writing retreats bali

Writing Retreat Bali

Seriously Playful Wordfood

Five days to discover and recover the joy of creative writing, 12th – 17th october 2023, ubud, morning meditation and freewriting.

Creative stimulus and workshops

A luxury eco-retreat in perfect nature

Five nights. One seriously playful retreat.

Inspiration and friendly folk to improve your novels, screenplays, short stories and poetry. Join us for five nights of wordsmithery and creative hijinks near the Monkey Forest.

Writing Retreat Bali is perfectly timed, just before Ubud Writers’ Festival .

5 nights in a beautiful Balinese retreat Morning meditations & freewriting Daily organic breakfast and buffet lunch Creative workshops, tasks & practices Lots of space to write Sharing and encouragement 121 feedback Memorable tools Evening reads around the fire Private swimming pool Organic farm and café

‘Writing Retreat Bali gave me the courage to read my poem a few days later at one of the biggest poetry slam competitions in the world.’ Jesper Munk Jakobsen Winner Ubud Writers’ Festival Poetry Slam 2019

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Main image credit:  Tony Roseman

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The Healing Heart of Bali:

A writer’s journey of renewal for body, mind, and spirit, june 5 - june 19, 2024, both of my bali retreats are currently sold out. to join the waitlist for either retreat, click here ..

If you’re longing for a restorative creative journey to one of the most beautiful, welcoming, deeply spiritual places on earth, join master writing teacher Laura Davis, traditional healing expert Made Surya, Bali scholar Judy Slattum, and a supportive community of fellow writers for a deep dive into the healing arts of Bali beneath the tourist façade.

This could be you . . .

Slumber peacefully in a beachside bungalow with a luscious private outdoor shower. Awaken to a perfect morning: warm, moist, delicious air caresses your skin as you slip into the turquoise infinity pool and savor the gentle lapping of waves from the Indian Ocean against the shore.

Eat a luscious breakfast of perfect ripe tropical fruit and whatever else catches your fancy. The food is fresh and clean and delicious. An hour later, snorkel in warm tropical waters, delighting in multicolored fish darting before your eyes.

It's your first morning in Bali.

Open your notebook. Open your heart. Open your mind. Let words pour out from your very center. Start the journey back to your spirit, your creativity, your true voice. With a master teacher by your side and a safe, loving circle of writers surrounding you, discover the stories that need to be told. Remember the joy of writing, the transformative healing power of words.

It's your first afternoon in Bali.

Lay out on the craziest, biggest outdoor couch you've ever seen, relaxing on a riot of brightly colored pillows. Gaze up at a sky full of stars you've never seen before.

You're kicking yourself. You can't believe you are finally here .

It's your first night in Bali. And the magic is only the beginning . . .

Does this sound good? Let me tell you more:

• Did you know that the Balinese believe that every child is an artist? They just wait to find out what kind of artist she is going to be.
• The Balinese create beauty wherever they go. Everywhere you look are small altars made of flowers, leaves, rice and incense-lovingly made and quickly discarded. What matters is the act of gratitude.
• You thrill to the clanging of the gamelan , the steady beat of drums, the precise eye movements of the dancers in their vibrant glittering costumes.
• You are so grateful you said yes to yourself. Yes to this sacred place, these profound experiences of healing, this magical dream.
• In the morning, you are blessed in a ritual by a Balinese priest and spend the afternoon at the feet of a master healer watching him treat your new friends, awaiting your turn for his lifetime of practice and attention to be focused on exactly what you need. You have a unique healing experience unlike any other. In the evening you get to write about all you have felt, learned, and witnessed, and are filled with gratitude.
• You eat a magnificent eight-course meal at the 400-year-old compound of our guide's family. Afterwards you watch a sacred mask carver at work.

You hike through clove and coffee plantations, and hold raw nutmeg and cacao in your hands. Around the bend, you reach the waterfall . . . slip under its tumbling waters if you dare.

And in the afternoon you write.

Before dinner, you relax in a brilliant green rice field with a dozen new friends , savoring a brilliant sunset over the vast Java sea.

You're so glad you said yes to this trip , to this life-changing adventure, to this journey back to yourself.

Your body feels more relaxed, strong and alive than it has in years. Your mind at peace . Your spirit set free .

Join me in Bali for a deeply healing trip of renewal at every level of your being.

Bali behind the mask: the traditional healing arts of bali.

This trip offers an in-depth excursion into the culture of Bali through the eyes of the Balinese. You will observe, appreciate, and experience traditional healing methods.

It is impossible to visit this enchanting island without being aware of the devotion the Balinese show every day in the practice of their religion. With its roots in Indian Hinduism, Bali-Hinduism is a blend of that, Buddhist philosophy, and elements of Animism as well.

Since the early 1970s, there has been a dynamic and extended movement in the west to explore traditional medicine from many ancient cultures. The study of Asian medicine has been at the forefront of this movement, particularly Chinese acupuncture, herbal medicine, and the practice of Feng Shui. This healing arts trip will introduce you to the philosophy and use of traditional medicine in Bali: both internal and external, material and spiritual.

Our guide into Balinese spirituality and healing, Made Surya, the son of a priest, was given special training in religion as a young man, and continues his lifelong studies to this day, researching and reading lontar books. He will be your intimate guide into the multi-layered spiritual practice which permeates every aspect of daily life in Bali.

In Southeast Asia, local people have long held their traditional healers in high regard. These healers are called Balian or Dukun in Bali. With the advent of western medicine, traditional healers have not been discarded, but are seen as adjunct and complementary to what western medicine offers. Besides visiting a western-style doctor when ill, the Balinese consult a Balian , a traditional healer. These men and women work in different ways: some mix herbal remedies; some create drawings of magical inscriptions and symbols to protect the wearer; and some (while in trance) communicate messages from the Bali Hindu deities who dictate certain offerings and ceremonies. Tantamount to understanding Balinese medicine is to understand the magic of the Left versus the Right, the Visible and the Invisible.

You will learn about the history of traditional medicine. Every Balinese knows how to make the simplest medicines for common colds, flu, headaches, and wounds. Made from basic ingredients found on the island, these remedies have been time-proven over the centuries to be effective. Most Balinese grow their own herbs, but they can also be found in the local markets. We will go on an herb walk, learn about mixing herbal medicines, and observe the use of these medicines during visits to Balinese healers. We will also learn the art of making a temple offering.

Purification ceremonies are an important part of Bali Hindu religious cycles. Usually held during times of stress, plague, transgression, or as part of the rites of passage, these ceremonies often involve sacred masks, most of which are held in the village temples. Each member of our group will experience a purification ceremony.

Our exploration into Balinese healing arts will be accompanied by daily writing workshops, led by 7-time author and master writing teacher Laura Davis, providing participants with the perfect opportunity to record their experiences and integrate their learning while benefiting from the transformative power of a safe, intimate writing circle.

In each location we visit, we will also hike, snorkel, or go on nature walks, taking advantage of the beauty and cultural riches each region has to offer.

