Ramada Eco Beach Resort

Broome Women’s Writing Group recently enjoyed a fabulous weekend retreat at Eco Beach.

Five of us stayed in one of the spacious villas with a view of the ocean, surrounded by decking, natural bush and boardwalk style pathways to the main reception area, restaurant and infinity pool.

We made a quick stop at the Roebuck Plains Roadhouse for a cold drink and a bite to eat before commencing the 1.5 hour drive along the Great Northern Highway which continues 10km along a well maintained pindan (red dirt) road to Eco Beach. (And there are two gates along the way which require one intrepid passenger to leap out onto the pindan and open/close – in this case ‘yours truly’ as I had the privilege of being in the passenger seat!!) Reminded me a bit of opening and shutting farm gates in New Zealand when I was growing up.

If you’re looking for a true taste of the Kimberley, the Eco-retreat features villas and safari-style tents, set on an unspoilt beach with stupendous views of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s bush gardens. All are designed to be environmentally friendly, using renewable energy sources.

It was the ideal place for our weekend away, to write and enjoy some relaxation.

It was another goal that I had wanted to achieve since being in Broome.

Most probably because it was particularly warm the weekend we went to Eco Beach, we didn’t get to do any yoga, however there are complimentary yoga sessions each morning in the breathtaking ocean front, air conditioned ‘Dragonfly’ Yoga room

We all enjoyed a head massage from Teresa, which was a real treat. Besides being a great writer, Teresa is the go-to person for anyone wanting their hair turned into dreadlocks here in Broome.

Besides enjoying swimming in the sea at high tide – where the water was lovely and warm – we spent time in the beautiful infinity pool which offers a panoramic view of the ocean. We even managed to nab a lounge chair on one of the days, which was quite lucky as they had ownership very early in the morning (towels on chairs said it all!)

It was rather hot to go walking, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore, for example the Caves Walk, a 7km return walk along the beach south of the resort towards Cape Villaret.

There are paddle boats and kayaks for guests to use, but despite initial good intentions, our group wasn’t feeling that energetic. There were canvas-roofed gazebos with hammocks down on the beach and it was very pleasant to while away some time there for a couple of hours after a swim in the sea.

We spent time doing a lot of talking – and bonding, which was very strengthening for us all, as we don’t always have the time to develop our relationships with each other. And we even managed to do some writing which we were able to share and provide feedback for each other, providing constructive and positive feedback being an essential part of our group practice.

We had a meal in the restaurant on Saturday night which was delicious. And no, the below photograph with the secluded table and chairs was not for our group – but maybe for a honeymoon couple staying at the retreat.

It’s a perfect getaway for couples seeking a romantic interlude …

We all agreed that it was a perfectly lovely weekend and in the words of Kate, our newest group member “I cannot express how much I valued our time away together, getting to know a bunch of strong, independent women”.

What better place to retreat to, than Eco Beach.