DEVELOPING: A woman has been accused of throwing dog urine at another guest during her stay at the Elysia Wellness Retreat in Pokolbin, NSW, and is now suing the luxury facility for $20,000. Cassandra Boswell, from Victoria, claims she was discriminated against due to her “severe depression,” but management reports a series of disruptive behaviors leading to her expulsion.
The incident unfolded after Boswell checked into the wellness retreat on December 27, 2023, but was asked to leave just days later on January 3, 2024. During her stay, Boswell brought her dog, Bella, which reportedly caused multiple disturbances, including urinating and vomiting in public areas.
According to court documents, Boswell’s dog urinated on the floor during a group session, prompting staff to intervene. In a shocking escalation, she allegedly threw a urine-soaked face washer at another guest after her dog caused a scene. “You called her ‘a f***ing c***’ and told her not to touch your dog ever again,” Elysia’s management stated in their account of the events.
Guests complained about Bella’s behavior throughout the stay, including incidents where the dog urinated on another guest’s shoes and even barked loudly at early hours, disrupting others’ peace. The management documented numerous complaints about Boswell’s “abusive and unacceptable behavior,” including an episode where she used slurs against a staff member.
After receiving a final warning, Elysia Wellness Retreat demanded Boswell depart immediately. She claimed to have hitchhiked 70 kilometers to reach Newcastle Airport, where she flew back to Melbourne, having spent nearly $8,000 on her planned 11-night retreat.
While Boswell alleges that Elysia failed to provide suitable treatment for her mental health issues, management maintains that her expulsion was justified due to her actions. The Federal Circuit Court of Australia dismissed her case as she filed her complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission 40 days past the deadline.
This incident, involving a luxury wellness retreat that has hosted celebrities, raises questions about guest behavior and the responsibilities of such establishments. The case highlights the balance between accommodating guests with mental health challenges and maintaining a peaceful environment for all visitors.
As this story develops, many are left to wonder: what standards should luxury retreats uphold to ensure all guests feel welcomed and safe?
