We are delighted to share that Deśa Retreat has been named a finalist in the Tourism and Hospitality category of the 2026 Torquay Business Awards.
Our founder and owner, Emma, has also been selected as a finalist for Business Leader of the Year.
Being recognised in not one, but two categories is a wonderful honour—particularly among such a strong field of local businesses and business leaders.
Recognising tourism and hospitality on the Surf Coast
The Torquay Business Awards celebrate the businesses, individuals and organisations contributing to Torquay and the surrounding community.
Deśa Retreat was created as a place where people can slow down, reconnect and feel genuinely cared for. Set among peaceful gardens near the coast in Jan Juc, Deśa offers eco-accommodation, NDIS respite stays, counselling and private yoga experiences.
Our approach to tourism and hospitality is grounded in warmth, inclusion and respect for the natural environment. Whether someone is staying for a coastal escape, seeking supported respite or joining us for a wellbeing experience, we want every guest to feel welcome, comfortable and at home.
To have this work recognised in the Tourism and Hospitality category is something we are incredibly proud of.
Celebrating leadership with heart
Emma’s nomination as a finalist for Business Leader of the Year is also a meaningful acknowledgement of the heart and vision behind Deśa.
As Deśa’s founder and host, Emma brings together her experience as a qualified counsellor, yoga instructor, garden-to-plate cook, musician, surfer and mother. Her leadership is deeply personal and hands-on, shaped by her commitment to creating a nurturing environment in which people can rest, feel supported and reconnect with themselves.
Deśa has grown from this vision into a distinctive local retreat that welcomes people with a wide range of needs and reasons for visiting.
Thank you to our community
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of Deśa’s journey—our guests, clients, local collaborators, supporters, friends and the wider Surf Coast community.
Every stay, conversation, recommendation and kind review has helped Deśa become what it is today. This recognition belongs not only to our retreat, but also to the community of people who continue to support and believe in what we do.
The winners of the 2026 Torquay Business Awards will be announced at the Awards Presentation Dinner on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at The Sands Torquay.
For now, we are simply honoured to be standing alongside so many remarkable local businesses and leaders—and very grateful to have Deśa’s work recognised in this way.
Thank you for being part of our story.
With love and gratitude,
Emma and the Deśa Retreat team
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View the 2026 Torquay Business Awards Presentation Dinner