cookie retreat at cabarita beach, northern NSW, 29 july – 1 august 2027
most people don't book the first time they find cookie retreats
not because they don't want to come…
Because life gets in the way.
They wonder if they're good enough.
If they'll know anyone.
If they can really justify spending the money.
If they should leave their family for a few days.
If now is really the right time.
So they close the page and tell themselves, "Maybe next year."
if that's where you're finding yourself, you're not the only one
the hardest part isn't decorating cookies
it’s saying “yes”
Because choosing yourself for three nights and two and a half days can feel harder than choosing everyone else.
Cookie retreats aren’t just about learning new decorating techniques. We’re learning together how to create the kind of weekend where life slows down for a while. Where conversations happen naturally, creativity feels enjoyable again, and there's finally time to focus on something that's just for you.
Whether decorating is your business, your favourite hobby, or something you've been wanting to make more time for, you'll be welcomed exactly as you are.
No pressure to know everything. No expectation to impress anyone.
Just a weekend shared with people who all decided to say yes too.
your weekend
29 July – 1 August 2027 at Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW · 3 nights, 2½ days
The hardest part is already behind you. You've arrived.
Your bags are unpacked, there's something to nibble on, a drink in your hand, and introductions happen the way they naturally should.
No awkward icebreakers.
Just conversations that begin with names, where everyone has travelled from, and the decorating projects currently taking over kitchen benches around Australia.
Settle into your accommodation from 3pm, then join everyone at 6.30pm for cookies & cocktails (or mocktails), a relaxed welcome that sets the tone for the weekend ahead.
thursday
friday
This is where your shoulders start to drop and the decorating begins.
Questions are asked. Tips are shared.
Someone discovers a technique they've never tried before.
Someone else remembers why they fell in love with decorating in the first place.
Between sessions there's morning tea, lunch and plenty of conversation around the table.
Friday evening is intentionally left free, giving everyone the chance to explore Cabarita Beach, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant, wander down to the beach, or simply enjoy a quieter evening.
saturday
By now, the room feels different.
People are swapping tools, encouraging each other, laughing when something doesn't quite go to plan, and celebrating the little wins together.
After our decorating sessions, the afternoon flows into our charity dinner & celebration — a relaxed evening filled with good food, our Bravery Box charity auction, the mystery cookie challenge, and plenty of moments that never quite make it onto the schedule.
sunday
What’s a beautiful cookie if you never know how to capture it? Rather than rushing off, you’ll have the chance to appreciate all you’ve learned in a photography session to capture your creations.
There’s time for one last coffee and stroll along the beach, before exchanging numbers and making plans to meet again.
Everyone heads home with new techniques, fresh inspiration, and a weekend that felt different from ordinary life.
We finish at 12.30pm.
learn from decorators who love sharing what they know
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keira
Crumbs & Chaos
Keira is the award-winning decorator behind Crumbs & Chaos in Toowoomba, making custom fondant cookies, cupcakes and treats. Keira taught fondant at our 2026 Cookie Retreat, and I’m so happy to have her back. In 2027 Keira will teach a fondant cookie decorating class.
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ivana
Medovnik Cake & Cookies
Ivana is the award-winning decorator behind Medovnik Cake & Cookies. Ivana started with honey cakes in 2017, found royal icing cookies a year later, and taught herself everything through YouTube and a lot of trial and error. In 2027 Ivana will teach a royal icing cookie decorating class.
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mel
meloo
Mel is a photographer with 33 years behind the camera, a Thermomix consultant, the author of gathered and your host. On Sunday Mel will run a “finding the light” session, so you can capture what you’ve made over the weekend in its best light.
coming on your own?
many people do
Some guests arrive knowing friends. Others don't know a single person.
By the end of the retreat, everyone has spent two and a half days creating together, sharing meals, asking questions, celebrating successes and encouraging each other along the way.
Whether you're naturally outgoing or a little quieter, there will always be a place for you here.
what's included?
what's included?
Thursday night cookies & cocktails (or mocktails) from 6.30pm
All decorating sessions at Somerleys Ocean, Cabarita
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on Friday and Saturday
Saturday dinner and the Bravery Box charity auction
With a stay ticket: 3 nights’ accommodation
every ticket includes
retreat only
Local? A retreat-only ticket gets you everything except accommodation.
returning guests
Joined us in 2025 or 2026? You get 5% off each 2027 retreat on a payment plan, or 10% if you pay in full (15% with the early bird until 31 October). Your codes are in the meloo Retreat Alumni group.
a little flexibility
To keep the weekend relaxed, breakfast and Friday dinner are yours to enjoy however you'd like.
Sleep in and eat a quiet breakfast in your room, or walk to a local café.
Head out for dinner with new friends, or enjoy a quiet evening to yourself.
There's space for all of it.
how to book
how to book
retreat only
$1,300 – no accommodation
$200 deposit today, then pay the rest up front or on a payment plan ($35 admin fee) before the retreat.
stay at cababreak
Twin share $1,395 · single $1,695 · queen $1,795 – 3 nights
$200 deposit today, then pay the rest up front or on a payment plan ($35 admin fee) before the retreat.
stay at somerleys
$1,895 – 3 nights at Somerleys Ocean
$200 deposit today, then pay the rest up front or on a payment plan ($35 admin fee) before the retreat.
reserve your place
Cookie Retreats are intentionally kept small, giving everyone room to learn, ask questions, slow down and genuinely enjoy the experience.
If you've found yourself coming back to this page more than once...
Maybe this is your year.
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