Meghan Markle’s Australian retreat promised guests a high-end weekend by the ocean, but some attendees reportedly felt that the gift bag was underwhelming. The retreat promised to offer a premium experience, with wellness sessions and time with the Duchess of Sussex.
While tickets cost up to AUD $3,199, a new report suggests that the items inside the branded canvas tote added up to under $200. Now, the weekend’s price tag and the contents of the gift bag are fueling conversation around what guests felt they received for their money.
Meghan Markle’s gift bag for Australian retreat guests included her brand’s items, per report
The Express reported that Meghan Markle headlined the Australian “Her Best Life” retreat at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach hotel, which organisers promoted as an “intimate luxury weekend by the ocean” — but it was the gift bag that made all the difference.
Guests reportedly received champagne, plush hotel rooms, and the chance to take photos with Markle herself, though some options came at an added cost. And the “exclusive VIP goodie bag” allegedly came in a branded canvas bag that included a small can of the Duchess of Sussex’s “As Ever” edible flowers priced at $21, along with a Tri-Peptide Lip Butter Glaze for $18 at Coles.
Additionally, the gift bag reportedly had “As Ever’s” “Hold That Thought” leather bookmark, sold online for $28. Other items allegedly included Hunter lavender-scented candles priced at $21, a Love Tea gift box set valued at $39, and a bag of Funday sweets that retails for $4.50 and is available in many supermarkets.
Notably, the ticket prices started at $2,699 for standard entry and rose to $3,199 for VIP packages, which offered closer access to Markle. Besides, the attendees allegedly paid an extra $500 to get a picture with her.
Meghan Markle reportedly spent about two hours with guests on the Friday night portion of the Australian retreat before leaving with Prince Harry shortly after 7 p.m. However, it was the VIP bag that seemingly did not go with the luxury branding that drew so much attention in the first place.
