Summit to Self

Experiences that reconnect you to what matters

Nature-based leadership experiences, where high-performers restore clarity.

Mountain summits, evidence-based wellness, and structured reflection - not another corporate retreat.

Summit to Self

When Did You Last Feel Truly Clear?

Picture this: It's 1pm on Saturday. You're standing on Victoria's second-highest peak, 1,922 meters above the chaos below. Your phone has no signal. Your mind has no noise. For the first time in months, maybe years, you can think clearly.

The burn in your legs from the morning's ascent has given way to something unexpected - a quiet confidence you'd forgotten existed. Around you, fellow executives share the same look of surprise. "I actually did that," one says, staring at the endless mountain vista. You realize you're thinking the same thing.

This isn't another wellness retreat with meditation circles and positive affirmations. This is Summit to Self - three days designed for leaders who've forgotten what it feels like to be grounded.

Friday evening: Feel the tension leave your shoulders as you sink into a wood-fired sauna, then shock your system awake with a plunge into the King River. Write your biggest stress on paper and watch it burn. Sleep deeper than you have in years.

Saturday: Earn your breakthrough. The climb to the summit isn't given - it's earned through 4 hours of steady climbing that strips away everything except what matters. At the top, share a moment with people who understand your world, but see you differently now.

Sunday: Make it count. Journal your commitments, not your intentions. Exchange numbers with your accountability partner - someone who's seen you summit a mountain and knows you don't quit. Leave with a 90-day plan that actually means something.

You'll return to Melbourne with:

  • Mental clarity that cuts through noise

  • Physical confidence that changes how you move

  • A network of high-achievers who've seen your best self

  • Proven systems for handling pressure

  • Stories worth telling (and results worth keeping)

What's Included:

  • Professional mountain guides and safety equipment

  • Luxury accommodation in Mount Buffalo region

  • All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch

  • Wood-fired sauna and wellness facilities

  • Professional massage therapy

  • Champagne summit celebration

  • Structured reflection and planning sessions

  • 90-day accountability partnership setup

  • Transport from meeting point to accommodation

Investment: $3,495 + GST for 3 days that change everything

Ready to remember what clarity feels like?

Ready to Transform?

Book Your Place Now

To secure your spot:

Program Schedule: Our next Summit to Self program runs Friday to Sunday. Corporate groups and workplace teams can book custom dates throughout the week to suit your organisation's needs.

Limited to 8 participants per program - book early to avoid disappointment.

Book Here

- James (past guest)

“Three days that changed how I handle pressure at work and at home. The Summit to Self experience gave me tools that actually stick, plus connections with people who understand both ambition and balance.”

- Simon (past guest)

“The experience helped me reconnect not just with myself, but gave me tools to rebuild those meaningful connections with my family and friends that I'd been neglecting.”

FAQs

What fitness level do I need? You should be comfortable hiking for 6-8 hours with significant elevation gain (around 1,200m ascent). Think Mount Feathertop or similar Victorian peaks. If you can handle a challenging full-day bushwalk, you'll be fine.

What if the weather is bad? Programs run in all weather conditions with safety modifications as needed. In extreme conditions like snow, extreme heat, or fire danger, we adjust routes and activities to ensure safety while maintaining the core experience. Mountain weather can change quickly, that's part of the authentic challenge. We provide detailed packing lists to ensure you're prepared.

Is there vehicle support during walks? No. Due to the remote mountain terrain, sections are isolated from vehicle access. You must be self-sufficient and able to complete the full route. Our qualified guides carry wilderness first aid equipment and emergency communication devices.

What's included in the price? All accommodation, meals (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch), professional guides, safety equipment, wood-fired sauna access, massage therapy, champagne summit celebration, and structured reflection sessions.

How many people per group? Maximum 8 participants per program to ensure quality experience and safety standards.

Can I book for my team/workplace? Absolutely. While public programs run Friday-Sunday, we offer flexible scheduling for corporate groups throughout the week.

What's the cancellation policy? $200 deposit is non-refundable. Full payment terms and cancellation policy provided upon booking.

I have a medical condition—can I still participate? Please discuss any medical conditions, medications, or concerns when booking. We recommend consulting your GP if you're unsure about your ability to complete challenging mountain walks.

What should I bring? Detailed packing list provided upon booking, including hiking boots, weather protection, and personal items.

What about dietary requirements? All dietary needs accommodated with advance notice. Please inform us when booking.

Health, Fitness & Safety Information

Fitness Requirements: This program requires a general level of fitness and comfort walking for a full day with significant elevation gain and descent (similar to Mount Feathertop's 1,200m ascent). You should be able to hike 6-8 hours with breaks carrying a day pack. This is not intended to be exhaustive, but does require healthy fitness levels.

Important Safety Considerations: Due to the nature of mountain terrain, sections of the walk may be isolated from vehicle access with no support vehicle available. Participants must be self-sufficient and able to complete the full route. All walks are led by qualified guides with wilderness first aid training and comprehensive safety protocols.

Medical Requirements: Please disclose any medical conditions, medications, or physical limitations when booking. If you have concerns about your fitness level or ability to complete mountain walks, we recommend consulting your GP before participating.

Weather & Conditions: Programs run in all weather conditions with appropriate safety modifications. In extreme conditions (snow, extreme heat, or fire danger), we adjust routes and activities to ensure participant safety while maintaining the transformational experience. Come prepared for changing mountain weather including potential rain, wind, and temperature variations.

What to Bring: Detailed packing list provided upon booking, including appropriate hiking boots, weather protection, and personal items.

Questions? Contact us at hello@thetravelhosts.com or 0407 279 003 to discuss your specific situation or fitness concerns.

About

Ben Norden (your guide) has guided hundreds of high-achievers through transformational adventures across four continents—from Japan's highest peaks to France's Alpine routes and Victoria's wilderness. As founder of Deepest Dish, he delivered corporate wellness programs to major Australian companies including AMP, Coles, and Queensland Investment Company, specializing in meditation, breathwork, and sustainable performance practices for executives and business owners.

With formal training in Psychology and Health Promotion, Ben combines authentic adventure leadership with evidence-based wellness techniques. Whether you're a stressed CEO needing clarity or an adventurous soul seeking genuine challenge, his approach is simple: create safe, professionally-guided experiences that reconnect you to what matters most.

When you're with Ben, you're in capable hands—someone who understands both the pressures of high performance and the transformational power of authentic adventure.