmest of hugs. Wise, gifted, knowledgable, intuitive, generous and deeply authentic, Janella Purcell is truly one of a kind.

Oh My God- Janella is just amazing! What can I say- her retreat house is divine, the food was next level amazing and her care, compassion and support goes above and beyond. She is an amazing naturopath and an even more amazing human being! I came on retreat exhausted, broken and overwhelmed, she tailored my whole retreat to give me exactly what I needed- rest, recovery and healing. I went home feeling energised, connected and ready to tackle 2025 with ease and grace. Would definitely recommend Janella for anything.

I’ve been seeing Janella for about 16 years now off and on , I would be lost without Her help.. She has now been helping me through a pretty stressful stage of my life the passed year with menopause, She has helped me emotionally and mentally and helped me understand what's going on with my body and its reactions to the many different symptoms to menopause/post and not to fear it but embrace it and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I am now able to leave the house again ... Shes caring,loving and down to earth which makes you feel safe and most of all Janella knows what She is talking about and how to help Thank You So Much Janella...

I first came across Janella Purcell about fifteen years ago when I saw her segment on the Biggest Loser as the in-house nutritionist. She came across as very enthusiastic to share her knowledge and to teach people how to eat for better health. I then discovered her first book ‘Elixer’ and the idea of using food as medicine and the s.l.o.w. (seasonal, local, organic, wholefood) approach really resonated with me. I decided I needed to find out how I could adapt this approach into my circumstances, so I booked my first (of many) consultation/s and discovered a whole lot more. Being guided through different stages of life has been so beneficial and I’m reaping the rewards of good health (mind, body & spirit) because of this. I would recommend any of Janella’s many resources she has generously made available (books, podcasts, recipes, consultations, herbs, balms … the list goes on!), and if you are feeling a little self-indulgent or needing a personalised re-set, I would recommend her new Bangalow Retreats – the food is amazing and prepared by Janella herself!

Janella, I just wanted to take a moment to Thank you for your expertise, guidance and the beautiful healing balms you made for me. They arrived at a time when I needed them most, and the impact they've had on my body and well-being has been so amazing! They’ve definitely been my go-to over these last few months. The soothing properties, organic and all natural ingredients is something that I value and have brought immense comfort and relief to my mind, body and spirit. I couldn't be more grateful for your kindness and the incredible work that you do as a naturopath and healer. Your talent in crafting these balms speaks volumes about your dedication and genuine care for others’ well-being. They’ve undoubtedly become an essential part of my self-care routine, and I hope that more people get to experience the same in their own home too. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your healing expertise. I AM forever grateful for your guidance and the extraordinary healing balms you've created. THANK YOU again, Annie x

Janella Purcell’s “Naturopathy Apothecary” is a god send. I have purchased several of her balms, particularly the Gut and Moontime balms which are a favourite of mine as they work. I found the Gut Balms work within 20 minutes for both me (IBS) and my son (Autism) when we are both bloated as we both find taking things orally are just icky and don’t work. As for the Moontime Balm, the smell is divine and helps with stress. These luscious little tins of delight don’t go on sticky, nor do they leave any residue, and my son and I don’t have a reaction to them, which can be a concern for many people. Janella has been super helpful to make small batches for myself and my son without coconut and lavender in them due to migraines/allergies, and will continue to purchase these products as long as Janella’s okay with making them for us. I do purchase three or four at a time of the same product to make it a little bit more worthwhile for Janella. Have I gushed enough? Probably not. Would I keep recommending her products if they work specifically to me? Yes. Would I recommend her products to others? Yes, and if you have any concerns, just email Janella as she can help you out. This woman is a walking talking wealth of knowledge.