Break Barriers, Heal Deeply, Live Purposefully
A retreat for letting go and finding your inner peace and joy.
Ubud Bali
21 to 27 September 2024
If you are a courageous soul eager to awaken your true self, release past burdens and re-capture your life’s purpose, then join us for a retreat where you will hush your inner critic, nurture a sense of self-compassion, grow comfortable in your own skin and achieve lasting inner peace and happiness.
As you enter the grounds of the water temple Tirta Empul you instantly feel a sense of wonder and ceremony. You feel the presence of The God Indra who is said to have created the holy springs that are located on the sacred grounds. You feel a sense of excitement about what is to come – the opportunity to release the things that hold you back.
Under the guidance of the Balinese healer, your mind is calm and concentrated on your intentions. You begin to reflect on your story and how you will engage with each of the temple’s holy fountains.
As you reach the fountains with the group you immerse yourself in the ambience of the venue and feel a great sense of occasion. You enter the water and feel its purity. It feels enormously refreshing and the sensation adds new life to your soul. You are now ready to embrace your intentions and let emotions take over.
You move from fountain to fountain; your mind completely present on the task at hand. You can feel a combined weight of the gods and the people around you holding you up and willing you on.
Your heart fills with joy as you feel your pain dissipating and a new lease of life emerging within you. You complete the cleansing from all of the springs and feel a huge sense of achievement and pride.
Today truly has been a transformation, a pivotal moment from which you will springboard toward the life you have dreamt of.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to let go of the past, move on and feel free?
On this retreat, through journaling and sharing circles, you will be able to give voice to your struggles and work through them, so you can feel the relief of letting them go.
Can you imagine how good it would feel to heal your pain and feel joy again?
During our time together, through goal setting, visualization and guided meditation you will imagine yourself breaking through your barriers so you can access a bright new world of peace and contentment.
Wouldn’t it feel incredible to be your best self on a daily basis?
Through this experience, with our teachings and sunrise and sunset yoga, you will learn how to re-claim your sense of self-worth and self-compassion so you can embody the person you’ve hoped you could be.
How amazing would it be to recapture your purpose and feel inspired and motivated again?
While on this retreat, through an early morning excursion and our mala making workshop, you will gain clarity on your mission and purpose leading you to develop a new sense of hope about a thriving future.
Can you imagine the joy of taking charge of the next chapter in your life?
While on this journey, through a water blessing and purification ceremony, you will awaken your spirit, let go of what you no longer need, heal on a psychological, emotional and spiritual level, and re-claim what you need for a life of inner peace and joy.
THE VENUE
The first thing you will notice when you enter Surya Kembar Villas is the smell of incense and frangipane combining to create a welcoming atmosphere whilst also signifying a sense of ceremony. You will move along the stoned pathway and see a collection of lovingly created Balinese offerings strategically placed to give thanks to the gods of the land.
The pathway will slowly begin to reveal the heart of the site and the daybeds emerge into view inviting you to take up a position next to your group villa’s private pool. You will look to the left and see some of the villa’s rooms perched behind the shade of the perfectly manicured garden, each room designed to maximise privacy and tranquility. The retreat location is even better than you imagined.
As you soak in the beauty of your surroundings you will realise you are only moments away from being able to shed your belongings and stretch every fibre of your being on your villa bed or in the pool. Heaven has come early!
When you enter your room, you will immediately feel a sense of joy about having a space you can go to when you want time-out.
In the bathroom you will imagine soaking yourself in a long hot bath. You will lay on the bed and allow yourself to feel indulgent. This will be the place you get the rest you’ve been longing for.
Later when you re-commence your discovery of the site you will see the Yoga Shala. The moment you enter it you will feel at peace. Your eyes will glance up at the ceiling and take in the great expanse of the room. You will see the mats and cushions laid out in beautiful symmetry, reflecting the intention for the personal transformations ahead.
You’ve arrived and you feel an immense sense of gratitude.
