Retreat Yourself is an Australian quarterly lifestyle box that encourages you to slow down, make your health and well-being a priority, and put yourself first, as well as introduces you to conscious brands that have been carefully chosen to create a wonderful retreat at home.
For AU$79.95 ($51.63 USD), you'll receive almost AU$300 ($193.73 USD) of Australian and New Zealand wellness products, the 20-page wellness Retreat Guide, playlists, rituals, and more. Items range from home goods, health supplements, beauty products, and accessories, plus other fun finds.
This review is of the Retreat Yourself Spring 2023 "In Flow" box.
Author's Note: Since the box is Australia-based, where it is currently springtime, this is the current box that's still available to purchase.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
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My box arrived bursting with so many new and cool finds; everything was packaged securely and there was a QR code under the lid that took me to a relaxing playlist to help set the mood.
This leaflet has some of the answers to the questions you might have about the products included in this quarter's box. I like that they include a brand bio for each item so you can learn more about these local, conscious AU & NZ brands.
Now, on to the items!
Retreat Yourself Ritual Pouch - Retail Value AU$29.95 ($19.32 USD)
Wow, the first thing I noticed was how soft this pouch feels. It's also generously sized with a nifty hand strap. I love organizing things in pouches and I'm excited to put this one to use. I especially like the note on the tag that gives you ideas on how to create your own 'Ritual Kit'. Retreat Yourself's suggestions are an energizing essential oil roll-on, a scented intention oil, lip balm, face mist, hand cream, and a snack. What would you put in your 'Ritual Kit'?
Your Tea MILD 'Happy' Tea, 1 Week Program - Retail Value AU$10.95 ($7.06 USD)
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Just the packaging on this tea alone makes me happy. The citrus yellow is so cheerful and the biodegradable teabags feel high-quality and hold up well in hot water (no falling apart). I can't speak to any long-term benefits of drinking this tea that utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, but I felt relaxed just from sipping on my first cup. The taste is very subtle with a hint of floral flavor, probably from the Mei Gui Hua (Flower of Rose). The base is a delicious Oolong Tea that's not bitter or herbal tasting at all.
I steeped this tea for 5 minutes and it was just what I needed after a long day.
Bosisto's Australian Natives Hand Wash - Retail Value AU$6.00 ($3.87 USD)
I wasn't really aware of this brand before last season's box when I was surprised to learn that Bosisto's is one of Australia's oldest brands at 170 years old. It's the first to share the benefits of essential oils through its use of Eucalyptus Oil in its products and it continues to champion pure essential oils, as well as Australian Native ingredients like the delicious-smelling Desert Lime featured in this hand soap. This soap lathers up well and leaves my hands feeling clean and soft. It's divine!
Empire Australia Aromapure Hand Balm - Retail Value AU$9.95 ($6.42 USD)
This Pink Grapefruit & Geranium hand balm has a soft and subtle scent that's lovely and refreshing. The texture is definitely a lot lighter than I expected for a hand balm but I guess that's a good thing for spring and it doesn't leave my hands feeling sticky. It does leave my hands feeling moisturized for hours and I don't find I have to reach for it again too soon. It's also a generous size tube, so I think I'll stash this in my car rather than my handbag.
Wotnot Naturals Certified Organic Face Tan Water Mist - Retail Value AU$29.99 ($19.34 USD)
I'm not really into self-tanning (or natural tanning anymore these days) but I was interested in trying this organic tan water mist that boasts nine organic actives to tone, hydrate, and condition your skin while building a healthy summer glow. This toxin-free and 100% natural spray is so gentle that it's even pregnancy-safe. It's really easy to use but unfortunately, I didn't see much of a difference even after waiting the four hours it's supposed to take to develop. I applied more the next day but still barely noticeable. Maybe it's just not compatible with my skin tone.
Exper+ise by essano Strength + Repair Bonding Leave-in Treatment - Retail Value AU$29.99 ($19.34 USD)
When I used to bleach my hair, I'd be all over this leave-in conditioner. It has a sweet, floral scent and seems to do a good job of conditioning my ends without weighing them down or leaving them feeling greasy. I'll keep using this to see if it makes much of a difference but it's probably not something my hair really needs right now since I've stopped dyeing my hair, destroying it with digital perms, or even using any heat styling tools.
