Our first Cookie Retreat Cabarita Beach, July 2025
In July 2025, twenty-eight cookie decorators came to Cabarita Beach in Northern NSW for the first-ever Cookie Retreats weekend. Three days, two teachers, a penthouse above the ocean, and a Christmas-in-July Theme. We didn't know exactly how it would land, because nothing like it has been held before.
The teachers, Kelsie Hilton of Make or Bake Co and Rachel Feng of Little Sweet Treats led the decorating sessions and both of them absolutely smashed it. Being able to allow twenty-eight like mined souls work on the same cookie at the same time, in the same room, with the ocean behind them , thats what it is all about,
Saturday night was the Christmas in July Charity PJ Dinner & Auction , glazed ham with native botanicals, slow-roasted brisket, pavlova parfait. The FOOD, The VIBE, THE LAUGHS.
The silent auction for Bravery Box raised over $3,000, so incredible grateful each and everyone that supported the auction by supplying an item or by bidding. That was the moment the retreat stopped being an event and became a community.
Friends of Cookie Retreats, a retreat like this doesn't run on its own. Endless thanks to the Friends of Cookie Retreats who made the weekend what it was:
• Vintage Sugar Craft by Catherine
• Vikki, Elissa, Deb, Rachel & Keira
Hosted by Meloo.
What we learnt, A few things didn't go to plan. Some of them we sorted as we went, some are notes in the margin for this year. That's what an inaugural event is , Real. The teachers were patient, the guests were generous, and everyone left with cookies, friends, and a little more of inspired one way or another.
To everyone who came, taught, gifted bid, and laughed, THANK YOU. Cookie Retreats 2026 is all but SOLD OUT, we have 2 places (inc accomodation) with Lake Hawea, New Zealand 2027, LIVE- Our first International Retreat.
Mel x