Customer Stories
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Client compares Fountainhead and Golden Door Retreats
One of our guest testimonials
"I am a 50 year old woman and I have been to the Golden Door Health Retreat four times over the last 12 or so years. I work in business and “The Door” has been the place where friends and I have gone to remember that we have a life when things have just got too much or too busy.
I originally went to the Golden Door Health Retreat after a miscarriage when I was full of sadness that eventually lifted. I went there again a week before my first wedding to chill and prepare. I went when I split from my first husband and I went there after my father passed two years back. I love the massages, the choice of activities and the “me time” that The Golden Door Retreat provides in spades. I had tried the other biggie Camp Eden once, it was OK, but I preferred My Golden Door.
After a visit to the Golden Door Retreat I always come home relaxed and with new convictions to try that bit harder.
You can imagine my shock when my husband presented me with a gift voucher for my 50th birthday for Fountainhead Organic Health Retreat? This was not the Golden Door. Not My Golden Door. I rang and asked Fountainhead could I have a refund but they politely explained that the Vouchers were not refundable. I bit the bullet. I decided to try a new Health Retreat. I went to their web site and checked it out.
The very different approach that Fountainhead was claiming made me a little nervous. Their slogan is “you are what you think”; what does that even mean, (I thought I was what I ate, which was always a little too much). They referred to “The Fountainhead Method” whatever that was.
I had never been to Maleny Queensland though I had heard of the Glasshouse Mountains many times. Breathtaking would be the only word to describe the setting. Australia has a minimal variety of Landscape views compared to my European roots but here was something completely different.
I arrived on a Sunday night after being chauffeured from Sunshine Coast Airport, (did not know there was an airport there) and my program said “Fit for Life” whatever that meant. I was greeted by a lovely lass, Tracy I think, whom settled me into my huge Spa lounge and bedroom. My new husband had spared no expense.
Monday kicked off with a 7am Rainforest walk then an option of sweat together or stretch together. I took the beginners Yoga. I did not wish to ruin my new exercise garb. Then to breakfast, but alas, I had forgotten. Tracy the night before had talked me into the optional Juice Only Detox. So “no” to all food for three days. This was a little scary. I had heard of a juice fast but never done one. What was interesting though was about 15 of the 19 guests had all “chosen” the hard road.
We then met most of the staff, (there must have been at least 30 and they were an interesting bunch, full of personality and confidence). What I had already started to notice during the orientation, Detox explanation and Staff meet and greet was that the team were all on message. They were trying to tell us something. The phrases that I had already heard dropped a few times were that I could not miss out, that we were always on the right path and that I was always doing my best. When I queried one of these statements I was given a short and clear explanation from Sue our Hostess that some how left me feeling warm inside. What was happening?
I then went up to their rustic Avocado Packing shed / Gym Conversion, (they do not use the Gym word) and had my fitness and body composition tested by Kymara. A lovely ex childhood actress whom had worked at Fountainhead over most of the previous three years and whose partner worked there as well. She had been in Fitness most of her adult life and was very attractive. She shared some younger day body hang-ups, (I could relate to this way of thinking still). Too fat. Mild eating hang-ups when I was young. Never feeling attractive enough. After we finished our Personal Training session together I realised she had threaded even more of these, “Fountainhead ideas” into my psyche.
When I had subtly, using humor as we often do, put myself down. Kymara had not accepted it. She had subtly pointed out that while great fitness is an honorable goal, surely being brave enough to set goals was reason enough for self esteem. I pondered her musings.
Before our Juice Lunch there was the first “ Fountainhead Method” lecture by head life Coach, Salima. Now I was beginning to get excited. Salima explained that the major cause of stress is the same for all people, (I thought we were all different). She explained that we all had a fear of missing out in life/ on life. She further explained that once we accepted that life was not supposed to go to plan, we would feel much of this self imposed stress lift. Hey wait a minute, hadn’t Salima read The Secret?
