Latest news with #wellnessretreat
ABC News
31-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Coroner finds Rachael Dixon's death at wellness retreat 'in the context' of taking magic mushrooms
A coroner's report into the death of a woman who consumed magic mushrooms at a regional Victorian wellness retreat has found no clear cause of death. However, Coroner Audrey Jamieson said there was a possibility that Rachael Dixon died from psylocibin use. "I find that her death occurred in the context of her recent use of illicit drugs," the coroner concluded. The 53-year-old Melbourne woman died in April 2024 when she became unresponsive after drinking two serves of mushroom tea at a private retreat at Soul Barn in Clunes, a few hours north-west of Melbourne. Post-mortem toxicological analysis found Ms Dixon had approximately 6 ng/mL of psilocybin in her system at the time of death. The event was run by Deanne Matthews, who pleaded guilty in March to trafficking a drug of dependence, but did not receive a conviction. Ms Matthews, who rented the venue for her retreats, is not facing any charges in relation to Ms Dixon's death. The coroner's report, published on Monday, detailed how Ms Dixon, who had "always struggled with mental health problems", was a regular attendee at Ms Matthew's retreats. The coroner noted that Ms Dixon and Ms Matthews had known each other for around eight years — a relationship based on "healing". In 2022, Ms Dixon paid $500 for a copy of Ms Matthew's "Deep Self 28 Day Microdosing Experience", which contained journalling prompts and information on how to use and dose psilocybin at home. Annotations from the journal revealed that Ms Dixon's primary goal was "no binge drinking alcohol and food". The coroner said not only was there evidence to suggest Ms Dixon saw psilocybin as a means to deal with past traumas, but she relied on Ms Matthew for advice. In the 18 months leading up to her death, Ms Dixon attended the Clunes retreats about six times. The report said that on the evening of 14 April 2024, before the healing session began, fellow participants recalled that Ms Dixon was "on a high". "I'm meeting myself, I'm going home," one of Ms Dixon's fellow participants remembered her saying. According to the coroner's report, about five hours after Ms Dixon's first dose of mushroom tea, Ms Matthews reported she "was crying" and concluded she "needed some fresh air". Ms Matthews reportedly moved her to the kitchen, laid her on a pillow and opened the back door. Just before midnight, Ms Matthews contacted emergency services, telling an operator that Ms Dixon was "not responding". Ms Dixon was declared dead by attending paramedics soon after. While the report found no clear medical cause of death, it cited research from the Australian Psychedelic Society on "wood-lover paralysis" — a condition of muscle weakness linked to the consumption of psilocybin. The coroner concluded there was a "temporal relationship" between Ms Dixon's death and the consumption of the magic mushroom tea. The coroner said that while Ms Dixon suffered symptoms that appeared consistent with wood-lover paralysis — including her inability to walk and her loss of spontaneous breathing — it was not something that could "be ascertained forensically". "I ultimately determined on the balance of probabilities that I am unable to find wood-lover paralysis caused or contributed to Rachel's death," the coroner said. The coroner made no formal recommendations, but said the most appropriate intervention was "user education". "Rachael's case reflects that we do not know enough at present about the chemistry and pharmacology of magic mushrooms to confirm or exclude that mushroom consumption caused or contributed to her death," the coroner said.
