Ever wondered about what actually happens on a wellness retreat? I have prepared our itinerary for you to get inspired and excited about what this could look like for you. If you read to the bottom, I have a little bonus for all my wonderful Pod Family who need some rest and rejuvenation with me....
Bali, the Island of the Gods, has long been a mecca for wanderers seeking tranquility and rejuvenation. Among the plethora of beautiful destinations on this Indonesian paradise, Canggu stands out as a sanctuary for wellness seekers. Here, amidst lush green rice paddies and vibrant beaches, the Wanderlust Wellness Retreat offers an immersive experience for travellers seeking a harmonious blend of self-discovery and rejuvenation. Join us as we embark on a day-to-day journey through this enlightening retreat.
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction
As the sun rises, we find ourselves at the heart of Canggu, where the Wanderlust Wellness Retreat awaits with open arms. The day commences with warm smiles and introductions as fellow retreat participants gather to share a common purpose - the quest for holistic well-being.
The morning is dedicated to settling into the serene surroundings of the retreat. Nestled amidst tropical greenery, Desa Seni our eco-friendly accommodation exudes a sense of calm. The air carries a faint scent of incense, inviting a meditative atmosphere and the welcoming smiles of the lovely staff.
In the afternoon we will gather in our own private Shala for a Welcome to Retreat where you will meet your fellow retreaters and get to know your hosts better. This will be our opportunity to set intentions for the week and share our hopes and expectations.
We then share a welcome dinner, savouring the tantalising flavours of traditional Balinese cuisine, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Later in the evening you are invited to attend a Women’s Circle for meditation and acupuncture. All our activities and sessions are by invitation and there is no judgement or expectations from your hosts to attend or share. This is your experience and only you know what is best for you.
Day 2: Nourishing Body & Soul
After a shared breakfast, we begin our first informative well-being session. With the sun illuminating the open-air Shala space, your host Petra Joly begins the learning journey of how we can flourish and the 3 main pillars to optimal health and well-being. The sessions will be interactive and engaging with plenty of healthy feels, fun and connection.
Then you have free time to relax, swim in the pool, go exploring or maybe have your free massage.
In the afternoon you are educated and empowered by your wonderful co-host Maree Noonan on taking some control over your health with one of the key pillars to healthy living and hormonal balance, Food as Medicine and uncovering ways to avoid Emotional Eating.
You are then invited to enjoy Sunset Yoga which combines simple, full-body moves with breathing techniques and meditation principles to enter a flow of poses sequence and deep relaxation, all while the sun is setting around you. Everything is calm in this golden hour.
Following yoga we have a shared vegetarian three course dinner at Desa Seni where you can share your thoughts and learnings of the day, or just relax and enjoy the conversation of your new friends.
Day 3: Adventures in Nature
The retreat's third day begins with an early sunrise yoga session, accompanied by the soothing sound of birds waking for the day. The instructor guides you through each asana, encouraging mindfulness and self-awareness. The harmonious union of body and mind becomes evident as you connect with the present moment.
After breakfast nature beckons, and today's adventure takes us to the heart of Bali's natural wonders. We embark on a hike through the lush jungle, revealing a hidden waterfall and a breathtaking vista. The journey allows us to reconnect with the earth and rediscover the essence of life's simplicity.
At Tibumana Waterfall we participate in a Balinese purification ritual known as Melukat. Immersed in the sacred springs, we cleanse our bodies and spirits, symbolising the release of negative energies and welcoming newfound positivity.
Petra will share a well-being session with you on Creating Healthy Habits and the Practice of Journalling after we have shared an included picnic lunch in this beautiful environment.
Upon return to Desa Seni you will have free time until dinner. Some of you may like to have your fincluded massage in this time, or go for a shop at the wonderful stores nearby.
After dinner, we engage in an invigorating session of Sound Healing therapy. Under the guidance of a skilled practitioner, the resonating sounds of traditional instruments gently dissolve any lingering tensions within. This holistic approach to healing opens new pathways for self-discovery and inner peace.
Day 4: Magic of Movement
Today we start the day with sunrise yoga to get us in the mood for another day of nourishing our body and soul.
After breakfast we gather at the Shala to learn about the Magic of Movement and find out if you are a Bear, Lion or Wolf? Learning how the transformative power of movement can awaken within you, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the subtle miracles that lie within the simple act of moving your body with intention. Our session called ‘Bear, Lion or Wolf: A Journey to Restful Sleep’ will help unlock the path to restorative slumber and embrace the tranquillity that nature's creatures have mastered. Leave this session equipped with newfound knowledge and practical tools to know the importance of embracing movement and make peaceful sleep a regular part of your life. Prepare to indulge in restful nights and wake up to energised mornings, ready to take on each day with vitality and joy.
