I spent a week at Goddess Retreat in Bali, tucked into the lively heart of Seminyak. It’s a women-only wellness retreat that offers much more than just yoga and massages—it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. From personalized healing sessions to shared meals that sparked deep conversations, every moment felt intentionally crafted.
In this story, I’ll walk you through what the retreat was really like—from how it works and what you can expect, to small tips that helped me get the most out of the experience. Whether you’re planning a solo getaway, a reset after a hectic season, or just curious about wellness retreats, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your own journey.
Goddess Retreats is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, making it easily accessible. The retreat arranged a private transfer, ensuring my journey was seamless and pleasant.
Immediately upon stepping into the spacious, comfortable car, I felt the meticulous attention to detail. The driver greeted me warmly, handing me a refreshing cold towel and chilled water bottle, which felt particularly soothing in the tropical Bali heat. The car was also equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing me to stay entertained and connected while navigating the sometimes heavy Bali traffic. This smooth, transfer beautifully sets the relaxed and indulgent tone for the restorative week ahead.
At Goddess Retreat, I found the experience to be highly personalized.
Guests can choose from six programs, each tailored to distinct interests:
Wellness: Emphasizes holistic relaxation through yoga, meditation, and therapeutic spa treatments, promoting inner peace and balance.
Healing: Features transformative healing sessions that include traditional Balinese techniques, acupuncture, bodywork, and contemporary holistic therapies, all aimed at rejuvenating emotional and physical health.
Pilates: Provides daily classes at a professional Pilates studio just a short drive away, using reformer equipment to effectively strengthen, tone, and align the body.
Fitness: Offers personalized morning training sessions held in the peaceful yoga pavilion of the main villa, with tailored programs designed to boost strength, energy, and overall wellness.
Surfing: Curates exceptional surfing excursions in collaboration with Rip Curl instructors, extending beyond Seminyak’s local beaches. Guests often venture to prime surf locations outside of Semyniak, accessed by boat, ensuring the best waves and memorable experiences.
Bali Goddess: Combines elements from all the programs, offering guests a richly varied experience filled with wellness, cultural insights, and relaxation, showcasing the best that Bali has to offer.
The program at Goddess retreats felt easy and comfortable because I could choose exactly how I wanted to spend my time. If I felt like surfing, they arranged lessons with great instructors from Rip Curl. If I preferred a relaxing day, I could spend hours enjoying unlimited spa treatments. On another day, I could visit traditional healers in Ubud.
Even though each guest could choose different activities, there was still a sense of community. Meals and group activities were shared, so it was easy to connect with other participants. It is honestly the most flexible retreat I’ve been to, giving me the chance to do exactly what I needed each day.
Experiencing Goddess Retreat is like having your own personal concierge, expertly arranging the best activities and experiences available in Bali. The dedicated team at Bali Goddess selects talented healers, top-notch surf instructors, and reliable transportation, meticulously handling every detail to perfection. For instance, while you could independently book surf lessons with Rip Curl, Goddess Retreat ensures exclusive access to the best instructors, optimal surf conditions, and ideal timing for great waves. They even provide a photographer to capture your surfing moments and stylish surf apparel. Participants returned to the villa glowing, sharing enthusiastic stories about their exhilarating surf sessions. Witnessing their genuine joy and radiant smiles after a rewarding day on the waves is truly heartwarming.
The Seminyak retreat takes place on a compound with four charming Balinese villas with 12 bedrooms. The main villa is the central hub of activities with a restaurant, lounging area, yoga shala, fitness room, and a large pool. Before coming, I hadn’t realised that all the villas would be so close to each other. They are literally in the same compound, making very easy to go from the accommodation villas to the main activity villas. The goddess retreat compound is a little hub of tranquillity in the middle of bustling Semyniak. I enjoyed watching birds playing in the large manicured garden full of flowers
The main villa is the central hub of activity, beautifully designed in a bright, airy Balinese style, with whitewashed wooden beams, high ceilings, and elegant touches throughout.
