Hey there, lovely one,
I’m writing this to you, as I sit by the pool in Bali. I’m in a hut – the traditional kind that adorns Balinese Compounds – and have big squishy cushions surrounding me. It’s hot. But not uncomfortably so. Just hot enough to make jumping in the pool heavenly, and getting out a breeze. Not a goosebump in sight.
The smell of frangipani, jasmine and something else… the cool, moist green smell of the tropics – hang in the air. Far off I can hear the beach, but closer to home, I can only pick up some indistinct voices from the rice paddies. The workers, covered up against the sun, are pulling the last of the rice. One of three harvests a year. The miracle of the land, always providing abundantly, will then get ready to be re propagated, and the cycle continues.
The constant chatter in my head, whilst never gone, is certainly quieter. It’s voice is just a gentle whisper, reminding me that in fact, it’s not just ok, but completely necessary to take a break, to get away, and to switch off for a while. To allow someone else to take care of the things I do each day. To have someone cook for me, clean for me, think for me. To not have any expectations around how my day will be, or to have anyone to answer to. There’s something deeply liberating in that. The relinquishing of all control!
I’ve been massaged – deep, strong movements, the small hands belying their strength. Massaging away every thought and care, the everyday and the mundane, a long way away. The knot that has made permanent residency in the upper right of my neck is smaller, as though it’s discarding what it doesn’t need. The tension that holds my body together is melting…melting away, to nothing, into oblivion, into the space where nothing matters. A hamster wheel of thoughts has slowed; perhaps the hamster can rest now?
I sigh, out of pure joy and relaxation – and think – ‘I should share this. I should allow everyone to experience this.’ This is more than just a holiday. It’s a reset. A reset that we all so badly need.
A reset away from the usual, the norm, the mundane. A reset away from work, from home, from our families (as much as we love them!).
For how can we give from an empty cup? And if you’re anything like me – a giver – that cup can get VERY empty before it gets refilled.
It was my 2016 Intention that my year was going to be balanced, fun, and filled with self care and ritual. And I’ve strived to make that balance happen. I’m busy yes- and I know you are too – but ensuring that I created this balance has left me able to do everything I want and more.
So I’d love to invite you to join me. Here, in Bali. Here, for a week away of pampering, of luxury, of someone else doing the cooking, the cleaning, the worrying. A week of whatever you want it to be.A week of joining in on some fantastic experiences.
A week of amazing spa cuisine (catered for vegans/vegetarians/paleo/gluten free/dairy free/sugar free) that someone else cooks.
A week of doing everything, or doing nothing.
A week just for you, to recharge, unwind, reset.
A week of bliss, fun, laughter and adventure.
So, are you in?
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What’s Included?
A Welcome to Bali Guidebook!
This will be your go-to for your trip. Everything from health and safety advice, to a handy guide to the local currency, to simple friendly phrases, you’ll refer to this over and over.
A small group – only 10 women! 6 Spaces Left!
I wanted this to be intimate and relaxing. I want us all to get to know each other and to feel at ease. A small group means we can cater to this easily.
Accommodation for 6 Nights – Twin share in a Pool Villa Room with a luxurious bathroom
Relax on the deck, take a long bath, or have a nap in your comfortable bed. All rooms are air conditioned, and have a luxe kimono bath robe, bath and spa products, and a hairdryer (so you don’t need to bring your own). There’s also a TV, where you can opt to purchase Netflix for the duration of your stay. You’ll have your own comfortable bed, side by side, with your villa-mate. The rooms will be a mix between the one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom villas.
Note: There is one Single Room Pool Villa Available which includes everything, you’d just have the space to yourself. The price is $3600 – if you’d like to take this offer, please email adele@vegiehead.com and we’ll organise it for you.
Complimentary return airport transfer
Enjoy a VIP pickup from the arrivals gate, in a safe and comfortable van.
Welcome drink upon arrival
You’ll be welcomed warmly by the incredible family at The Samata, and enjoy a refreshing cool towel and drink, before being shown to your room.
Daily a’ la carte breakfast at Zenso Restaurant or in the privacy of your room/villa
There’s no buffet here! Everything is made fresh, by the team of Chefs. You can choose from some inventive and delicious meals- like the Garden Harvest Salad, which has 25 different vegetables and legumes, a Tropical Fruit Platter, Gluten Free Granola, Banana and Berry Pancakes, and even French Toast. All diets are catered for.
Complimentary daily minibar stock of filtered water, soft drinks and juices
If you’re feeling like a refreshing cold drink, help yourself!
Daily fresh fruits and homemade cookies
Each day you’ll get to try local seasonal tropical fruits, like Salak (snake fruit), Passionfruit, Mangosteen, Tangerine and more.
