Settling back into Australia
Time fly’s! It doesn’t feel like long ago that we arrived home from Seminyak in Bali. Lee, my husband and I had a very relaxing 5 days there to celebrate the success of my first Overseas Retreat in magical Ubud which I’d facilitated for the week prior.
‘Ubud Soul Retreat’ ohh how I love those words.
We arrived home to one of our boys, on his 20th Birthday…post ankle surgery, non weight bearing and now in a moon boot for 6 weeks…so back to reality reasonably quickly.
It’s not the first time we’ve dealt with this type of thing (if you’re a parent I’m sure you’d totally get it) and it’s always so good to see our beautiful kids - especially after being away - it doesn’t matter how grown up they are!
It wasn’t ideal he was having surgery while I was facilitating the retreat but I trusted he was in good hands back in Australia and was able to remain focused and present as I intended.
Ubud Soul Retreat was SUCH a long time in the making, and it was clearly meant to be, because after all the visualising, hoping, and wondering if the world would ever open up again, it just absolutely flowed.
Although the service is of course as good as ever, and ‘it feels’ like business as usual in Bali, it is obvious they still have a way to go with increasing in tourism - as shops are not as busy and cafes are not as full, yet their menus are just as expansive and beautiful smiles just as big.
We all had such a special time together on retreat, and the feedback could not have been more positive.
Our accommodation was something you’d need to experience to comprehend - such quality, so natural, and literally everywhere we would look there was something more to soak in.
The food was perfect - we did not want for anything, and had choices for all dietary requirements (which interestingly no one needed).
A high end, heart opening retreat perfect for the open minded, and inquisitive - really for anyone wanting to tap into their ‘spiritual self’, whether already on the path or simply wondering what it’s all about.
I have said this before…when you know, you know.
We all set our intentions at the beginning and revisited them daily to ensure we got the best from each and every minute.
We immersed ourselves in the Balinese culture including a grounding visit to my friend and our local guide Gede’s village, his family home and local school, traditional meditation and fire ceremony, the rice terraces, a water blessing, and traditional medicine man. We visited the unique Pyramids of Chi for immersive sound and light healing experiences as well as a new moon ‘manifestation’ ceremony and dinner.
When not at our accommodation, connecting, swimming, reading or relaxing, we ate out at local cafes and restaurants and as Bali would have it - we were continuously surprised by the hidden treasures in such humbleness.
We relaxed even more with Yin Yoga most mornings before breakfast, and daily women’s circle - which was an important part of our connection and a chance to share as much or as little as we felt was needed on the day. All lovingly heard and spoken, without judgement or the need to fix or change…
The girls enjoyed quality massage, facials and various other spa treatments all in a beautiful bamboo hut overlooking jungle with only the sound of birds and the occasional gecko, and even some free time to explore whatever the felt at the time…
Some of the feedback was…
‘You have compassionately and intuitively guided our entire experience’
‘You were switched on and available for us 24/7’
‘I will be highly recommending you and Ubud Soul Retreats’
‘I have never been so relaxed and fulfilled in my entire life’
‘The best massage ever’
‘An amazing experience, and a wonderful way to make new friends’
‘I have loved the yoga, meditations and ceremonies, each one peeling another layer’
‘I have eaten like a king’
and more…
Of course being the first OS, I am very much wanting to learn and grow to ensure anyone who comes on retreat in future has the very best experience possible.
I am looking forward to going to Tasmania mid-September to pour my heart and soul into creating something very special with Matt, our experienced and passionate Australian tour guide
If you feel you would like to join us on either of the next retreats, please reach out for a chat about how we can make that happen for you.
March 9th - 15th, 2023 - Country Heart Retreat, Tasmania
August 14th - 21st, 2023 - Ubud Soul Retreat, Bali