Poppy cock was her response when I meekly suggested the contradiction. Balance and the Search for it, she also went on to explain was another cause of stress. Hey wait a minute. My Golden Door always told me that they would help me find my balance. Salima asked us all to visualize a role model to emulate for our balance goals. After we opened our eyes, 17 out of the 17 Guests present had not found one. How can we aspire to something we had never seen, Salima challenged. She then offered a rational alternative. Priorities. Adjust your priorities. I went away feeling like a weight had been lifted from around my neck. I went to bed that second night feeling unsettled but strangely excited. I slept like a baby.
That week at Fountainhead I tried more new things then I had in any 7 day period of my life. I steamed until I was going to melt, and then jumped into a Freezing Mineral water pool. I had lovely relaxing Hot Mineral Water baths each night before dinner. I met a Nutty Professor Chef, Karen whom taught us that live food, (unprocessed and where possible un cooked) could be turned into everything from Pizza, to ice cream, to cheese cake and in this form, I could eat to my hearts content.
However what takes center stage at Fountainhead, is not their Organics, nor their Permaculture not even their very motivated staff, but their ideas. I finished the week never before in my life clearer of who I was and why I was here, (I mean on earth). I tried Journey Therapy and booked my own Fountainhead Method Life Coach, Jasmin. Jasmin took me step by step through all sorts of guilt I did not realise I was even carrying until it lifted. Guilt about being a better mother, guilt about not being good enough, guilt about not being pretty enough. I left feeling that its OK, because I am always trying my best naturally.
I brought all their books and still read them now when I get stressed, even though that is much less often. I have since sent my eldest daughter whom was suffering with Clinical Depression for two years, and Jasmin has another success story to share there. (for more info on Depression see Australian Depression Institute ).
I have one goal in life now; that’s right, one. To learn. That is what The Fountainhead Method said to me. I may return to The Golden Door one day if I want a special break or Pamper, but at the moment, they did such a good job, I don’t need My Fountainhead."
Cathy 2008
A former guest talking about her Fountainhead Experience
Getaway, Channel 9
Thursday October 19th.
Great South East Channel 7
25th July and again on 28th November.
ABC's Gardening Australia
December 12
Queenslands Beautiful Bed & Breakfasts
November
“This is my second time here at Fountainhead, and for the second time, it has been a holistic healing experience. The wonderful food, the serene environment, and the incredible wisdom of Greg Neville and the life coaches make this a truly wonderful life experience. I came here for a refresher on the correct ways to look at life in order to reduce my psychological stress and depression, and that is what I got. I now have the tools in my belt to go back out into the world and use. No matter what happens, I am on the correct path, an ‘appreciation’ has become a new key word in my vocabulary. The massages are out of this world too!!!”
Amy McConnell 1/8/08 – 2nd visit to FH for a 8 Day refresher on GN/BTB has suffered with Depression for about 4yrs
I wish I had come to Fountainhead when I first enquired 8 months ago.Being ready and committed totally to learn new information, it has turned out to be a fantastic journey, for myself, psychologically, emotionally and physically, and spiritually.
Everyone here is fantastic!
The System is great!”
Avalon
“Go to hospital, go directly to hospital …” Just a weird nightmare, right? Not when I have the ultrasound and CT scan as proof. A 6cm avocado-shaped tumour in my left kidney. Why me? Why kidney? Why the left one? I know now – tell you about that, in a moment.
To cut it short (the story, that is), on Internet the Fountainhead website, offering a Cancer Retreat; and none other like it to be found anywhere in the world. I discussed with my health gurus the risk factors of putting off surgery for a few weeks; the ultimate decision was mine, and I opted to run with it.
It wasn’t a big production getting there: Fountainhead told me what to bring and not bring, a friend drove me to the railway station, I changed trains in Brisbane, and Fountainhead staff picked me up at their nearest railhead.
Sounds hunkey-dorey, eh? Sure. Try it – try on a diagnosis of cancer. Would you freak out? I did. Practically incoherent; let alone able to string two thoughts together, by then. But all I had to do was get there; Fountainhead staff handle it; lovingly, sensitively and competently. Safe, safe for now; in good hands.
Jump to the crunch: two months after the Cancer Retreat, plucking up the courage for a check-up, and: wonderful news. I was in the consultation rooms of the GP-turned-Naturopath who'd discovered the kidney tumour by palpation; this time, he was astonished not to be able to feel the tumour at all – he said it had shrunk to less than half. Going, going, gone.