The dining room is spacious and inviting. It is centered around a long communal table, which encourages friendly conversations and connections among guests. Warm wooden furniture complements the white walls and natural fabrics, while woven pendant lights cast a soft glow, creating a cozy ambiance for shared meals. The room opens directly onto the garden, allowing for a refreshing breeze and pleasant views of the surrounding greenery.
Adjacent to the dining area is the comfortable lounging space. It features soft seating arranged thoughtfully, with plush white cushions on rattan sofas and armchairs. Decorative pillows in subtle yellow accents enhance the inviting atmosphere. The lounge is perfect for relaxing after meals or engaging in casual conversations, with airy curtains and traditional Balinese artwork contributing to the space’s calming and stylish feel.
The yoga shala is serene, providing a calming environment for daily yoga sessions and meditation. Open-sided and draped with airy white curtains, it offers tranquil views of lush greenery, allowing guests to feel connected with nature. Wooden floors, comfortable bolsters, yoga mats, and soft lighting create a peaceful atmosphere that enhances relaxation and mindfulness practice.
The villa’s pool and garden area are charming. The swimming pool, surrounded by neatly maintained lawns and tropical plants, provides a refreshing escape from the Bali heat. Comfortable sun loungers and shaded areas are available for relaxing and sunbathing. White bean bags add a laid-back touch, ideal for lounging by the pool with a good book. The carefully landscaped garden, filled with palms and vibrant tropical plants, creates a calm retreat amidst the lively atmosphere of Semyniak.
Overall, the thoughtful design and attention to detail throughout the dining room, lounge, yoga shala, and garden area ensure guests enjoy comfort and relaxation in a stylish, tranquil setting.
Goddess Retreat Seminyak offers 12 bedrooms across three categories: cozy, conveniently located rooms within the main villa (ideal for easy access to activities, though slightly noisier); quieter, comfortable rooms in two villas sharing their pools, kitchens, and living areas; and the luxurious Divine Villa.
Rooms in the main house offer convenience but can be slightly noisier, whereas additional villas provide more privacy.
I stayed in the Divine Villa, which includes two spacious bedrooms, an outdoor living area with a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private pool. It also boasts its own private treatment room, offering a personalized spa experience. Therapists conveniently come directly to your villa, making your relaxation effortless.
The bedroom is on the smaller side but thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort. Soft, warm tones of cream, white create a serene and welcoming atmosphere. A beautiful four-poster bed, elegantly draped with white mosquito netting, is the room’s centerpiece. The bedding is fresh and inviting, accented with charming yellow cushions and floral decorations. Natural textures from woven rattan furniture, such as the bedside table lamp, enhance the room’s authentic Balinese charm, making it feel cozy yet refined.
Amenities include a safety box for valuables, a hairdryer, efficient air conditioning, soft bathrobes. Drinking water is provided and replenished every days.
Tip: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so I recommend bringing an electric mosquito plug-in repellent to keep your room mosquito-free. You can conveniently purchase one at the Indomaret convenience store located next door.
Each evening, the attentive staff thoughtfully delivered a cold herbal tea along with a charming bedtime story to the room. This delightful gesture enhanced the peaceful atmosphere of the villa.
Tip: they would often do the turn down service at 5 pm, which is the time I would usually shower before dinner,r so make sure you put your do not disturb sign on
The bathroom is designed in a semi-outdoor style. It features a large shower area that allows you to connect with nature while enjoying your daily rituals. Premium amenities such as soap, shampoo, and conditioner are provided.
The villa features an outdoor lounge area facing the private pool. Decorated in neutral tones of cream, white, and subtle yellow accents, it includes rattan furniture with soft cushions, providing a relaxing space to unwind. The open layout naturally blends indoor comfort with Bali’s tropical atmosphere, ideal for leisurely reading or casual conversations.
Adjacent to the lounge, the kitchen area combines functionality with understated Balinese design, highlighted by woven lamps and a wooden-framed mirror. Equipped with basic amenities, it’s practical for preparing snacks or refreshments during your stay.
