My dear friend Natasha and I started talking about how amazing it would be to host a Retreat in Bali the moment we stepped foot on the Island of the Gods back in 2018! Anyone who's been will tell you that it's not just the amazing beaches, flavourful food, breathtaking scenery, and genuine kindness of its people. Bali has a spiritually grounding essence and serenity that seeps through your pores, and leaves you changed forever… We’re delighted to breathe life into this dream with you! A once in a lifetime experience.

Check out my blog on the top 3 reasons I feel Bali is so special.

I remember my first solo trip internationally. I was on a backpacking trip to Thailand and felt very nervous and so excited. Not to worry, before we leave for Bali we will have our new community of friends in a private Facebook group, so everyone can get to know each other, before the retreat even begins. With our private Facebook group, there may be opportunities to coordinate flights with one another, so you can fly with one or more pals.

We understand that traveling internationally by yourself can feel both exciting and a little daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Our Bali retreat is specifically designed to make solo travelers feel safe, supported, and welcomed from the moment you arrive in this beautiful Indonesian paradise.

Here’s how we support first-time solo travelers in Bali:

Pre-Trip Guidance: You’ll receive comprehensive information about travel logistics, what to pack for Bali’s tropical climate, and how to prepare for your journey. This includes insights into Balinese customs, cultural etiquette, essential phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, and practical tips for navigating everything from currency exchange to local transportation.

Arrival Support: Airport transfers from Ngurah Rai International Airport are included in your retreat price. Our trusted driver will meet you at arrivals and handle the hour-long journey to our retreat center, allowing you to relax and take in your first glimpses of Bali’s stunning landscapes.

Cultural Immersion: Bali offers an incredibly welcoming culture where solo travelers often feel embraced by the warmth of local hospitality. Our retreat includes guided experiences to help you connect authentically with Balinese traditions, from temple visits to local market tours, all while feeling secure within our group setting.

Community Connection: Our retreats foster a warm, inclusive environment where solo travelers quickly become part of a supportive community. Shared meals featuring fresh tropical fruits and traditional Indonesian cuisine, group activities like sunrise yoga sessions, and evening gatherings create natural opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.

On-Site Assistance: Our experienced team includes local Balinese staff who provide invaluable cultural insights, as well as our international coordinators who understand the unique needs of solo travelers. We’re available throughout your stay to answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure you feel comfortable exploring this enchanting island.

Safety in Paradise: Bali is renowned as one of the safest destinations for solo travelers, particularly women. We enhance this natural safety with carefully selected accommodations, trusted local partnerships, and 24/7 support for any concerns or issues that may arise. Our retreat location offers the perfect balance of authentic Balinese experience and international comfort standards.

*Traveling solo to Bali is a transformative step toward self-discovery and empowerment. We’re here to ensure your first solo adventure is as smooth, enriching, and unforgettable as possible.

For sure!! We understand that this can be a big decision. We’d love to connect with you to explore your questions and see if this might be a good fit for you.  Please reach out to Charmaine at charmaine@charmainerenee.ca or Natasha at 

natashatdespres@gmail.com

Travel insurance is not technically required, but it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all participants.

Here’s why this is crucial:

NO REFUNDS Policy: Please understand that we operate under a strict no-refunds policy for all retreat bookings. Once your payment is processed, there are no exceptions for cancellations, changes, or unforeseen circumstances that prevent your attendance.

Essential Coverage: Travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, interruptions, and lost luggage. Given the no-refunds policy, trip cancellation coverage becomes particularly important if illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen events prevent you from attending.

Medical Protection: While Bali has good healthcare facilities in major areas, medical emergencies can be expensive for international visitors. Comprehensive travel insurance ensures you’re protected for everything from minor injuries to serious medical situations that might require evacuation.

Peace of Mind: With travel insurance, you can book your retreat with confidence, knowing that your investment is protected against circumstances beyond your control. Without it, you risk losing your entire retreat payment if you cannot attend for any reason.

Timing Matters: Purchase your travel insurance within 4-6 days of making your initial retreat deposit to ensure maximum coverage benefits, including coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

We cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. Given our no-refund policy, this protection serves as your safety net for this significant investment in your personal growth and travel experience.

You will spend 7 glorious nights at the enchanting Floating Leaf Exo Luxury Retreat. Each day will be a new experience/ceremony/activity along with some healing workshops sprinkled throughout. Feedback from past participants have shared that he itinerary we’ve created is the perfect balance of activities and personal time.

Absolutely! Plus, all activities and adventures are optional. This retreat is all about listening to what you most need and nurturing YOU, so you go with whatever your heart is desiring!

The Floating Leaf retreat is located in the southeastern part of Bali, in a small town called Sukawati. It is just a 3 minute drive from Saba Beach, 7 minutes from Tegenungan Waterfall and 26 minutes by car from the airport (transfer to and from included).

