Melbourne has always been a hub of innovation, and now it’s home to EQ, the city’s first preventative wellbeing retreat. Nestled in the bustling urban landscape, EQ offers a holistic approach to wellbeing, designed to help individuals de-stress, find calm, and optimise their performance regularly. Open to the public, EQ is a sanctuary for those looking to incorporate wellbeing practices into their daily lives.

The Story Behind EQ

EQ’s creation is a testament to the transformative power of personal experiences. Co-Founder and Director, Mia Basic, once thrived in the high-stakes world of litigation. However, the birth of her daughter marked the beginning of a profound journey of self-discovery and wellness. This transition inspired her to join forces with Nicholas Crema and Andrew Barbone to create EQ.

“I worked in a fast-paced industry for years and neglected my health, which worsened after giving birth. I lacked tools to fight stress and provide relief from sleep deprivation. Through my own experience, I recognised a gap in preventative, holistic, and habitual wellbeing. I created EQ to prioritise these tools for successfully navigating through life,” says Mia Basic.

What EQ Offers

EQ’s offerings are designed to meet various needs, from moments of escape to education for long-term personal development. With an evidence-based approach, guests experience practices backed by science, tailored to help navigate modern work-life challenges. For $150, guests can enjoy a 3-hour journey that includes:

Hot and Cold Therapy

Experience the benefits of hot and cold therapy with a range of temperatures and sensations. The Cold Passage renews and revitalises, while the Restorative Thermae offers heat therapy, aromatherapy, and self-restoration.

Immersive Light and Sound Therapy Dome

Step into the Immersive Light and Sound Therapy Dome, where light and sound converge to create a multi-layered meditative experience. Each hue carries significance, blending harmoniously with the room’s music.

Meditative Breathwork Retreat

Participate in guided breathwork sessions to enhance relaxation. Harness the power of your breath to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, improve emotional regulation, and achieve better sleep quality.

Educational Theatre

Engage in informative sessions on wellbeing practices. The Educational Theatre offers curated films and serves as a space for building meaningful relationships in the Community Social Lounge.

A Vision for a New Way of Living

“We envision a new way of living, where conscious moments of pause and respite are taken to invest in our most valuable asset—our health. EQ is more than just a retreat; it’s a movement towards integrating wellbeing into everyday life,” says Basic.

Visit EQ

Escape the chaos, connect with a supportive community, and learn practices that will enhance your overall wellbeing. EQ is officially open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 8 PM, located at The Eighth, 22 Kings Place, South Melbourne VIC 3205.

For more information, visit EQ’s official website.