what our guests say
I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
Going on my first oceanzen trip was an experience I will never forget! From the moment we met Steph in the airport, I knew we were going to have the best time! Steph brings such a positive vibe and energy to the trip and it really set the tone for the weekend! We swam, snorkelled, drank, danced, talked and laughed for 3 days straight, it was amazing!! I’m forever grateful for the group of girls that became friends on the retreat and all the memories we made! I came home from my trip with a newfound motivation and passion to chase my dreams!! I can’t wait to go on my next retreat!! OceanZen has sparked something in me and I just admire you and your life so much. I have so much passion for everything OceanZen stands for!
- DENIKA
The few days I spent on the retreat were some of the best of my life.
I saw a post about the OceanZen retreats and I was nervous about going alone but these feelings of unease completely went away as soon as we arrived on the island. The few days I spent on the retreat were some of the best of my life. I made life-long friendships with some truly inspiring and like-minded women and saw the most magical marine life ever! I left with such a sense of awe of the ocean and being around these amazing humans that I booked another retreat when I got back to the Whitsundays. This retreat was also nothing short of amazing! For me, these retreats are so much more than a holiday. They reignited a confidence in myself in knowing I am perfectly capable of doing things on my own. You also leave as part of an ocean-loving, life-living community, which to this days still brings me so much joy. Highly, highly recommend joining Steph on one of these adventures, you absolutely will not regret it!!
- TATUM
everything I could have hoped for and then some!
My retreat with OceanZen was everything I could have hoped for and then some! Not only did Steph plan the trip to ensure we experienced so many different things, but also allowed for time for us to relax and do our own thing if we wanted. Steph and others in the group were so supportive, helping me to step out of my comfort zone with the ocean, and really get to explore the reef like a pro. Steph just has this great energy and attracts like minded people, that I feel comfortable doing a trip again, even if I don’t know any one.
- KATIE
One of the top experiences of my life for sure
I can honestly say that the experience I had on my Ocean Zen trip is one of the top experiences of my life for sure. How often do you get to see a turtle lay her eggs? With ocean zen this is almost a guaranteed experience. I’ve also met some life long friendships from across the country that I never would have made if I didn’t go on this trip. The vibes are immaculate and it’s certainly an experience that you don’t want to miss out on.
- JASMINE
10 out of 10 from me!
I was so excited to come on this trip with one of my closest friends and meet some new friends. The experience was amazing I loved the ocean, faced some of my fears by swimming in the ocean and snorkelling with the turtles & seeing the big Manta rays. Enjoying the piece and quiet from technology and loved that my phone was on sos mode the whole time. Loved that we had a theme night and got dressed up and felt very island girl vibes. We did so many cool adventurous and even laid on the plane strip at night looking at the stars with a picnic. 10 out of 10 from me!
- KATIE
This trip was absolutely life changing
Since my trip with ocean zen travel I haven’t stopped recommending it to all my friends! Absolutely everything was organised for us! It was a holiday without the stress! I went on my own and I was super nervous but wanted to take a step out of my comfort zone. Everyone was so welcoming and I can’t believe how quickly I made some amazing new besties! Steph was so supportive that this was our holiday so we can enjoy ourselves how we please as well as making sure we always have something we can do every day! This trip was absolutely life changing, so much so I rebooked for another retreat with ocean zen travel on my last day! I can’t recommend ocean zen travel enough, an absolute experience of a life time
- JESSIE
These trips are so addictive
Ocean Zen has literally been life changing, the girls I’ve met along the past 3 trips I’ve done are some of the most beautiful humans, who are now my lifelong friends. I’ve been to lady Elliot twice now as well as the sail Whitsundays trip. Throughout these trips I’ve learnt to free dive, been on hikes, watched turtle hatchings, swam with huge turtles, swam with manta rays, sharks and everything! Steph is literally a god send and has an amazing way of bringing all these strangers together and making everyone feel comfortable and have the most amazing time. The trips are perfectly balanced with activities and free time to do whatever you want plus she organises parties and mediation sessions! These trips are so addictive so hopefully I’ll be seeing you and sharing cocktails on the next one xx
- ASH
I am so grateful to have found this amazing community!