THE CUISINE
Food is an essential part of the retreat experience. In Bali you get the perfect opportunity to indulge in some exotic, healthy and at all times delicious cuisine. There are plenty of vegetarian or vegan options and plenty of tropical fruit whilst also catering for those who are wanting fish and meats.
Imagine indulging in an authentic Balinese Nasi Campur or Nasi Ayam , a plate of many elements of the islands foods with an intricate mixture of spices and a dab of sambal matah ( Balinese sauce ) and more, yielding a rich flavor in every bite.
Or a Gado-gado, the popular Indonesian salad that is made with boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs, all served with a sauce dressing. The dish is often garnished with prawn crackers and fried shallots.
This is only the beginning of the culinary delights on offer and the chefs will often add their own incredible specials to the menu. Your taste buds will be singing.
THE ITINERARY
On Day 1 you will arrive at Surya Kembar Villa from early afternoon. On each day we will introduce you to a key concept or journey stage with content and activities specifically chosen to help you achieve your goals. The theme for Day 1 is discovery. Once you’ve had a chance to settle in to your room and take a look around the stunning complex, the first afternoon and evening is all about getting you ready to get all that you want out of the retreat.
The theme of Day 2 is Awakening & Letting Go. This is an opportunity for you to open yourself up to change and to establish or confirm your goals for the retreat. Amy & Paul will provide you with some teachings on goal setting and letting go. Amy will take you through sunrise and sunset yoga and meditation where you can put the teachings in practice. We’ll conclude Day 2 with a sharing circle where the group will hear from each participant about how they are feeling and what they have discovered so far.
The theme of Day 3 is Healing. We will be travelling at 3am to Mount Batur, Kintamani, just over one hour north of Surya Kembar Villas to experience the wonder of this amazing volcano. As you stand atop of the awe-inspiring landscape you will take the time to release whatever it is for you that is holding you back.
After the descent, you will bathe in these therapeutic Batur Natural Hot Springs and be captivated by the amazing view of the surrounding mountains. You will feel the power of the warm water washing over you to soothe and heal your pain points. Nothing else matters other than the intoxicating beauty you are soaking in. You may never want to leave!
The theme of Day 4 is Re-Claiming. Amy & Paul will guide and support you through letting go of unhelpful narratives and develop new, more constructive beliefs and patterns of thinking.
You will look at what is yours that has been forgotten, lost or even stolen. On this day you’re stealing it back. Amy & Paul will take you through teachings around authenticity and self-compassion and guide you toward the next chapter in your life.
The theme of Day 5 is Consolidating. This day is about taking stock of where you are on your journey. On this day we will visit the water temple Tirta Empul which will be an opportunity for you to further progress any or all of the key stages of your journey – awakening & letting go, healing and reclaiming. The day will feature opportunities for you to talk 1:1 with Amy and Paul and free time for you to bring things together in your mind. In addition, yoga and meditation sessions will quieten your mind for this important phase of learning about yourself and getting you ready to implement what you have learnt when you return home.
The theme of Day 6 is Implementing and Amy will take you through mala making. Malas are traditional prayer beads that have been used for centuries in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are considered an instrument for spiritual transformation. In this activity you will make your own unique mala using high quality beads and other materials. The mala making will symbolize the stringing of your intentions together and help you identify solutions to overcome potential obstacles to cementing your transformation back home.
The final morning will be a heartfelt time of gratitude and reflection. As you prepare to leave, you’ll realize this is not an ending but a continuation of your transformative journey.
You’ll realize that the experiences, insights, and connections made here will be with you long after you leave, fueling your passion and vision for the future. This will be a time for warm goodbyes, filled with the promise of lasting bonds.
Can you picture yourself greeting each day with delight?
On this retreat, with the help of Amy & Paul you will learn how to release and overcome your mental blockers and gain access to a new, more positive way of thinking, feeling and being.
Wouldn’t it be delightful to feel your distress and worry peel away into the distance?
As part of our time together, through yoga and guided meditation, you will learn strategies to release and let go of what holds you back, helping you to access a new found feeling of freedom.
