For five years, Sandra has been the quiet force keeping Billabong Retreat Sydney flowing with ease, care, and integrity. As our Operations Manager, she is the backbone of everything that happens behind the scenes—ensuring that each guest experience feels seamless, grounded, and deeply supported.

Sandra, you’ve been with Billabong for five years now. What first drew you to the retreat?
After working for other health retreats in Australia and then doing a side step to another business not in health & wellbeing, I wanted to go back to a place where looking after guests as well as staff comes first. Billabong Retreat offers a connection to nature, a grounding energy and shared values around mindfulness, health and wellbeing. Five years on, I still believe and feel this and it continues to be a privilege to be part of a place that supports people in slowing down, reconnecting and looking after themselves.

Your role is often described as the “backbone” of the retreat. How do you see your role?
As being the spider in the web, threading the lines between the different departments as well as between staff and our beautiful guests.

What qualities do you feel are most important in managing operations at a place like Billabong?
Time management, attention to detail, keeping the overview, being a step ahead if possible and a listening ear and compassion & understanding for everyone.

What does a typical day look like for you?
There are no typical days at Billabong Retreat 🙂 My days are about supporting both our guests and our team to ensure everything flows smoothly. This includes assisting guests with phone and email enquiries, coordinating staff rosters, managing room and treatment schedules. I also spend time checking in with guests, making sure everyone feels comfortable and cared for. Behind the scenes, it’s about keeping all the moving parts aligned so the retreat experience feels seamless, calm and welcoming for everyone.

What keeps you inspired after five years?
The guests journeys and their transformations from check in until check out

What do you love most about Billabong Retreat?
Our guests, our staff, and being able to witness and support everyone’s individual journey while they’re here.

What does Billabong mean to you personally?
What is your favourite thing to do to reset and relax after a busy day/week at Billabong?
Be with my cats and read a book on the couch with a chai tea.