Does This Trip Have Your Name on It? Would You Like To:

• Study with a master writing teacher who will free your voice , teach you how to use writing as a tool for healing , and help you create a moving record of your experiences of both inner and outer Bali?
• Learn about the deep spiritual underpinnings of Balinese society , where every aspect of life—even architecture—is sacred?
• Drink in the sensory sights, sounds and smells of Bali through  physical adventures in one gorgeous setting after another  - hikes, treks, and snorkeling?
• Immerse yourself in the  historical, cultural, artistic, and spiritual riches of Bali?
• Learn about Balinese culture and healing practices from insiders who will show you a side of Bali most tourists never see?
• Get the inside story on sacred masks, homemade herbal remedies, and Balinese dance?
• Travel with  a warm, fascinating group of creative people  who share your passion for writing, healing, culture, and adventure?
• Enjoy writing, learning, adventure, and cultural exploration in the perfect balance day after day?

Size of Trip:  This is an intimate tour, limited to 14 people, with a minimum of 9.

Physical Requirements:  Bali is an island full of stairs and uneven pavement. Our trip includes many beautiful hikes in nature. We will be walking on city streets, small roads, village pathways, loose gravel, wooded trails, small streams, muddy paths, and through rice fields. This trip is appropriate for anyone in reasonable physical health, who enjoys walking and is able to traverse irregular terrain without the assistance we take for granted in the US, like hand railings or standard step heights. To comfortably participate, you should be capable of walking on uneven surfaces, both on city streets and in nature, at a relaxed pace, for up to two-three hours at a time. The optional hike up Saranguara, a sacred mountain in West Bali, is a more rigorous hike for those who want a greater physical challenge.

Endorsements for Laura and the Bali Retreat

"Your trip provided a wonderful blend of touring, history and activity, writing , massages and shopping, being in nature and seeing the culture and arts of the 'big city.' I loved that each place we stayed was so different, and that we had time in each place to 'do our own thing.' I loved Laura's writing classes and Judy and Surya's deep knowledge. I recommend this trip wholeheartedly!"

—Elya Braden, Santa Monica

"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You created an experience that touched my soul and opened deep levels of creativity and inspiration. Your trip to Bali is a gift that will keep on giving for my entire life."

"Take a vacation with two wonderful leaders if you want to learn about yourself and the beauty that lies outside your daily life."

—Julie Goodman, Santa Cruz

" Your retreat provided me with great adventures, a healing connection with others, the chance to deepen my writing, and the opportunity to heal my mind, body and spirit. I got to experience and connect with a wonderful nourishing country and its people. Your magical retreat taught me to never give up before the miracle."

—Allison Summers, Casuarina, Australia

" This was a fabulous eye-opening, educational trip with wonderful people. Bali is stunning and the Balinese are amazing people. The snorkeling was fantastic. The yoga was great for my body every day. All the leaders were outstanding."

—Susan Hillyard, Santa Cruz

"This was a beautiful cultural experience, an opportunity to reach deep inside and to get clarity, especially coming as I do from an overscheduled, outer-focused world."

—Annette Naber, Monterey, Virginia

"I felt a sense of peace I haven't felt before."

—Jerry Scribner, Greenwood, CA.

" An immersion in Balinese customs, culture and history with a daily opportunity to write your way through the things you discover about yourself while traveling to a distant place."

—Amy White, Providence, Rhode Island

"Every time I come to Bali, I receive the beauty and harmony of the Balinese people-their life and spirit in a deeper way. If you're considering this trip, don't hesitate. Open your eyes and your heart. Let go of false identities and come home."

—Karen Zelin, Santa Cruz

"Leave all of your inhibitions at home. Come with an open mind so you can absorb the amazing smells, sights and sounds of Bali. I'm so glad I came. I will admire the Balinese culture for the rest of my life."

—Gilda Zelin, age 84, Santa Cruz

"The opportunity to be surrounded by a community of soulful people is what makes transformation possible. This trip gave me renewal of my body, mind and spirit. Thank you for giving me such a gift of healing and transformation."

—Marci Drimer, Baltimore

"I was delighted with the weather. It was ever changeable but soothing whether sunny or raining."

"Thanks again for the wonderful experience that was Bali and holding the space for everyone to have their own unique experience."

" I would recommend this trip, without a doubt. I had a blast on so many different levels. Just go! It will be a healing trip for you, regardless of what you're looking for."

—Rosemary Christian, Santa Cruz

" This trip is unique. It's more than a chance to explore Bali; it's a way to go deeper into yourself, to be awake and aware. This was a complete travel experience: learning and seeing the culture and history, action and adventure (snorkeling and hiking), self-care through yoga and massage, facials and pedicures. And this is key, the writing with Laura helped me experience the trip more fully and to become a better writer. It was a wonderful way to connect to the other participants."

Bali, the justly renowned diamond in the necklace of islands that makes up the world's largest archipelago, is well-known for its inner and outer beauty. Its  stunning geographical wonders include majestic volcanoes surrounded by terraced rice fields that gently spill into an azure sea.  And Bali's rich cultural heritage and deep reverence for life is legendary.

Our trip will bring us into three distinct regions of Bali. We will stay in  small, locally-owned hotels-away from the tourist scene -so you can fully immerse yourself in this unique, evocative culture. Each day our guides will give us an  insider's view of Balinese spiritual life, dance, music, art, and sacred ceremonies.  Daily writing workshops will help ground your experiences and give you  a place to bond, integrate, and reflect.

We will begin our journey with four nights at the peaceful, pristine, beautiful Lotus Bungalows resort, perched right at the edge of the Indian Ocean . This small East Bali hotel is the perfect place to land and decompress from your journey. We will spend four nights in Candi Dasa, beginning our writing workshop with Laura, our explorations of Bali, and our life together as a traveling community. This is where you will begin to learn about the Balinese people-their language, their culture, their deep spirituality, and their way of life .

During the middle portion of our trip, we will spend four nights in Ubud, the cultural center of Bali . There, we will attend two purification ceremonies and meet with local healers. We will also visit the home studios of a sacred mask maker , savor a multi-course meal at our host Surya’s family compound, and be s pellbound by an evening Kecak dance performance at a stunning local temple .

And this deep experience of hands-on learning will be enhanced through the use of writing as a powerful tool in its own right for healing, self-discovery, and transformation .

During the final part of our trip, we will leave the upbeat energy of the city and travel north to Munduk and the cool volcanic mountains of North Bali-a stunning region of rice fields, coffee and cocoa plantations, where myriad tropical fruits and spices are grown. You will experience first-hand the unspoiled agricultural and village life that Bali has to offer.

Our final five nights will be spent at a beautiful, restful eco-lodge, overlooking verdant working rice fields: a perfect place to hike, write, relax, and get healing massages. In Munduk, you will have the unique opportunity to interact with the local villagers, who use the hotel as a community center for children's dance classes and other aspects of their richly spiritual, creative daily life.

At the end of your fifteen days in Bali, you will return home deeply connected to yourself, your voice, your body, and a remarkable new community of friends. You will leave, as most visitors do, pledging to come back, full of love for a land and people certain to touch your heart with beauty.

