When the Travel & Hospitality Awards celebrate the world’s most inspiring retreats, we look for places that transcend typical hospitality. EcOasis Mami Wata embodies this ethos. Set on 100 acres of rainforest at the base of Mount Wollumbin in New South Wales, this family-run eco-retreat combines sustainable luxury with authentic wellness and has earned a coveted spot among our 2025 award winners.
An intimate retreat shaped by passion
EcOasis is the creation of Iya and Sandro Alawode, a couple whose devotion to healing traditions and ecological stewardship permeates every detail of the property. Their six architecturally designed chalets are tucked thoughtfully into the landscape, each offering privacy and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of mountains, forest and sky. Whether guests stay in the Morning Mist Chalet with its claw-foot spa bath, the romantic Sunrise Chalet with canopy bed and double shower, or the secluded Hideaway Chalet with no mobile service for a complete digital detox, they experience a sense of home that only an owner-hosted property can provide.
Wellness at the heart
At the centre of EcOasis is the Temple Garden Tea House, where guests join the founders for tea ceremonies, massage, acupuncture, yoga and meditation. This focus on wellness is more than an amenity; it is a philosophy. Iya and Sandro invite travellers to engage with the local land and with themselves, offering tailored packages for post-surgery recovery, relationship retreats and personal resets. Their dedication has made EcOasis a retreat of choice for those seeking more than a holiday: it is a place to reconnect with nature and inner peace.
Celebrated for sustainability
EcOasis is not just luxurious; it is conscientiously sustainable. The resort uses renewable energy, water conservation and responsible waste management throughout its operations. The owners have donated over half of their land to a biodiversity conservation trust, creating wildlife corridors for native species and inviting guests to explore trails that weave through ancient trees and beside cascading creeks. This commitment to environmental stewardship earned EcOasis Gold in the 2025 North Coast Tourism Awards for Ecotourism and the title of Luxury Eco‑Retreat of the Year in the Australian Enterprise Awards. It is also recognised by the Kayak Travel Awards for being in the top three percent of properties worldwide and holds Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice status with a near-perfect rating.
A gateway to the Tweed Valley
Though the retreat feels remote, it lies within easy reach of beaches, art precincts and five national parks. Guests can bike the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, explore the heritage town of Uki, or simply soak in the view of Wollumbin as the first rays of dawn kiss its peak. The on-site tea house serves as a gateway to local culture, and the owners’ connections within the community ensure visitors discover the region’s best farmers markets, artisans and healers.
Why EcOasis stands out
In an era of fast travel and chain resorts, EcOasis Mami Wata reminds us that genuine hospitality is rooted in care, connection and respect for the land. Each stay supports conservation efforts and honours the traditions of the Bundjalung people. Each guest leaves with more than photos; they leave with a renewed sense of balance and belonging. For these reasons, we are proud to honour EcOasis as a Travel & Hospitality Award winner. It is a shining example of how sustainable luxury and heartfelt service can create a destination that resonates long after the journey ends.
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