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September 18th-20th, 2026The living kitchen Retreat:
The Retreat Experience
A Weekend of Discovery with Chef Izzy Ross & Jess,The Fermented Mother.
Have you ever wanted to explore the world of plant-based cooking or fermentation but felt a little overwhelmed by where to start?
Join us at Amarant, a stunning "treehouse" retreat tucked away in the quiet forests of the Yarra Valley, for a weekend designed specifically for the curious. Whether you’ve never touched a jar of sauerkraut or you’re just looking to add more vibrant, veggie-focused meals to your routine, this retreat is your soft place to land.
No experts required—just an appetite for good food and a desire to slow down.
Meet The Team
Chef Izzy Ross
Izzy Ross is a seasoned plant-based chef with years of experience across high-volume catering, restaurant kitchens, and private retreats. Having spent years refining her craft, she has a knack for creating hearty, flavor-first vegan food that appeals to everyone, regardless of their diet. Izzy’s expertise lies in practical kitchen techniques and clever ingredient swaps that make plant-based eating simple and sustainable. Her relaxed, hands-on teaching style is built on real-world experience, ensuring you leave with skills you’ll actually use at home.
The Fermented Mother
Jess is the founder of The Fermented Mother and a retreat chef. With over 8 years experience,her approach is completely down-to-earth; she demystifies fermentation and will show you how microbial magic can transform everyday vegetables into probiotic-rich staples. From troubleshooting your first batch of kraut to understanding the simple rhythms of "living" foods, Jess’s hands-on workshops are designed to give you the practical skills and confidence to start your own bubbling jars the moment you get home.
What to Expect
We believe that healthy living shouldn't feel like a chore. Over three days, we’ll take the mystery out of the kitchen and help you reconnect with your body in the most gentle, joyful way possible:
Friendly Kitchen Sessions: Forget "chef-speak." Chef Izzy Ross and The Fermented Mother will guide you through the basics of simple fermentation and easy, delicious vegan cooking. You’ll leave with the confidence to recreate these flavors in your own kitchen.
Food That Hugs You: You won't have to lift a finger for mealtime. Sit back and enjoy nourishing, colorful vegan feasts prepared for you by Chefs Jess and Izzy.
Gentle Movement: Our yoga sessions are designed for every body. Whether you can touch your toes or not, these sessions are simply about breathing in the fresh mountain air and feeling good.
Time to Just Be: Between classes, you can enjoy a restorative massage, wander through our private rainforest trails, or curl up with a book in our iconic sunken lounge.
This is your invitation to strip away the noise of everyday life, lean into new skills at your own pace, and enjoy the magic of nourishing yourself from the inside out.
ACCOMMODATION
Designed by the award-winning modernist architect Kevin Borland, Amarant is a sprawling timber sanctuary built into the side of the mountain. Every room offers a different perspective of the surrounding 25-acre rainforest, making you feel as though you are floating in the canopy.
The Heart of the Home (Shared Spaces)
Amarant is famous for its "Conversation Pits." These are sunken lounge areas built around wood-burning fireplaces—designed specifically to foster the kind of deep, late-night chats that make retreats so memorable.
The Library & Music Room: A grand, light-filled space featuring a baby grand piano and guitars. This is our sacred space for morning yoga, where the giant ferns and mountain ash are your only witnesses.
The Dining Hall: A massive, double-glazed room where we gather for our vegan feasts. It offers a spectacular panorama that stretches all the way down the valley towards the Dandenong Ranges.
The Decks: Multiple expansive timber decks wrap around the house. They are perfect for alfresco morning tea, birdwatching (keep an eye out for the actual Lyrebirds!), or simply breathing in the mountain air.
Booking Options:
Private King Suite: $1,900.00 – Treat yourself to total privacy.
Twin Share: $1,450.00 per person – Perfect for friends travelling together or those happy to share.