How incredible would it be to feel connected, understood and supported by others?
In the course of this retreat, through participation in sharing circles, you will connect at a deep level with your fellow participants so you can feel empowered to take the next steps toward your goals.
How liberating would it be if you could take the mask off and be unapologetically you?
During this journey, through teachings and experiential activities that help you examine your authenticity, you will develop the skills and mindset to be yourself without apology, leading you to a greater sense of confidence.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to be bursting with excitement about what is coming next for you?
As a result of our time together, through a variety of tailored experiences for each part of your journey, you will learn how to conquer your self-doubt and move forward thrilled with the expectation of spectacular things awaiting you.
BONUSES
- Start the process of letting go, healing and finding your purpose with some carefully curated articles we will share with you prior to the retreat.
- Start to build a connection with the group and learn more about the activities we have in store on our pre-trip Zoom call.
- At the retreat location you will have free access to the Titi Batu Sports and Wellness Club, a 100m walk from Surya Kembar Villas.
- Ease into your return home, maintain your momentum and solidify your pathway and transformation with one post-trip group call.
- Take up personalized, tailored coaching with Amy or Paul to help you implement all that you learnt on the retreat and make sure your transformation is complete.
Wow! That's Incredible Value.
THE LOCATION
Bali is the perfect location for the Break Barriers, Heal Deeply, Live Purposefully retreat because it allows you to slow down, take stock and immerse yourself in places that have meaning and significance. As you think about what you want to change in your life, Bali will give you the guidance and inspiration you need to help you work through it.
Of course, Bali is renowned for its simpler lifestyle. The people of Bali have a keen sense of what they value. Their calm spirit and friendly nature will help you channel your energies toward how you want to think, feel and do differently.
In Bali you will feel you have all the time you need to progress through the stages of your journey on your terms. As you soak in your surroundings your mind will come to peace as you reflect on your meaning and purpose.
At night the lights of Ubud create a spectacular atmosphere and its energy and vibe will spark your imagination and colour your emotions with renewed brightness.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The following items are included in your registration
- Your accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Transport – to and from the airport
- All on-site and off-site activities including mala making, yoga & meditation sessions
- Visit to Mt. Batur, an active volcano located 1 hour north of Ubud including transport to and from
- Visit to the Tirta Empul water temple and blessing ceremony including transport to and from
- Free shuttle service from Surya Kembar (only as per designated schedule)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Your round-trip airfare from home.
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended!)
- Personal taxi transport to and from the airport outside of scheduled group transport.
- Between-meal snacks and alcoholic beverages.
- Meals and beverages at restaurants other than at Surya Kembar Villas
- Tips and gratuities.
- Taxi transport and entrance fees for any private, individual trips.
- Souvenirs, phone calls, spa services, massages, laundry, etc
WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY
- A renewed sense of lightness and energy having let go of the things you no longer need.
- A greater appreciation of yourself and the passion to live authentically into the future.
- The skillset to change your inner voice so you can continue to be your best supporter.
- A keen sense of your purpose and clarity about how you will move forward to maximise your potential.
- More confidence to embrace your challenges with an expectation that spectacular things await you.
- Deep connections with new friends who are ready to share your ongoing journey with you.
- Incredible memories (and pictures!) of your Bali adventures and new friends.
AMY'S BIO
Hi I’m Amy and I am a 20-year yoga, Pilates and meditation teacher who loves working with people who are genuine and who share a passion for getting the most out of themselves.
I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Australia at a very young age and soon went about making a life for myself in Melbourne. I’ve always been about empowering myself and I soon found the best solution for me was to run my own business.
The inspiration for the business that I run now came from several sources. As a child in Sri Lanka, I would visit the temples to meditate when I was as young as four years old and I was exposed early to the teachings and philosophies of Buddhism. I also found myself naturally gravitate toward leadership roles in high school and so guiding and supporting others seemed to be in my DNA. In my twenties I was also drawn to healthy living and keeping fit. Today I am a Mum and work in a leadership role in the community as well as running my business.