Central to the villa is a private swimming pool, surrounded by a well-kept garden. Poolside sun loungers provide comfortable spaces for sunbathing, while a Balinese-style gazebo offers a shaded retreat suitable for relaxation, meditation, or a quiet nap.
Led by the charismatic retreat manager, Patma, the 35-person team at Goddess Retreats truly enhanced my experience. Among them, five dedicated hostesses play a key role in creating the welcoming atmosphere at the retreat. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Friendly and approachable, they shared most meals with us, quickly learned our preferences, and eagerly anticipated our needs. They were also knowledgeable about the therapists and activities, offering valuable guidance on how to best plan our days.
Every team member greeted me warmly by name, consistently going above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable. Their genuine smiles and dedication created a nurturing, joyful atmosphere, making every interaction feel special.
The impressive staff-to-guest ratio, with 35 attentive team members caring exclusively for just 15 guests, allowed for highly personalized service and attentive care. The organizers excelled at making the retreat experience seamless and effortless. Each evening, they checked in with us about our preferences and arranged the next day’s activities and schedule.
Goddess Retreats are exclusively for women. During my stay, there were 14 women from Australia, Europe, and the United States, ranging widely in age from their late 20s to their 50s. Most participants led a busy life at home. It was wonderful to see these professional women gradually relax, their shoulders visibly dropping as the stress melted away day by day.
Guests had diverse reasons for attending the retreat. One woman had recently experienced a breakup and chose the retreat to rejuvenate and find joy rather than stay home feeling sad. Another guest was recovering from an illness, while yet another was celebrating her graduation. Despite these different motivations, many shared the common goal of dedicating time to themselves—a rare opportunity since most spent their daily lives caring for others.
Several guests were also experiencing solo travel for the very first time. Goddess Retreat provided a supportive and safe environment, making it an ideal choice for those looking to try solo travel while forming meaningful connections with other women.
The Goddess Retreat program is thoughtfully designed to foster connections among participants. All meals are shared as a group, and several activities—such as yoga sessions or mandala-making workshops—bring everyone together. There’s also plenty of relaxed downtime by the pool, creating natural opportunities to chat and get to know one another. The comfortable and open atmosphere allowed for surprisingly meaningful conversations, even among those who had only met a few days prior.
Many retreat participants seemed to intentionally use this time to slow down and reflect on their lives. The healing sessions, in particular, helped many of us gain clarity, enabling us to identify changes we wanted to implement upon returning home.
Goddess retreat is probably the most customized retreat I have ever attended. You can choose between 6 different programs. Fitness, surf, Pilates, healing, or a mix of all. It means you can customize your Bali trip. Go snorkeling one day, surf the next day, meet healers in Ubud on the third day, and enjoy an amazing spa treatment on the 4th day.
Yet, despite everyone doing different activities, you still feel like you are part of a group of incredible women, as all the meals and some activities are shared. During the week, the shared activities included a yoga class every day. The class was soft, relaxing, and a great way to start or end the day. A cooking lesson was also offered.
There was a class on Balinese culture and how to prepare Balinese offerings.
The highly personalized and flexible nature of Goddess Retreats is exceptional. Despite individual itineraries, those shared activities fostered a strong sense of community. This balance of personal choice and collective experience was truly unique.
I was on the healing program, so I had four healing sessions in my package. If you are doing another program, you can add some healing sessions to your package with prices ranging from 100 to 150 USD. I highly recommend them, as they are what makes the retreat extra special. Goddess retreats have been running retreats in Bali for over 20 years and have assembled an incredible range of healers. Some Balinese healers were purely magical, and it would be a shame not to try them out if you come to Bali. Healing sessions ranged from body work, acupuncture, Balinese healing, Tarot reading, past life regression, …
The unlimited spa offer is also unique. You can indulge in a massage, scrub, facial, mani, and pedi all day, and it is all included in your package!
In addition to the activities, they also have cars on demand that can take you anywhere in Semyniak. One of them was an adorable pink golf cart!