Fantastic to have achieved that outcome; and so speedily - two months! Lucky, eh. Lucky? A no-effort freebee? I don’t think so. The ‘luck’ could have been that I’d reached rock-bottom, couldn’t figure my way back up, couldn't do this thing alone, need help. I like me, quite fond actually, and worth saving. “Pay attention, self; these guys are winners, and your best bet”
Listening, listening. “What?!!” Listening… To be expected that, in mind/body-connection speak, if my life-endangering cancer was triggered by psychological stress, then it’s going to take a greater than minor shift in thought and belief structures – heaps seriouser than choosing between which spread on breakfast toast.
My favourite cogitating asylum was the mineral springs hot pool – I did phenomenal thought-sorting out there. They present you with lots of perspective to ponder. Peace in the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Fountainhead is an organic health farm: orchards, grassy tracks, dirt roads; not to be alarmed at lizards on your doorstep, huge spiders in the trees, a wild rabbit peering through your window.
It was the whole thing, the entire box-n-dice, that worked; eureka moments along the way, ultimately Fountainhead’s balanced integrated program, not any one segment in isolation, did it for me.
More questions pop up, and Greg Neville’s ‘Our emotional links to disease’ also ‘Effective counselling: What are the truths? What works?’ are well-thumbed.
Fay-previous Cancer sufferer
Another successful Fountainhead Experience
Hi there!
Gotta pick up the kids from school soon so just a quick one to tell you how absolutely brilliant your beat the blues program was for me and to thank you again for putting in the extra effort to get me through it. I was a tough nut to crack. And one way to thank you was to write in the testimonial book as you suggested and I made a point of doing that the night before I left.
I'm still feeling 110% and better than I have in literally years. Of course I've been telling everyone about how wonderful the program was and they all are commenting how great I look and how happy they are for me. So hopefully I'm sending more business your way.
I hope you manage to keep Fountainhead running as a retreat as well as your idea of expanding it to cities around Australia. For me I think the escape to a place to just to focus on getting well was essential for me to heal...away from the normal distractions of everyday. I think one day (in 5-10 years after the kids are older) I'd be interested in giving the weekend seminar because I'd like to help people but I'm not sure I could handle the one on one life coaching of people. But I have taught English as a second language for eight years so I am used to presenting ideas and information in a motivating and interesting way.
It's just one of my long term goals as well as learning how to teach yoga and learning how to do massage through some TAFE courses or something. With the kids still young I can't do it all straight away but I'm excited about the possibility of changing my life and work direction as they get older. I've always like yoga and I had a talk to Deb at Fountainhead about how she became a teacher.
Gotta run for now but just wanted to touch base quickly and let you know that you, your staff and the other guests all as a package saved my life and I reckon that's a pretty satisfying line of work to be in! So keep up the fantastic work you and your staff do because it's just brilliant.
Love and hugs,
Shari
Feb 08
Hi Wayne
I learnt so many things that it is hard to put it all into words. I learnt that I don’t need to get my memory back to be able to have a great future (amnesia). If bad memories do come back I will now be able to deal with them without any problem & if good ones come back I will be able to enjoy them. Greg was so helpful (especially in the one on one) he went through every illness & explained what was behind them. He showed up things I had been worrying about & didn’t even realise it. I was able to change my whole mindset & start to feel a lot better. He also agreed with me that my weight was my protection from being hurt again & helped me to see that I don’t need that protection anymore. I now realise that what happened to me was meant to happen & that it wasn’t my fault. That the abusers were only acting in their own space at that time & it couldn’t have been any other way.
From hating myself when I arrived there, I was able to say I loved myself by the time I left. I am still trying to believe that I could change so much in just 2 weeks. As a bonus I lost 7 kilos in those 2 weeks without even thinking about it.There is probably so much more, but that is the best I can do at this time.
Could you please pass on to Jasmine that I walked past the house I was telling her about & didn’t have to walk on the opposite side of the road, which I did have to before the Journey sessions. Tell her that I really thank her so much for all she did for me, I really am very grateful to finally be free to start enjoying my life.
