Melbourne, Australia
The Ultimate Retreat
Melbourne, Australia
There is something extraordinary that happens when women come together. Something that is difficult to explain until you’ve experienced it for yourself.
The conversations, the laughter, the friendships, the adventures and those moments when you realise that taking time out for yourself was exactly what you needed.
We are excited to announce that in 2027, we’re bringing the magic home to Melbourne – the place where the UGWA vision began to unfold.
Eight nights in one of Australia’s most vibrant cities, staying at the beautiful 1 Hotel Melbourne, surrounded by wonderful women, extraordinary experiences and all those little moments that make UGWA so special. Why eight nights? Because we’re adding something extraordinary — The Ultimate Expo, featuring over 70 exhibitors, inspiring speakers, incredible experiences and so much more!
Whether you’ve been part of UGWA before or this will be your very first time, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Why Melbourne? Why now?
Melbourne has always been a city that knows how to surprise you.
Our hidden laneways, spectacular food, fabulous shopping, art, culture, theatre, music and those wonderful little places you discover when you least expect them – and then there is the coffee!
But what makes Melbourne truly special isn’t just what the city has to offer. It’s what happens when we experience it together.
For UGWA 2027, we’re taking everything women have come to love about the Ultimate Girls Week Away and creating something completely new.
Imagine eight nights where you don’t have to organise everything, make all the decisions or worry about what everyone else needs.
Instead, you get to arrive, settle in and enjoy.
Beautiful meals, interesting conversations, inspiring women, new experiences, time to explore and plenty of opportunities to do something you might never have done before.
And of course, there will be surprises. Because it wouldn’t be UGWA without a little unexpected magic!
View the full UGWA 2026 Itinerary
Curious about what a week at Ultimate Girls Week Away Retreat feels like? Download the itinerary to explore the day-by-day experiences, detailed information about the workshops, and magical moments waiting for you in Greece.
“I first met Liesel at the Ultimate Girls Week Away where I was part of her Behind The Scenes package and walked away with far more than clarity. The spaces she creates changed the way I saw myself and my business, and gave me the confidence to stop letting fear hold me back.
Liesel is one of the most generous mentors I have worked with. She shares her knowledge openly, supports people genuinely, and has an incredible ability to see potential in others before they see it themselves.”
Erica Lawrence, Pennsylvania, USA
A Women's Retreat
UGWA is perfect for you if:
- You’re ready to embrace a transformative experience that recharges your mind, body, and spirit.
- You crave meaningful connections with like-minded women who inspire and uplift.
- You’re seeking clarity and direction in your personal or professional life.
- You value personal growth and want to explore new perspectives and ideas.
- You’re eager to indulge in a week of luxury, relaxation, and wellness activities.
- You want to balance adventure, mindfulness, and reflection in a supportive environment.
- You’re ready to step away from your daily routine and invest in yourself.
What is UGWA?
Imagine a retreat that is just for you. A place to relax, connect, explore and give yourself permission to do as little, or as much as you like.
The Ultimate Girls Week Away, (UGWA) is more than a retreat – it’s a life-changing experience designed to empower women. Over seven transformative days, connect with like-minded women, grow through workshops, and embrace unforgettable adventures
A Women's Retreat
UGWA is perfect for you if:
- You’re ready to embrace a transformative experience that recharges your mind, body, and spirit.
- You crave meaningful connections with like-minded women who inspire and uplift.
- You’re seeking clarity and direction in your personal or professional life.
- You value personal growth and want to explore new perspectives and ideas.
- You’re eager to indulge in a week of luxury, relaxation, and wellness activities.
- You want to balance adventure, mindfulness, and reflection in a supportive environment.
- You’re ready to step away from your daily routine and invest in yourself.
Fiji 2020 - Testimonial
Wow! What an experience you created in Fiji it is beyond amazing. It’s life changing. I have met and connected with so many amazing women and I will be forever changed. Thank you.
SW Melbourne, Australia
“UGWA literally changed my life. It definitely shifted something inside me to the point where I’m more creative, I feel more aligned, and all of that is due to the community that UGWA fosters.
Thank you Liesel for creating such an amazing outlet for women like me”.