Daily Itinerary

The healing heart of bali: a writer's journey of renewal for the body, mind, and spirit.

Bali is famous for its friendly hospitality. Beyond the high-rise tourist hype found at the resorts on the southern tip of the island are back roads never traveled by the conventional tour bus. There are native villages where a foreign face is still an unfamiliar sight.

This transformative vacation will feature a deep dive into writing with Laura Davis and a supportive, intimate community of fellow writers seamlessly woven into an exploration of all that Bali has to offer: cultural riches, the opportunity for physical adventure in one gorgeous setting after another, and an intimate, experiential entrée into Bali’s sacred treasures: purification ceremonies, visits with healers, daily lessons in how spirituality underlies every aspect of Balinese life.

During our 15 days in Bali, participants will expand their bodies, minds, and spirits in a stunning, inspiring country with a deep spiritual heart.

Excursions include rice field hikes, treks in rain forests, snorkeling in a tropical coral garden, walks through coffee and clove plantations, visits to lush waterfalls, and a mountain hike.

Participants will be offered seminars on a wide range of topics, including Indonesian language, dance, sacred masks and their spirit sources. Bali's spiritual richness is responsible for an abundance of elegantly carved temples, a proliferation of music and dance, and a rich variety of arts and crafts. Visits to temple ceremonies and the home-workshops of artists and artisans will delight and absorb you.

To immerse ourselves in this unique culture, we stay where the tourists aren't - in small, locally owned hotels known for their charm and warm welcome.

This is the tentative plan for our days together. Our schedule will be flexible, subject to weather and other considerations that arise in our circle. We also want to remain open to the unexpected opportunities that always present themselves when traveling-the opportunity to attend a cremation or other Balinese ceremony or ritual.  

Note: The capital letters after each location indicate which meals are included in your tour package. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.

Day 1: Wednesday, June 5:  Leave home for your adventure. From most locations in the US, this will mean departing around midnight. You will cross the international dateline and arrive a day later, which will be made up on your return.

Day 2: Thursday, June 6: Candi Dasa Arrive in Bali (usually) mid-afternoon and be transported by minibus to east Bali and our beachfront bungalows overlooking the azure beauty of the Indian Ocean at an intimate beachside resort. Check into hotel and unpack before dinner and a brief orientation.

Day 3: Friday, June 7: B Candi Dasa (B) After breakfast, served in an open-air pavilion overlooking the Indian Ocean, we'll venture by minibus to our waiting boat and a morning snorkeling excursion in the "Blue Lagoon," a nearby coral reef with hundreds of tropical fish—a wonderful way to “arrive” fully in Bali. Over lunch back at the hotel, we will have our first cultural seminar, this one focusing on basic Indonesian manners and customs, including a demonstration of how to wrap a traditional sarong for temple visits. In the afternoon, the writing workshop with Laura will begin. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and down time in the evening.

Day 4: Saturday, June 8: Candi Dasa (B) After breakfast, we'll have a seminar on the caste system and rites of passage in Balinese traditional life. Then, an excursion to the aboriginal village of Tenganan, where traditional palm leaf “lontar” books are etched, intricate baskets are created, and the famed double ikat (Grinsing) is woven. After lunch, the writing workshop will continue. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Sunday, June 9 : Candi Dasa (B) After breakfast, we have our final orientation session, this one on the Balians, the traditional healers of Bali. After the morning writing workshop and lunch at the hotel, we’ll depart for Tirtagangga "Water Palace." Walk amidst statuary from the Ramayana epic, set on crystal clear ponds, filled with jewel-like koi. Enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal clear pure water in an Olympic-size spring-fed pool, then enjoy a gourmet dinner at an indoor-outdoor table overlooking it all.

Day 6: Monday, June 10: Leave Candi Dasa and Travel Day to Ubud (B, L) After breakfast and the morning writing workshop, we’ll depart for Ubud, Bali’s center for the arts, a region famous for its healers. On the way, we'll stop for lunch at an NGO for disabled Balinese adults, tour the facility, and enjoy a musical presentation by the members. Arrive in Ubud, check into our hotel and settle in. Evening performance of Jegog--giant Bamboo Gamelan, described as the "Sounds of the Earth" with dance. Followed by dinner on your own.

Day 7: Tuesday, June 11: Ubud (B)   Early departure to the temple of Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring for a purification ceremony in the healing waters, followed by a visit to the most sacred part of the temple for blessing. Then transfer a short distance and visit a beautiful 11th century temple, where Made Surya will explain Balinese sacred architecture: the way traditional spatial arrangements and building codes support the spiritual structure of Balinese life. After his talk, part of the group will drive to the home of a local Balian skilled in working with metaphysical, psychological, and spiritual crises, and have the opportunity for a healing while the rest of the group returns to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will do the reverse; the second group will visit the family compound of a traditional Balinese healer who specializes in bones, joints, and muscles. Group members will choose which healer to visit based on their own needs. Laura will give the group a writing exercise to work on during this day of healer visits.

Day 8: Wednesday, June 12 : Ubud (B) After breakfast, our morning writing workshop, followed by time with Made Surya will help us debrief the healing treatments received the day before. We will then visit a third Balian who makes mystical drawings as a means to discover ailments. If available, we’ll witness a local cremation ceremony, a ritual the Balinese consider a celebration, to which tourists are welcome and encouraged to come. This unforgettable experience is highly likely in this, the “dry season.” In the evening, an optional performance of music and dance will be available.

Day 9: Thursday, June 13: Ubud (B, L) Breakfast, then a special excursion to south Bali to the compound of a High Priest and Priestess for a purification ceremony for each trip member. Visit Made Surya’s 400-year-old family compound where his family will cook us a multi-course, delicious Balinese lunch. Tour the compound, including the family temple. On our way back to Ubud, we will stop at the home/studio of one of the most revered master carvers of sacred masks, to watch the process of creation and hear about the role masks play in Balinese society. Late afternoon writing workshop. Dinner on your own. Optional evening performances or cultural events will be announced.

Day 10: Friday, June 14: Ubud ( B,D) Transfer to Munduk. After breakfast, we’ll depart for an island tour of volcano country and north Bali. We stop at the town of Mengwi to visit the Ogoh Ogoh Museum, featuring beautifully executed giant demonic figures, paraded through the villages to scare out the low spirits on the evening before the new year (Nyepi). After this visit, we will arrive in Munduk mountain village and check into our beautiful eco-friendly hotel, perched on rice fields. After lunch, the writing workshop will continue. Sunset talk by Made Surya discussing the magic of the Left versus the Right: love potions, black magic, and their relationship to illness. In the evening, we’ll enjoy the first of our family-style delicious group dinners together.

Day 11: Saturday, June 15: Munduk (B,D) After breakfast, we’ll meet on the steps for a tour of the medicinal garden at our hotel. Venturing on, we will walk to one of Bali’s most breathtaking waterfalls through cocoa, vanilla, and banana plantations. If you’re brave, you can climb underneath. Afternoon writing workshop. Meet again at sunset Happy Hour, where Made Surya will talk about chakras and the western misconceptions of Tantra. Family-style dinner together.