Thanks again for the opportunity
Colleen
Dear Dimitti,
I just thought I would touch base with you regarding Jen’s month at Fountainhead. She came home a different person to the one I sent up there and for that I will be forever grateful. She is completely off her medication, has the eating thing under control and is now completely vegetarian – her weight is good and her demeanor is fantastic. She has been working two jobs since she got back, saving money and is happier than I have seen her in many, many years. When I sent Jen up to you, it was a real leap of faith on my part as the financial side of it for us was huge but I have to say it is the best money I have ever invested. I just want to thank you again and would appreciate it if you would pass on my eternal gratitude to Jen’s life coach etc – they worked a miracle and for that I will be forever in their debt. Have a fantastic Christmas and 2008.
Sincerely,
Kate
I can not even begin to express the gratitude I feel to this wonderful place, all the people who work here, the other guests I’ve met along the way, and of course Greg Neville. When I arrived here, I was at the lowest point I’ve ever been at in my life. I had no hope for a future, and everything looked black and bleak. After staying here for 5 weeks, I can truly say that I feel like myself again for the first time in years. The philosophy that Greg teaches, which is continued on in the life coaching sessions, has been like a light bulb in my head. My life now has purpose and meaning, and I feel like a valuable member of the human race again. Greg Neville and Fountainhead have saved my life, and I will be eternally grateful for that.
Lots of Love
Amy M
For all at Fountainhead, thankyou from the new beginning. Especially thanks for Deb and Jasmine whom helped me to firstly like myself and to go home loving myself.
There are no words to express how grateful I am for this wonderful opportunity.
Colleen.
From the bottom of my heart – Thank you to all of the staff! When I came here 3 weeks ago I was lost, sad, confused and addicted to cigarettes and alcohol. I am leaving today as a happy, confident and calm soul. Free of cigarettes and alcohol – I know now that I do not need it in my life anymore. I have always wondered – ‘what is the meaning of life?’ ‘Why am I here?’….. I got those questions answered on my second Life Coaching session with Salima and she showed me how to look at life in a correct way - Salima you are the best! I have so much admiration and respect for you! Gagin and Patrick – thank you for our talks and the delicious food! Nicole – thank you for your little good bye note… it made me smile J Fiona, Danni & Dimity – thanks for the laughs! Greg Neville – Keep saving spirits. You saved mine. You make a BIG difference, all the difference. Thank you for the WISDOM. Dean thank you for pushing me beyond my ‘limits’. Sending you a big hug from little me (a happy me) Freedom
I came to Fountainhead with a totally melt down body, mind and soul. I did however come with an open mind. Ready for it to be filled with whatever was given to me. I couldn’t remember the last time that I hadn’t woken without a headache. The moment I was driven through the front gates, it disappeared. After 28 days I still remain headache free. Alcohol free and am eating 3 small meals a day (arrived with an eating disorder) and keeping them down. Thank you to all the staff who contributed to my new start in life. Yasmine, Salima and Di, your understanding and teachings I will forever be grateful for. Gavin, a special thank you for your encouragement and chats. For taking the time to ask me what I would like to eat and for cooking the most amazing food. The most rewarding lesson I have learnt from my experience here is how to love myself.
Thank you all so much
Kelly xxx
Thank you so much to everyone for a fantastic stay, including those people who I didn’t know. I am sure they add to the value of our stay. I am really grateful to the wonderful hosts, Renee, who just feels wonderful and is so enthusiastic about people. Fiona who is full of energy and vibrant, what a caring soul. Also thanks to Nicole and Dani – I have been grateful for your time. Patrick and Gavin – amazing food. I have never eaten so much yummy, healthy food and really will practice some changes. Many thanks for being patient with so many enquiries. Thanks to Bec for some of the lovely juices. I love your sense of style and fun in what you wear. Dean I am grateful for you pushing me and showing me that I can do a lot more than I think. I have never been this healthy. I really appreciate his expertise and knowledge, which has made a huge impact on me. It will change my life. As for Life Coaching – Salima I am so grateful for what I have gained physically, I have also gained, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually! Salima is a fantastic role model and as a coach I love and appreciate her integrity and intuition. I have taken away lots to use in my personal and professional life. How fantastic to be leaving here feeling the healthiest I have ever felt on all levels. I am grateful to all the therapists. What a fabulous place to be in. Many many thanks to all
Liz G
This is my story. I hope it inspires you just as I found everything that this place is about inspired me.
