Maiaveda

A sanctuary named for a midwife

Maiaveda is a boutique Ayurvedic retreat and spa upstairs at the Old Flour Mill in Kyneton, founded by Marye O'Brien in 2011. Eight practitioners, seven days, by appointment.

Rated ExcellentBased on 112 Google reviews
Rated Excellent5.0 from 43 TripAdvisor reviews

As featured onWatch the segment of Marye on Sunrise

  • 2011The year Maiaveda opened, upstairs at the Old Flour Mill
  • 8Practitioners, seven days, by appointment
  • 4.9From 112 Google reviews
  • 5.0From 43 reviews on TripAdvisor
Marye O'Brien, a head and shoulders portrait in the bush

The name

Where the name comes from

The name Maiaveda is a tribute to two lineages that shaped my path: my grandmother's healing hands and the ancient Vedic sciences. My grandmother was a village midwife in a small province in Malta, a quiet force of care and courage. She had eight children and 33 grandchildren, and she chose to leave her medical instruments to me, a passing of the torch from one generation of healers to the next.

When it came time to name my business, I wanted to honour her and the wisdom that had changed my own life. Maia is the Latin root for midwife, or mother. Veda comes from the Sanskrit word for knowledge, as in Ayurveda, the science of life, and the root of yoga and Vedic healing.

Before Maiaveda

What I was doing before

Before founding Maiaveda in 2011, I worked in community services and media. I studied Media Arts at RMIT, which led to a global media distribution company and six years overseas, setting up networks in Asia, the United States and Europe. I fell in love while working in the United Kingdom and married, and when I was pregnant with our first child we moved back to Melbourne to be close to my family. I then built a career in community service management in local government.

Alongside that I was living through some deeply personal things, including the stillbirth of my second child, and a period of workplace bullying that left me with a PTSD injury. That breakdown and that loss became a dark night of the soul, and out of it I realised I was being called to a different kind of work: less about external expression, and more about healing, presence and service.

The Old Flour Mill

Why Kyneton, and why upstairs at the Old Flour Mill

Maiaveda found its home in Kyneton almost by destiny. In my early days of practice, a friend from yoga teacher training had just opened a loft style yoga studio in the newly renovated Old Flour Mill. She started coming to my home in Woodend for Ayurvedic treatments, and as our friendship grew she invited me to set up in the same building.

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences, both rooted in Vedic wisdom, and having both under one roof felt right. The building itself is one of a kind: an 1859 bluestone steam flour mill. Upstairs became Maiaveda.

Marye on Sunrise, Channel 7, live from Woodend.
What they don't see is the invisible scaffolding behind every session: years of trauma-informed training, supervision, ongoing professional development, and personal healing work that allows us to hold space safely.
Marye O'Brien
Behind the room

What a guest would never notice

Guests notice the warm oils, the quiet space, the feeling of being cocooned and deeply held. I'm proudest of the behind-the-scenes systems that keep Maiaveda ethical, chemical free and safe.

And you won't see the sisterhood of our team: the quiet check-ins, shared learning and mutual support that keep us regulated, resourced and able to show up fully for you. All of this exists so guests can simply arrive, rest and be held.

The practice

Who we are

Maiaveda is a boutique retreat and spa in Kyneton, in Victoria's Macedon Ranges, about an hour from Melbourne. We bring together the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and modern spa rituals, in personalised treatments.

There are eight practitioners across Ayurvedic therapies, remedial and relaxation massage, facials, reflexology, yoga therapy and more. Our retreats and in-house programs are designed for individuals, couples, groups, and NDIS participants seeking respite.

A brass statue of Lord Dhanwantari, patron deity of Ayurveda, under hanging crystals

Treading lightly

  • Natural products, natural cleaning

    All-natural, Australian-made products in our spa therapies. We're proudly chemical free, and we clean only with natural products.

  • Less in the bin

    We recycle what we can and keep our water use low.

  • Nothing printed we don't have to print

    We send e-vouchers and point guests to our online menu, so less paper ends up in landfill.

Country

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Taungurung, the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live, work and collaborate. We pay our respects to all First Nations people and Elders, past, present and future. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

What people say after they leave

4.9 from 112 Google reviews. 5.0 from 43 on TripAdvisor. Read more reviews

Yesterday I had the most amazing facial and massage with Claudia. From the moment I walked in I felt instantly nurtured, the whole experience made me feel taken care of. What an amazing place, the products used are beautiful and the ambience throughout was so relaxing. I would definitely book again the next time I am in Kyneton.

