Fans of Meghan Markle who shelled out as much as $3,199 to attend the so-called “luxury” Her Best Life retreat in Sydney expected an indulgent, high-end experience. Instead, many walked away puzzled—and in some cases disappointed—by the modest gift bags they received at the end of the weekend. What had been marketed as an exclusive, rejuvenating escape by the ocean quickly became a talking point online, not for its inspiring programming or celebrity presence, but for the perceived mismatch between price and perks.
The retreat, held in Coogee, was organized by Gemma O’Neill, who promoted the event as an intimate and upscale getaway designed to help women reconnect with themselves. The package included two nights at the InterContinental Hotel, along with meals, drinks, and a schedule packed with wellness sessions, relaxation activities, and motivational talks. Promotional materials painted a picture of serene luxury: ocean views, meaningful conversations, and curated experiences intended to nourish both body and mind.
However, the reality—at least in one specific aspect—didn’t quite live up to that polished image. Guests were given branded tote bags filled with products that, when totaled, came to less than $200 in value. While the items were not inherently low quality, their relatively modest price points stood in stark contrast to the premium ticket cost, sparking debate about whether attendees truly received value for their money.
Inside the tote, guests found a selection of wellness and lifestyle products. Among them was a tin of edible flower sprinkles priced at $21, a whimsical but niche item associated with Meghan’s lifestyle brand. There was also a leather bookmark labeled “Hold That Thought,” retailing for $28, which added a touch of elegance but didn’t quite scream luxury to many recipients.
Other items included a lip butter glaze from a popular beauty brand, typically sold at supermarkets for around $18, and a scented candle valued at $21. A boxed set of specialty tea, priced at $39, added a calming, wellness-oriented touch, while a small bag of strawberry-and-cream flavored lollies worth just a few dollars gave the bundle a slightly playful, almost casual feel. Rounding out the assortment were a pink journal with the phrase “Find Your Joy” printed on the cover and a cobalt blue baseball cap branded with the retreat’s name.
For some attendees, the bag felt more like a collection of everyday retail items than a thoughtfully curated luxury gift. The reaction online was swift and, at times, harsh. Social media users criticized the perceived disparity, with one person calling the offering “daylight robbery.” Another joked that the contents resembled items one might find in a discount store clearance section rather than at an elite wellness retreat.
To be fair, the gift bag was only one part of the overall experience. The retreat also featured appearances and discussions designed to inspire and connect attendees. Meghan herself made a brief appearance on Friday, spending approximately two hours at the event. During that time, she participated in a live conversation with O’Neill and took photos with VIP ticket holders, offering them a rare chance for face-to-face interaction.
In her talk, Meghan opened up about the challenges she has faced in the public eye. She described her life as “very hard” at times, pointing to ongoing scrutiny and criticism she has endured since her marriage in 2018. According to her, much of the negativity directed toward her stems from projections rather than reality. Still, she balanced those reflections with gratitude, acknowledging the positive milestones she has experienced, including her marriage and the birth of her two children.
Her appearance, though brief, was a central draw for many attendees. Yet some couldn’t help but feel that the limited time she spent at the retreat—especially given the high ticket price—added to the sense that the event fell short of expectations. Shortly after her appearance, she left with Prince Harry to attend a rugby match, a detail that further fueled discussion among those who had hoped for more extended engagement.
Adding another layer to the event was the presence of media personality Jackie “O” Henderson, who co-founded the Besties company with O’Neill. Although she had stepped away from the business earlier in the year, she attended the retreat in a supportive role, helping introduce guest speakers such as Dr. Justine Corry. Her involvement lent additional star power, though it also highlighted the evolving nature of the retreat’s organizing team.
Despite the criticism, not all feedback was negative. Some attendees appreciated the opportunity to spend a weekend focused on self-care, personal growth, and connection with like-minded women. The setting itself—coastal, scenic, and removed from daily stress—offered a genuine sense of escape. For these guests, the value of the experience went beyond material items, residing instead in the conversations, workshops, and atmosphere.
Still, the controversy surrounding the gift bags underscores a broader issue in the world of premium lifestyle events: the importance of aligning expectations with reality. When an experience is marketed as “luxury,” every detail—from accommodations to take-home gifts—comes under scrutiny. Even small elements can significantly influence how attendees perceive the overall value.
By Sunday, Meghan and Harry had returned to their home in Montecito after a whirlwind visit to Australia. Meghan later shared a message expressing her affection for the country, suggesting that despite the mixed reactions, the trip held personal significance for her.
In the end, the Her Best Life retreat serves as a case study in modern celebrity-driven events. It highlights both the appeal of curated wellness experiences and the risks of overpromising. For some, it was a meaningful and memorable weekend. For others, it raised questions about what “luxury” truly means—and whether the price tag matched the reality.