Dining at Goddess Retreats was an integral part of the journey.
The meals were delicious, healthy, and beautifully served, making every meal feel special. Each dish used simple, fresh, local ingredients, with flavors inspired by traditional Balinese cooking.
Breakfast was always fresh and tasty, with fruits, cereals, eggs, and toast available every morning. They also offered a special daily dish, such as avocado toast, fried rice, or French toast. I loved starting my day with fresh juices and wellness shots, like vinegar or turmeric.
Lunches were usually lighter meals, often salads packed with flavor and fresh veggies.
Dinners were served buffet-style, giving us many options—usually 8 to 10 dishes featuring vegetables, fish, chicken, tofu, or beef, all cooked Balinese style. Each dinner ended with a tasty dessert.
If we felt hungry during the day, snacks like cookies and chocolate balls were always available. A daily juice and smoothie were also offered for free, and tea and coffee were always available.
Tip: Goddess Retreat is non-smoking, so smokers must step outside the villa area. Also, while the retreat doesn’t serve alcohol, it isn’t banned. You can easily head out to a nearby bar or restaurant for a drink. The retreat is only about 300 meters from Jalan Kayu Ayu, known as Seminyak’s famous “eat street,” so plenty of great options are nearby.
You can also enjoy a floating lunch in your pool, and it looked gorgeous.
Goddess retreats have two locations in Bali: one in Seminyak and one in Ubud. I stayed at the Semyniak retreat but also visited the Ubud retreat, so I can give you some points of comparison.
The Semyniak retreat and the Ubud retreat have pretty different personalities.
The Semyniak location is the oldest of the Goddess Retreat locations. It is located in the center of Semyniak and has a vibrant atmosphere. The Semyniak Goddess retreat is a cluster of 4 Balinese villas. The main villa is the center of all the activities. It has a restaurant and a lounging area, a large pool, and a yoga shala/fitness room. It also has three bedrooms. Right next door are three other villas with their garden and pools. They offer a quieter space to retire if you need some space. A beautiful and fragrant garden surrounds all the villas. They managed to preserve the Balinese architecture.
The Semyniak retreat offers a broader variety of programs, such as pilates, fitness, and surfing, that are not provided in Ubud. It is also near the beach, so you can go for a long walk or watch the sunset. You are also near the shopping centre and all the activities in Semyniak.
The location in Ubud feels a lot more rural. It is located amongst the ricefields. The style is also a lot more Balinese, with stones and wood carving throughout the resort. The newest villas are gorgeous, with infinity pools overlooking fishponds and the ricefields.
The vibe in Ubud seemed a lot more peaceful. The yoga shala is also beautiful, a bamboo construction surrounded by nature above a river. They have a permaculture garden. The spa in Ubud is also nicer, with individual treatment rooms with bathtubs. So go to Ubud if you want peace, quiet, and nature. If you want more activities, an urban feel, and the beach, go to Semyniak. I can vouch for the Seminyak location being great. The Ubud location also looked great, but I didn’t stay there.
Day 1: Arrival and Embracing Serenity
I arrived at Goddess Retreats still recovering from heart surgery just a few weeks earlier. To be honest, I was exhausted—physically and emotionally. The days leading up to the retreat had been tough. I was having a bad reaction to my heart medication, and I was seriously considering cancelling. But something inside me said, “Just go.” And I’m so glad I listened. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
I was picked up in a comfortable private car. From the moment the driver handed me a cold towel and water, I could feel I was in good hands. When I arrived at the retreat, everything was taken care of so smoothly. I was welcomed with a drink, a little snack, and a warm conversation with Patma, the retreat manager. She sat with me to understand why I had come, what I needed from the week, and how the team could support me best. That quiet, thoughtful moment set the tone for everything that followed.
Not long after, I was shown to my room—the Divine Villa. It became my peaceful little haven for the week. And we didn’t waste any time. That very afternoon, I had my first spa treatment: an Aloe Vera body wrap. The cooling sensation on my skin, the soft scent of the aloe—it was the perfect way to begin.