Amy Loughren – The Good Nurse (who helped catch a serial killer)
The Complete Picture
Life is like a jigsaw puzzle, and in Hoi An, we invite you to focus on ‘living life’ exactly the way you choose. Each day, we’ll present a piece of the puzzle with themes for a deep dive into what resonates with you most.
Sunday
Friendship and Connection
Today is all about friendship and connection, learning new ways to open up, embrace life, and be seen by likeminded souls. Learn new ways to reach out, share a moment, or simply be present as you never know what beautiful bond might blossom next.
Monday
Self awareness
Through workshops designed to help you tune into your emotions, patterns, and personal truths. This is your chance to pause, reflect, and discover how greater awareness can lead to stronger relationships and a more aligned life.
Tuesday
Growth and Confidence
Today is about empowering you to pursue achievements and build stability in areas that matter most, whether professionally or personally. This is your time to take meaningful steps toward your goals. The focus is about creating a solid foundation, building clarity, and unlocking the confidence you need to thrive.
Wednesday
Adventure
Today is your day to feed your curiosity and embrace adventure! Whether it’s snorkelling among tropical fish, joining a cooking class, or exploring the beauty of the Hoi An area, this is your time to say yes to new experiences. Choose your adventure and let your spirit soar.
Thursday
Health, Life & Play
As life becomes serious and structured, we often forget to laugh, play, and let joy guide us. These moments of lightheartedness benefit every cell in our bodies, enhancing both physical and mental health. This day is dedicated to embrace the laughter and playfulness that make life radiant.
Friday
Our Celebration of Life
Today, we celebrate YOU! No matter how you choose to live, this is a moment to honour your decision to join us, to invest in yourself, and to say YES to your own growth and happiness. Let’s come together to celebrate life and your incredible journey.
Here we go again!
My, my – how can I resist you!
The mantra for Ultimate Girls Week Away 2026 is simple: Here we go again!
After the magic of 2025, we knew we had to do it all over again – and this time it’s your turn to put yourself first. So, slip off your shoes, breathe in the sea air, and let us take care of everything.
No cooking. No cleaning. No organising. Every day is planned so all you need to do is show up and enjoy. Expect soul-nourishing workshops, genuine friendships, and the freedom to do as much, or as little, as you like.
This retreat is designed so you have space to relax, reconnect, and remember how good it feels to simply enjoy life on your own terms.
The HOME Edition
UGWA is about the women you meet, the friendships you make, the experiences you share and taking time out to do something just for YOU.
Whether you’ve live in Melbourne or visiting for the first time, The HOME Edition is your opportunity to experience something extraordinary.
Eight days of connection, laughter, workshops, entertainment, new experiences and a few surprises along the way. All organised for you.
And for the first time in UGWA history, we’re introducing the Ultimate Expo!
We’re opening the doors to the wider community, so even more women can experience a little of what makes UGWA so special.
Welcome HOME to UGWA Melbourne 2027.
The Ultimate Accommodation
Hotel 1 – Eco-Conscious Waterfront Retreat
Melbourne, Australia
Luxury that feels good in more ways than one. Our Melbourne home is designed with nature and sustainability at its heart. From reclaimed materials and locally sourced food to filtered water taps, sustainable bedding, energy-efficient systems and spaces filled with natural textures and greenery.
Resort Highlights
- Waterfront location on the Yarra River
- Nature-inspired spaces designed around wellbeing and sustainability
- Surrounded by 5-star sustainable resources
- Heated indoor swimming pool
- Hot tub / spa
- Dry sauna
- Hammam Steam room
- Relaxing poolside lounge area
- 24-hour Field House fitness centre
- Bamford Wellness Spa onsite, with treatments available to book separately
- Beautiful spaces to gather without having to leave the premises
Your Room Includes
- 5-star accommodation
- King-size bed
- Sustainably sourced cotton bedding and linens
- Walk-in rain shower
- Bamford bath and body products
- Soft cotton bathrobe and slippers
- Hairdryer
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Fridge Filtered drinking water
- WiFi Internet
- Yoga mat and cork roller
- HEPA-filtered air
- Living greenery
- Daily housekeeping
- Free access to the Pool (Spa, Sauna, Hammam, Gym)
Bali 2024 - Testimonial
Words cannot convey just what the retreat has brought me. I do not know if thank you is enough – it will have to convey ALL of what and how I am feeling. The impact is unmeasurable. The changes ongoing and profound. The connections are priceless and this opportunity world changing.