I also love Bali. Its simplicity and serenity offer the perfect setting for finding your true self and absorbing yourself in your real identity, warts and all. Bali is calm and authentic.. It values honesty and acceptance. It beckons reflection and transformation. It lives by being in the moment. I feel that I embody what Bali represents and as such it draws me back there, time and time again. It is only fitting then that Bali is the place I choose to run a retreat.
For me it’s not about image, it’s not about how flexible you are or how many Instagram followers you have. I don’t do strict diets and I don’t push people to their limits. My work with you is about knowing you and where you are and what you want to achieve. Its about building a connection with you and developing a plan that helps you achieve your specific goals – for you physically and psychologically.
I am very much looking forward to an opportunity to get to know you and help you achieve your goals. I want us to experience the beauty of Bali together and through our teachings and experiential activities, I want to guide you to let go of the things you no longer need and embrace your best self. I can’t wait to meet you and start our journey together.
PAUL'S BIO
Hi I’m Paul Clifford, a 25-year registered psychologist who undertakes coaching and counselling with individuals and helps organisations create mentally healthy workplaces. In my late teenage years, I experienced significant depression and anxiety and spent much of my 20s and early 30s trying to find my way out of a dark hole I had inadvertently created for myself. I was determined I was going to get out no matter what.
I was in a position where I had to let go of a lot of negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs. But I also needed to heal from the pain I had felt as a child. Every day was like trying to break through an invisible glass window. I could see what my future could be but I couldn’t seem to access it. Slowly over time the window melted away and bit by bit I was able to step through and experience life, in some ways, for the very first time.
On this retreat I want to know about what has happened to you. I want to know your story, what you are struggling with and what you need to let go of. I want to know what you see for yourself but can’t yet access. I want to give you the tools to breakthrough your barriers and experience the life you’ve always wanted. I look forward to meeting you and working with you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes – especially if you are a courageous and determined person who is ready to overcome their barriers, heal from their past, and gain clarity on their mission and purpose. This retreat will give you the tools and strategies to let go of what holds you back, silence your inner critic, become more comfortable with yourself and get you ready to embrace the next exciting chapter in your life.
In other words, this journey has been designed specifically for you.
The general overview of the program is described above and we find the best journeys are ones where the details unfold as we go. Each day will be themed as we introduce you to each of the important stages of the journey.
Rest assured we have a very clear plan for how we will help you progress from awareness to letting go to finding your purpose and getting you ready for your next exciting life chapter. Your retreat leaders will be carefully guiding you through the process and responding dynamically to each stage of your progress. This will be a most exciting adventure and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Of course not! You are always in control of your own choices and master of your own journey.
That being said, every aspect of this journey has been selected and arranged with a greater purpose and mission in mind. It is intended to assist you in the transformation you desire, and you won’t want to miss even a step along the way.
This is not just a relaxing vacation. It is an investment in YOU. A more appropriate question would be, how can you afford NOT to do this? The program alone is worth the price of this retreat. It is specifically designed to help you make the breakthroughs you’ve longed for and to help you achieve your life goals. Surely your happiness is worth investing in? Also please know that payment plans are available, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
We understand – life is really busy and there’s always things to get done. However, you’re already doing and giving so much! It’s now time to give back to yourself. Think about how much better life will be if you are thriving not just getting by. This is an opportunity for you to make changes and learn to think, feel and do differently, and as a result feel happier and so much more effective.
Your fellow participants will have also registered for this retreat because they are having similar struggles to you with letting go, healing and re-claiming their purpose. Amy & Paul will be working closely with you to make sure you settle in to the retreat and will be with you every step of the way to give you support and encouragement. The activities, sharing circles and experiential activities will have you mixing across the entire group regularly and you are likely to find the group bonds in a common purpose. You will have a ball.
Yes, you can request your own private room. The prices for single occupancy are listed in the pricing information and details about the rooms are described above.