That evening, we gathered for our opening circle. Each woman introduced herself and shared a little about why she came. Some were here for healing, some for a break from busy lives, and others to celebrate a milestone or just reconnect with themselves. There were tears and laughter, and already, a sense of connection.
Afterward, we created a beautiful mandala from fresh flowers on the floor. It was such a gentle way to begin the week—colorful petals placed with intention, like a visual reminder that we were entering sacred space. As we placed the flowers, the noise of the outside world began to fade. It felt like a quiet promise to ourselves and each other.
The message was clear: this week was about us. We weren’t expected to organize anything. We just had to tell them what we needed, and they would handle the rest. Every night, they’d bring our schedule for the next day—completely customized. It felt amazing to hand over control and just allow myself to be looked after.
Day 2: Deep Therapeutic Bodywork with Pak Hendra
This was the day everything started to shift.
My morning began with a healing session with Pak Hendra, one of the retreat’s most respected therapists. He’s been doing this for over 15 years, and you can feel it in his hands. It wasn’t just a massage—it was bodywork on another level. He combined deep tissue massage with acupuncture and cupping, targeting areas where I was holding pain and tension I didn’t even know I had. He worked quietly, intuitively, almost like he was reading my body without words. The cupping left faint circles on my skin, but the heaviness I’d been carrying started to lift.
Later that day, I enjoyed the unlimited Spa and had the Cleopatra Anti-Aging Facial with LED light therapy. The name sounds a bit grand, but honestly, it lived up to it. The facial started with gentle cleansing and exfoliation, followed by a series of hydrating layers that felt silky on my skin. Then came the LED light therapy. As the light worked its magic, I lay still, feeling like I was being gently recharged. When I looked in the mirror afterward, I noticed my skin looked firmer, smoother, and more awake.
In the evening, we gathered as a group for a cacao ceremony and a letting-go ritual. We each received a warm cup of ceremonial cacao, and together, we sat in meditation. We were invited to write down what we wanted to release—old stories, pain, patterns that no longer served us. I found myself writing quickly, almost without thinking.
Then we gathered around a central fire in the middle of our circle. One by one, we burned our papers in the flames. It was simple but powerful—watching those words curl into smoke and disappear into the fire. The energy was calm and supportive. It was a beautiful way to close the day.
By the end of the day, I felt different—not just more relaxed but more present. My body didn’t feel so foreign anymore. I was starting to come back to myself.
Day 3: Grounding, Herbal Warmth, and traditional Chinese medicine
Day three began with a sense of ease. I was starting to feel like myself again—my eyes clearer, my energy more stable. At breakfast, I wasn’t the only one noticing the shift. All around the table, women were smiling more, laughing a little louder, and genuinely glowing. It felt like something invisible was being released.
I started my daily yoga class before breakfast at 6 a.m. It felt early, but I was up, so I thought, why not? It was a gentle flow with a good teacher, so it was a great way to wake up. However, I think I would still have preferred the class to be a bit later.
That morning, I had two spa treatments back-to-back. First, the Herbal Ball Massage. My therapist used hot pouches filled with aromatic herbs—ginger, lemongrass, turmeric—and gently pressed them into my skin. The heat and scent wrapped around me like a blanket, easing muscle tension and calming my nervous system. Every press felt like pulling stress out of my body, one knot at a time.
Next came the Hair Spa. It started with a creamy herbal mask massaged slowly into my scalp. The pressure was perfect, and the circular movements made it hard to keep my eyes open. I lay back while the treatment soaked in, nourishing my scalp and giving my hair a healthy shine. It wasn’t just about vanity—there was something deeply soothing about having your head tended to with such care.
Tip: With so many options and unlimited spa treatments, it’s tempting to do it all. But I really recommend building in downtime. Some of the deeper healing sessions can leave you a little raw—and having time to rest and reflect makes all the difference.
