BALI WELLNESS DIARY.
I FIRST VISITED BALI IN 2016 AND IT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE ME AS MY FAVORITE DREAM DESTINATION TO CONNECT WITH NATURE, SPIRIT, AND NOURISH MY WELLNESS. THIS RECENT VISIT WAS AMAZING AND THE EXPERIENCE REFLECTED ME HOW MUCH I’VE GROWN SINCE THEN.
JUST LIKE THE WESTERN EX-PATS THAT LIVE IN BALI, I’VE CREATED A LIFE THAT IS CONSCIOUSLY DRIVEN AND SPIRITUAL. A FEW YEARS AGO, I WOULD HAVE NEVER DREAMED THAT I WOULD MANIFEST THIS LIFE AND REDEFINE MY VERSION OF SUCCESS FINDING PURPOSE AS A DIGITAL NOMAD LIVING AN INTENTIONAL LIFE IMMERSING IN MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES.
After several weeks of saying I’d share this diary, but have prioritized lots of other projects and client shoots this year, I finally have carved out the time to write and share this short but sweet visit to Bali. My journey started way before the 20+ hour flight from LAX. You can read this experience on How I Made it To Bali without a Passport 10 hours Before My Flight.
ULUWATU
One of the reasons for this trip to Bali was to attend our friends Martine and Cliff’s wedding. It was the most magical and perfect wedding set in the stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu Resort. The resort sits atop limestone cliffs overlooking a beautiful vast blue ocean. Literally the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding. The resort was impeccably designed with stunning hallways leading to the main infinity pool to each private villa with a personal pool. You can reach a private beach down a thousand step path. Before the very exhausting hike back up, I spent time soaking up the sun. It was definitely worth it for the views and knowing there was a spa session waiting for me also helped.
Laying out on the sand wearing a sustainable swimsuit by Peony Swimwear.
My spa session included a lemon grass herbal steam, followed by an oil massage. It was the perfect treat after what felt like the thousand steps of death for me. Also before we departed, I took a private yoga class in the most stunning outdoor studio space overlooking the ocean. This was one of my favorite yoga experiences!
BINGIN BEACH
I’ve always wanted to explore the southern Balinese beaches since I didn’t make it to this region during my first trip. I found this little slice of heaven called Bingin Beach, a dream destination for surfers and dreamers. I worked with a California based swim brand, SEGARA SWIM, shooting their look book in this dreamy escape.
Perfectly framed palm leaves is my kind of paradise, but besides the picture perfect views, our room was only steps away from the pool. I have a gift of finding perfect boutique hotels and curating experiences which I’m finally excited to offer.
I traveled with my sister on this trip, so this was the perfect opportunity for some sister time. I wanted to share my way of traveling which is very mindful and wellness-oriented. So I planned most of the itinerary of this trip and booked us an authentic Ayurvedic wellness experience at Sukhavati Bali.
The property is located just outside of Ubud and beautifully integrated the natural surroundings. Upon check-in, we were greeted with a warm welcome by the staff and given our scheduled itinerary. We stayed in a beautiful villa with an outdoor shower and private pool.
Our itinerary included:
Ayurvedic Doctor Consultation
Lifestyle recommendations post-retreat
Ayurvedic facial & foot massage
Ayurvedic Session (Abhyanga and Shirodhara)
Customized Ayurvedic Session
Vegetarian Meals
Car Transfer
Yoga Class
AYURVEDIC WELLNESS
I’ve been integrating a deeper sense of wellness and holistic approach to living for a few years now. Ayurveda is an ancient science rooted in India which has always resonated with me. I wanted a deeper experience and this trip was an opportunity to immerse in Ayurvedic healing.
We received an individualized consultation from the resident Ayurvedic doctor. The doctor reviewed my overall health background and used pulse reading. From this one session he was able to diagnose a health condition I’ve had for over two years! It was amazing and more than I can ever expect from a Western doctor. With an individualized recommendation of dinacharya (daily routine), pranayama (breathing exercises), and custom herbs, I’ve seen a shift in my condition and overall health for the better. Unlike my first trip, I did not get sick towards the end of my travels.
The first treatment we received was a full Abhyanga oil massage and Shirodhara treatment with two therapists. In the afternoon we received simultaneous Ayurvedic facial and foot massage which was pure heaven. It was really amazing being so taken cared of at Sukhavati. Felt a deep inner peace and happiness that can only translate with experience.
MOVEMENT + NOURISHMENT
In the morning, we participated in a gentle yoga class. The property is situated in multiple levels with lots of steps. You’re forced to get some exercise, but you won’t mind it too much in such a beautiful sacred natural setting. We had breakfast in the common area and met another retreat guest doing a full Panchakarma. She was the owner of Spring Spa and generously invited us to get a treatment while we were in Bali.
NATURE + HEALING
I believe there is so much nourishing medicine when you are immersed in nature. Each treatment room overlooked a river and jungle. The natural soundtrack during my session elevated my healing and sensory experience. I’ve been fortunate to receive so many healing sessions in my adult life, but the most nourishing ones last weeks after the session. This was one of those experiences.
Sukhavati is really a slice of Ayurvedic heaven in the middle of Bali. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it is an individualized holistic approach to health and healing which includes nourishing your mind, body, and spirit. It’s not one pill, quick fix-all that many wellness brands and products promise, but an integrated lifestyle. So grateful for the opportunity to receive such an elevated experience from the warm staff at Sukhavati Bali. Highly recommend your experience for yourself.
UBUD
I ended the trip in UBUD which was where I previously spent the most time during my last visit. On my last full day to explore Bali, I hired a guide and learned a lot more about the culture, customs, and history. Visited Pura Tirta Temple, a sacred holy water spring where people come with the intention to purify themselves. Community and ceremony plays a huge role in Balinese people’s daily lives. A majority of the native Balinese people are Hindu and gift daily offerings to their gods. Their practices are so beautiful and cultivate a sense of purpose and connection to nature and the divine daily.
“Travel is my form of spiritual self-care in exploring different perspectives and expanding from the challenges and insights that come from not being in my comfort zone.”
I’ve been on a deep spiritual journey and it was fitting to perform this for myself as a ceremony for washing away hindrances. I am in no way perfect or fully ‘healed’, but am much closer to an awakened consciousness than I’ve ever been since this trip. There is so much significance when you visit a place you’ve visited previously. You can reflect back on how much you’ve changed and grown. It was less about going to all the cool spots to check-off and humble brag on social media. It was about learning, nourishing, healing, connecting, and trusting in the divine.
On my way to the airport, I received a download to step into leadership and finally offer curated experiences for people to nourish within. This is an intention that has evolved from the first time I announced I want to offer more than superficial influence in 2016. I’ve produced a lot of beautiful offline gatherings and retreats in the past few years and honored to be of service and gift you an experience you deserve.
SHOP MY CONSCIOUS TRAVEL WARDROBE