Day 12: Sunday. June 16: Munduk (B,D) After breakfast, we’ll go on a trek through the neighboring countryside: small villages, rice fields, coffee, and clove plantations to the mystical temple of the Rock That Grows. Return to the hotel for lunch and downtime before our afternoon writing workshop. Made Surya will give a happy hour talk at the sunset bar reviewing the treatments you’ve experienced, illustrating how healers works, and will discuss trance mediums and their role in Balinese healing. Evening meal together.

Day 13: Monday, June 17: Munduk (B,D) After breakfast, an opportunity to hike up Gunung Sanghyang, a sacred mountain in West Bali, for those who want a more rigorous climb. Return to hotel for lunch, followed by afternoon writing. Those opting not to go on the morning hike may take an offering making class at the hotel. Today at Happy Hour, Made Surya will demonstrate the core aspects of Balinese dance so you can better understand the elements of the performance you’ll be witnessing tomorrow night.

Day 14: Tuesday, June 18: Munduk (B,D)   Our final writing class will be held in the morning. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to write, relax, or climb up the stairs of the local purveyor of Luwak coffee for a great view and a remarkable cup of intoxicating brew. You can study the human scarecrow in the rice field, observe the children’s afternoon dance class, or pamper yourself with a massage by a truly talented therapeutic masseuse. After our last group dinner together, we will say farewell to Munduk with an intimate performance of dance and music by the village.

Day 15: Wednesday, June 19: Transit B   After breakfast, we’ll have a final meeting to celebrate each other and our time together. Depart Bali for your trip home, feeling deeply nourished after two weeks bathed in the gratitude, beauty and compassion that emanates from the Balinese people. If you leave with the rest of the group, you will arrive back in the U.S. the same calendar date you left Bali.

Please note: Our daily schedule might shift and change as other unexpected opportunities arise, such as­ cremation festivities or other rites of passage, temple festivals and ceremonies. You just never know what might be happening depending on the season, the village, or the people we meet. In case any activity must be canceled, another similar activity will be substituted. Sorry, no refunds on any activities you decide not to attend. Anyone who leaves the tour itinerary at any time for any reason is on their own.

"I return home from each of Laura's trips a little wiser, a little more open, and a lot more compassionate. I greet my family, friends and daily life with sparkly, clean energy and a renewed patience, brought about by way of re-writing old stories that I needed to let go of. I come home ready to move forward in my life.

A retreat with Laura Davis is one of the best gifts I ever received and gave myself. It took many years to realize that I was worth the time and financial investment, but now there is no looking back."

—Julie Sheehan, Livermore, California

Teachers & Guides

Laura davis  ( writing instructor ).

The author of seven non-fiction books, including The Courage to Heal, Becoming the Parent You Want to Be,  and I Thought We'd Never Speak Again.  Laura's groundbreaking books have sold more than 1.8 million copies around the world. Laura has also worked as a columnist, talk show host, radio reporter, radio producer, blogger, editor, and speaker. Words have always been at the core of her work and her self-expression.

Laura's newest book,  The Burning Light of Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story , tells the story of her dramatic and tumultuous relationship with her mother from the time of Laura's birth until her mother's death.

Laura has been mentoring and supporting writers for the past 25 years. It is truly the work of her heart: "I love teaching. I love watching my students find their natural voice and their rhythm. I love it when they find their true stories and discover the courage to put them on the page. I feel like a midwife as my students birth their stories, and I feel honored to witness their bursts of creativity and pure life energy pouring out on the page. Our writing circles are safe places where skills are honed, tears and laughter are welcome, and each writer is seen, heard, and deeply known."

Laura leads weekly writing groups online and in-person retreats in Northern California and internationally. She has taken writers to Bali and Scotland, Greece and Vietnam, Italy and Spain, Laos and Cambodia. She documents these trips to the delight of many readers in her blog, The Virtual Vacation.

Praise for Laura

"Your steady, centered presence allowed each of us to unfold as writers - and was magnificent ."

—Julie Anderson, San Francisco, CA

"You have the distinct and very special gift of drawing out what is in the hearts of everyone in our writing circle."

—Asma Fischer, Evans, GA

"You are a born leader , a born writer. Your straightforwardness, your strength, your discipline, and your love of what you do make for such a 'rightness' ."

—Susan Vorhand, Los Angeles, CA

"Thank you for your brilliant, tailored instruction as a writing teacher, a woman and a human being . Thank you for being the catalyst for some needed changes in my life. Not only are you gifted. You are a gift ."

—Julie Sheehan, Livermore, CA

"Laura is warm and caring. She pushes people to challenge their limitations without pushing too hard. She helps everyone grow in their writing."

—Lisa Rizzo, San Mateo, CA

"The best part of the trip were the writing classes . It was where we went deep and worked at writing from the heart, and at the same time with description and craft. I was surprised by the warmth of the group and the level of sharing we experienced."

"I learned that writing doesn't live as far from my soul as I thought it did ."

"I'd strongly recommend Laura as an excellent writing teacher and a wise, capable, sensitive journey host ."

—Tamara Oxford, Sonora, CA

" Laura brings both head and heart of the gifted weaving of a writer's group. She lends her own words as examples of real and raw writing and adeptly inspires others to do the same, so that healing and connection are inevitable ."

—Lisa Mitchell, Sacramento, CA.

"I was delighted with Laura's ability to pull a group together and to get us to write deeply about our truths. I learned that I have a distinctive voice and an important story to share."

—Betsy Witherup, New York, NY

" Laura creates a safe, inviting place to write . She taught me volumes about improving my writing without ever critiquing it. Like magic."

—Sharon Eakes, Sewickley, PA

" Laura is a serious, thoughtful writing teacher with fanciful prompts, fitting poems, examples and clear instructions."

—Adele Maze, San Rafael, CA.

Trip Organizers/Leaders

Judy Slattum MFA and Made Surya B.S. are professional tour organizers who have been leading study tours in Bali since 1985. For a wonderful article about their travel company, Danu Tours, check out this article .

Madé Surya would be considered a unique individual in any culture. Born in Denpasar, the capitol city of Bali, his father was a freedom fighter against both the Dutch and Japanese. After the war his father became an undercover policeman, until his nightly meditation sessions revealed his calling as a Hindu priest. A religious scholar, his studies eventually placed him in the Office of Religion, Parisada Hindu Dharma. As his eldest son, Surya was given private religious instruction to prepare him to take over as head of the 400-year-old family compound. His parents, with help from academic scholarships, managed to put Surya through graduate school.

As senior researcher for the Balinese Society for the Study of the Afterdeath, Surya interviewed 25 of Bali's foremost religious authorities regarding Bali's belief systems, recording previously undocumented information. Through this work, Surya became familiar and close to some of Bali's foremost healers. For eight years, he has conducted trips for the Institute of Noetic Sciences on traditional healing and family and community relations in Bali.

Lonely Planet has declared him the local expert on Balinese traditional healers.