UAE Moments
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♎ Libra Daily Horoscope for June 14, 2025
Calm, confident, and effortlessly magnetic; your energy is a soft power flex today. Libra, June 14 is flowing with grace and glowing potential. Venus is boosting your natural charm, while the moon invites you to prioritize inner peace and outer polish. It's giving: 'main character at a wellness retreat who also closes deals before lunch.' You're composed, aligned, and totally in your element. Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel for daily horoscopes on love, career, health, tarot, and more, delivered straight to your phone! 💌 🍃 Flow Over Force Today's about choosing ease over urgency. You don't need to rush to prove yourself, your energy already speaks volumes. Conversations flow, decisions feel aligned, and your intuition? Crystal clear. You're the eye of the storm and everyone's leaning into your calm. Libra Tip: If it disrupts your peace, it doesn't deserve your energy. Protect your vibe like your favorite fragrance. 💼 Career & Money: Poised and Productive You're making smart moves with a side of sparkle. This is a great day to review plans, negotiate with grace, or offer solutions with your signature finesse. Your presence puts people at ease and makes them listen. Quiet confidence wins the room. Libra motto today: Elegant strategy > loud hustle. 💖 Love & Friendship: The Art of Attraction You're giving subtle seduction, meaningful eye contact, and vibes that say 'I see you' without saying a word. If you're single, someone may be enchanted by your effortless cool. If you're coupled, lean into deep convos and little romantic rituals. It's the perfect day for emotional syncing. Flirt cue: 'What's something you think people always get wrong about you?' (Soft. Deep. Instant connection.) 🧘♀️ Mood & Vibe: Balanced, Peaceful, Softly Empowered You're tuned in today: to yourself, your space, your energy. Light a candle, clear your head, or take a social media breather. Today is about aligned action and beautiful boundaries. You're not just curating your aesthetic, you're protecting your peace. Lucky Color: Blush Rose Lucky Numbers: 6 & 15 Cosmic Playlist Song: 'Into You' – Ariana Grande Affirmation of the Day: 'I move with grace, lead with balance, and attract what aligns with my peace.' 💭 Libra Thought for June 3: Stillness is not weakness. It's where your real power lives.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Ending Explained: It's All About Connections
Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers has come to an end on Hulu. More from Deadline 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Cast Through Both Seasons: From Tranquillium House To Zauberwald King Princess Unpacks 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Character Tina's Trauma And Creating 'The Most Toxic Lesbian Relationship Possible' Hulu Lands 'Best Offer Wins' Book Adaptation With Greta Lee Starring & Suzanne Heathcote Writing The show's first season arrivd in 2021, based on Liane Moriarty's novel and the nine characters within it that visited Nicole Kidman's Masha Dmitrichenko in fictional Cabrillo, California at Tranquillum House. Season 2 departed drastically from the novel, which told the singular story of characters played by Melissa McCarthy, Samara Weaving, Michael Shannon and more. Arriving nearly four years after its first installment, Season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers watched nine new guests come to Masha's wellness retreat at Zauberwald, which included new technology she was working on and mysterious connections between the guests. For a recap of the finale and insights into how Season 2 wrapped up as well as speculation about a potential Season 3, read on. It's All About Connections Mark Strong's David Sharpe, a billionaire and the father of Henry Golding's Peter Shah who was late to the retreat in the first episode, turned out to be at the heart of the whole experience, at least for Masha's plan for ultimate healing. David's company Signal Op had military contracts, and through his multimillion dollar decisions, he made big ripples in the lives of all the other guests. Signal Op's 'smart bomb' affected Sister Agnes' (Dolly De Leon) former life as a nurse because she worked in war zone hospitals, and it also killed Matteo's (Aras Aydin) entire family. Signa Op's broadcast news channel also repeated aired the video of Brian's (Murray Bartlett) meltdown on set of his talk show Crabapple Clubhouse. He also pulled funding for a program to foster talented young musicians that left Wolfie (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) in a lurch. Once Victoria (Christine Baranski) caught wind of what Masha was doing, she demanded audience with the guru in a separate room to try and persuade her to stop, because Victoria realized that once Imogen made the connection that her father had worked for Signal Op and made the technology behind the bombs, she would put together why he took his own life — an experience that Victoria and Imogen revisited together under influence of the mycelium. Dosing David with what looked to be 100% of mycelium, Masha conducted a trial of sorts where she pointed all of this out. While on the drugs, David vowed to stop manufacturing these bombs so that the tragedy would stop. Masha Lets Go of Tatiana After a Near-Death Experience & Leaves Zauberwald To Martin In the middle of this confession, Martin (Lucas Englander) stumbled down the stairs of the mansion also extremely high on