Frequently Asked Questions
Bali
What is the history and culture of Bali?
Although there are no artifacts or records dating back to the Stone Age, it is believed that the first settlers in Bali migrated from China around 2,500 BC, and by the Bronze era, around 300 BC; quite an evolved culture existed in Bali. The complex system of irrigation and rice production, still in use today, was established around this time.
History is vague for the first few centuries. A number of Hindu artifacts were been found dating back to the 1st century (AD), which suggests that the main religion, around 500 AD, was predominantly Buddhist.
It wasn’t until the 11th century that Bali received the first strong influx of Hindu and Javanese cultures. With the death of his father around AD 1,011, Airlangga, a Balinese prince, moved to east Java and set about creating unity. Having succeeded, he then appointed his brother, Anak Wungsu, as ruler of Bali. During the ensuing period there was a reciprocation of political and artistic ideas, and the old Javanese language, Kawi, became the language used by the aristocracy. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century, the Majapahit Empire began to collapse and a large exodus of the aristocracy, priest, artists, and artisans fled to Bali. For a while Bali flourished and the following centuries were considered the Golden Age of Bali’s cultural history which is still seen today on our many tours. The Balinese are open and very friendly people who welcome tourists to explore and share in celebration of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Is Bali safe for single female travellers?
Both solo and group travellers can feel comfortable travelling to Bali. There is no serious criminal activity and just regular safety awareness will ensure you have a great stay. There is a small amount of petty theft, so just like normal it’s good to be aware of your possessions like your hand bag when going out in public places, but In contrast to other regions of South East Asia, female travellers can confidently travel around this island both during the day and at night.
What is the weather like in Bali?
We have 2 distinct seasons here in Bali where the temperature for both is around 90° F or 30° C. ‘Dry’ season, April – November, is beautifully sunny and warm during the day and balmy at night (no less than 25°C).
‘Green’ season, November – March, welcomes hot sunny days with a daily late afternoon shower, which keeps Bali beautiful and blooming with greenery! Afternoon and evening showers are a part of the tropics, in fact, they can be a blessing in disguise as they cool things down and provide great time to indulge in some pampering or shopping!
How do I get to Bali and your retreat?
You will book flights to fly into Denpasar Airport (DPS). You can arrive on the day the retreat starts and we will provide complimentary airport transfers on the first and last dates of the retreat.Also, you can choose to arrive before the retreat starts, and we are happy to provide you with pre-retreat hotel booking support, so you can get picked up from the airport when you arrive (for an additional fee), and then we can provide a complimentary pick you up from any hotel that lies within our pick up zone on the first day of the retreat.We can make your trip to Bali and Goddess Retreats a seamless experience where all you have to do is show up and enjoy!Please note that with any accommodation arranged pre and post retreat is not included in the retreat rate.
What are the environmental features of Bali?
Bali is a tropical island, so the weather here is warm and balmy all year long. The typical architecture of Bali is designed to be open air to the outdoors, with lush gardens and rural areas. This means that you will experience Bali’s friendly animals, including frogs, fish, geckos, lizards, squirrels, birds, and maybe even a monkey or two if you visit the forest. Bali and Goddess Retreats are ideal for nature lovers! If you prefer a more urban style setting that is sealed off from nature, so there is no exposure to any animals, Bali island and our retreats may not be the right fit for you.
Travel
Do I need travel insurance to join a retreat in Bali?
To attend our retreats, you must have travel insurance. With most agencies, insurance must be purchased within 7 days of making your reservation. Please make sure that your insurance policy covers all of the sporting activities you plan to do on your Bali retreat package. This is the most important need for insurance because requiring any medical assistance overseas is costly. Also , depending on the policy and conditions, travel cancellation insurance will pay for some, or all, of the cancellation fees, should the need arise.
I’m Traveling solo, is that ok?
Absolutely! Most of the women on our Goddess Retreats are solo female travelers, so we are the perfect choice if you want to travel by yourself without being alone! Around 80% of our guests are solo travellers. Most of our guests make new friends, staying in touch long after their retreat finishes. Goddess Retreats is an ideal place to stay as a solo woman traveller.
How old do I need to be to join?
You must be at least 18 years old.
Retreats
Is it mandatory to participate in all the Bali retreat activities?
