“The sun does not shine for a few plants and flowers but for the wide world’s joy.”
I am still feeling super excited and proud for being involved and for your amazing efforts in detailing the impact of forest immersion and wellbeing on our wonderful guests who stay at Qii House.
A massive thank you and congratulations to Susan Joachim and Assoc Prof Dr Dieter Kotte of the INFTA and Forest Therapy Institute and to Audrey Abad who completed her work as part of her Masters of Public Health Program at Deakin University. What a wonderful project for Qii House to partake in.
Thank you to all my wonderful guests, without their wonderful feedback we would be without these valuable insights and knowledge for Nature Based Wellness Tourism. Your research resonates so well with my vision for Qii House. Knowing that your findings align so well with our guest experiences and the heart of Qii House’s philosophy as a healing space is deeply rewarding. Such an exemplary, thorough and comprehensive body of work. I am ever so grateful and appreciative of your formidable efforts very much and am very proud.
The first research of this kind conducted in Australia. Great to be blazing the trail.
Abstract:
This study explores how guests experience and interpret nature during their stays at Qii House, a high-end eco-retreat located in the Great Otway National Park, Victoria.
A thematic analysis was conducted on N=410 customer testimonials collected between 2016 and 2025, using NVivo software and a weighted key word-based coding approach. Ten core themes were identified, with Weather Experience (71%), Design & Comfort (56%), Scenery & Views (55%), and Rest & Wellbeing (54%) most frequently mentioned.
Findings indicate that nature and the broader environment are central to guest experiences, particularly through atmospheric conditions, immersion in forest surroundings, and restorative wellbeing. The analysis also suggests distinct guest motivations, including wellness seekers, couples, and design -conscious travellers, many of whom were first time visitors seeking authentic encounters with nature.
Practical recommendations for Qii House and similar upmarket eco-retreats in Victoria, Australia but also abroad include emphasising seasonal storytelling, curating wellness and romantic packages-highlighting the balance between comfort and immersion in nature. These insights contribute to ecotourism and health & wellness tourism research while offering actionable strategies for marketing high-end eco-retreats.