Credit: Hulu
If you fell in love with Soma, the wellness retreat at the centre of the hit-show Nine Perfect Strangers, you would have something in common with activewear brand founder Lorna Jane Clarkson who has just purchased the breathtaking property in Ewinsgdale near Byron Bay for $10.98 million. That’s right, the filming location for the hit series starring Nicole Kidman has been sold after almost a year on the market, and it’s just as perfect – although not as strange – as the show makes it seem.
The real-life wellness retreat is located at 221 Kennedys Lane, Ewingsdale, just 15 minutes from the main town of Byron Bay. It was previously owned by media and tech entrepreneur Peter Ostick and Vedic meditation practitioner Gary Gorrow who purchased the 22-acre estate in late 2016 for $1.8 million. It then underwent significant work, with the existing 1940s bungalow knocked down to build a luxurious, 10-bedroom residence with expansive living and dining spaces, landscaped gardens and exceptional hinterland views before the retreat opened in 2019.
For new owner, Lorna Jane Clarkson of the eponymous activewear brand, it’s her third purchase in the Byron area. She also owns Coorabell, the popular hinterland wedding venue where Margot Robbie was married in 2016, as well as a private beach house. She intends to continue the day-to-day operations of Soma, including the yoga, meditation and breathwork retreats the property is known for, and says that it is already booked out for the next five months.
“Wellness is growing. When we found out that Soma was on the market, we just jumped at it,” Lorna Jane told the The Financial Review. “I feel like it’s the perfect place to create a space where you can relax, rejuvenate and reconnect.”
“Our purpose has always been to change the way women live their lives. With Soma, we are extending this philosophy beyond what we wear and into how we live – creating a truly holistic experience of wellness and vitality,” she shared via an Instagram post. “Soma allows us to share a new dimension of wellness where movement, meditation and mindful living come together in the most transformative way.”
The purchase might not come with Melissa McCarthy floating around on a pool noodle or Nicole Kidman gracefully roaming around the property, but you can just imagine the cast living it up in and enjoying each of the property’s many luxurious amenities.
Soma is currently bookable via Airbnb from $22,715 for three nights (the minimum length stay) and, unlike the hit show, there’s no open graves or unconventional treatments at this idyllic spot.
Explore Soma Retreat, Byron Bay
The open-concept layout of Soma was designed with connection in mind. Large groups can converge for daily meditation in the yoga dome, take a dip in the freshwater pool and dine together at one of the many the generous seating areas, or they can take the opportunity to sneak away to a secluded escape or cosy corner on the property to relax, unwind and take in the glorious hinterland views.
The communal dining area where floor-to-ceiling windows frame lush hillside views is perfect for big family dinners and long lavish lunches – just don’t invite Nicole Kidman lest she spike the punch. We’re picturing this table laden with abundant veggies, wheatgrass shots and psyllium-based desserts.
Cosy, calming and clutter free, the interiors at Soma create an ideal environment to help you switch off.
Each of the ten bedrooms in the main house have their own private ensuite and gorgeous interiors. Each offer all the luxe amenities you’d expect from a five-star stay, as well as breathtaking windows to enjoy a connection to the outdoors that make you feel as though you’re sleeping under the stars.
Mornings at Soma are spent moving in the yoga dome before heading over to the infrared sauna and ice bath, and afternoons are best enjoyed traipsing between the custom-made Zen garden and forest walking trails that span the property’s 22 acres.
The property was sold in September 2025 by Will Phillips at Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay.
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