Our retreat schedule has been carefully curated over 20 years of providing retreats for women. We make all retreat activities optional, so it’s up to you how much or how little you do during the program. You choose the level of activity or rejuvenation to align with your goals and intention for the retreat. After your week-long wellness retreat journey, you’ll feel recharged and ready to face the world again!
Do you have WiFi at your retreat villa resort?
Yes, we have complimentary WiFi available at both our Bali retreat locations in Ubud and Seminyak.
What is a wellness retreat? How is it different from a holiday?
A wellness retreat is a completely different experience from a regular holiday. What makes a goddess retreat such a magical experience? The complete immersion into a week long retreat with carefully curated activities as a group and as an individual which means that you can focus and go deeper into enjoying the present moment and be carefree.
A wellness retreat is a special time for you, a time to reconnect and recharge. Many of us lead busy lives, that are full to the brim with urgent demands and long to-do lists. Often, we can feel as though we are running on auto-pilot, just surviving rather than living a fulfilling life. Sometimes a regular holiday doesn’t leave us feeling refreshed and rested, especially if we over-indulged as a way to relax, or we had to attend to other’s needs at the expense of our own, or because we’re so wound up or burnt out that we have forgotten how to relax. On a Goddess Retreat, we take care of everything for you. We have spent 20 years perfecting the balance of ingredients that go into making a holiday that awakens the body, mind and spirit.
Do you offer special discounts at your Bali retreats for women?
We do offer last minute booking specials & other special offers throughout the year. Subscribe to our newsletter below to be in the know about exclusive VIP specials. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for regular updates and special deal offers. For groups of 4+ women, we can offer special rate and inclusions. Just email us to find out more.
How much money should I bring to my Bali wellness retreat?
As this is mostly an all-inclusive retreat, the only things you will need to pay for are personal incidentals, shopping, tips and the 2 dinners that are not included in the retreat package (to allow you to explore the fabulous restaurants nearby).While in Bali payments are only accepted in Indonesian Rupiah cash or credit card at some local shops. On the retreats we accept USD credit card payments.Cash is still widely used in Bali especially in markets, smaller shops and cafes. If you wish to go shopping during your stay in Bali, there are many ATMs and money changers nearby which our guides are happy to help you access. Plus, most larger shops and restaurants have credit card facilities.
Meals
What meals are included on your retreats?
Our Wellness Menu includes 16 meals of breakfast lunch and dinners (with 2 dinners unscheduled for our guests to enjoy exploring Bali’s delicious dining options). The meal schedule can be seen on each of our retreat experience pages or simply request a schedule through our enquiry form.
What dietary requirements do you cater for on your retreats?
Our wellness menu is designed to be a balanced whole food menu based on standard nutrition and portion sizes. It is not designed to be a restrictive diet (unless you choose to do any of our juice cleansing options) or address any specific health issue. We do cater for the following elimination dietary requirements:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Pescatarian
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-fee
- Nut allergies
Are there any food plans you don’t cater for?
We are unable to specifically cater to the following diet plans:
- Keto (High Protein / High Fat)
- Carnivore (High Protein / No Carbs)
- Paleo
- Marco or Calorie Counting
- Low Carb or Carb Counting
What proteins do you offer in your meals?
We include a variety of both plant and animal protein in all our meal options. Our meals have been designed to provide between 100 gm – 200gm serving size of protein sources for every meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Which will provide enough daily dietary protein intake recommended for the average women. We also offer unlimited vegan pea protein and regular protein shakes throughout the day for those who are looking to increase their protein intake.For plant based protein we serve in the form of:
- Tofu
- Tempe
- Beans
- Nuts and Seeds
- Nut and Soy Mylks
- Grains and Vegetables
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Fish
- Chicken
- Beef
- Bacon
Can I drink alcohol on my Bali retreat?
Most of our guests enjoy the retreat to explore the great health benefits of taking a break from alcohol as part of their commitment to wellness. For the comfort of all our guests, we prefer if our guests do not drink alcohol while on the retreat premises. We believe all things are great in moderation, and if you wish to enjoy a few drinks while out and about, we respect your personal choice.
Spa Treatments
When will I be able to have the spa services during my retreat?