I arrived here on a Friday. At that time I had depression and my spirit was so close to death. To me my life was a complete mess and by continuing on I was just ruining that lives of my family and anyone else who come too close. I had attempted to commit suicide but in a last moment of clarity realised my children would [come] home and find [me] and I then stopped waiting for a better time and place. I was continually self harming and would go days without eating. I had totally withdrawn from all aspects of life. I came here as a last ditch effort to find something to beat the depression. Counselling and medication weren’t working and it was too painful to go on…I had a one on one with Greg and a Journey therapy with beautiful Di and in a short time those clouds had completely vanished. I felt full of life again. It was an amazing feeling. During the rest of my time here I learnt many lessons in wisdom and how to appreciate my life however it unfolds. I can honestly say that because of this place, Greg’s philosophy, the journey therapies, and life coaching my husband still has a wife, three beautiful boys still have their mother and I am looking forward to learning wonderful lessons for the rest of my life. Thank you does not come close to the appreciation I have for all that is Fountainhead. Thank you so much, Dani, Renee, Di, Paul, Deb, Fiona, Gav, Patrick, Rebecca, Dean and Kati and of course Greg – You are all so much more that just staff you save lives. To my fellow guests who I shared my journey with, thank you for your inspiration, your friendship and for the fun!!
My journey here is now done. My life has been enriched. I am looking forward to loving what the future brings.
Petrice
To all at Fountainhead, Thank you so much! 2 and a half years ago my second child ‘Zach’ was born traumatically and now consequently has a disability called Cerebral Palsy. My life was shattered. Probably the most painful thing of all was that I thought my God had let me down. Questions about life and suffering overwhelmed me. The guilt was unbearable and debilitating – BUT after spending a week at Fountainhead under Greg Neville’s philosophies on WISDOM, I have gained insights that have changed my life!! I believe now that Zach represents the “miracle of creation”! I have learnt the true purpose of life the true meaning of trust and self worth and the secret of happiness. Now instead of being in pain I feel excited about the future and the journey. I love my life. Thank you.
Fiona
The wonderful people I have met here make the place very positive and enlightening.
Love,
Makesh
This place may not work for everyone but it SAVED my life and no simple thank you will express the depth of my love and gratitude. It’s not the Hilton – its REAL life and the staff members are human but they are gold. And it’s the guests who will inspire you and help you stick it out. So when you are ready OPEN your heart and mind and take on this journey it’s priceless. I love you guys – every one of you and I leave a piece of my heart in that organic fridge so you haven't heard the last of my story it’s still unfolding.
Hugs, Kisses and Loud Dulcet Tones the red nut xxx
PS. Greg Neville is a one-in-a-million, Watch out Dr Phil, Dr Neville pole dances and almost talks as fast as me, but he is a STAR in the making. GO FOR IT and don’t be scared – WISDOM …Give me a brain and a zest for living over a six pack any day.
Georgie
I came here with a very cloudy head and a few bad habits (addictions) to boot. Could not see the good through the fog. A few days with an extremely passionate gentleman and his amazing outlook on life. The knowledge I will take with me will be invaluable. Greg Neville please never lose your passion for spreading the word, fantastic. The surroundings are divine (even when raining for most of the nine days) and another enormous benefit is the people that come here (other guests). Very open and giving, I have made some wonderful friends. The staff all must enjoy their job immensely and it does show. Keep up the great work. I cant thank-you enough
Leigh
The words I write can’t even begin to express the gratitude I feel towards all the events that led to the birth then growth of “Fountainhead” into what I found it to be for me during my stay –
“Heaven on Earth”
This beautiful property lifted my spirits with its tranquil lake and abundance of wildlife (The gorgeous seats around the lake beckon you to pause and meditate). My senses were reawakened by the vibrant colors of the plants; the perfume of the roses, the every changing flavors of the food; the healing touch of the therapists’ hands and the sounds of the birds. But what makes Fountainhead so special and separates it from just another “SPA RETREAT” is you leave truly feeling like your life has changed! I arrived here 8 days ago with Depression and I am leaving tomorrow with no clouds hanging over my head. Thanks to Greg Neville and the “Beat the Blues Program” and all the staff & guests here during my journey I have learnt the answers to a question that has tormented me & my self worth for most of my life – “Why am I here?” It’s a simple, but life changing understanding. We all exist to help each other, learn and grow simply by living & being who we are. By going about our daily lives with the beliefs we hold we play a valuable role in teaching everyone around us how to look at reality. Our role helps everything that exists to evolve. If we attach our self worth to this understanding it will NEVER be on the line! Peach, Joy & Love of Life for all to were a part of my journey & those that will write on the pages following….