Uluna Body Love Ritual Oil - Retail Value AU$55.00 ($35.48 USD)
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LOVE LOVE LOVE this! This was the star product of the box for me, for sure. This organic body oil made with fractionated coconut, vitamin E, and rosehip oils is infused with essential oils, black tourmaline, lemurian quartz, and 24ct gold leaf and it was a joy to use. The glass bottle is perfect for showing off the goodies inside but unfortunately, the gold flecks just dissolve without a trace on your skin. What does last is the amazing bouquet of scents from the essential oils (lavender, geranium, hyacinth, frankincense, bergamot, clementine, helichrysum, and vetiver)! I love the lingering scent that lasts for hours and the oil itself is so easy to apply and leaves my skin feeling really nourished.
essano Visible Repair Eye Cream - Retail Value AU$40.00 ($25.80 USD)
I was most excited to receive this item because I needed a new eye cream. I don't know that eye creams make much of a difference but I keep diligently using them anyway. But this one was different. It's a pretty light texture that seems to sink into your undereye skin easily. I applied it not expecting much but after a few moments I could feel a slight tingly sensation and it felt like the skin under my eyes was tightening. I think with continued use, this would probably keep my undereye bags at bay.
Freshwater Farm Limited Edition Body Bar, with Brittney Paulson Artwork - Retail Value AU$6.00 ($3.87 USD)
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I can never get enough bar soaps and this pretty one comes wrapped in artwork by Indigenous artist Brittney Paulson. This bar itself is generously sized and has a delicate rose scent. It lathers up well and leaves my skin feeling clean and soft without drying it out.
Natio Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ (30ml) - Retail Value AU$10.00 ($6.45 USD)
This deluxe sample is actually the perfect size sunscreen to stash in my handbag. The formula has a super lightweight, milky texture and it easily rubs in with no white cast. It's not chalky and leaves your skin looking dewy but not greasy. It's great under make-up but it does have a faint 'sunscreen' smell that reminds me of childhood pool days. Not sure if that's a pro or con.
First Press Coffee Cold Drip, Plant-Based Iced Coffee - Retail Value AU$4.50 ($2.90 USD)
The product guide described this as "a delicious smooth dairy-free brew with the perfect coffee hit" and I think that's pretty accurate. I like my coffee strong and black, so I wouldn't normally reach for something like this but despite it looking very light in color, it definitely had a real caffeine kick to it. The almond milk is made with Australian-grown almonds and it was definitely very smooth and didn't make me feel bloated like dairy milk would have.
My toddler was very fascinated by this weird drink that I poured for myself.
Loving Earth Chocolate Bonbons - Retail Value AU$9.95 ($6.42 USD)
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These decadent dark chocolate bonbons with an orange nougat center were so yummy! I ate one first without reading the label and didn't realize they were plant-based. The little box with the gold foil wrapping makes these perfect for gifting or just an elevated treat for yourself.
Well Naturally Collagen Milk Chocolate - Retail Value AU$3.00 ($1.94 USD)
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So, I'm not sure if eating a square of this collagen-infused chocolate is enough to reap any benefits but it's a nice-tasting treat that feels healthy. The texture of this chocolate is a bit chalky and reminds me of a protein bar but not in a bad way. I think I'd rather have this on hand when I looking for something sweet rather than a non-boosted chocolate bar.
Myndly Strengths Cards - Retail Value AU$34.99 ($22.57 USD)
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I'm not sure if this is designed to be a solo activity but I thought this was a fun thing to do as a couple. My husband and I took turns going through the different strengths, picking out the ones we most identified with, and ranking them. I could see it being an interesting dinner party game with friends as well. There are blank cards included, so you can ask other people to write down some of your strengths. I also like how nice and calming this minimalist card set looks on my desk.
20-Page Wellness Retreat Guide
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The Retreat Yourself box also comes with a booklet filled with mindful activities, journaling prompts, a yoga flow, and a healthy recipe. Last season's Veggie Packed Dahl recipe has now become a staple in my weekly meal lineup so I'm excited to try this new Hazelnut fudge recipe.
Verdict
This is my second Retreat Yourself box and so far, I'm really impressed. This season, I received 14 items (not including the Wellness Retreat Guide) and I loved how diverse and balanced all the items are. There are many items that I would purchase again, at the top of the list being the Uluna Body Love Ritual Oil and the essano Visible Repair Eye Cream. With the essano eye cream, I think I've found something that actually works for me and I can't get over how opulent the Uluna body oil smells. I love it so much that I think I'm going to switch to using it instead of my perfume for these warmer months ahead.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: AU$79.95 ($51.63 USD)
There's free shipping to Australia and AU$30.00 International Express shipping to the U.S. making it AU$109.95 ($70.91 USD).
Value Breakdown:
The total value of my box was $280.27 ($180.99 USD), which is 3.5 times the cost of the box (or 2.5 times if you factor in international shipping).
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes!
Do you have a favorite item from this season's Retreat Yourself box?
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