Zensi Retreat: A Luxury Wellness Sanctuary in Mudgee
Zensi Retreat is a testament to the vision of its founders, Ruby Chapman and Ray Tayoun. The luxurious sanctuary offers a haven for those seeking a deep connection with nature, a focus on wellness and the opportunity to be completely in the moment.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Katie Wade I Interior Design: Ruby Chapman I Builder: Ray Tayoun
The natural, earthy finishes throughout Zensi are found both inside and out.
‘We knew there was something special about this land, and we look forward to others experiencing that same sense.’
Zensi Retreat includes teepees for additional accomodation.
The incredibly friendly Zensi Retreat farm animals!
The thoughtfully curated space includes an outdoor mineral plunge pool.
Partners in life and work, Ruby Chapman and Ray Tayoun have long shared a love for adventure and exploration. The pair spent many years travelling across the world and growing their collective passion for design, wellness and culinary experiences, filing away inspiration in the hope to one day open a retreat of their own.
Late last year, the couple’s dream became a reality with the opening of Zensi Retreat, a luxury accommodation and wellness retreat, nestled within the Mudgee wine region, in Sydney. Ruby and Ray have lovingly curated an experience that reflects their unwavering commitment to create a sanctuary where guests can realign their mind, body and spirit.
‘We wanted to create an experience that immerses the body and mind, where one can find a sense of ease within a meticulously curated environment that caters to your every need. We aim to inspire a more mindful way of being that deepens the connection to your senses, the present moment, nature, one another, and, most importantly, to oneself,’ shares Ruby of the Zensi experience.
With a background in interior design, Ruby is a passionate creative with a strong understanding of the emotional reaction we can have within a space. Ruby focused on calming and grounding elements for the design of the interiors with a earthly tonal palette throughout, creating spaces which connect guests to nature and stillness.
Ray is the yang to Ruby’s yin and the architectural and build brain behind Zensi. With a background in property development and project management for high-end luxury builds, the evolution of Zensi has allowed Ray to explore his passion for farming, nature, and the environment; connecting the land to the building.
Within Zensi Retreat there’s Zensi House and Zensi Villa: the main house is ideal for family gatherings, work team events, girls’ getaways and special events, which includes an expansive yoga/meditation room, spa and sauna. The smaller villa is a petite sanctuary, designed for couples seeking a retreat to reconnect and slow down.
The Zensi experience also offers tailor-made wellness retreats designed to cater to personal preferances. Whether deepening your mindful practice, focusing on self-care, embarking on a detox journey, or seeking personal growth, Zensi's bespoke retreats provide access to renewed intentions. Upcoming retreats include Rest and Slow and The Feminine.
‘We knew there was something special about this land, and we look forward to others experiencing that same sense. Our entire concept and design are built upon a deep connection to environment and experience, and the property itself carries that ethos through. We understand the importance of caring for the energy of a space and the sacredness of the connection to the earth and nature,’ says Ruby.
Book your stay at Zensi Retreat here.
The retreats at Zensi come complete with a private chef.
Earthy materials intentionally bind connection back to nature.
“We want Zensi Retreat to inspire our guests to explore a different pace of living and thinking, where slowing down is encouraged, where beauty can be observed and embodied.”
The Zensi Retreat communal living space.
Natural, earthy tones dominate the interior spaces.
Design details at Zensi Retreat.
The oversized bathtub in the main bedroom at Zensi House.
The yoga studio with a view across the country landscape.
Design details in the yoga studio.
Tactile details at Zensi Retreat.
The custom inground jet spa.
The dry heat sauna is perfect to release and detox the mind and body.