In the afternoon, I had my Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation. The doctor was soft-spoken and warm. She looked at my tongue, took my pulse, and asked me about my heart surgery and the fatigue I’d been feeling. Then we moved on to the acupuncture session.
Some needles went in so lightly that I barely noticed them. Others? They hit spots that felt like tiny explosions—sharp bursts of sensation that traveled across my body. The doctor explained that those points were inflamed and stuck. She left the needles in for a while as I lay still, eyes closed, feeling my body work through it.
Then we repeated the process on my back—more needles, more releases. It was strange, physical, and incredibly peaceful. At the end, she handed me a prescription for Chinese herbs to help with energy and recovery. I tucked the paper into my journal, already thinking about how I’d boil the roots and bark when I got home.
That evening, a small group went to a flea market to browse local crafts and souvenirs—batik, baskets, hand-carved statues.
As the sun set, we went to Ku De Ta for sunset drinks on the beach. It was the perfect setting—ocean breeze, golden skies, and good conversation. I sat quietly for a while, just watching the waves, realizing how far I’d come in only three days.
Day 4: Water, Fire, and a Shift in Energy – The Tri Desna Experience in Ubud
Day four was one I’ll never forget. We left early in the morning for Ubud, and the drive alone felt like part of the journey—winding through rice fields, passing small temples, and catching glimpses of everyday Balinese life. We stopped briefly by a river temple.
When we arrived at the Ubud Goddess Retreat location, we were welcomed with fresh juice and shown around their permaculture food garden. It was vibrant, alive, and overflowing with edible greens and medicinal plants. We were invited to harvest a few ingredients ourselves, which the chef would use to prepare our lunch later. It felt grounding to pull herbs from the earth, knowing they’d soon nourish us.
But the heart of the day was the Tri Desna Melukat Healing Ceremony.
We changed into sarongs and entered the Balinese temple, surrounded by statues, flowers, and smoke from incense. The air was thick with intention. We began with canang sari—small offerings of flowers, rice, and leaves—placing them at the altar with prayers for cleansing, balance, and gratitude.
Then came the blessing with holy water and coconut water. The priests and priestesses moved among us with bells, chants, and gentle gestures. When they reached me, one of the priests immediately placed his hand near my heart and said it felt cold. I hadn’t told them about my surgery, but he knew. He began a ritual to “reignite the fire.” I felt a strange heat rising inside me.
What came next was even more surprising. I’ve always had cold feet—literally. But during the ceremony, my feet started burning hot and sweating. I’d never experienced that before. The priest calmed the energy through chanting and hand motions, and just like that, the fire cooled. Something had definitely shifted.
Then came the coconut water blessing. They poured it over my head, shoulders, and even into my eyes. It was raw, purifying, and almost primal. By the end of the ritual, I felt clearer, more present, and connected to something bigger than myself.
Afterward, I sat down for an intuitive consultation with the priest and priestess. They looked at my palm, listened to my pulse, and gently pointed out energetic blockages. There was nothing dramatic, just truth—things I already knew but hadn’t fully acknowledged. They guided me through a release, and with their help, I let go of some lingering heaviness I didn’t even realize I was still carrying. The priest also managed to crack my wrist and remove a pain that I had been holding for over 10 years!
To end the day, I was treated to an Abhyanga Massage and Herbal Bath—a warm oil massage using rhythmic strokes followed by a bath filled with herbs and flowers. It was deeply calming after the intensity of the Tri Desna Melukat ceremony.
I left Ubud feeling lighter, like something inside me had shifted. It wasn’t dramatic. It was quiet, internal. That night, my Fitbit reported my first-ever event of Atrial Fibrillation, so something had shifted in my heart.
Day 5: Shirodara and the Return of Stillness
By day five, I could really feel how much my body and energy had changed. It was like someone had hit reset. I was lighter, clearer—and even looking in the mirror, I saw a healthier, more relaxed version of myself.
The morning started with a long spa session. First, I had the Signature Massage, a full-body treatment that used gentle Balinese strokes mixed with deeper pressure where I needed it most. My therapist worked through the tension in my shoulders and neck with care.
