UPDATE: A woman has been kicked out of the prestigious Elysia Wellness Retreat in Pokolbin, NSW, after a shocking incident involving her dog and fellow guests. Cassandra Boswell, 34, from Victoria, has attempted to sue the retreat for over $20,000, claiming discrimination against her mental health during her stay in early 2024.
Boswell’s stay, which began on December 27, 2023, ended abruptly on January 3, 2024, after numerous complaints about her dog, Bella, and her disruptive behavior. While she alleges the retreat discriminated against her due to “severe depression,” retreat management cited her “abusive and unacceptable behavior” as the reason for her dismissal.
Court documents reveal a disturbing sequence of events: Boswell’s dog urinated and vomited in public areas, including the restaurant, causing distress among other guests. Staff reported that Boswell even threw a face washer soaked with her dog’s urine at another guest during a confrontation, an act characterized as aggressive and unacceptable.
The situation escalated when guests complained about Bella’s disruptive behavior, including barking at 6:20 AM and licking guests’ feet. Management documented that Boswell used offensive language towards staff and guests, culminating in an email demanding she leave immediately. “We can no longer accommodate you,” management stated, highlighting her behavior as intolerable.
The retreat, popular among celebrities like Jimmy Barnes and Lisa Wilkinson, emphasizes a peaceful and restorative environment. However, Boswell contends that the facilities did not cater to her recovery needs and catered instead to “wealthy CEOs, alcoholics, and obese individuals.”
Following her eviction, Boswell reported that she had to hitchhike approximately 70 km to Newcastle Airport, where she returned home to Melbourne. Her planned stay, originally intended for eleven nights, had cost her nearly $8,000.
This controversial incident is now making waves, with Boswell’s lawsuit reportedly dropped by the Federal Circuit Court of Australia due to a delayed complaint lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission—40 days past the deadline.
As legal proceedings are set to unfold, many are questioning the appropriateness of Boswell’s claims against the retreat, given the documented issues during her stay. For now, the retreat continues to stand by its decision, emphasizing the need for a safe and respectful environment for all guests.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it captures widespread attention across social media and news platforms.