Yes, you can request to be with a roommate. You may want to room with a friend or partner who is coming along with you on the retreat. Or you can request to be matched with a roommate if you are coming by yourself. In that case we’ll do our best to pair you with someone else who is also seeking a roommate. If there is no one to pair you with, your room will be considered a single, and an additional single occupancy supplement will be added to your retreat fee. Sharing with someone is a great way to meet and get to know your fellow retreat participants and where possible we can arrange for you to meet that person before the trip commences.
The retreat is adults only so you can bring your partner or another adult family member as long as they are also participating as a full member of the retreat. Once the retreat is over all of your family are welcome, and you can stay on for some extra days together. Please let us know, and we’ll be more than happy to support you with this.
A $1000 deposit is required at time of registration. Deposits are non-refundable. Any cancellation made between 19 June 2024 and 19 July 2024 will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Any cancellation made between: 20 July 2024 and the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum (if we do so your deposit is refunded in full). Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended whenever making travel plans. You can use our World Nomads as a starting point for exploring policy options.
You will fly into Bali international airport which is called Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport in the south of Bali. Book your flight into Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport arriving no later than Saturday 21st September 2024 2:00pm local Bali time as you will need to arrive at Surya Kembar Villas no later than 4pm local time that day. Your departing flight home should be no earlier than September 27th, 2024 2:00 pm, as this will allow you to leave at the earliest 10am on that day, arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours later and have a further 2 hours before to check-in.
Yes! Our retreat will be located at Surya Kembar Villas, in Mas, Ubud. Surya Kembar is about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of Bali international airport. As part of the preparation for the trip we will liaise with you on your flight details and ensure your ground transport is available for you once you have gone through security and customs. You will have directions from us to help you find your driver who will take you onward to Surya Kembar Villas.
Ground transportation (shuttle vans) will also be available to take us to any of the locations we go to as part of our planned activities. You will also be able to use the shuttle to go to town in free time where free time aligns with the designated shuttle times. The cost of transportation to and from the airport as well as all excursions as per above is included in your final retreat price. More details will be sent you upon your registration.
Surya Kembar offers a range of food options including Balinese and western food. They also have a dedicated Vegan and Gluten Free Menu available. Upon registration, you will receive a form to let us know about any food/dietary restrictions.
Yes, it is safe to travel to Bali. That being said, we’ll also give you some common-sense guidelines to follow, just as you would traveling anywhere else in the world. As long as your flights are within our recommended times, you’ll be taken care of from the moment you pass through immigration.
September is usually a good month for weather in Bali. During September, Bali enjoys average daily temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The island experiences high humidity, which can make the temperatures feel even hotter. However, the temperature may vary when we go to the water temple and volcano. The villas and many places in town have reliable air-conditioning. It is advisable to prepare for being sun smart on the trip.
The following are must haves:
- Passport
- Visa on arrival
- Comfortable and light exercise and yoga gear
- Long sleeve top for the temple, complimentary sarong provided
- A pair of closed walking shoes and/or runners
- Other comfortable light clothes – dresses, shorts, skirts, pants, tops, trousers, t- shirts etc for you to wear during down time
The following are things we suggest you bring:
- Swim gear – if intending to use the available pools
- One or two light jumpers/ shawls to keep you warm during meditation practices
- Yoga mat
- 1-2 large towels for yoga
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (bottled water can be purchased from the site )
- Any medication you need include Buscopan/Panadol
- Electrolyte powder or sachets (can purchase from a chemist)
- Insect repellent
- Hair dryer (if you need to style your hair)
- Adapter suitable for Bali (can be purchased at Melbourne airport or any travel shop)
- Pen and note book
We suggest you strongly consider travel insurance. A travel insurance plan can reimburse you for the pre-paid, non-refundable portions of the trip if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason. It can also include medical evacuation coverage, medical expense coverage, plus reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects. Most travel insurance plans also include 24/7 assistance services to re-book flights and hotels on your behalf and acts as a personal travel assistant while you’re away from home. As with all travel insurance plans, always carefully read each description of coverage to learn the boundaries of your coverage before purchasing the plan as they can be very sneaky about exclusions.