Daily surfing, yoga and unlimited spa sessions. Yes you read that right, women of Singapore. Unlimited spa sessions. That’s exactly what went through my head: ‘Bali Goddess Retreats sounds just a little too good to be true’. So we thought best we investigate, thoroughly… I have just returned from the six-night retreat to give you the full debrief. In short, it is something I think every woman needs to do (honestly, it’s a shame they don’t have a Surf Gods Retreat for the men in our lives). Hop on the next flight from Singapore, ladies: this is one short break from Singapore you need, stat.
So what’s to love?
1. It’s perfect for beginner surfers, solo travellers, or girls who just want to relax
Goddess Retreats is one of the first retreats in Bali, Indonesia, that’s exclusively for women. You can choose from the Surf Goddess and Bali Goddess Retreat, so you can learn to surf, or instead choose to do yoga and cultural activities in Bali (think cooking classes, batik painting) or other fun sporting activities like stand-up paddle boarding, stand up paddle yoga, white water rafting, or mountain biking. There’s plenty to choose from.
To be honest, I was super keen to learn to surf. I was determined not to become the type of mum who sits on the beach, minding the towels, not wanting to get her hair wet… all the time.
And the result? Well, all of us Surf Goddesses were up on the board the first day. Impressive, right? We had one-on-one or two-on-one surf instructions for 1.5 hours each day. It was really fun, but boy the massages in the afternoon were called for – it’s hard work (especially if your core strength is not what it used to be). But you can take it at your own pace, there’s no pressure, and a really supportive culture of ‘just do as much as you like’. Perfect.
2. Healing opportunities
Bali is known as the ‘Land of the Gods’, and it does have a magical and spiritual feeling. There are a number of incredible healers on the island, and there are three healers recommended by the retreat – I had Pak Bagus, and it was an amazing experience. If you have any health or wellbeing concerns, I think an experience like this can be very reassuring and valuable. Some women in our group found the experience quite pivotal.
3. Attention to detail
The attention to detail on this retreat was second to none. From personalised welcomes, to the affirmations that are placed on your bed each night – these guys have thought of everything, and are clearly improving with every retreat they host. There was staff everywhere, and consideration for little things that do make a difference. Each day when I finished my spa visit, the therapist would softly say “see you tomorrow, Chris” remembering my name, and appointment for the next day. Just lovely.
4. It’s the ultimate ‘me-time’
I have never indulged in so much me-time (well, not that I can remember). Whilst there is a lot to do (yoga, surfing, spa-ing each day) there is a lot of down time – where you can laze by the pool or hit the shops (Seminyak is dangerously in walking distance of the villa) or just grab a coffee. Solo. For a mother of three, is there anything better?
5. Incredible value
Okay so with the unlimited spa sessions (which were excellent, by the way), the daily yoga, daily surfing, all meals included except for two nights out, and accommodation in the heart of Seminyak – this is actually excellent value. Packages start at $2,195 for a shared room – when you factor in all the activities, food and spa treatments this is an ABSOLUTE steal.
Check out Surf Goddess Retreats and do yourself a favour: book yourself in for six days of pure bliss.
Thank you to Goddess Retreats for hosting us on this visit!
Photography: Courtesy of Goddess Retreats and Chris Edwards
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