Standing across from a luxurious five-star establishment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, I donned sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, reminiscent of a budget detective on a secret mission. My objective was to catch a glimpse of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, or at least uncover details about the exclusive women’s wellness retreat where she is expected to appear on the last day of her and Prince Harry’s brief four-day visit to Australia.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s representatives have not provided any information regarding Meghan’s participation in the retreat, and media access to the room in the InterContinental Hotel where she is scheduled to appear at 4:30 PM on Friday has been restricted. A Channel 7 staff member even had her registration revoked upon being identified as a journalist.
Upon my arrival at 1 PM, I found myself alone except for a few security personnel, as guests were not anticipated to check in until 3 PM. Shortly thereafter, a television crew and a few photographers showed up, leaving us to linger aimlessly on the sidewalk since entry was prohibited.
As guests began arriving in luxury vehicles, wheeling designer luggage and carrying pristine gowns, a flurry of reporters attempted to interview the official yoga instructor instead.
It seems fitting that the retreat is organized by a podcast called “Her Best Life,” as one would need to be living quite comfortably to afford the several thousand dollars required for entry. Ticket prices range from $2,699 to $3,199, contingent on whether attendees are willing to share accommodations. Those opting for the VIP experience enjoy private rooms and a group photo with the Duchess.
The podcast was established by media executive Gemma O’Neill and radio host Jackie “O” Henderson in 2024 under their company, “Besties Australia.”
As the clock approached 4:30 PM, Henderson arrived to a throng of paparazzi, with O’Neill set to moderate an engaging discussion with Meghan. Marketed as an exclusive “girls’ weekend like no other,” the retreat is taking place at the InterContinental Hotel in Coogee Beach until Sunday; however, Meghan is only anticipated to make a brief appearance between a boat excursion on Sydney Harbour and a rugby match at Allianz Stadium.
In addition to the rare chance to meet Meghan, the strictly limited guest list of 300 will have opportunities to engage in sound healing, meditation sessions, “manifestation” workshops, pool time, group therapy, and a disco, complete with alcoholic beverages.
By 3 PM, a few dozen guests and a vehicle filled with sniffer dogs had entered the venue, but there was still no sign of the Duchess. A passerby even shouted, “HI MEGHAN!” as he drove by.
I conversed with a local woman who had just finished swimming. She mentioned that she was aware of Meghan’s presence in the vicinity, but with the current state of global affairs, she felt disconnected from the royal figure. This sentiment was echoed by visitors Belinda, Jackie, and Suzanne from Adelaide, with Jackie expressing disbelief at holding such an event while many Australians are facing economic hardships. “It feels like they are commercializing everything and lack genuine intent,” she remarked.
Belinda shared that she only learned about Meghan’s visit when her brother inquired if she planned to see the couple. “And I said, ‘no, I’m not,’” she replied. Suzanne added, “I’m not a royalist.”
The retreat has faced considerable media scrutiny ever since Meghan was announced as a featured guest in March. Ticket sales have been ambiguous, with a recent announcement from Her Best Life revealing a “handful of additional rooms” available shortly before the event. In the days leading up to the retreat, they claimed there was “FINAL LAST MINUTE AVAILABILITY!!” due to “movement.”
A harsh article by Radar Online branded the event a “wellness retreat from hell” before it even commenced, absurdly linking it to the “poo balls” that had been washing ashore on Sydney’s beaches. The article cautioned attendees might face an unpleasant odor while enjoying the beach, despite the fact that these occurrences had not been reported since January, at a beach located several kilometers from Coogee.
Additionally, O’Neill’s business dealings have come under scrutiny, including the voluntary liquidation of her company, Gemmie Agency, last November for $546,000. The backlash has been so significant that O’Neill took to her podcast on April 1 to address media coverage that she deemed “hurtful and often inaccurate.”
“I am eagerly looking forward to interviewing Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” she expressed in an emotional recording. “I admire how she navigates public scrutiny… I have many questions for her.”
Indeed, there are countless inquiries the world has for Meghan. How much profit is she earning from this venture? Why is she participating as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia? What motivates her involvement with an AI fashion discovery platform? Why does she describe her brand, As Ever—which sells items like flower sprinkles and leather bookmarks—as more of a “love language” than a commercial entity?
By 4 PM, it appeared that every media outlet in the country had taken position outside the InterContinental. A reporter from the BBC even relocated some wheelie bins in pursuit of a better angle for a live broadcast.
The prevailing theory was that Meghan and Harry were already inside the hotel after departing from Sydney Harbour, and it was likely she would be quickly whisked away to the rugby match, perhaps missing the main course of the retreat’s dinner altogether.
Meanwhile, guests donned colorful ballgowns as they mingled in the lobby, snapping selfies and waving to the press. Across the street, a woman filmed the scene from her balcony. When asked if she was a fan of Meghan, she replied, “Well, I’m British, so I have a fondness for the royals. But $3,000 for a selfie and a chat? That’s outrageous.”
