Stories and Testimonies from our Guests

Stories and Testimonies from our Guests

Freedom from addictions and a restored relationship

Freedom from Addictions

"When I came to Cedarvale my life was in a bit of a mess. I was drinking and smoking too much and it was really effecting my relationships, not to mention my health."

"The first few days were tough, as I struggled with withdrawals and detox side effects. Learning to relax was also a bit of a challenge, due to my fast paced lifestyle. But once the first few days were over, I started to feel much better."

"At the end of my stay, I felt like a new person. My wife came down an stayed on the last weekend, and she could hardly believe the changes. We had a wonderful time together and were able to reconnect and strengthen our relationship."

"I'm now thinking clearly and have no cravings. I awaken each morning feeling refreshed and ready to face life. Would definitely recommend this program to others." Scott O.

Freedom from addictions and a restored relationship
Lost 5 kilos and a coffee addiction; not felt deprived on plant foods

Lost 5 kilos and a coffee addiction; not felt deprived on plant foods

"I am amazed! I have been at Cedarvale for 10 nights and have lost 5 kilos and a coffee addiction. I thought my symptoms of bloating, mood swings, cramps were all part of "coming of age" but after the educational health talks I have learn't these symptoms and many more can be controlled through the foods we eat."

"The vegetarian menu/diet has been a real treat for my taste buds. I have not felt deprived or hungry. The care and support from the Cedarvale team was well above excellence."

"I'll have no trouble changing to this lifestyle because the staff have made the process so smooth." Suzanne D.

Lost 23 kilos – Insulin medication from 76 to 14 units per day

Lost 23 kilos - Insulin medication from 76 to 14 units per day

"I came to Cedarvale with diabetes. My blood sugar ranged between 17-20 mmols/litre and I weighed 126kg. I was depressed and had lost all interest in life. After 19 days at Cedarvale, my life turned around and is heading to recovery."

"Now, three months later, I'm continuing my new lifestyle I've learned at Cedarvale and my health is continuing to improve in leaps and bounds. My insulin usage has dropped from 76 to 14 units per day, with normal blood sugar and I don't take any other medication whatsoever. My weight is now 103 kilos - a loss of 23 kilos so far."

"I'm amazed at this progress. I enjoy the vegetarian food and never feel hungry, often inventing new dishes and discovering new vegetarian products on the market. Now I work several hours a day in the garden growing my own organic vegetables...the increase in energy and strength allows me to enjoy life so much more and I plan a tour around Australia in a campervan in about a year's time when I reach my target weight and fitness. I praise the day I found Cedarvale for I believe it has prolonged my life significantly" Pat K.

Lost 23 kilos – Insulin medication from 76 to 14 units per day

A New Life in 3 Weeks: Diabetes, Hypertension, Weight and More

"Our doctor referred my wife and I to Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat to get help for my diabetes.. The follow is exactly what happened to me during my 19-night stay.

  • Diabetes: has almost disappeared. I believe I will be able to control the diabetes by continuing with this lifestyle program.
  • Blood Sugar: have gone from 74 units of insulin per day to nil and I'm sure I can continue without it altogether.
  • Weight Reduced:From 97.5 kilograms to 88 kilograms in 19 days
  • Hip Pain: three hot pack treatments saw me improve from practically no walking to walking eight kilometres per day.
  • Gastro-intestinal: have polyps, diverticulitis and chronic irriable bowel syndrome with causes pain, flatulence and diarrhoea. Symptoms all have been markedly improved by the diet, exercise and hot pack treatments.
  • Nasal Discharge: stopped completely.
  • Urine Frequency: now much improved through drinking lots of water. Have cut out medication for this.
  • Fungus Infection: improved by diet, losing weight and diabetes control.
  • Arthritis: improved through diet and losing weight.
  • Depression: so much improved, I went from depression to a new life in 3 weeks. In fact so well, I feel dangerous!"

Roy D.

Blood pressure dropped from 155/88 to 118/75 in two weeks

Blood pressure dropped from 155/88 to 118/75 in two weeks

Hi, I'm Fritz 59 years old with a high-strung, achieving personality with a stressful lifestyle and a long history of high blood pressure. I came to Cedarvale on the 12 night program and was pleasantly surprised at the results.