The rest of the day is yours until our afternoon adventure to Just Dance Studio to take part in a Bachata Lady Styling dance class which is full of sensuality and energy, expression, elegance and most importantly to gain of self-confidence through dance.
After the excitement of the afternoon we will wind down for a mindful ‘silent’ walk through green rice paddies to the Morabito Art Villa Beach. We practice moving mindfulness, learning to embrace the stillness within. The experience of quieting our minds amidst the rhythmic chirping of birds is both humbling and transformative. Time to journal and relax at the beach and head back as the sun begins to set.
A shared three course vegetarian dinner at Desa Seni to discuss the day and share our thoughts or just listen to each other’s funny stories or deep insights. By now we are connected and the friendship threads are growing stronger.
Day 5: Nourishing Body and Soul
An enriching start to the day with optional Sunrise Yoga followed by another delicious Desa Seni breakfast taken from the farm to table organic garden.
The fifth day of the retreat is dedicated to immersing ourselves in connection and friendship. Gifting ourselves with the tools to well-being and finding pathways to flourish. Our morning well-being session is on A Guide to Thrive: the Importance of Social Connection.
Then we have an immersive treat for you as we head off on an adventure to beautiful Ubud in central Bali where we will have an afternoon of pure bliss at Dragon Fly Village.
“Live simply so that others may simply live..” ~ Gandhi
Dragonfly Village is an enchanted retreat paradise set in the midst of one of the most beautiful rice field walks in the centre of Ubud. Tranquility and stunning greenery all around with the panorama of sacred Mt Agung and the northern ranges of mountain in the distance. Open space filled with dragonflies in the day and fireflies in the night, with a symphony of crickets and frogs. A place for those who enjoy being in nature, healing and learning. You can spend time in the herbal steam sauna using your body scrub of choice, relax in the beautiful pool or sit around the fire sharing stories. We will have an interactive fireside activity based on connection and sharing our own story.
The day has not ended. We are then inviting you to share a divine meal at the very famous and fabulous MOKSA restaurant in Ubud. Bali is a flourishing culinary scene and as the global awareness about sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle raise, Moksa Plant-based Restaurant & Permaculture Garden stands to join the bandwagon as a healthy and eco-friendly culinary establishment. Delicious and nutritious. A treat for the mind and body.
Day 6: Reflection and Gratitude
An 8am breakfast for all today with the option of Kundalini Yoga shortly after that.
As the retreat approaches its conclusion, we devote the day to self-care, reflection and expressing gratitude. Through journaling, we document our transformational experiences and newfound perspectives.
Our well-being session this morning will be on how we can avoid ‘Rushing Women’s Syndrome’ and how to ‘Heal our Obsession with Doing’.
You will have a free day to journal, explore, shop, eat, beach, pool or whatever your heart desires.
The afternoon session will be about formulating your Best Possible Self and sharing your take home’s from the week. This can be a deeply emotional session but one that is memorable in all the right ways.
An evening women’s circle group meditation and farewell ceremony serves as a symbolic release, as we let go of any residual baggage and embrace the path ahead with renewed enthusiasm.
Day 7: Farewell, Not Goodbye
The final day of the Wanderlust Wellness Retreat in Canggu arrives all too soon. A sense of transformation and unity fills the air, as we bid farewell to newfound friends who have become family during this spiritual journey. Hearts full of gratitude and memories that will last a lifetime, we leave with a promise to return to this sacred haven someday.
The Wanderlust Wellness Retreat in Canggu, Bali, offers a transformative and life-affirming experience for those in search of inner peace and holistic rejuvenation. From mindfulness practices to cultural immersion, each day is carefully crafted to inspire self-discovery and appreciation for the world around us. As we depart this magical place, we carry the essence of Bali's wisdom in our hearts, forever grateful for the serenity it bestowed upon us.
So, if you find yourself yearning for a meaningful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, let our Wanderlust Wellness Retreat embrace you in its loving embrace. Discover the harmony within and find your true self amidst the beauty of Bali.
As a special invitation to all our patients, past and present, we would like to extend to you a $300 discount off the listed prices on our website. This can also be extended to your family and friends. To get this discount, the deposit must be paid by 16.8.2023 (unless sold out prior). We can only take 16 participants on this retreat, so book early to avoid disappointment.
With much love and in good health,
Petra & Maree ♡