Bonté Retreats
Where Movement Meets Adventure
Bonté comes from the French word for goodness, kindness and a generosity of spirit. It’s our reminder that how we move through the world matters, and that good things are up ahead!
Meet the Founders
Stef's journey began in professional dance and musical theatre, where she developed a deep appreciation for how the body adapts, performs, and expresses. That path naturally evolved into formal training with Certificates III and IV in Fitness, a Certificate IV in Pilates, and over 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training.
Over the past decade, Stef has worked as a Nike Trainer, and as an online trainer and program creator for MyTXO and Daily OM, delivering programs to a global audience. She has coached hundreds of clients, taught thousands of classes, and built digital platforms and retreat experiences centred around thoughtful, sustainable training.
As the founder of Workin’ With Stef and co-founder of Bonté Retreats, Stef continues to refine an approach to wellbeing that blends strength, mobility, recovery, mindset and practical nutrition into one cohesive system.
Whether training in her online studio, Workin’ With Stef, working closely within her Fitness Mentorship Program, or training with Stef in person, it’s her mission to help you feel supported, and truly excited about your fitness and wellbeing journey.
Stefanie Wild
Melissa Byass
Melissa has been sharing yoga, meditation, and sound-based practices with children, teenagers, and adults for more than 16 years. She has worked with a diverse range of people in many different settings in her business, YogaSound. Her classes are slow-paced and exploratory and encourage students to tune into their own experience with curiosity and care.
Across all of her offerings, Melissa weaves together movement, meditation, pranayama, and sound to create practices that are accessible, adaptable, and welcoming to people of all ages and experience levels.
With an academic background in marine biology and anthropology, Melissa has a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of people, culture, and the natural world. She is particularly interested in language, and the cultural origins of contemplative practices, and how these traditions are meaningfully understood and applied in contemporary life.
Melissa also studied classical music for more than a decade, and in recent years sound has become an integral part of both her personal practice and teaching. Drawing on mantra, and therapeutic instruments such as singing bowls and chimes, she creates meditative experiences that invite presence, self-inquiry, and deep restoration.
Her love of the outdoors, combined with a passion for contemplative practice, inspired her to co-found Bonté Retreats, creating opportunities for people to slow down and experience the sense of wonder that can arise when time in nature is woven together with practice.
Kind words from our guests
"I joined Stef and Mel's 12-week training Program back in April (leading up to 30km Coastrek Hike Sunshine Coast) and it was the best decision I made this year.
The walking/training program involved a range of classes - functional high intensity classes, pilates, mobility/flexibility and Yin/Yang yoga, the mix of all these options was really motivating for me because I like to have a variety when I exercise and this gave the inspiration I needed. Alongside Stef and Mel's beautiful encouragement and check ins within the WhatsApp group and the connection with the rest of the group via messages/sharing photos, it was a really lovely way to stay connected throughout the program.
During the 12-week program I then decided to join the Coastrek 30km Hike in the Sunshine Coast which was already challenge I was ready to take on after the tailored program, the experience was amazing and completing it with 6 other strong, beautiful women was very empowering and also a laugh a minute.
The 'Bonte' retreat hosted by Stef & Mel was the perfect place to unwind and revitalise pre and post the Hike, with mobility and Yin and bonding over cheeseboards & meals around the table, it made for an experience that will live on my memory forever."
Grainne -
Walking Club & Retreat participant
"Mel and Stef are so responsive with guidance, encouragement, and feedback, and there’s such a lovely sense of camaraderie amongst the group. I’ve loved the balance of movement throughout the weeks, with functional movement Pilates, achievable 25-minute HIIT sessions, and restorative Yin and Yin Yang classes. I’m feeling more energised, more rested, and much more mindful about incorporating movement and regular walks into my everyday routine. Highly recommend!"
Natalie - Walking Club participant
"The Strength and Serenity retreat was such a delight. What I loved most was how easy it felt. No weird forced bonding, no intensity for the sake of it, just a really relaxed, welcoming space where you could dip in and out, but still connect with people in a real way. I’m still in touch with a few from the retreat, which says everything about the people who attend and the space that Steph, Mel and Ash create. The classes were great: three instructors, all with different styles, so it never got samey. The sound healing was a standout for me, mostly because I’d never done it before and ended up completely switching off (rare). The setting is stunning, the resort is luxe without being wanky, and the food was excellent (catering for gluten/dairy free that wasn’t an afterthought). If you’re on the fence - just book it. It’s low pressure, high reward, and you’ll probably leave feeling better than you expected."
Lara -
Strength & Serenity retreat participant
Get in Touch
Have questions about our upcoming retreats or our walking club? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out via the form or through our socials below.
hello@bonteretreats.com