mushrooms in an attempt to see his dead mother Helena (Lena Olin), who was Masha's health mentor and helped her after she lost her daughter Tatiana. Viewers learn of the connection between Martin and Helena in later episodes, and Helena's feelings toward her son were complicated, but she wanted Masha to take over Zauberwald, feeling like she couldn't leave it to him. Both of them summoned her with the mushrooms, and after Martin tried to shoot Masha in a raging blizzard when she was following David outside as he tried to get cell signal to cancel bomb manufacturing, she still decided to leave the land and retreat center to him. After her jarring fall to the snowy ground, Masha also said goodbye to her daughter, whom she had been conjuring with hallucinations through the mushrooms. The Nine Strangers Brian parted ways with his teddy bear puppet Jesse, who had been popping up hear and their to voice subconscious thoughts. He used to imbue Jesse with curiosity to talk to children and get them to open up on his television show. He didn't give up the antique marionettes with Sister Agnes though. The pair left the retreat in a car together, seeing headlines about David. Wolfie and Tina (King Princess) didn't make it through the retreat together. Described by star King Princess as one of the most toxic lesbian relationships, their romance started to unravel within the first few episodes. It was Wolfie, though, who called it quits ultimately by moving her own flight up earlier once the roads had cleared. Later on, Masha watches Tina finally play piano — something she was struggling with since before Zauberwald — in a healing moment. Christine Baranski'sVictoria survived her adverse reaction to the drugs which was due to her ALS diagnosis, something she had withheld from Martin and saved her daughter and Peter a lot of time by saying that Imogen would make herself available to Peter whenever she could if he would just send a private jet. This provides opportunity for the pair to keep their romantic spark going. Mother, daughter and mother's nurse-turned-lover Matteo leave in the same car. The Fallout From David's Trip & Confession As the guests left the retreat, they each get cell service back and are bombarded with text messages as well as the headlines that show Masha has leaked video of David promising he would stop making bombs to the world. Wolfie sees a CNS banner in the airport that reads 'Billionaire Aquires Conscience?' It is assumed that the other strangers see this news alert on their phones and show it to each other on their way home from Zauberwald. 'Starting immediately, Signal Op is getting out of weapons production,' David says in the grainy surveillance footage from the other night as Peter shows him the video on his phone. 'Completely out, we will not spend another penny on hurting anyone.' The other guests laugh and celebrate, with Agnes saying 'Masha, you little devil' and Brian declaring 'Eat shit, Satan!' David wastes no time dialing Masha, telling her she has no idea how badly she's f*cked herself. One Month Later After a time jump, David pulls up in a nice Mercedes to a McDonald's wearing blue-tinted sunglasses, second guessing the address when he sees the golden arches. He is there to meet Masha, who is sipping on a soda or shake. He dryly states that she 'dragged her all the way back to Bavaria' to take her to a McDonald's, to which she responded that he wanted a neutral location. David told Masha that she destroyed nearly a billion dollars of his net worth. He brags that he still has six left to correct her for saying five. He slides a Nondisclosure Agreement across the table, revealing that he wants to open a new wing of his company focused on psychedelic therapy, wanting her to be involved. She would get $100,000 out of the deal, to which she responds 'That's it? That's what you think I'm worth?' She refuses to sign without equity or any other meaningful controls, but David brought his black mail, showing her footage he secured of some of the therapy of Masha's experiments going wrong, like when Victoria had a small seizure from her dosage as well as Carmen's (Regina Hall) moment from Season 1. David hacked Masha's personal servers through a payment to Martin, who complied with the request because he needs to keep the lights on at Zauberwald. David says the public won't see those videos if Masha signs the NDA that day. She threatens to make it very ugly for him and fight, and he says he's got a whole army behind him versus her debts. Masha ultimately signs the agreement, sinisterly proclaiming that they are family and that they share a daughter. Viewers learned this season that David was the father of Tatiana. 'You may not love your family, but you can't get rid of them.' Then she reaches across the table to kiss David, saying 'I do' as they both smile at each other. This cliffhanger of sorts leaves room for a third season with Kidman's Masha and Strong's David continuing on. They do, after all, have a romantic history, their dead daughter and that mysterious night in Prague they shared, to unpack should a new round of guests come their way in the future. RELATED: Best of Deadline 'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Soundtrack: From Griff To Sabrina Carpenter 'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
Travel Daily News
02-07-2025
- Travel Daily News
Desert & Delta Safaris announces Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat
Desert & Delta Safaris launches the Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, blending mindfulness, culture, and nature for a transformative experience in Botswana. Desert & Delta Safaris unveil the Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, an exclusive four-night experience which launches on November 28th 2025. Designed for guests seeking profound connection and restoration, this immersive journey promises to blend movement, mindfulness, and cultural exploration in Botswana's awe-inspiring Okavango Panhandle. Hosted at the secluded Nxamaseri Island Lodge, the retreat offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Okavango Delta and the ancient Tsodilo Hills, while reconnecting with nature, self, and spirit. Guests seeking this explorative adventure will spend three nights at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and one night at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out, and partake in a plethora of rejuvenating activities, including guided meditation and breathwork sessions, stargazing, and sunrise summit hikes. The Awakening Experience: A Journey of Renewal The Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat is curated for a select group of just 10, ensuring intimacy and personalised attention. Under the guidance of renowned wellness expert and certified yoga instructor Kerrith O'Fee, participants will embark on a holistic journey that weaves together ancient wisdom, mindful movement, and the tranquil rhythms of the Okavango. Kerrith is the founder of Victoria Falls Yoga and holds degrees in psychology and wellness, and brings a wealth of expertise to the retreat. Her approach is rooted in both scientific understanding and spiritual tradition, ensuring that each guest's experience is both nurturing and transformative. 'It's a rare blend of local life, ancient culture, and the slow, peaceful rhythms of the Okavango Panhandle. Even the lodge itself, with its towering jackalberry trees and palms, feels like a hidden sanctuary. It's the ideal setting for self-reflection and transformation,' says Kerrith. Each day begins with sunrise yoga on Nxamaseri's dedicated yoga deck overlooking the serene lagoon. Guests are invited to participate in guided strength and conditioning flows, sound healing sessions, and reflective journalling. These practices are thoughtfully designed to foster mindfulness, enhance physical well-being, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Nxamaseri Island Lodge: Sanctuary on the Water Situated on a private island in the permanent winding waterways of the Okavango Panhandle, Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a haven of tranquillity and beauty. The lodge features just eight chalets, each thoughtfully positioned for privacy and immersion in nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, guests can unwind in the spa or take a dip in the swimming pool between activities. The lodge's design and atmosphere celebrate the slower pace of life in the Delta, encouraging guests to disconnect from the outside world and fully embrace the rhythms of the wild. Wellness Spa: Tribal Roots and Local Empowerment The Nxamaseri Wellness Spa, in partnership with Tribal Roots, offers a range of treatments using organic, local products made by women from the surrounding communities. The spa's philosophy centres on sustainability, empowerment and holistic healing. Treatments can be booked in advance or arranged during your stay, with payment accepted by credit card at the lodge. Cultural Immersion: The Spirit of Tsodilo Hills A highlight of the retreat is the overnight expedition to Tsodilo Hills, accessed via a breathtaking helicopter transfer (for an additional cost) over the Okavango Panhandle or an exclusive transfer using Desert & Delta Safaris' brand-new decked-out minibus. At the Sleep-Out Camp, guests sleep beneath the stars at Botswana's Highest peak, the Male Hill. The evening features a traditional trance dance ceremony led by a local San Bushmen group, offering a rare glimpse into one of Africa's oldest cultural traditions. Tsodilo Hills, known locally as 'the Mountains of the Gods', is a place of immense spiritual and cultural significance for Botswana's ancient cultures. With more than 4,500 ancient rock paintings, the hills are a living gallery of human history and a sacred site for rituals, storytelling, and prayer. Guided by local experts, guests will explore the hills' unique geology and art, gaining insight into the beliefs and traditions of the region's oldest inhabitants. The sense of solitude and tranquillity at Tsodilo is profound, offering a rare chance to reflect and connect with the land's ancient spirit. Epic Experiences: Wellness Meets Adventure The Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat is part of Desert & Delta Safaris' Epic Experiences collection, a series of tailor-made itineraries celebrating Botswana's most unique destinations and adventures. This seasonal offering runs alongside the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Ultra Marathon collaboration, offering opportunities to combine wellness with adventure, cultural immersion, and conservation. Other Epic Experiences include birding, fishing, women's empowerment journeys, and sleep-out adventures, each designed to offer exclusivity and extraordinary value. The Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in a landscape rich with natural beauty and ancient wisdom. With its thoughtful blend of wellness, culture and adventure, this retreat is designed to leave you feeling renewed, connected, and inspired, a true awakening in the heart of Botswana.
