Founder Feature In The Australian Financial Review
We were thrilled to be featured in the Australian Financial Review, a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional rehabilitation services.
The article highlights the challenges many face in their recovery journey, even at high-end facilities, and underscores the importance of a holistic and supportive approach to addiction treatment.
We’re proud to be part of the conversation, contributing insights into what truly makes a difference in helping individuals achieve lasting sobriety.
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A day in luxury rehab
We asked Warwick Parer, managing director of the Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat, what a day in the life of a guest looks like.
6.30am-9am Kick off the day with an organised exercise session in the gym – choose from boxercise, circuit, spin or pilates. “If that’s not your jam, then go for a walk on the 100 hectares of gardens and natural bush,” Parer says. Followed by breakfast.
9am Group check-in and mindfulness session.
10.30am Individual therapy session. Guests usually do two individual sessions per week. On other days, they can work on their homework from their group or individual sessions.
11.30am Group therapy session of the day, which focuses on an engaging topic and a facilitated guide. These sessions are about sharing experiences and learning from others who are on similar paths.
12.30pm Lunch is chef-prepared. “Simple and healthy,” says Parer.
2pm Depending on their stage of recovery, guests can go horse riding, take dogs for a walk or play basketball. Further along their stay, guests may go paddleboarding on the lake or head into town to visit the supermarket or cafe.
4pm Guests engage in group activities such as golf, horse riding, art therapy or lawn games. “These activities are designed to improve both physical health and also emotional wellbeing,” Parer says.
Late afternoon A “gratitude and goals session”, where guests share what they are thankful for, and what they are aiming for next. “Many guests say this is their favourite part of the day. It is important and sounds serious, but it is also often a lot of fun,” Parer says.
6.30pm “Dinner is based on the theory that good nutrition is one of the cornerstones of a sustainable recovery,” Parer says.
Post dinner Choose your activity from the gym, to spin, billiards, ping pong or just relax in the sauna, spa or ice bath.
10pm “Most guests are a bit worn out by the end of the day and elect for a reasonably early night. Evenings are your own time to reflect on the day and engage in light reading or journaling,” Parer says.
Scrolling is OK too – unlike other rehab centres, guests at Southern Highlands Addiction Retreat don’t have to surrender their smartphones.
“We treat our guests like adults – these are high-functioning people who are often still running a business, and we can’t cut them off from that. We do keep an eye out for stuff like online gambling – but unlike alcohol or drugs, that won’t kill you.”