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Jan Lyallwith Claudia · Google

My husband Gary & I went to Maiaveda for a Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic cleanse. We had treatments that would help our bodies prepare for a very deep cleanse. It was an amazingly powerful and empowering life changing experience spiritually, emotionally physically and mentally. We were welcomed with a lot of warmth & reassurance. Each visit was filled a lot of genuine love, support and compassion. Nothing was ever too much trouble, you had Marye’s & her team 100% focus & attention. The treatment rooms were truely unique filled with loving calm energy. Both my husband & I could not recommend it more highly. A place well worth a visit.

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Jacqueline Waitewith Marye · Google

I had an absolutely incredible experience at Maiaveda!! The moment I walked in, the atmosphere was so calm and welcoming. The space is peaceful, and instantly puts you in relaxation mode. The massage itself was exactly what I needed, easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Claudia was highly skilled, attentive, and made sure to check in at the right moments. I felt completely rejuvenated and relaxed afterwards. You can tell that everyone who works there is truly passionate about what they do, wanting to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. I can’t wait to book my next appointment. Highly recommend. Xx

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Steph Leachwith Claudia · Google

We had a great time at Maiaveda health retreat and spa. It was my husband's birthday and we booked massages for my family. They even had option for our 7 years old daughter. Clean rooms, clean towels, great ambiance and very accomodating girls. Claudia made sure that i am comfortable throughout my massage as i have several back issues and it gets really hard for me sometimes to lie flat on bed. Pressure was perfect. Oils smelled great. My daughter and husband had great time as well. They also treated us with some goodies in the end for my husbands birthday and we loved the jesture. My new favorite spa in Melbourne.

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Javaria Attiqwith Claudia · Google

My previous experiences with massage & facials have been per functionary to address an injury or in the lead up to special event. How lovely then that my two hours experience was a purely selfish indulgence. I was kept warm the whole time and even drifted off to sleep! Can't recommend Pam or the service I experienced highly enough!

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Julie-Anne Gibneywith Pam · Google

From one tired and sore mum, the pregnancy massage was beyond incredible. From the moment I walked up the stairs to Maiaveda, I felt a sense of peace. Marye welcomed me with such warmth, and the beautiful aromas instantly made me feel relaxed. The oils smelled divine and felt so nourishing on my skin. Claudia’s massage was amazing — I actually walked out feeling like I was floating. I’ll definitely be back. It wasn’t just a massage; it was a whole mind and body reset. I’m so grateful to have experienced this

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Katelyn Vandenhurkwith Claudia · Google

An absolutely gorgeous atmosphere with gentle lighting and subtle aromas in the air. Marye is so in tune, and a truly brilliant practitioner. I felt completely nurtured and relaxed beyond words:)

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Jacqwith Marye · Google

I’ve been visiting Maiaveda for the past six years, and it continues to be my absolute sanctuary. Every experience is consistently nurturing, professional, and deeply restorative especially through my pregnancies. During my current pregnancy, I had massage with Claudia, and she was incredible. All the therapists knowledge, care, and intuition make me feel completely supported and safe each time. They all have a beautiful way of adapting the treatment to exactly what your body needs, and I always walk out feeling lighter, calmer, and genuinely cared for. The environment at Maiaveda is warm, peaceful, and truly holistic exactly what you want when looking to unwind or reconnect with yourself. I recommend it wholeheartedly, especially for pregnancy care. It’s a place where you can trust you’ll be looked after with kindness and expertise.

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Sam Mcdonaldwith Claudia · Google

Thank you Marye and Pam, 90 minute massage, scub and reflexology treatment. Gentle, warming and restorative. I felt relaxed and comfortable for the entire experience. We are very fortunate to have this business in Kyneton. You will be in very good hands. Namaste ❤️

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Robyn Brentnallwith Pam · Google

Quite honestly the most wonderful massage experience I've ever had. Marye made me feel welcomed from the moment I stepped through the door. The massage was incredible leaving me feeling utterly nourished and relaxed. I can't recommend Maiaveda enough.

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Juliawith Marye · Google

Yesterday I had the most amazing experience from the moment I walked through the door and met Pam The massage and environment the experience was nurturing for body and mind I would highly recommend and will I return.

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Wendy Wallacewith Pam · Google

Marye and her staff provide the most wonderful services. From the moment you walk in the door you leave the world behind and feel very nurtured in this amazing place. I have been going to Maivida for the last couple of years after a recommendation from a friend and the experience is the best. Thank you Marye for the wonderful service you provide. In the words of the great Tina Turner, “simply the best”.

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Kim DuftyGoogle
Rated ExcellentBased on 112 Google reviews
Rated Excellent5.0 from 43 TripAdvisor reviews

As featured onWatch the segment of Marye on Sunrise

A river running over granite through a wooded gully at last light

You don't need to be well or ready

The space is made for people who are tired, tender, overwhelmed or somewhere in between. You can arrive exactly as you are.

We'd love to welcome you