Reset your mind and body in the tropical paradise of Bali

By Devinne Zadravec

Lush fields. Swaying palm trees. Pristine beaches decorated by aquamarine waters. Bali, Indonesia is a true paradise destination. From the awe-inspiring landscape alone, it’s not difficult to see how this tropical paradise earned the nickname “Land of the Gods”.

But the name goes beyond the scenery—Bali is a deeply spiritual, powerful place. The land is ancient and culture-rich.

An energy seems to permeate all life there, a natural and beautiful pulse that is echoed in every lap of the waves and rustling of the trees.

If you’re a woman and if this sounds like your dream escape, then you’re in luck. Bali is also home to Ocean Soul Retreat, a women’s-only wellness program designed to pamper, relax, and nourish the mind and body.

Ocean Soul Retreat aims to create a nurturing environment that allows women travelers from all over the world to refresh their minds, energize their bodies, and reconnect with their inner spirit..

At Ocean Soul, guests can participate in a wide variety of activities to relax and soak in some of Bali’s famous energy. Personalized yoga and meditation sessions offer a way to relax and calm the soul. Surf lessons are also a popular activity–and one that is open to all levels of experience.

The meals are designed to be deeply replenishing, so that the body may be nurtured with fresh and delicious whole-foods. Women who participate in the retreat will learn new skills, reset their minds and bodies, and leave feeling deeply connected to themselves and the people and land around them. Ocean Soul aims to make these new skills useful in everyday life back home, so retreat participants can take what they’ve learned and integrated these healthy new practices into their daily lives.

Ocean Soul Retreat was founded on four core beliefs:

The importance of the mind, body & soul connection.
Wellness is an integrated approach. Ocean Soul focuses on reconnecting the mind, body, and soul through physical, spiritual, emotional, and nutritional elements. Carving out moments from busy everyday life allows our mind, body, and soul to reconnect, reset, and rest, and truly deliver optimal wellbeing.

Food is the best medicine.
Ocean Soul Retreat delivers a delicious customized whole-food menu designed by an Australian naturopath and holistic nutritionist. Each meal floods the body with nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats. By following a whole-food diet, it provides women with the correct tools to balance their hormones and energy levels, clear toxins and repairs cellular damage.

The benefit of body movement.
By keeping the body active and exercising on a daily basis women are more likely to feel happy and balanced emotionally and physically. It has been proven that connecting with nature enhances this experience, giving us the chance to really listen to the body and mind.

The power of energy work.
Energy improves the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being. Energy work connects us to our self, allowing us to relax, gain clarity and to feel more balanced. At Ocean Soul, energy work is a key factor in contributing to the wellness experience.

Speaking with some of Ocean Soul’s past retreat-ants, it is instantly clear that time spent at Ocean Soul is a profoundly memorable and important experience. Pip Hodson, mother of two from Melbourne Australia, embarked on her first Ocean Soul retreat last October in search of some much needed “me-time.”

“This retreat really helped me gain a better sense of finding time for myself. As a busy mother and company director, I am constantly putting others before myself. To have such amazing teachers, instructors, a space to breathe, relax, and just “ be,” (as well as excellent well-prepared food!) was like a new lease on life for me. I came back calmer, happier, and healthier and with a lot more energy and zest for life. I think all women need a good week of time out for themselves.”

Another participant, Sarah Deboer, also of Melbourne, had similarly rave reviews about her time with Ocean Soul.

“[For me, an] amazing and life-changing experience was the holistic component of the retreat. Elisa, who was my holistic guide brought, out emotions I had no idea lay so dormant inside me. I felt lighter as each emotion was acknowledged and released. An extremely beautiful transformation occurred [during the retreat] and positively affects me to this day”.

The retreats run for a week multiple times throughout the year. Depending on the type of accommodation chosen, the price ranges from $2595 USD to $3495 USD and includes all food, amenities, and access to activities.

Participants can also choose a theme for their stay at Ocean Soul, with varying options such as fitness, holistic heaven, and surf & yoga retreats.

Choosing one of these options allows participants to tailor their experience to exactly suit their needs and goals. Though quite popular, each retreat is capped at 14 members to ensure a quiet and very personalized experience for all retreat-ants.

But whichever option you may choose, it is clear that your time at Ocean Soul will be a truly wonderful experience.

Another amazing and life-changing experience was the holistic component of the retreat. Elisa who was my holistic guide brought out emotions I had no idea lay so dormant inside me. I felt lighter as each emotion was acknowledged and released. An extremely beautiful transformation had occurred and positively affects me to this day.

More information on Ocean Soul can be found here.