But there is more to Surya than his deep knowledge of Balinese spirituality and healers.  Laura likes to describe him as a Balinese Renaissance Man. Surya has traveled and scaled volcanoes in most of Indonesia's inhabited islands, assisted scholars, researchers, tour groups, and film and video crews in Bali and Indonesia on such subjects as Hindu religious rituals and practices, vocal music for ceremonies, traditional architecture, and herbal medicine. He is frequently asked to sing Kawi religious texts at ceremonies, carves his own traditional masks, and has performed mask dance at many colleges, universities, and museums, including the Asian and the De Young in San Francisco. Surya has also led culinary tours, been a guest chef at several restaurants, and his recipes are found in several cookbooks. He is currently working with Dr. Adi Putera on the first book in English on traditional healing practices in Bali.

Thirty-one years ago, Surya married Bali scholar, Judy Slattum , and for the past three decades they have been organizing and leading trips for visitors to Bali.

Surya loves sharing his deep love for his country and its spiritual gifts with guests from all over the world. We are very fortunate to have Surya as our guide into the world of Inner Bali.

This will be Laura’s sixth trip to Bali with them as guides, the first with a focus on Balinese spirituality and healers.

Judy Slattum, MFA

Judy spent 14 years as an academic before starting her own educational travel company in 1985. She has organized and led study tours to Bali since first visiting the island on sabbatical to study mask dance in 1978. Judy has published many articles on Balinese culture and her book - Masks of Bali: Spirits of an Ancient Drama ( Chronicle Books, 1992) - was featured in Time Magazine,  has sold thousands of copies, and was reprinted by Periplus Editions in September 2003. Her museum exhibition on Balinese Masks toured the USA as part of the Festival of Indonesia for 5 years and has now relocated to Bali. Judy will handle all the pre-trip arrangements for our group.

Praise for Danu Tours

"Judy and Surya are perfect for leading and organizing a trip to Bali. They have lived in two worlds at a deep level. They are thoughtful and caring, knowledgeable and skilled . I cannot imagine a better team and doubt one exists."

"Judy and Surya helped us know and understand this amazing culture . I know so much more about Bali than I would have if they hadn't led us."

"Judy and Surya delighted me."

"A very good introduction to Bali. I liked the general informality of the learning process, your enthusiasm for Balinese culture, your inherent spirituality, and the fact that you yourself are an artist of several kinds. Thank you, too, for so many personal touches throughout the course."

—Agnes G. , Lower Hutt, New Zealand

"Judy's selection of activities was pitch perfect. We had a better experience because she and Surya love Bali and want to share it. I saw things, did things and know things that other tourists would never see, do or know."

"I loved the walks through the countryside, especially the walks to the waterfall and through the rice fields. Surya's knack of having friends throughout the island opened many doors for us that would otherwise be unknown: the village ceremony, his teacher in the village, watching musical instruments being made, having him participate in the dance performance, enjoying a meal at his family compound. His passion and firsthand knowledge of everything can't be matched. Having the flexibility to change the itinerary to take advantage of local events was a real plus! I will always remember the beauty of Bali and the friendliness of its people ---- and --- the one and only Made Surya!"

—Wendi Lancaster, Altuna, CA

"Marcia and I talk about our time in Bali every day. I can't wait to tell others about it. Surya, you were a huge part of it, because of who you are and what you share, but there is more. It has to do with Bali itself, with the energy and spirit of the place and the people, that continues to affect me on a deeper level."

—Ray Charland, Santa Cruz, CA

"Overall, the trip was fantastic. It truly was a Back Roads trip, and I enjoy that type of travel. I loved the chance to see a very different side of Bali. My fondest memories will be of Surya dancing in Munduk, seeing your home in Ubud, hiking through rice fields and snorkeling. I will cherish the time we spent together."

—Joan Pindar

"I love Surya's obvious pride in his country. I will remember the cultural and spiritual richness of this lush, scenic wonderland and the warm, friendly people. Thanks Surya!"

—Deborah Shulman, Santa Cruz CA.

"What an incredible adventure. It was beautiful, spiritual & physical journey. I will remember our guide, Surya, for sharing his enthusiasm for Bali with us. I highly recommend Danu Enterprises. Our group was great too."

—Alexanne Mills, Carmel CA.

Travel Details

We will first meet as a full group in the late afternoon at the Lotus Bungalows hotel in Candi Dasa on June 6th. This will mean booking a flight that arrives mid-afternoon on June 6th. You should book your inbound travel accordingly.

Note: The flights from Eva Air and China Airlines arrive during this window, between 2:30 and 3:20 in the afternoon.

Most return flights to the US leave in the afternoon and we'll be sending you information about when to book your flight so we can all leave our final hotel on a shuttle together.

You can expect to spend approximately $1400-$1600 for a round trip ticket from the United States to Denpasar during high season, although this will vary depending on when you book and your departure city.

More information about how and when to book your flights will be sent after you register.

Please do not purchase airline tickets until we have informed you that the minimum number of participants has been met.

We encourage you to book your flights with our travel planner, Michelle Campillo, so arrival times, departure times, and ground transit can be coordinated. Michelle can also help if you want to arrive sooner, leave later, or add other destinations. If you need assistance, she will be able to help you purchase the required travel insurance for this trip.

Michelle is available most weekday business hours and is on Pacific Time:

Michelle Campillo Scandia Travel 57 Post St. Ste. 612 San Francisco CA 94105 (415) 552-5300 www.scandiatravelsfo.com

Passports, Visa & Health:

A passport is required, valid six months from date of entry with proof of onward transportation. You must have at least two blank pages on your passport that have the word "Visas" in small print at the top or you will be turned away at the airport. Indonesian visa for 30 days granted on arrival to US citizens for $35.00 fee.

As of June 2023, the requirement for two inoculations against Covid have been lifted for entry into Indonesia. This may change again by the time of our trip in 2024. To check current requirements, please visit: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/ travel-advice/a-z-list-of- countries/indonesia/

What's Included:

• Airport transfers (if you arrive and depart with the rest of the group)
• Breakfast every day. Lunch at Senang Hati Foundation and at the home of your guide Made Surya. Family-style dinners of Balinese cuisine each night in Munduk.
• Daily writing workshops with Laura Davis
• A copy of Laura's memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars
• Snorkeling expedition in Candi Dasa
• Visits to Tanganan aboriginal village
• Tirta Empul Temple with purification ritual in healing waters
• Intimate visit to your guide's 400-year-old family home
• Demonstration of mask carving in the home studio of an expert
• Tour of the Ogoh Ogoh Museum in Mengwi
• Tour of a medicinal garden
• Walk to one of Bali’s most breathtaking waterfalls through cocoa, vanilla, and banana plantations
• Rice field trek to the Mystical Rock that Grows
• Visit to Tirtagangga Water Palace
• Visit to the home of high priest and priestess with purification ritual
• Visits with two traditional leaders
• Performances of Kecak, Jegog, and Balinese classical dance
• Seminars on manners and customs, Indonesian language, Bali Hindu caste system, Bali-Hindu Rites of Passage, traditional healers, sacred architecture, the magic of the Left versus the Right: love potions, black magic, and their relationship to illness, Chakras and western misconceptions of tantra, trance mediums in Balinese healing, lecture/demo on Balinese dance
• Four nights at Lotus Beachfront Bungalows in Candi Dasa lotusbungalows.com
• Four nights at Ubud Wana Resort http://www.ubudwanaresort.com
• Five nights at Puri Lumbung Cottages in Munduk Mountain Village  purilumbung.com/
• All transfers to different locations in Bali
• Services of Made Surya and Judy Slattum, professional tour organizers/leaders specializing in Bali
• Extensive pre-trip information
• A wonderful experience of community and connection with a creative, adventurous group of fellow travelers
• Multiple opportunities for deep relaxation, personal insight, pleasure, intimacy, adventure, and joy