Our Goddess Retreats onsite spa and massage treatments start from 12pm on your retreat arrival day and we invite your to start having treatments as soon as you arrive. We offer a 90 minute signature massage on arrival day. We encourage our guests to pre-book if you know what time you are arriving. On the last day of the retreat, our massage and spa services continue on to accommodate our complimentary late check-out by finishing at 3pm.Our Spa Services are offered:Day 1 : 12pm – 10pm
Day 2 & 4 & 6 : 9am-10pm
Day 3 & 5 : 9am -5pm
Day 7 : 8am – pm
What do you mean by ‘Unlimited Treatments’?
Unlimited spa treatments means that during your retreat there are no fixed limits on how many spa treatments you may have. You are welcome to book spa services any time our spa is open – please note that with our Unlimited Pampering Package that, there is only one evening booking (between 8pm – 10pm) included, there are no other booking restrictions during spa opening hours. There are daily fixed-schedule activities, based on the retreat program you have chosen. Spa treatments are encouraged to be done during your unstructured ‘personal time’ each day. You can book your spa or massage therapies to work around the scheduled retreat activities. (Unlimited spa treatment package upgrade does not include flower baths or our deluxe Body Bliss treatments as indicated on our spa menu. These can be added to your retreat for an additional fee).
How do I book my Spa Treatments?
When you arrive at the retreat, a retreat guide will sit down with you personally to start booking your spa experience during the retreat. Because each day is full of activities, we find that booking your spa treatments 24 hours in advance ensures that you and all our guests get to experience the most from our unlimited spa offer.Guests sometimes ask if they can book their whole week of treatments prior to arrival. We do not offer this option, as we have found that guests often want to ‘go with the flow’ and do things spontaneously, and so will end up cancelling booked appointments, which is not ideal as all our guests are interested in enjoying lots of spa time. Instead, we have found that booking your spa treatments daily works best for everyone.
What is your Seminyak villa spa like?
We have a team of professional spa therapists who have worked with us for years, lovingly pampering our Goddess guests. We offer two spacious spa rooms, private villa treatment rooms, and several outdoor areas around the villas, such as poolside, which are perfect for providing treatments to multiple guests at a time.
What services to you offer on your Ubud retreat?
At Ubud we offer massage, body scrubs and other therapies including special flower baths provided by professional massage therapists in the 8 room spa set on the property and several areas around the villa such as poolside and on our super size lounges that are wonderful for providing treatments for multiple guests at a time.
Will I have enough time to get multiple spa treatments everyday?
Your Goddess Retreat Leader will be happy to help you make the most of our unlimited spa offer. Naturally there are certain times during the day that are the most popular, so if you were to chose only these times there may be limited availability. However, with a little planning and help from your retreat guide you will be able to enjoy hours of treatments everyday. You can even choose to have a special bliss day dedicated to spa treatments if your goal for your Bali retreat is to focus on spa treatments that also comes with an exclusive floating wellness lunch as part of that Bliss Day inclusion. With our unlimited pampering special – please note this includes one after dinner treatment booking during the week, due to the popularity of this time slot.
What spa products do you use?
We look to nature for the majority of our spa products. We use traditional Balinese healing herbs and plants as our guide. Our products are sulfate-free and paraben-free, and are sourced to support local businesses. We mainly use custom blended small batch productions by certified spa product producers who follow eco-friendly standards and purchase flowers, nuts, and fruits directly from the local farmers at fair market prices. From time to time, products used in the services listed on this website may be unavailable, but we will let you know in advance and will always offer a beautiful alternative treatment for you to enjoy.
What meals are included on your retreats?
Our Wellness Menu includes 16 meals of breakfast lunch and dinners (with 2 dinners unscheduled for our guests to enjoy exploring Bali’s delicious dining options). The meal schedule can be seen on each of our retreat experience pages or simply request a schedule through our enquiry form.
What dietary requirements do you cater for on your retreats?
Our wellness menu is designed to be a balanced whole food menu based on standard nutrition and portion sizes. It is not designed to be a restrictive diet (unless you choose to do any of our juice cleansing options) or address any specific health issue. We do cater for the following elimination dietary requirements:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Pescatarian
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-fee
- Nut allergies
Are there any food plans you don’t cater for?
We are unable to specifically cater to the following diet plans:
- Keto (High Protein / High Fat)
- Carnivore (High Protein / No Carbs)
- Paleo
- Marco or Calorie Counting
- Low Carb or Carb Counting
What proteins do you offer in your meals?