On an Ocean Zen retreat you will find yourself snorkelling in clear blue water with an abundance of fish, turtles, rays, sharks and coral. A highlight of both Lady Elliot Island and Heron Island is seeing mumma turtles make their way up the beach to build their nests, and watching the tiny hatchings, from a different nest, make their way to the ocean for the first time. These are both incredibly heartwarming experiences! These islands also provide protected habitats for many birds, and it is great to see so many beautiful birds flying around. One of my favourite things about the trips is the friends you make. The group becomes a big family who love and support each other throughout the trip and beyond. Steph is super passionate, fun and caring and goes out of her way to ensure everyone is safe and having a blast. These trips have given me extra confidence and have inspired me to reconnect with the ocean. I am so grateful to have found this amazing community!
- LEAH
I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
Join us for an exclusive 6 night stay in paradise with incredible, like minded travellers from all over the world. Enjoy epic travel experiences, rejuvenate your body & mind, learn from us & connect with new friends! Enjoy organic, locally sourced meals, indulge in our onsite infrared sauna, cold plunge pool & jacuzzi & savour our prime beachfront location.
- JESSIE
This was the absolute trip of a lifetime!
Within the first 24 hours I saw little turtle hatchlings running to the water, mumma turtles on the beach and a blacktip reef shark. So much wildlife and such a beautiful island to relax and unwind. The only thing better then the animals was the amazing bunch of girls I can now call friends. Going on this retreat was 1000 times better then a regular holiday. I got to meet so many like minded girls and it honestly nourished my soul. Such a wholesome experience with memories and friends that will last a lifetime
- BETH
I cannot wait for the next trip with ocean zen.
The Whitsunday’s trip I went on, was a trip of a lifetime and one I will never forget! I was nervous to go on a trip with a bunch of ladies I’ve never met before but Steph did the most amazing job bringing all of us together as a group making everyone feel like we’d known each other for a lifetime. We got to snorkel with thousands of fish, fed eagles, saw dolphins and stingrays, experienced the most amazing views throughout the entire trip, the food was actually to die for and the costume theme each night was a memorable highlight. I cannot wait for the next trip with ocean zen.
- ZOTIKA
I built so many solid friendships while here.
The oceanzen retreat to Lady Elliot Island was one of the best experiences. Everything was organised so well, allowing me to feel comfortable and confident to step out of my comfort zone. I have never felt confident snorkeling but this environment was so supportive and safe. It was out of this world seeing such amazing animals from baby turtles to cow tail rays on the reef. Especially after learning all about them at the eco-resort. I loved that it was an all-girls trip as not many companies offer that, I built so many solid friendships while here. I have already booked in one more trip and can't wait to add another to the list.
- JESSIE
Everyone made me feel like I was meant to be there
I went on an OceanZen trip completely by myself, I knew no one else. This definitely made me nervous but it’s exactly what I wanted - to step out of my comfort zone but somehow still be in a comfort zone?! A lot of the other girls were in this same boat. Everyone made me feel like I was meant to be there. It gives you the chance to open up to new people who are like-minded and get a new perspective on the people you surround yourself with. Two of these girls from the trip have now become lifelong friends. In fact, their lifestyles have helped my decision to not eat meat which is super exciting for me.
OceanZen LEI trip will forever be one of my most treasured memories, and I can’t thank Steph enough for the effort and passion that goes into organising these.
- BRYDEE
There’s no one else I’d want to go on a trip with!
The OceanZen retreats are an unforgettable experience- once you’ve been on one you’ll realise that one isn’t enough! To be surrounded by incredible, supportive and like-minded girls for a weekend is so soul nourishing, and you’ll come back feeling so fulfilled- and with the amazing trip locations which help too! To share these experiences with people who are just as stoked to be there as you are creates lifelong friends and memories. Steph is amazing, and cares about each and every one of the girls on the trip. There’s no one else I’d want to go on a trip with!
- EMMA