Meghan Markle's Australian retreat gala setup sparks social media mockery

Meghan Markle's Australian retreat gala setup criticized online for looking like a low-end hotel conference room

Meghan Markle is facing criticism after the setup for her Australian wellness retreat gala was revealed, drawing social media mockery. 

The retreat, organized by Gemma O’Neill, is hosted at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach in a hotel conference room that many have described as plain and underwhelming.

The room features beige chairs and carpet, a black platform stage with two white chairs, and a small table in between. O’Neill emphasized that the intimate setting is meant for 300 paying attendees, with VIP tickets costing up to $2,288 for front-row seating near Markle. Standard tickets at the back of the room were priced at $1,930.

https://www.instagram.com/herbestlifepod/

Social media users reacted to the revealed setup, comparing it to “low-end real estate conferences” and office meeting rooms. Critics highlighted the contrast between Markle’s previous appearances at royal banquets and her current event, with some calling the venue “stuffy and claustrophobic” and likening it to an assisted living dining room.

that looks very low-end Holiday Inn real estate conference.

— Gwen 🇺🇸 (@Gwensays) March 27, 2026

The aura reminds me of the dining room of an assisted living facility...

— MotherofCats 🦖 (@cats_mothe54079) March 26, 2026

My office monthly meetings has better set-up than this

— TheProfit (@frank_rosh) March 26, 2026

And not even a photo unless you paid for the VIP package 🤣

— GrannyMarkle (@MegsVisionBoard) March 27, 2026

It really is
The organisers had so many people register interest that they needed to select who got to go. We needed to write why we would like to attend. I got chosen. Then we were allowed to take a friend with us so I chose to invite another Meg supporter on here.

— KLee (@KerryLy4) March 24, 2026

Despite the criticisms, O’Neill defended the arrangement, describing the space as ideal for fostering intimacy among attendees. Selected guests were required to explain why they wanted to attend, and VIP ticket holders will receive a group photo with Markle at their table.

The Her Best Life retreat marks one of Markle’s high-profile ventures since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. While reactions to the event setup remain mixed, the retreat continues to attract attendees eager for a personal experience with the former royal and wellness programming.