Discover why Sugar Beach Ranch in South Ballina is being recognised alongside the world’s best wellness resorts. Our new Equine Wellness Packages combine slow living, ocean-side tranquillity, and guided horse-human connection with practitioner Maxime Willems. Relax, recharge, and rediscover balance through nature’s playground—where the paddocks meet the sea.

VOTED No.1 By EAT LIVE ESCAPE 1. Sugar Beach Ranch Byron Bay This unique journey will have you embarking on a pathway of rewilding and connection in the heart of Ballina, NSW. Sugar Beach Ranch, which was founded by the late music industry legend Chris Murphy OAM, has opened to the public, both with an Airbnb offering, and with their new Sweet Retreats. The retreat concept was created by Stevey Arena, Chris’ daughter who has recently taken over the ranch. Together with Maxime

Paradise isn’t a place- it’s a feeling, and it’s exactly the feeling I left my Sweet Retreat experience at Sugar Beach Ranch with.   It’s...

Equine therapy’s laundry list of benefits – from tackling stress and anxiety to improving emotional awareness – prove one thing. When...

Maxime Willems recounts her return to horses through equine therapy, emphasising the profound impact on her own mental health and that of...

In the heart of Ballina's north coast, Maxime Willems and Sugar Beach Ranch have created an exclusive retreat getaway featuring...

Lunchtime yoga classes, meditation pods, access to fitness apps. These are just a few of the wellness perks corporates are now offering...

HOW MAXIME WILLEMS - THERAPY AND TRAINING IS CHANGING THE WELLNESS LANDSCAPE WITH EQUINE-FOCUSED SWEET RETREATS Embark on a journey of...

If you’re looking for a way to de-stress and feel calmer , consider a horse retreat. Australia has a handful of dedicated horse retreats,...

Winnie Stubbs from TimeOut Sydney recently visited Sugar Beach Ranch for our May Sweet Retreat. We loved hosting her and embracing her...

Friday 17th May - Gold Coast Bulletin Stevey Arena talks to Chantay Logan from the Gold Coast Bulletin about our Sweet Retreats and the benefits of working with horses.

ZOII 24th April 2024 In partnership with Maxime Willems Therapy & Training we are excited to pave the way to specialised Equine Focused retreats. See the latest write up by ZOII and join us on our journey! Love horses or know someone who does? Embark on a journey of rewilding and connection at the exclusive Sugar Beach Ranch in Ballina, NSW, and its newly launched Sweet Retreats. Kicking off on May 24th, the three-day, women’s-only retreats will see guests immerse themselves