Next came the Lulur Scrub, which is a traditional Indonesian exfoliation using herbs and natural ingredients. The scrub smelled earthy and calming, and it left my skin soft and smooth like polished wood. I followed this with a Hydrating Facial using LED therapy, which was soothing and brightened my face immediately.
After lunch, I had my Shirodhara session. Warm, herbal oil was poured slowly across my forehead in a steady rhythm. The oil flowed gently over my third eye, and I could feel my thoughts beginning to slow. It was like meditation, but deeper—like I drifted somewhere between waking and dreaming. My entire nervous system softened.
Later that afternoon, some of the women took part in the Canang Sari workshop, a cultural activity where they learned how to make traditional Balinese offerings. They told me how they learned the symbolism behind each flower and how this daily practice is rooted in gratitude. It sounded beautiful and grounding. I didn’t attend it as I felt I needed some time alone to process all the energy work from the previous days. The beauty of Goddess retreat is that everything is totally optional. There is zero pressure to attend any of the activities if you feel you need something else.
That evening, we all went out again—this time to Seasalt for sunset drinks on the beach. It was one of those evenings where the light was just right, golden and soft, and we all just sat together watching the ocean. The mood was easy and joyful, and the ocean breeze felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Day 6: Theta Healing and farewell By day six, I could feel the change. Not just in me, but in everyone. Faces were softer, eyes brighter, and laughter more frequent. The pace of the week had slowed us all down in the best way possible.
The morning started with a Theta Healing session. It’s a guided meditative process designed to uncover and shift limiting beliefs—something that works on a deep, subconscious level. The practitioner leads you into a theta brainwave state, similar to what you feel just before sleep, and from there, gently helps you explore emotional blocks, past patterns, or old wounds. Whether or not you feel something dramatic in the moment, it’s meant to work under the surface—quietly shifting how you think, feel, and approach life. I appreciated the calm and safe space it created for reflection.
Later that afternoon, I had a Hair Spa treatment, which included a slow, deeply relaxing scalp massage followed by a nourishing hair mask. It left my hair feeling silky and my mind completely at peace. After that, it was time for my Manicure and Pedicure. I must admit, these were the only treatments of the week that felt a bit basic. Compared to the indulgent body treatments, they didn’t stand out as much. Still, having my hands and feet taken care of before heading home was nice.
As the sun began to dip, we gathered again for sunset yoga. That evening’s practice was a gentle Yin session—long-held, floor-based poses, soft music in the background, and golden light filtering through the yoga shala. After all the emotional and physical work of the week, it felt like the perfect way to slow down and turn inward.
I remember lying in savasana, completely still, hearing the wind in the trees and the quiet breath of the women around me. We were all so present, so grounded. It was one of those evenings you try to hold on to—a pocket of peace you want to tuck into your suitcase and carry with you forever.
That last dinner was more than just a meal—it was a moment of connection and closure. The long communal table was breathtaking. A white cloth covered in a soft scattering of bright yellow flower petals ran its full length, while glowing candles and fresh tropical fruit sat in clusters between woven placemats and golden napkins. It looked like something out of a dream, and you could feel that something special was about to happen.
One by one, each of us was invited to speak. We shared how we had arrived, what we had experienced, and what we were taking home. There were tears, laughter, and long pauses where words simply weren’t enough. What struck me most was how close we had all become. Just six days earlier, we were strangers. Now, we were hugging, holding hands, and sharing deeply personal reflections like old friends.
Something about this retreat—the shared meals, the quiet mornings, the gentle healing—had softened us. It reminded me how powerful it is when women come together with openness and kindness. We arrived alone, but we were leaving as a group—seen, supported, and quietly transformed.
And I felt it too. I came in recovering from surgery, barely holding it together. But by the end of the week, I felt like I had reclaimed something I didn’t even know I’d lost. Energy and a quiet kind of strength.