VJ Melbourne, Australia
The Ultimate Indulgence
Soothe the Soul at Alba Thermal Springs
We’re escaping Melbourne for an afternoon at the beautiful Alba Thermal Springs on the Mornington Peninsula. With our own private area to relax, connect and unwind, this is your time to sink into the geothermal waters, slow everything down and simply enjoy a little UGWA-style wellbeing.
The Ultimate Expo
Your ticket includes entry to the Ultimate Expo!
Enjoy a full day exploring a fantastic range of exhibitors, interactive experiences, live demonstrations and workshops. Discover new products and services, hear inspiring speakers on our Wisdom Stage, enjoy delicious food and connect with incredible women.
The Ultimate Investment
Hotel 1, Melbourne, Australia
13 – 21 August 2027
8 nights
Your Stay:
- 8 nights’ accommodation at 1 Hotel Melbourne, Docklands
- A beautiful Melbourne base to unpack once and settle in for the week
- Time built into the program to explore Melbourne or simply relax in the spa.
Meals & Dining
- 8 breakfast
- 6 lunches
- 2 dinners
- 1 exclusive dining experience at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
- Opening welcome event (food and drinks included)
- Final night celebration
- All dietary requirements/allergies catered for
Wellness & Indulgence
- Free access to spa, pool, hammam, sauna and gym at 1 Hotel
- Alba Thermal Springs and Spa in Mornington Peninsula
- Daily movement sessions, with unique ways to start your day
Workshops, Speakers & Experiences
- All UGWA workshops and sessions designed to inspire, challenge, connect and create conversation
- Special guest speakers and facilitators
- VIP entry ticket to the Ultimate Expo – a full day of speakers, workshops, businesses, products, mini experiences, shopping and connection
- Entertainment and special events created especially for our UGWA women
- An UGWA Trivia Night at the famous Hofbrauhaus House
Gifts & Special Touches
- Your UGWA welcome gift
- Special touches and surprises throughout the week
- All the planning, organising and behind-the-scenes details taken care of
Transportation
- Airport transfers to 1 Hotel
- Transport to/from Alba Thermal Springs
- Transport for organised Melbourne activities and experiences
Stay Connected
- Complimentary Wi-Fi at 1 Hotel Melbourne
Getting Here & Extending Your Stay
We can also connect you with a trusted travel agent if you need assistance with flights or would like to extend your Australian adventure before or after UGWA.
Investment
This is the pricing:
Single Room Accommodation – $4697 AUD per person
Twin share pricing – $3997 AUD per person
Play but don’t stay – $1997 AUD per person
$30 from every ticket sold will go towards supporting education for underprivileged children at OzPhil College in the Philippines.
Wisdom Speakers
Michelle Fragias
Irene Giannapolous
Marina Garbuio
Fay Wilde
Delia Pascua-McGlew
Lisa Grubb
Nicole Lewis
Sam Jackson
Meet the team
Mignon Mukti
With a background in sound engineering, she brings a rare technical precision and thoughtful attention to detail that elevates every aspect of the UGWA experience behind the scenes.
Michelle Fragias
Michelle’s role is to support our speakers and facilitators to step into their next level with confidence, clarity, and presence. Through guidance around messaging, delivery, and how they hold the room, she helps each woman refine not just what they say, but how they are experienced.
Jennie Linton
Jennie’s role is to hold a safe, space where women feel seen, heard, and supported. Through daily group reflections and one-on-one support, she walks alongside each woman as she reconnects with herself and honours her own healing journey.
Marina Garbuio
Marina’s role is to capture and share the essence of UGWA, she has a beautiful ability to see the moments that matter – the connection, the laughter, the transformation – and translate them into stories that others can feel.
Merryn Lance
Merryn’s role is to ensure each of you feels supported, informed throughout your journey in Greece. She is a calm and reassuring presence for you all. Whether it’s answering questions, guiding arrivals, or quietly solving the details, Merryn helps create a seamless experience so each of you can fully relax and be present.
