At the heart of Bondi’s wellness community, Bernadette Sukkar radiates the spirit of modern vitality. Blending movement, mindfulness, and energy work into daily rituals that restore, replenish, and reconnect. Her approach is intuitive yet deeply rooted in science and tradition. Here, Bernadette shares the rituals, inspirations, and philosophies that continue to guide her journey and the ways she helps others nurture their own roots of vitality.
1. Who is Bernadette Sukkar?
I’m the founder of Body by Berner, a wellness studio in Bondi Beach. We offer fitness and mindfulness classes that strengthen and support both the mind and body. I’m a certified Pilates, yoga, and breathwork facilitator with a passion for helping people feel stronger, calmer, and more connected — both to themselves and their community. On a personal note, I feel like I’ve been put on this earth to create experiences that move people — not just physically, but emotionally and energetically.
2. What inspired you to create Body by Berner and what continues to guide your work today?
It wasn’t one big ‘aha’ moment — more like the universe nudging me towards where I was meant to be. My background in PR taught me the power of creating moments people remember, and my passion for wellness pulled me deeper into this work. Body by Berner became the meeting point of both. I stay inspired by being the eternal student — always learning, refining, and expanding my toolkit. Most recently, I trained as a Spinal Energetics practitioner, opening a whole new way of working with energy and the body.
3. What does wellness mean to you — beyond the physical?
It’s about creating a life you can actually feel good in. For me, that means a regulated nervous system, a mind that can soften, and a sense of connection — to yourself, to others, and to something bigger. It’s knowing when to push and when to pause.
4. How do you begin and end your day — and how do these rituals shape your energy or mindset?
It really varies depending on the day. If I’m not up early to train clients, I’ll start with my own workout, then spend time in the sauna, meditate, or sit with a mantra I’ve been loving lately — Om Namo Narayani, meaning “I surrender to the divine.” Evenings are for slowing down: I try to stay off my phone at least an hour before bed and often wind down with a herbal tea or Ikkari Deep Sleep Tonic.
5. How do you tune in to what your body truly needs each day?
The deeper I’ve gone into wellness, the more I’ve learned to trust my gut. Meditation helps me drop from my head into my heart, and that shift makes everything clearer. If I’m feeling anxious, I pause, step away from what I’m doing, and give myself the time I need — even if that means taking the whole hour back.
6. Which IKKARI products are part of your ritual and why?
My favourite is the Cleanse Superblend Sachets (supports detoxification and digestion) — as someone who’s had my fair share of digestion struggles, this really helps. I also can’t go past their sunscreen. I wear it daily, and it’s become a non-negotiable in my routine.
7. What practices help you feel grounded, centred, or calm — especially when life feels full?
Breathwork is my anchor — even a few conscious breaths can pull me back into the moment. Movement, whether it’s Pilates or an ocean walk, clears my head. I’ve also recently gotten into acupuncture and love the way it rebalances the body’s energy systems — like hitting the reset button from the inside out. I love it so much that I’m now hosting Community Acupuncture at Body by Berner every Thursday afternoon with Village Remedies. And I’m always big on sensory rituals — lighting a candle, rolling on essential oils, or playing music that shifts my state.
8. If you could leave one mantra, reminder, or intention for others, what would it be?
“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” — Dolly Parton. I love it because it’s a reminder that the challenges are what make the beauty possible — and both are part of the journey.
Through her rituals, Bernadette reminds us that vitality is not found in quick fixes, but in the small, intentional moments that replenish and restore. Her journey reflects IKKARI’s vision by embracing harmony, daily rituals, and the science of vitality to nurture a healthspan that feels both awakened and serene.