Day 7: A Gentle Goodbye
It felt surreal that the week was already coming to an end. Time had stretched and softened in that magical way it only does when you truly slow down. I couldn’t believe how much better I felt in just seven days.
We had until 3 p.m. to enjoy one last round of spa treatments, and I wasn’t going to miss a minute of it. I started my morning with a Hot Stone Massage, and as the smooth, warm stones glided across my back, I could feel the last bits of tension melting away.
Next came a Hydrating Facial, which left my skin glowing and refreshed, and finally a Foot Massage. Afterward, I took my tea quietly by my pool, looking out at the lush garden. The sun on my face felt just right
After the treatments, we gathered for our final brunch. And wow—what a table.
The entire surface was scattered with fresh pink flower petals, like someone had tipped a basket of blossoms across a white tablecloth. In the middle were colorful plates stacked with fruit—papaya, watermelon, pineapple—and trays of spring rolls, samosas, and dainty little sandwiches. Each setting had a yellow patterned napkin, a handmade placemat, and a purple butterfly-pea flower mocktail waiting in a champagne flute. There were tiered trays filled with tiny pastries and bright tropical flower arrangements tucked between the dishes. It felt like a celebration—part breakfast, part garden party, and completely Bali.
We sat there together, talking, laughing, and slowly realizing the week was really over.
And just like that, it was time to go.
As I closed my suitcase and hugged the last few women goodbye, I realized something had shifted. I had come to Goddess Retreats exhausted. I was still healing from surgery, still holding onto fear, stress, and fatigue. But over just one week, something inside me softened. I felt held, nourished, and restored. My resting heart rate went from 69 to 63.
Each spa treatment, healing session, and shared meal peeled away another layer of tension. In its place, something else bloomed—energy, clarity, and peace.
But what surprised me most was the connection. I didn’t expect to walk away with new friends. We came in as strangers, but through the gentle magic of the retreat—through flower mandalas, yoga, and heartfelt conversations—we found each other. And ourselves.
I left with my body stronger, my skin glowing, and my heart just a little more open.
If you’re thinking about it—if your soul is whispering that it’s time—listen. Goddess Retreats might just give you exactly what you didn’t know you needed. That’s what it did for me.
To book your retreat, check out the Goddess retreat website
If you are coming to Bali, why not combine your retreat with the Bali Spirit Festival, one of the biggest yoga festivals in Asia? Read my review of the Bali Spirit festival here.
If you want to spend more time in Bali before or after the retreat, read my review of the Oberoi Semyniak, the Four Seasons Jimbaran, or the Samastiti villa for peace and quiet on the North coast.
What is Goddess Retreat in Bali?
Goddess Retreat is a women-only wellness retreat in Bali offering tailored programs such as yoga, healing, fitness, surfing, Pilates, and spa experiences. It’s located in Seminyak and Ubud, blending luxury, cultural immersion, and emotional renewal.
Is Goddess Retreat worth the price?
Yes, many guests—including myself—find the retreat offers great value. The price includes accommodation, unlimited spa treatments, airport transfers, daily meals, group activities, and personalized healing sessions, making it a holistic and pampering experience.
What programs are available at Goddess Retreat?
There are six programs: Wellness, Healing, Pilates, Fitness, Surfing, and the Bali Goddess package (a combination of all). Each is customizable, allowing guests to choose how to spend their days.
Where is Goddess Retreat located?
The Seminyak retreat is in central Seminyak, close to the beach and nightlife. The Ubud location is surrounded by rice fields and nature. Both offer different atmospheres—urban vs. rural.
How do you get to Goddess Retreat?
It’s a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). The retreat provides a private transfer with cold towels, water, and Wi-Fi, making the arrival stress-free.
Is it suitable for solo female travelers?
Absolutely. Many women attend alone, and the retreat is designed to be supportive and community-driven. Shared meals and group activities help guests build meaningful connections.
Can I add extra healing or spa sessions?
Yes. You can add additional healing sessions even if you’re not on the Healing program. Spa treatments are unlimited and included in all packages.
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