"My struggle with hypertension goes back a long way. I've been on medication for many years with no improvement and when my doctor said I should take some more medication, I decided to try Cedarvale's 12 night program. Following my initial health assessment and pathology report, I was placed on a 3 day apple fast. I never knew apples could be eaten in so many ways. This was followed by a totally salt free diet for three days. The chef also made a special salt free bread for which I was very thankful. I found the talks very helpful for my stress levels and enjoyed the monitored exercise around Cedarvale's rainforest trails. However, I benefited most in the kitchen with the hands-on cooking classes where I learned a whole new way of eating."

"In two weeks my blood pressure dropped from 155/88 to 118/75. I can't believe it! I feel great! I am still following the lifestyle program recommended by Cedarvale and now, three weeks later, my blood pressure is 121/68." Fritz B.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Lost 7 kilos in 15 days

"I lost 7 kilos in 15 days. The food was excellent and the overall care I received from the staff was very good." Jack W.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

A Special Place to Find

"I really appreciated being able to stay where tasty, healthy vegetarian food is served. It is so hard to find such a place. Thank you." Ilse R.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Very effective program

"Great place and wonderful people. I would recommend it to anyone. I found the overall health and treatment program very effective. Thanks guys." John H - 19 night program

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Arthritis: greatly improved

"Being a mechanic and always on my feet, my legs were giving me much trouble. My time at Cedarvale has really helped me relax and the treatments greatly helped my arthritis. I also came off coffee and was surprised how quickly the withdrawal headache disappeared."

"My joints are much more mobile. My legs which are usually stiff and tired are now much more relaxed. The food was great and I have lots some weight. I would be happy to recommend the program to others" James H.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Friendly, professional and down-to-earth

"Thank you so much to 'everyone' at Cedarvale. Your friendliness, professionalism, and down to earth natures really helped me relax and enjoy my stay." Lauren B.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Lost weight and lowered cholesterol levels

"I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Cedarvale. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food was terrific! I lost weight and lowered my cholesterol." Carl L.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Stunning scenery, comfortable accommodation

"We had a very enjoyable stay at Cedarvale. The scenery is stunning the accommodation is very comfortable and the food is excellent. The staff were really friendly and helpful and were really keen to see our lifestyle improve. I lost some weight which is a great incentive for me to keep on the program at home." Vanessa L.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Recommended for Mums

"I feel that the retreat was like a school for mothers to look after themselves so that we can teach our children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle." Debra R.

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Came stressed and left refreshed

"I came to Cedarvale with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed sharing this experience with her. This will also keep us accountable to another and help us to continue to use all the wonderful recipes and information that we have been given. We came stressed and left refreshed." Faith L

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

"The vegetarian food is the best I've tasted."

Ms B.A. - Griffith NSW

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Enjoyed the walks and caring staff

"I particularly enjoyed the walks around the 150 acres of rainforest. We appreciated the caring, patient attitudes of all the staff here - we enjoyed our stay very much." Ms Y.S. - Sydney

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Can't wait to use the recipes!

"I will definitely use the recipes demonstrated and served when I go home - in fact I can't wait!" Mrs L.L. - Newcastle

Guests at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat

Relief from sinus congestion

"For many years I experienced distressing sinus congestion, most likely related to allergies and intolerance to certain foods. To compound my already less-than-optimum health status, I contracted a viral illness and then developed a secondary bacterial infection. The antibiotics I was consuming didn't appear to be arresting the infection and I continued to feel tired, listless, and was becoming depressed. My parents drove me down to Cedarvale, for which I was thankful. After arriving, I immediately began a treatment program. I found the meals, though free of dairy products, to be very tasty and satisfying. In the mornings, effective hydrotherapy packs were applied to my chest and relieved much of the congestion by improving the circulation. In the afternoon a series of baths was used to elevate my body temperature and thus stimulate the white blood cells to fight the infection. The baths, although somewhat exhausting, proved very effective. The infection soon began to clear up, bringing much relief. For the first time in months I began breathing through my nose, helping me to sleep much better. By the end of the week I began to feel remarkably well - and free of sinus congestion! My grateful thanks to the dedicated staff whom I found to be most pleasant at all times. I would certainly recommend my stay at Cedarvale as being a positive experience. It is my intention to return sometime in the near future - this time just for some rest and relaxation!" Mrs L.A. - Sydney