What's Not Included:

• Round trip airfare from your home airport to Denpasar
• Laundry, additional excursions, optional classes, non-specified meals (meals range from $5-10 each)
• Fees for passports and visas
• Airport transfer to our first hotel and from our last hotel if you do not arrive or depart at the same time as the rest of the group
• Tips for drivers and wait staff, house cleaners and hotel staff
• Transportation not covered in the itinerary
• Between meal snacks and alcoholic beverages
• Personal, medical, and trip cancellation insurance (travel insurance is required for this trip)
• Souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, massage, and spa services (which are cheap and plentiful!)

How Do I Sign Up For This Fantastic Retreat?

Your Investment:

Cost: $5,630 per person for double occupancy based on two people sharing a twin-bedded room.

Single Room Supplement: A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional $1,000.

Payment Schedule:  A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD is due with registration. 50% of the remaining trip cost will be due by November 1, 2023. The final balance will be due by February 1, 2024.

Note: A dramatic change in the exchange rate may influence the final price.

Roommates: If you sign up for a double room without having a roommate in mind, we will try to pair you up with someone. If we can’t fine someone you will be automatically upgraded to a single and you will need to pay the price difference.

Small Group Supplement: We will take a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 14. If we end up with 10 or fewer, you will be charged a small group supplement of $400 at the time of your final payment.

Size of Trip: This is an intimate vacation with a minimum of 9 travelers. If the minimum number is not met, you will receive a full refund. The Writer’s Journey LLC will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred, such as nonrefundable airline tickets or passport fees.

Cancellations and Refunds:  The initial $1,000 USD non-refundable deposit will be forfeited in all cases. Cancellations made between November 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024 will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Any cancellation made between February 2, 2024 and the trip departure will result in a total loss of all monies received and there will be no refunds. Exceptions to this cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including personal emergencies.

Travel Insurance:  Travel insurance is required for this trip. It will be the only way for you to get a refund should you need to cancel. In addition to medical travel insurance, you should choose a plan that covers trip cancellation in case illness or injury prevents you from going on the trip. Our travel agent can help you find a suitable policy. We recommend that you purchase it as soon as possible after booking the trip--pre-existing conditions are only covered if you purchase your insurance within two weeks of the time you first sign up for the trip.

More information about trip insurance will be sent after you register.

This retreat is currently sold out! To join the waitlist,

Click here ..

To read about one of the prior Writer's Retreat of Your Dreams in Bali, you can read Laura's blog, The Virtual Vacation. Now you can enjoy it, too, by clicking here .

Laura's Blog: The Virtual Vacation

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Writers Retreat Bali

February 2024, write a bestseller in tropical bali - february 2024, hosted by jacq burns, literary agent, founder of london writers' club.

Have you wanted to write a book, book proposal or pitch for months —  or even years  — but haven’t found the time or the confidence to do it? Have you stalled in the writing because you don’t know if what you write is any good? 

How would it feel to move on from time-scarcity or doubt to getting your first draft underway, your book finished, edited or pitch done? 

I can help you: with over 30 year’s experience of writing, book-selling, agenting and publishing, overseeing hundreds of books published and millions of words written, I’ve seen it all. And I’ve helped scores of wannabe authors figure out how to do it too. 

With the best of my industry advice and support, on this retreat I will get you to the next stage of your writing journey safe, well-fed and sun-kissed.  With guidance in morning workshops, direct advice, and afternoons to write, followed by a Q and A session, you could get a juicy chunk of great writing or pitching done. 

With my help you will have the time and a beautiful space to write and be lifted towards your goal.

• Ignite your creativity

When you sit down to write, lots of 'head' problems can crop up such as:

• I can’t figure out what to focus on
• I don’t know how to order the material
• I have a lot to say but don’t know how to say it
• I get stuck every time I sit down to write
• I can’t make the writing match what I had imagined
• I need time and space away from work and home!
• I know what I want to write about, but I don’t have the time to make it happen
• Can you relate?

I can help with all this and more. I will hold a safe space for you, to help you to leave everyday life behind and build some real momentum with your novel or non-fiction book. 

Jacq will meet you wherever you are at with your project

No matter what kind of book you want to write – memoir, a biography of your business, a novel, a deep-dive on an issue you care about – writing a book requires time and focused energy. 

Finding the space and the right support is often all that’s needed for it to take shape. That’s why I am inviting you to join me in Bali to write. I’ll be fun, it will be supportive, and I will be with you every step of the way.  

Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer yet, you have something to share, and this is your time to get it underway.

With uninterrupted time to dream, plan and write, here’s what we will cover:

• Your big idea, premise & clarity on what to write about
• Planning, structuring, drafting and editing your material
• Getting a literary agent and getting published
• A clear insight into all of your publishing options
• A realistic plan to take away and implement so that your book gets written, edited, published and marketed as you envision.
• PLUS : moving past blocks, getting out of a creative rut and creating a bigger future with your writing.
• Ready for your Retreat?

Your accommodation awaits...

Welcome to bali.

Our accommodation is a stunning Balinese villa in a peaceful part of Bali, creating the perfect environment to write, rest, eat and nourish your body, mind & spirit with life’s most important things. Beautiful food, a comfortable bed, your own bathroom and a welcome massage awaits you. 

• Retreat into tropical Bali paradise

Introducing your host and a typical retreat day

Your host, literary agent Jacq Burns will be there to guide you. Each morning will start with a leisurely breakfast at your own pace. Then we’ll gather for a workshop session covering all the important creative and publishing stuff described above. 

A delicious lunch will follow the morning sessions and then you’ll have time for reflecting and writing, to wander the local area for inspiration or coffee, or to take a refreshing dip in the pool. In the evening we regroup for brainstorming and Q&A over drinks, followed by dinner.  You’ll also be able to book a one-to-one session with Jacq during the retreat.  

According to the Writers and Artists Yearbook, most writers spend more than three years on a single book when they try to do it alone. I will help you avoid that experience. 

This retreat is your time to get immersed in your writing and fast track your book and we will support you with whatever you need.  Join me in Bali, and give yourself the space and time to coax your book out into the world.