Daily Turndown Service
Where you’ll find a little gift on your pillow each night.
Complimentary drop off within Sanur areas -a short ten minute drive, where you’ll find beaches, restaurants, cafes and shopping!
Handy if you feel like heading out and exploring. You can walk all the way along the Main Street in Sanur – it’ll take about 50 minutes. And there’s a lot to see in that time! Up market shops, local market stalls, cafe’s, restaurants, bars, salons… have fun!
Unlimited use of the Gym – filled with treadmills, bikes, rowers, free weights, machines, a boxing ring and punching bags
Bring your gym gear, and start your day off with a gym session! Fully air-conditioned, you can even plug your own iPod or iPhone into the speakers and listen to your favourite music. I hope someone wants to do some boxing with me!
24 hour Butler service
In case you need anything in the middle of the night.
Complimentary WI‐FI access throughout the resort
You can snapchat from the comfort of your room, or even do a live Facebook video right from the pool!
A choice of a 3 course Lunch OR Dinner lunch daily
You can do this alone, or grab a new friend, and head to the peaceful restaurant and eat some of the incredible food on offer.
A 90min Samata Signature Massage
Dreamy. Lay back, relax, and let the fully trained therapists massage your cares away.
A Traditional Balinese Massage Class – taught by a Balinese Spa Trainer, so you can go home and teach your partner!
This is going to be so much fun! We’re all going to learn how to give a traditional massage… a great skill to bring home and spoil your lover or friend with.
A Sunrise Walking Tour – we’ll go through the rice paddies and to the beach, have some local snacks and learn about the culture
One of the most beautiful sunrises ever. It’s an early start, but you won’t regret it!
A Group BBQ Dinner in villa
We’ll laugh, connect and enjoy!
Lunch time checkout at 12pm
So you can have a sleep in and a swim before heading home!
Included – but optional!
Group Meditation Classes
Unwind, relax, and meditate in a safe space. Even if you’ve never meditated before. you’ll soon be addicted.
A day trip to culture rich Ubud, and Bedughul where you’ll have some free time to explore, shop, attend a yoga class and eat the delicious food!
We’ll all travel together, driven by the fantastic Michael, and we’ll start off at the stunning Balinese Botanical Gardens. This is one of my favourite spots in Bali – it’s so peaceful, high in the mountains, and is about 10 degrees cooler. Bring your walking shoes and camera, as we will explore and enjoy the scenery. Then we’ll head to Ubud, where you can go off and explore, have some lunch, shop, and do whatever you like! We’ll then re-convene late afternoon and head back for dinner.
An Intention Setting Class
A perfect way to start 2017. What do you want the most for 2017? What do you want to manifest? We’ll go through all of this together, so bring a notepad and your journal.
A special evening Ritual, to welcome in 2017
We’ll be letting go of the old and welcoming the new.
A trip to the local fruit and vegetable market
Come with me while I get my supplies – you’ll be amazed at the abundance of fruits and vegetables!
A Cooking Workshop, to learn delicious, healthy meals to support your health and wellbeing
Let’s have some fun in the kitchen, where you can watch me whip up a few gourmet style- but secretly simple- dishes!
Free time to journal, sleep, shop, read, and do whatever you like
I want this retreat to have plenty of free time – so you can do as little or as much as you like.
Not included
Your flights
From Australia, Jetstar often have very reasonably priced flights and don’t have any stopovers. Do some research and check out Webjet for great deals!
Travel insurance – this is mandatory for everyone
I’m big on safety, and want to make sure that everyone is covered just in case. Please organise travel insurance upon booking – depending on where you are in the World, it’ll cost about $100. A sound investment in your health and wellbeing.
Any extra nights you wish to stay – please let us know well in advance, as this can be arranged
We can arrange this, we just need to know in advance! Rates will be dependant on the room and availability.
Any additional meals or drinks not included (to be settled on delivery)
Please pay for these when you get the bill. This will avoid any confusion upon checkout.
Any additional massages/facials/treatments (either in house or in an external salon)
Again, please pay for these when you sign for the bill.
Meals and drinks on our day trip/s
We’ll often go our own ways – so feel free to try something new, even if it’s alone or with one or two new friends!
Taxi rides not included in the group activities
When you’re coming back from Sanur, or anywhere else, please hail a metred taxi. A ride will cost you about $5 back to The Samata.
Any Tips
Tipping is very welcome in Bali. Tipping a small amount when a meal is delivered, or when you’ve had a great treatment is recommended.
Our 2017 February Retreat is fully booked – but sign up below to be notified of the next retreat!