By Chelsea Ross, Founder of Goddess Retreats
A Lifetime of Gratitude
As this year draws to a close, I wanted to share something close to my heart. It feels natural to look back, not only over the year, but over the many years that have shaped my journey here in Bali.
I first came to live in Indonesia as a child in the 1970s. One of my earliest memories is of being five years old, my hand held gently by Balinese women as they guided me to ceremonies. I still have photographs from those days, and even now, I am struck by how the true heart of Bali has not changed. The same kindness, openness, and devotion to community remain as alive as ever.
When I returned to live in Bali in 1997, it felt like coming home. I never imagined that one day I would be leading retreats here, but this island inspired me to create a space where women could rest, reconnect, and rediscover themselves. Over the past 23 years, Goddess Retreats has grown into something far beyond what I could have dreamed.
Changing Lives — One Retreat at a Time
From the very beginning, Goddess Retreats has been about love and purpose. Our retreats transform the lives of the women who join us, but their ripple of impact reaches far wider. It touches our team members — many of whom have been with us since our first retreat — and it flows into the wider Balinese community through the charities and organizations we support.
Giving back has always been part of our soul. In the early days, we began by sponsoring the release of endangered baby sea turtles into the ocean. As the years passed, our ability to give grew, and our circle of support widened to include programs that uplift women, children, and animals — those most in need of care and compassion.
Our Charities and Community Partners
BAWA – Bali Animal Welfare Association
BAWA rescues and rehabilitates Bali’s street animals, providing medical care, sterilization, and education. We have supported their work for many years and remain deeply committed to animal welfare. Many of our team members have adopted rescued dogs and cats, giving them loving forever homes.
SOLE Men
This remarkable organization offers outreach and medical care for those living with disabilities or chronic illness. Their work restores dignity, hope, and health to so many in Bali.
Yayasan Senyum – The Smile Foundation
This foundation helps individuals with craniofacial disabilities receive surgeries and long-term care. Their work restores smiles and confidence — something we are honored to support.
BaliWISE & ROLE Foundation
BaliWISE empowers young Balinese women with practical education and life skills, helping them build independent, sustainable futures. Supporting women in this way has always been at the heart of Goddess Retreats.
Bali Crisis Kitchen
During the pandemic, when Bali’s tourism industry came to a halt, we created Goddess Kitchen in partnership with Bali Crisis Kitchen. Together, we cooked and delivered meals to vulnerable women and children across the island — a true testament to the power of compassion during difficult times.
Little Steps Matter
This small but powerful group of women feed and care for Bali’s street animals, offering emergency treatment and safe shelter. Their quiet dedication is a constant reminder of how love in action can change lives.
IKA Foundation
Our newest partner for 2025, IKA Foundation provides comfort and care for women and children facing cancer. Their work brings hope, relief, and companionship to those navigating the hardest journeys.
The Philosophy That Guides Us
In Bali, there is a sacred philosophy known as Tri Hita Karana — living in right relationship with nature, with one another, and with the divine. This belief is woven through every aspect of Goddess Retreats.
We nurture harmony with the environment, care for one another as a family, and honor the spirit of Bali through gratitude and service. Our contributions include both financial and physical donations — food, clothing, and supplies that go directly to those who need them most.
Many guests also bring gifts when they join us on retreat, and their kindness continues to inspire us. Through these shared efforts, we are all part of something much larger: a living circle of generosity and love.
Thank You for Being Part of This Journey
Every woman who comes to Goddess Retreats helps make these acts of giving possible. Together, we have touched countless lives. Some of the women who once benefited from the programs we support have even joined our team, becoming part of our extended retreat family.
As we celebrate our 23rd year — and the honor of being named Best Cultural Retreat in the World — I want to say thank you. Thank you for being part of this journey, for choosing to spend your time with us, and for helping us create something that truly matters.
Our retreats change lives — not only for the women who join us, but for the island, its people, and all who call it home.
With love and gratitude,
Chelsea & the Goddess Retreats Team
Begin your journey: www.goddessretreats.com
