29/07/2025
A big thanks to Chitra from Singapore for the detailed evaluation of her early July 2025 retreat experience ....
"The moment I stepped onto the grounds of Bali Holistic, I was embraced by stillness and nature. The space felt sacred — quiet and welcoming. It is the kind of place where you exhale fully and feel your nervous system begin to soften.
Each day unfolded at a thoughtful pace. Mornings began at 7:15 or 7:30 a.m. with meditation, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature. It was a calming way to ease into the day with presence. Movement-based practices like yoga and breathwork followed, gently guiding me back to my body and breath. As the week went on, I could feel the years of accumulated stress from city life and corporate routines slowly leaving my body, layer by layer.
One of the most enlightening parts of the experience was the healing work with Graham and Sumi. Their presence was intuitive, gentle, and respectful yet impactful without ever being pushy. With each session, I felt a renewed sense of energy and emotional clarity. It was as if they helped my body and mind begin their journey back to balance, not through force, but through deep, intuitive guidance.
The trip to a Balinese temple for water purification was refreshing to both the senses and the mind. A personal highlight was the opportunity to meet an "electric" lady, and it was an unforgettable and out-of-this-world encounter.
Every meal was a joy. The assistants at the villa – Made and Illhu – prepared feasts that were delicious, from banana pancakes for breakfast to plenty of vegetable, chicken, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and fish dishes, as well as local favourites like Gado Gado. They even concocted tea for breakfast and lunch made from cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and more. Each meal was clearly made with love. More than once, I found myself wishing I had asked for the recipes.
The retreat was thoughtfully curated by Mitch, who held the space with a good balance of care, calm, and lightness. He made sure I felt completely at home, offering laughter when it was needed, stillness when it mattered, and grounding wisdom throughout. His presence reminded me of the kind of friend we all need: someone who helps us reconnect with ourselves, if we allow it with an open mind.
What I valued most was the ease of it all. The seven-day itinerary was so thoughtfully planned that I never had to think or worry. All that was required of me was to simply show up with an open mind. There was also time carved out for reflection, reading, swimming, or simply being in my own space.
And while I was initially a little apprehensive about who I’d be sharing the retreat with, that concern disappeared on the very first day. The four of us connected with genuine warmth, holding space for one another with respect, kindness, and laughter. It was a blessing to meet such open-hearted souls from across the globe.
This retreat gave me exactly what I needed: the chance to rest, reset, and return to myself. If you’re looking for a retreat in Bali that’s away from the main tourism areas—something Bali is well known for—Bali Holistic is a rare and special place where transformation unfolds gently and naturally, if you arrive with an open mind and heart, ready to unlearn, relearn, and simply be.
As with everything in life, the techniques learned from the retreat are only truly effective when practised with self-awareness and mindfulness, allowing space to be less judgmental of ourselves, to lead with compassion, and to let go of the ego."