News.com.au
29-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Top features in Victoria's $10m luxury mansions
A basement wellness retreat, voice-activated tech and a garage big enough for a supercar collection, that's just the entry point for Victoria's $10m+ prestige club. Buyers' agents and high-end selling agents say homes that crack eight figures are no longer just about postcode or square footage, they're about polish, privacy and absolute convenience. Industry Insider Property director and prestige buyers agent Andrew Date recently inspected a $20m Toorak fortress that ticked every box: two pools (one for laps, one for lounging), a fully automated home system, and a wellness zone in the basement. 'There was a pilates studio, sauna, steam room, the works,' Mr Date said. 'These homes are smart, secure and stacked with lifestyle features.' Kay & Burton director Darren Lewenberg said prestige buyers were increasingly turning away from renovation projects, no matter how grand, in favour of perfectly finished homes. 'They'll pay millions more just to avoid dealing with builders, permits and delays,' Mr Lewenberg said. 'Brand new or fully renovated, that's where the money is going.' And they're ruthlessly detail-focused. Mr Lewenberg said if the floor plan doesn't work, or the build quality isn't up to scratch, they'll walk. 'These buyers are globally aware, well-travelled and incredibly specific,' he said. 'They want quality that holds value.' Land is still the foundation of a prestige purchase, especially in Toorak, Hawthorn or South Yarra. Flat, well-oriented blocks close to schools and lifestyle precincts remain top of the wishlist. But the finish matters too. RT Edgar director Jeremy Fox said prestige homes that seamlessly blend heritage with high-end modern design were a major drawcard. 'Period homes with timeless architecture that have been brought into the modern era, they really resonate,' Mr Fox said. On the Mornington Peninsula, it's all about scale, views and retreat-style privacy. Buyers in Portsea, Sorrento and Red Hill want vineyard backdrops, sweeping water views and space to unwind — with all the luxuries of a city mansion. Most of the biggest sales aren't public either. Mr Lewenberg said many prestige deals above $10m now happen off-market, between trusted networks, with a recent $33m South Yarra mansion was never listed online. 'They're not just buying a home,' Mr Lewenberg said. 'They're buying time, certainty and status. 'And for that, buyers expect it all, bar, basement, butler's pantry and biometric entry, delivered upfront, no compromises.' Melb's $10m+ Property Buyer Checklist 1. Wellness retreat features – Sauna, steam room, pilates studio, and dedicated wellness zones in the basement. 2. Smart home tech and security – Voice-activated systems, biometric entry, advanced surveillance, and full automation. 3. No reno required – Fully renovated or brand-new builds only. Buyers are paying a premium to avoid permits, tradies, and delays. 4. Trophy garage space – Room for supercar collections, often underground and climate-controlled. 5. Entertainer-grade extras – Bar, butler's pantry, private cinema, lift, pool, and alfresco areas, all delivered upfront, no compromises.