Floating Leaf has been voted #1 eco-lux retreat centre in Bali situated in a secluded lush oasis close to the beach and surrounded by rice fields. The multi-award winning resort has a large salt healing pool, restaurant, spa, yoga sanctuary, three rooftop terraces offering dramatic views of the Indian Ocean, Bali’s majestic volcanoes and surrounding rice fields.

The perfect setting to nourish, recharge and heal your body, mind and soul. Bali is considered one of the most spiritually abundant places on earth. The lush rainforests, terraced rice paddies, mystical mountains, sacred temples and shrines, Monkey Jungle, Balinese food and people will captivate and enchant.

Room amenities:

Top quality mattress, pillows + premium linen

Free organic shampoo, body wash, conditioner and body lotion

Ceiling fan & air conditioning

Deep soaking bath

Free wifi

Hair dryer

Balcony or patio

Organic luxury toiletries

Beaming with natural light

Smart multi electric sockets

Bamboo smartphone speaker

Baggage service

Unlimited filtered drinking water

Yes! 90+ nationalities can obtain a 30-day visa online via the official government website or upon arrival for $35USD.

You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.

Sure can! Email Natasha and we’ll go from there: natashatdespres@gmail.com

A non-refundable $750 USD deposit is required at time of registration/booking. Balance of trip is due on Jan.21st, 2025 (also non-refundable).

For your protection, trip cancellation insurance for this trip is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and available for purchase through our travel agent or your chosen provider.

If we do not meet the minimum number of participants for the retreat by November 30th, 2025, your deposit will be refunded in full.

Our retreat is carefully crafted with a perfect balance of structure and freedom. Everything is optional—you can join in as much or as little as you’d like. It’s all about finding what works for you! ✨

Here’s a peek at a typical day:

🌅 Morning Breath to Start the Day

Gather in a sacred circle for a morning guided Breath class in our beautiful Yoga Shala overlooking the lush green rice paddies and Mount Agung in the distance. Connect to your breath and heart, tune into an intention for your day, allowing you to feel grounded, energised, and ready for the day ahead.

🍽️ Nourishing Breakfast with a View

After the morning breath class, enjoy a wholesome breakfast at our communal table. The food at Floating Leaf is to die for (seriously!), fresh, delicious and nutritious - nourishing your body and soul!

🌺 Inner or Outer Explorations

Depending on the day, by mid-morning, you’re either invited to join a group session onsite until lunch, or take part in one of our organized Bali culture and spirituality excursions. During our onsite sessions, you will be led to find deep rest, creating a space to explore your inner world, and rekindle your heart’s desires. Some themes explored: inner freedom, your soul’s compass, embracing the Sacred Feminine, self-love, and healing. Excursions might include a trip to Tirta Empul (Sacred Water Temple), waterfalls, local crafts and artisans, or the beach for example.  

💜Rest/SPA/Pool/Integration time

Every day, after lunch, you will have a few hours to yourself to just unwind by the pool, read, connect with fellow participants, take a stroll on the beach, or enjoy one of the many amazing treatments and massages at the onsite spa —plenty of time to relax and savour your more easeful pace of life.

🧘‍♀️ Afternoon Yoga Nidra to Rest and Wind Down

In the late afternoon, gather for a calming deep rest sleep meditation session (no yoga involved 😊) in the welcoming Yoga Shala. Our yoga nidra practices are like a delicious nap, and allow you to release accumulated stress and tension, leaving you feeling more relaxed and at peace than you’ve felt in a long time. 

🌙 Evening Dinner & Connection

After a day of rejuvenation, we gather for a delicious dinner. It’s the perfect time to connect with fellow retreat participants, share stories, and reflect on the day.

Bali is extremely safe. Balinese people are the warmest and most welcoming people. Traveling here is like stepping into an amazing new world. I once read: “arrive with an open mind, a friendly heart, patience, your sense of humour, and a spirit of adventure. Bali will do the rest.”

For sure, our retreat chefs can accommodate all dietary restrictions, including gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and other requests. We would need to know these preferences at time of booking, or up to 3 weeks prior to the retreat start date.

April and May are a couple of the best months to be in Bali, with an average high of 83°F (29°C) and a low of 77°F (25°C), and this time of year is generally not overly crowded.

Your Passport-must be at least 6 months before expiration date

Flip flops, running shoes, water shoes

Sunscreen

Sun Hat

Sunglasses

Bathing suits/cover up

Light weight clothes

Light jacket or wrap for evenings

Personal toiletries/medications

T-shirt to cover shoulders at the temples

Water bottle/Travel mug

Small back pack/day bag

Spending money-for extra meals/beverages, gifts, extra spa services, optional activities, etc.