In the best-selling book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ the main character goes to an ashram in India, and meditates her way to inner peace. I find this idea very appealing. But you don’t have to go to India to experience inner harmony. Riverdell Spiritual Centre is only 45 minutes from Adelaide and offers meditation, yoga, retreats and wellness programs. Plus it’s an all-round lovely place to chill out.

I visited Riverdell to try out a couple of classes and stay overnight. It’s set in a beautiful spot, amongst trees and natural surroundings on the banks of the Gawler River.

‘As soon as you get here you feel a vibe,’ says Jasmine, events co-ordinator at the centre. ‘This place gives people a chance to relax and just be.’

And I definitely got that vibe. Usually, I’m rushing around with a million things on my ‘to do’ list. But sitting on a log in the sunshine, I felt extremely peaceful ‘just being’. I felt like I had slowed down to the pace that my body wanted.

At this leisurely pace, I wandered over to the reflexology path, which consists of stones that massage your feet as you walk. I found it best to slowly roll my feet over them, stopping and swaying when I got a rock that hit the right spots.

In the evening, I attended one of the meditation classes which are run regularly at the centre. Outside it had started to rain, but inside the room was warm and cosy. We were guided through a meditation focusing on the Buddhist principle of loving kindness, a gentle reminder to practice compassion towards others and also ourselves.

Afterwards, there was a sound bath run by Rebecca from Sonic Embrace. Her presence was very calming, and she guided us into a deeply relaxed state with the sound of Tibetan bowls, gongs and the soft tinkling of bells. Lying on our yoga mats and cushions, we let the sounds wash over us as we zoned out. Then I floated back to my room, sunk into my comfy bed and drifted into a deep sleep.

Accommodation options at Riverdell range from luxury apartments to a more budget-friendly bunkhouse. I stayed in the Sumai Treetop Apartment, which has 3 bedrooms, great for families or small groups. The balcony is the ideal spot to sit and sip a cup of tea, overlooking a picturesque view of the valley.

Visitors can stay one or more nights to rest, enjoy nature and laze in the pool, or choose to get involved in the range of programs and classes at the centre. One of the upcoming events in June is the Winter Wellness Retreat, a 2-day retreat focusing on the Winter Solstice as a time of slowing down and recharging.

I feel like I’ve made a real discovery with Riverdell. I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want to leave. Who knew there was such an amazing place so close to Adelaide? And it’s cheaper than travelling all the way to India!
For more info: http://www.riverdell.org.au

By Carolyn J Wild