Laura Sharrad MasterChef Retreat at Yangaro | Whitsundays Culinary Experience
Earlier this season, Yangaro was proud to host an unforgettable culinary retreat led by MasterChef favourite Laura Sharrad, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Funnel Bay in the Whitsundays.
Designed as an immersive, multi-day experience, the retreat brought together exceptional food, thoughtful local collaborations and the relaxed luxury Yangaro is known for — creating moments of connection that extended far beyond the table.
A Culinary Retreat Designed for Connection
Unlike traditional food events, the Laura Sharrad retreat was intentionally intimate. Hosted onsite at Yangaro, twenty guests enjoyed a curated program that balanced hands-on culinary moments with long lunches, sunset gatherings and unhurried time to relax.
Each experience was thoughtfully paced, allowing guests to move seamlessly between cooking, dining and enjoying Yangaro’s luxury villa accommodation — reinforcing the idea that food is best experienced slowly, together.
Laura Sharrad x Yangaro
Known for her refined yet approachable cooking style, Laura Sharrad brought warmth, creativity and depth to every element of the retreat. Her menus celebrated seasonal produce, flavour and technique — delivered in a way that felt elevated yet effortlessly relaxed.
Hosting Laura at Yangaro was a natural alignment. Both share a philosophy grounded in quality over quantity, meaningful connection, and creating experiences that feel personal rather than performative.
Celebrating Local Collaboration in the Whitsundays
A defining feature of the retreat was its strong connection to the Whitsundays community, with a line-up of local partners who helped bring each evening to life.
Coastal Food Design, Yangaro’s trusted local catering partner, collaborated closely with Laura Sharrad to deliver beautifully executed menus throughout the retreat — blending local produce with thoughtful presentation and seamless service.
The opening evening began with a relaxed sunset aperitivo hour, championed by 74 Islands Distillery, where guests gathered overlooking the bay to enjoy handcrafted local spirits and cocktails as the sun dipped below the horizon — setting the tone for the days ahead.
For the final night, Airlie Picnic Co transformed the space into a truly show-stopping dining setting under the stars. Their signature styling and attention to detail created an unforgettable long-table experience, where guests came together for a final shared meal beneath the Whitsundays sky.
Together, these collaborations reflected Yangaro’s commitment to showcasing the very best of the region — through food, drink, design and people.
The Setting — Where Luxury Meets the Whitsundays
Set within Yangaro’s beachfront estate, the retreat unfolded across a collection of spaces — from open-air dining areas to private villas and communal gathering points.
Guests stayed onsite in luxury accommodation, allowing the experience to flow organically from day to night. Between meals, guests enjoyed spa treatments, quiet moments in the gardens, and time by the water — reinforcing Yangaro’s position as a destination where wellness, food and place are intrinsically linked.
A Gallery of Moments
From beautifully plated dishes to golden-hour aperitivo moments and candlelit dining under the stars, the gallery below captures the essence of the Laura Sharrad MasterChef Retreat at Yangaro.
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
Christopher Pearce – Event Photography
Mills + Franks - Event Management
Join Us for the Next Laura Sharrad Foodie Retreat
Following the incredible success of our inaugural retreat, we’re delighted to announce that the Laura Sharrad Foodie Retreat will return to Yangaro in June 2026.
This next edition will build on everything guests loved — bringing together immersive cooking experiences, curated dining moments, wellness experiences and the best regional produce the Whitsundays has to offer.
With only 20 retreat places available, this intimate culinary escape is expected to fill quickly.
Join the waitlist below to be the first to receive retreat details and early access to tickets when they release.