Love from Tanya
Came here uncertain whether I would still be here a month later, but triumphantly I got through it. Without the help of Deb, Paul, Dimity and all the rest of the gang and guests that I have met. A special mention to Rebecca for all those Detox juices which were strange to say the least but thank you. To Gavin and Patrick the food was interesting but a lot of fun thanks. Dean you were a torture not a trainer, but thanks for all the help with my training. Hopefully next time I will be able to knock you out with a few punches (boxing). A special mention to Bill (dog) a good friend. Thanks to everyone and I hope to come back again as a guest or a visitor again this year
Sean
Thank you Fountainhead for a great fortnight. Renee for the yoga and talks, Patrick for the wonderful food, Deb, Holly & Co great hosts, Beck for the Juices. Debbie, Tammi, Simon, Rosemary, Sean, Kerry Anne and Co for the company. Paul for the massage and Dean for the torture.
All the best, Hope to see you all again soon too
Sharen & Bruce
Came as a piss head, left with a clear head. Thanks Fountainhead
Simon
‘Wow’ what a ride, who would ever believe that one could feel so god dam good from the right food, the perfect environment and the right amount of exercise; ‘Wow’ the staff all of you, I do believe that you guys have the most rewarding job of all, what satisfaction, in my 2 weeks stay I have seen some huge changes in other guests and I met the lad that I lost contact with a few years ago, very refreshing, smiling from ear to ear. Can’t wait to come back, I believe everyone should do it at least once a year just remember – Maleny – Fountainhead 67 McCarthy Road
James
Thank you all
I came to Fountainhead 2 ½ months ago. When I came here I was depressed and ready to give up. Now I feel ready to face the world and move on with my life. I am extremely grateful to all the staff here at Fountainhead. An extra special thank you to the beautiful hosts. Allie; you are a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for all our chats. You have been heaps of fun and always helpful to talk to Katie B, was great. She helped me immensely, even though it was tough and confronting. Paul, thank you for always being there to lend a hand. You are a very gentle man with magical hands. Annemarie, you have such gentleness about you. Thanks for the exciting and scenic routes to the markets. Katie (cleaner), you have always been so kind and helpful to me. I enjoyed our chats; you are a beautiful person with a huge heart. Thank you for being you! Gavin, your food was fantastic and so are you. You were always there to put a smile on everyone’s face. Kym, without you I wouldn’t be here. Apart from our fantastic PT’s, you have been a huge part of my recovery. You got me here, you dealt with my family and you pushed me to try harder. Thank you for everything. Pete thanks for being supportive throughout the boot camps. You’re a great man with a big heart. Salima, what can I say. Thank you so very much for everything. You taught me so much and I look forward to passing on the knowledge I learnt from you to others along my path in life. I AM a valuable and worthwhile person and you helped me see that. Michelle, you’re an awesome woman, thanks for the opportunities with the Life Coaching training, and everything else. You have so much to give and I am thankful I experienced you. Wayne, thank you so very much for Fountainhead. You are one in a million. I will keep on learning and sharing the WISDOM I have learnt. Greg, you are a wonderful man. Your philosophy is the best thing I have ever learnt. ALL the staff are an asset to Fountainhead. To the guests that I have had the privilege to meet, you are all great people with heaps to give. Thank you and I wish you all the best. To the guests to come, this place is magical. Give it a chance.
Good luck and I wish you all the best
LOVE TALLI xoxoxoxoxo