Jacquie Marfatia
Jacquie’s role is to be a calm, caring presence as our
UGWA nurse, ensuring every woman feels safe, supported, and looked after throughout the retreat.
Joy Fairhall
Joy’s role is to capture the essence of UGWA through her lens – the connection, the laughter, the quiet moments, and the magic in between.
With a gentle and unobtrusive presence, she allows each woman to feel at ease while preserving the memories that tell the story of this experience long after it ends.
Chloe HY
Chloe’s role is to support the seamless flow of UGWA behind the scenes, ensuring the day-to-day logistics run with ease. With a steady and organised presence, she helps keep everything on track so our guests can relax, trust the process, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Jennifer Dalton
Jen brings her extensive background in event management to her role as our Adventure Day Coordinator. She thoughtfully plans and oversees each detail, ensuring our adventure experiences feel seamless, exciting, and beautifully held from start to finish.
Changing Lives
Founded by fellow UGWA Wisdom Speaker Delia Pascua-McGlew, OzPhil College of Cavite is a not-for-profit school in the Philippines providing quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We believe every child deserves access to education, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why $30 from every ticket sold will go towards supporting the school and helping break the cycle of poverty through education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I fly to?
- You will need to fly to Melbourne Airport. More details to come.
Do I need a Visa and Passport?
- It depends on which country you are coming from. Currently, Australians, UK, Canadian, New Zealand and USA citizens do not – please keep abreast of any visa requirements outside of these nationalities.
- You need a passport with at least 6 months validity on it.
Do I need travel insurance?
YES – this is to protect you, in case anything happens to you. We will be asking for a copy to ensure you are covered as it is a pre-requisite to participating on this retreat.
I have a severe allergy can I still come?
Yes, but please let us know the details surrounding this.
I am traveling alone and I am worried that I won't know anyone
95% of UGWA attendees come alone and make new friends with like-minded women.
What are your cancellation policies?
Please check out our Terms and Conditions HERE and ask us any questions you need to.
What if I get sick or hurt while I am at UGWA?
We will have our very own Australian experienced nurse on site as part of our team. If you need local care she will help with this and support you every step of the way.
Dear Amazing Women of the World,
If you’re reading this, there’s a part of you that’s already looking for something more — more connection, more meaning, more travel, more you. MORE is welcome here.
UGWA began as a dream — a vision of women coming together not just to rest or escape, but to come home to themselves and each other. Over the years, it’s grown into something far bigger and more powerful than I could have imagined. And yet, no matter how many women gather or how far we travel, one thing never changes…the magic of the UGWA Experience.
One of the most magical aspects of UGWA occurs when no one is performing, and everything simply is. It’s in the laughter that erupts over breakfast, the quiet support offered in a shared glance, and the unexpected friendships that form in the space between workshops. As the retreat unfolds, there’s this breath taking moment — again and again — where I get to step back and witness it all: women connecting, healing, and simply being together. These aren’t just highlights; they’re the heartbeat of UGWA.
If your heart is calling you to be part of something unforgettable, this is your invitation. Come as you are. Bring your stories, your hopes, your exhaustion, your joy. There’s a place for you here.
I can’t wait to welcome you in my home town Melbourne.
Liesel x
In Loving Memory
For my dear friend Kathryn…
We all have those women in our lives who are Soul Sisters ~ it’s like we’ve known each other multiple lifetimes. Kathryn was one of my Soul Sisters. I knew when she left this world, after her battle with breast cancer, that it was time for me to use the memory of her spirit and friendship to truly step into the vision I had shared with her so often… but ‘never got round to it’.
Kathryn, I got round to it.
Much love and I know you’re with us all the way…
Bali 2024 - Testimonial
Thank you for being strong and powerful enough to create such an amazing container for women to grow, open, heal and love.
TS, Arizona, USA
Dear Friend Kathryn...
...This Is For You.
We all have those women in our lives who are Soul Sisters ~ it’s like we’ve known each other multiple lifetimes. Kathryn was one of my Soul Sisters. I knew when she left this world, after her battle with breast cancer, that it was time for me to use the memory of her spirit and friendship to truly step into the vision I had shared with her so often… but ‘never got round to it’.
Kathryn, I got round to it.
Much love and I know you’re with us all the way…