We include a variety of both plant and animal protein in all our meal options. Our meals have been designed to provide between 100 gm – 200gm serving size of protein sources for every meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Which will provide enough daily dietary protein intake recommended for the average women. We also offer unlimited vegan pea protein and regular protein shakes throughout the day for those who are looking to increase their protein intake.For plant based protein we serve in the form of:
- Tofu
- Tempe
- Beans
- Nuts and Seeds
- Nut and Soy Mylks
- Grains and Vegetables
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Fish
- Chicken
- Beef
- Bacon
Can I drink alcohol on my Bali retreat?
Most of our guests enjoy the retreat to explore the great health benefits of taking a break from alcohol as part of their commitment to wellness. For the comfort of all our guests, we prefer if our guests do not drink alcohol while on the retreat premises. We believe all things are great in moderation, and if you wish to enjoy a few drinks while out and about, we respect your personal choice.
Surf
Do I need to have surfing experience to join the retreat?
No prior surfing experience is required! Our surf program caters to all levels, from complete beginners to those who have surfed before but want to improve their technique. Our professional instructors will guide you through every step, and by the end of your first lesson, you’ll likely find yourself standing up on the board!
Are the surf lessons taught by women?
While Surf Goddess Retreats is a women-focused experience and our surf lessons only contain our female Surf Goddess Retreat participants, our surf lessons are led by Bali’s top professional instructors from the Rip Curl School of Surf, who are both male and female. All of our instructors are highly trained, experienced, and passionate about teaching women how to surf in a safe and supportive environment. They are experts in guiding women to build confidence in the ocean while focusing on proper technique and safety.
I’m worried about my fitness level. Will I be able to keep up?
Our retreat is designed for women of all fitness levels, and our surf lessons are structured to accommodate beginners and more experienced surfers alike. Surfing can be physically demanding, but we focus on building your technique and ocean confidence at a pace that works for you. You’ll also benefit from daily yoga sessions that help improve your strength, balance, and flexibility, all of which will enhance your surfing.
How long are the surf sessions, and how many will I have during the retreat?
Each surf session typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on surf conditions and energy levels. Over the course of the week, you’ll enjoy multiple surf lessons, giving you ample time to develop your skills and gain confidence in the water. We find that this time allows for progression each day without over taxing the body, so you can bounce back fresh in the water each morning. Our schedule also includes free time to relax, enjoy the spa, or explore Bali between surf sessions.
Is the retreat only about surfing, or can I participate in other activities?
While surfing is a key part of the retreat, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. From yoga and spa treatments to exploring Bali’s beautiful beaches and culture, you’ll have a range of options to make your experience fulfilling. You can customize your time with us by balancing your surfing lessons with other wellness activities at your own pace.
How many women are there in each surf retreat group?
To ensure personalized attention, the women participating in our surf goddess activity are limited to a maximum of 6 participants. his allows for a more intimate and supportive atmosphere, in the water, where you can connect with other women and receive tailored guidance from our instructors. During the week there will be other women on the retreat during our other retreat programs, and our group activities, workshops, yoga sessions and meals.
How do you ensure safety during the surf lessons?
Safety is our top priority. Our experienced instructors are certified by internationally recognized surf schools, and we partner with Bali’s best professional surf school, Rip Curl School of Surf. All lessons are conducted in safe, beginner-friendly surf spots, and our instructors provide close supervision to ensure you feel comfortable and secure in the water.
What should I bring to the retreat?
We recommend bringing comfortable swimwear, activewear for yoga, and casual clothes for downtime. All surf equipment, including boards and rash guards, will be provided during your lessons. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the tropical sun!
Can I come to the retreat alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests attend the retreat solo, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded women from all over the world. Our intimate group setting ensures you’ll make new friends while sharing the adventure of learning to surf and enjoying the retreat’s activities together.
Yoga & Meditation
I’m an advanced yogi, will this retreat suit me?
If you are an experienced yogini, you may already know that yoga retreats are a great way to travel. If you are open to exploring a variety of yoga practices that look to explore a restorative yin style yoga practice you will enjoy this trip. If you are looking for a retreat that focuses on astanga, power yoga or a yoga ‘intensive’ immersion experience, then we will not be the right fit for what you are looking for.