Are you in? I can't wait to welcome you to Bali for 6 days to dream plan and write. You'll go home with:

• A book concept that will launch you into a whole new world
• An irresistible book title and subtitle
• A clear structure or plot planned out
• Solid writing done, and/ or a show-stopping pitch or proposal
• Clarity about the order of things and who you need on your team to make your book a success
• With your creativity restored and great memories of your time in Bali
• Leave refreshed and prepared to finish and publish your book

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

I cover every step of the process from starting to getting your book published whether that is fiction or non-fiction. I meet you where you are at and you’ll take home a strong sense of the whole writing and publishing process and what you need to do next to be successful. 

Daily: Breakfast is at your pace. Morning workshop sessions, writing advice and feedback, time to free write, are all included. 

 There is free time in the afternoon for you to write, rest, take walks, read or book a private 1:1 mentoring session. There is a swimming pool at the villa. 

The retreat is 5 nights and 6 days. Check in is from 2pm and check out is 10.30am. All meals in the villa are  included and these are a great time for connection and conversation. Coffee, teas and mineral water, wine with dinner and fruit are also included. 

All rooms are double with ensuite. You do not have to share though this is possible on request.  The rooms will be allocated in the order of booking.

• Join me and get your book on its way

Click to book a chat  to find out more about this retreat. [email protected]

Writing Retreats

Transformational retreats in australia, bali & vietnam.

Our writing retreats offer a unique combination of creative writing, singing bowl meditations, mindfulness practices and gentle yoga

to lead you on an inner journey of renewal, healing and discovery.

Connect Deeply, Emerge Restored and Creatively Re-charged.

Australia Writing Retreats

Join me at my beachfront home in Mission Beach for a writing holiday in the tropics.

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Resume in February 2024

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Write Your Journey retreats are also available to create bespoke writing workshops and wellness retreat packages for small groups, both private and corporate.

Get in touch and let’s see what we can do together!

Why a retreat needs to be part of your annual self-care regime

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Since my first retreat many years ago, I’ve come to treasure a retreat as an essential act of self care.

Here are 7 reasons why a retreat needs to be part of your annual self-care regime .

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Maybe later.

Are You in Need of a Writers Retreat in Bali?

. We have some fantastic volunteers on the Five Point Five team and Paula Johnson is one of them!

We have been hearing about a gorgeous writers retreat in Bali that Paula is hosting in August and we just had to share it with you, so we took a few moments to interview Paula…

Q: Tell us about your writers retreat!

Paula: I’m so excited to be hosting this Bali writers retreat…it’s been a dream of mine for a while and for it to be happening again is just awesome.

I started writing a book in 2011 but every day responsibilities just keep getting in the way of my mojo to keep flowing with it and get it done. I did my own solo writing retreat in 2014 and got more written in those 7 days than I had in the whole 3 years since I started!

I know I’m not the only one that has the same problem, so wanted to invite others to share this beautiful place with me and get some good quality time in a sublime environment.

Having spent a lot of time in Bali and having lived there for 5 months on 2 separate occasions, I knew just the perfect place to host the retreat.

The focus is of course on writing, but I’ve got some plans in mind for a little time out to go exploring with participants to show them around a bit and get an insiders taste of rural life in Bali. .

Q: Tell us about the location…

Paula: I’m holding the retreat in Sideman, a beautiful inland hillside-village in the Karangasem Regency of East Bali.

. It’s my favourite place. It’s a small taste of the original Bali – unadulterated by the tourist trade (although that’s unfortunately changing rapidly with a huge growth spurt in accommodation being built).

There’s no shops (distractions), the rice terraces and countryside are stunning, and being somewhat off the main tourist trail, it’s peaceful and quiet. It’s just a wonderful place to go and re-charge away from the hustle and bustle of life, and of course, it’s the perfect location to write!

I also wanted to host it at accommodation that had lovely comfortable rooms and good food; that was peaceful and tranquil, and large enough that we won’t be in each other’s space – and wow, have I found the perfect spot! .

Q: Who will it suit?

Paula: This retreat is for anyone who loves to write!

Ideal for those who:

• have a project on the go but can’t seem to gain momentum; or a project nearly finished but they need some quality time to make it happen;
• who want to make in-roads on articles for their website or magazine submissions;
• have an idea for a book but just don’t have the time to make a start; or know how to start!
• want some quality ‘me time’ to journal and go within…

It’s for newbies and published authors…basically anyone who is looking for quality writing time in a beautiful environment with everything taken care of for you (that’s where I come in) – so all you have to do is eat and write. .

Q: What can writers expect from their time?

Paula: The retreat is self-directed, meaning there is no ‘tutor’ as such. The participants can be as engaged as they want to be, and we are all there to help each other if that help is required. We are there to make the most of the quality time to write – be inspired, seek feedback, get ideas, ask for help.

We will meet twice daily – in the morning over breakfast to discuss what we want to achieve for the day, and then again early evening before dinner to seek help, feedback, or just check in to see how things are going.

Participants can expect to get a good chunk of work done, have a rejuvenating and relaxing time, and meet some awesome like-minded souls in the process. And, in this environment, there’s definitely not a shortage of inspiration or material to write about!

Plus, as mentioned before, we’ll have a little down-time to explore for those that feel like a break to keep the creative juices flowing! .

Q: What inspired you to run this retreat?

Paula: I attended a writer’s retreat in Ubud, Bali in 2011. At that time I was looking for a retreat that wasn’t yoga!

I had started a blog about my experience of giving up everything I had ever known to go live in Bali for 6 months. I got great feedback about its content from friends and family, and I loved writing about my experiences and how I was feeling.

I also had in the back of my mind (for a number of years), the possibility that I had a story to tell (about my diagnosis of early menopause at age 29 and the subsequent turn of events that lead me to the adventure I was now having).

So when I saw the writers retreat I booked with great excitement! I loved the 6 days of the retreat and didn’t want it to end…it gave me the confidence to make a start on my book and I met some awesome people too.

But I came away frustrated and a little disappointed. There was just way too much talking and not enough writing. We would go away and write for 30-60 minutes and then come back and read out what we had written. By the time everyone had gone around, read out what they wrote, and got feedback from the tutor and each other, 2 hours or so had gone by and it was time to eat!

. It was FANTASTIC! I just didn’t want to leave. I easily got into a daily groove of eating, writing, eating, writing, having a walk, writing, eating, and sometimes just ‘being’…plus a few awesome experiences along the way, including a healing session with a 5th generation Balinese Priest!

In 2015 I hosted the retreat again and had 2 awesome women join me. We got on so well, were very supportive of each others writing, and super excited about it too! There was some fantastic work done. I read part of my work out loud to others for the very first time and found it very empowering. It was a real boost that what I was writing was interesting enough that they wanted me to continue!

The women are coming back again this year because they loved it so much and I’m so excited to have a few more join us to add to the fun!

Join the retreat!

There are only 4 places left for the 2016 retreat so if you have a writing project or an inner writer that deserves some TLC vsit the Soul Cuisine website  for more details or email Paula directly: [email protected]

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1 thought on “Are You in Need of a Writers Retreat in Bali?”

Nice work Paula. Bali gets a bad rap but what I know of it it is a stunning place.

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ART and YOGA RETREATS 

Creativity is intelligence having fun  .

