Inside the Laura Sharrad Foodie Retreat at Yangaro
Four unforgettable days of food, connection and Whitsundays hospitality.
For four unforgettable days this June 2026, Yangaro welcomed guests from across Australia to experience the second Laura Sharrad Foodie Retreat—an immersive culinary escape where exceptional food, luxury accommodation, wellness and meaningful connection came together in one of Australia's most spectacular coastal settings.
Limited to just twenty guests, the retreat was intentionally intimate, allowing everyone the opportunity to connect with Laura, fellow guests and the incredible local producers who helped bring the experience to life.
From the moment guests arrived at Yangaro's private beachfront estate overlooking the Coral Sea, the pace naturally slowed. Welcome bubbles in hand, new friendships began to form before the retreat officially opened with a sunset aperitivo on the lawn.
Hosted alongside local favourites 74 Islands Distillery, guests sampled handcrafted spirits while enjoying signature canapés created by Coastal Food Design, before gathering together for a shared welcome banquet and an evening of stories with Laura as she reflected on her journey from MasterChef to one of Australia's most exciting culinary voices.
A MasterChef Experience Beyond the Kitchen
The heart of the retreat was undoubtedly the interactive MasterChef experience with Laura Sharrad.
Rather than simply demonstrating recipes, Laura invited guests into her world, sharing the techniques, stories and creativity behind each dish while encouraging everyone to roll up their sleeves and cook alongside her.
Together, guests mastered hand-rolled cavatelli with rich prawn bisque, perfected pillowy potato gnocchi with fresh basil pesto, and finished with a stunning strawberry crostata served alongside Frangelico mascarpone.
More than a cooking class, it became an afternoon of laughter, learning and confidence-building in the kitchen.
Wellness Between Every Bite
While food was at the heart of the retreat, balance remained just as important.
Guests enjoyed access to Yangaro's private Clubhouse throughout their stay, including the sauna, steam room, cold plunge, mineral pool and fitness facilities, along with a hosted wellness session led by Yangaro Wellness Manager, Leah Hesse.
Included spa treatments provided the opportunity to truly unwind, ensuring the retreat offered equal moments of indulgence and restoration.
White at Yangaro
Saturday delivered the signature event of the retreat.
Set beneath the Whitsundays winter sunshine overlooking the Coral Sea, guests gathered for White at Yangaro—an elegant long-table lunch curated by Laura Sharrad in collaboration with Coastal Food Design, styled beautifully by Airlie Picnic Co
Flowing conversations, beautifully prepared seasonal dishes, premium wines and spectacular ocean views created an afternoon that perfectly captured what the retreat had been designed to celebrate: exceptional food shared with wonderful people.
Celebrating Local Producers
One of the defining elements of the retreat was its commitment to showcasing the incredible producers and hospitality businesses that make the Whitsundays such a remarkable destination.
Throughout the four days, guests experienced:
• Coastal Food Design
• 74 Islands Distillery
• Yangaro Wellness
• Local seasonal produce sourced throughout the region
Together, these experiences celebrated not only Laura's cooking but also the incredible talent found throughout the Whitsundays.
More Than a Retreat
Perhaps the greatest success of the weekend wasn't simply the food—it was the connections created around the table.
Guests arrived as strangers and departed as friends, exchanging recipes, stories and future travel plans, all while sharing unforgettable meals overlooking one of Australia's most beautiful coastlines.
It was a reminder that some of life's best conversations happen around a shared table.
Event Partners & Collaborators
This experience was made possible thanks to our incredible partners who helped bring the retreat to life.
Laura Sharrad – Chef Host
Coastal Food Design – Catering Partner
74 Islands Distillery – Local Spirits Partner
Airlie Picnic Co – Styling Partner
Lemon & Rye – Event Photography
Mills + Franks - Event Management
Looking Ahead
Following another successful retreat, planning is already underway for future culinary experiences at Yangaro.
Guests from this year's retreat will receive priority access before tickets are released publicly, with new concepts, seasonal menus and exciting collaborations already in development.
If you'd like to be among the first to hear about future foodie retreats, wellness escapes and exclusive Yangaro experiences, we invite you to join our mailing list and follow along as the next chapter unfolds.
We look forward to welcoming you to Yangaro soon.