- Albert Einstein

What Are Creative Living Retreats ?

​ Experience the depth of well-being which arises from being truly relaxed and finding your creativity flourish amidst supportive friendship and effective, professional tuition throughout these unforgettable 7- and 9-day retreats by the sea in beautiful East Bali, in Morocco and on the unique island of Hydra, in the Saronic Gulf, Greece.

Everything you need - all taken care of.

GET PRIORITY NEWS HERE

BALI Priority List

MOROCCO Priority List

HYDRA Priority List

Where Are The Retreats Held?

Our BALI retreats   are held at the luxurious Villa Nilaya Bali, on absolute beachfront, surrounded by coconut groves in a secluded seaside village on the south coast, 90 minutes from Denpasar airport.

Calm, tranquil, safe.   

Make sure you g et priority notice for all of our adventures and sign up for  SPICE VOYAGER NEWS 

BALI  FLORABUNDA Plus Art + Yoga Retreat 2023

Creative Living Retreats offer you an easeful escape into beautiful surroundings where gifted professional artists with proven teaching skills will spark your imagination, gifting you techniques they’ve evolved to make their own, as they lead you into the pure joy of creativity.

Whether you’re a confident artist, writer or yogi, or just setting out to discover your innate talents, you will flourish amongst nurturing expertise, calm and spacious natural beauty, friendship and fun.   ​

Our retreats offer excellent value. 30% of our participants return for mor

Each Retreat is a complete package  of sensory indulgence 

In Bali, y ou’ll enjoy seaside accommodation, airport transfer, most meals, cultural day trip, a fabulous cooking lesson with our executive chef, boating in a traditional outrigger to a lovely beach, impressive snorkeling in our 'front sea garden', 35 hours of tuition (with artist-quality materials supplied in the case of art retreats), a Balinese massage, plus daily yoga instruction from our inspirational instructor - there are more surprises.

IN BALI 2024

Nadine Bastow - Portrait of Bali 

Liz Murphy - Abstract Alchemy 1  

Liz Murphy - Abstract Alchemy 2

Este MacLeod - Baliesque :FULL

IN MOROCCO  2024

Tour with Anna : Marvellous in Morocco 1 (Casablanca to Fes via Tangier)

Este MacLeod  Art retreat in Fes : FULL 

Tour with Anna  : Marvellous in Morocco 2 (Fes to Essaouira via Sahara and Marrakech)

IN GREECE 2024

Painting by the Sea in Greece with Este MacLeod; FULL

Writing by the Sea in Greece with Shelley Kenigsberg

You made Florabunda a multisensory success.

The program was beyond special. I thank you Esté for professionalism, your generosity in sharing all your secrets, and of course, your amazing talent.

Thank you Anna for convening this amazing experience. Your style, grace and attention to detail made everyone feel important. Sharing your home for those days of art, food and yoga will be a special memory for me to hold on to. Thank you again.

I loved Florabunda.

Gloria C. AUSTRALIA ,

Florabunda Retreat with Este MacLeod, September 2022

You’re assured of dedicated one-on-one tuition sessions with your teacher 

The working environment at Villa Nilaya is comfortable, spacious and inspiring!

In Bali you can dive into the sea or dip in the pool to freshen up and wander back to your easel whilst lunch is being prepared … upstairs a massage is waiting for you, and at the end of a day’s painting, slip into yoga-mode and come to allow the deep rest that you’re longing for seep into your body as evening falls.

Wander downstairs amidst candlelight and enjoy sumptuous Balinese food prepared by our chefs; on other nights we’ll discover some of East Bali’s best cuisine, and every so often there’s a night all to yourself.

Even if you’ve been to Bali many times, chances are you haven’t discovered the beauty of East Bali.

It’s different -  more authentic. Less hurried. See where we are located

Our retreats are not just for women, and Anna can assist with arranging partner programs or activities, as well as special interest activities or tours for before or after your retreat.

Subscribe now  to my  seasonal Spice Voyager Newsletter.

​ I really look forward to being on retreat with you,

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We’re a team of 20 people who’ve been on countless retreats. Our experiences have been so profound that we built this site to help people like you find authentic, safe retreats worldwide.

Join me in BALI in 2024!

I've been wanting to continue my Bali Writing Retreats for so long now and it's finally going to happen in 2024!

I'd love you to join me on my Silent Warrior   Writing Retreat,  where:

I will take you to my favourite places that I write about in my book

we will have quality writing time to concentrate on our projects

you'll get guidance from me along the way (having self-published my first solo book and been a co-author in two other books, I've learnt a lot along the way that I can share with you

we eat delicious food

we  have lots of laughs

you see the REAL Bali (I know the best places)

Please register your interest below and I will keep you up-to-date with details as they come to hand.

But wait, there's more! I'm also hosting a retreat in VIETNAM !!

I'm heading to Vietnam in August (my 3rd visit) and will be sourcing a wonderful retreat space in Hoi An.

Hoi An is my favourite place. This ancient town is close to the beach, and has the bustling Thu Bon River running through the centre. This town is steeped in history, with gorgeous ancient French/Oriental architecture and beautiful coloured lanterns strung across streets and over the river. It's not only a shopping and food haven but a photographers paradise!

Bali is my soul home and I know it well. Having lived there twice for five months and visited there regularly over the past 10 years, I know all the great places to go! Whether it's shopping, beaches, rice terraces, ancient temples, gorgeous gorge walks, or incredible food, I know the BEST spots!

Here's what my guests in 2018 had to say:

"Wow...Our Bali holiday, amazing, wonderful and special. Our hearts are still a flutter with experiences we had.

Paula - thanks a million for being our tour guide and sharing your Bali life with us. We certainly covered some ground. Denpasar to Sanur - yummy food and massage. To Tembok in the east – luxurious beach resort on the coast, with more amazing food, massages and snorkeling. Down the coast to Amed for more snorkeling and relaxing by the pool, then inland to Sideman - unspoilt Bali in a beautiful valley of rice terraces. Across to Ubud for fabulous shopping, markets and bartering, yo u taught us how it’s done! Back to Sanur, and a stunning day trip down through Kuta to Uluwatu at the bottom.

Lots in between – Volcano’s, swimming, motorbikes, temples, amazing sites, adventures, great food, plenty of cocktails and most of all, fun, laughter and people. We feel privileged that we saw Bali through your eyes as we saw so much more than the usual tourist would.

Everybody asks us, ‘What was the highlight?’ ...to experience and embrace this culture, so different from our own was magical. Bali treated us well. We shall be back!"

Carolyn & Dennis Wakely - NZ

I hosted Writing Retreats there in 2015 and 2016 that were so much fun and so productive! 

Check out these videos from 2016 

New Zealand

Living in the Bay of Plenty , one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, having the stunning Coromandel on my doorstep and knowing some special spots in the Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Wairarapa areas, I'm spoilt for choice in my own country as to where to host my retreats!

It's highly likely they will involve water and sand (I'm a beach gal through and through), with comfortable accommodation and delicious food.

If you want to stay in the know, you know what to do...