Finding My Centre: How a Bali Wine & Wellness Retreat Transformed My Life

A life-changing Bali wellness retreat called ‘A Life of Balance.’ If you’ve ever considered a mindfulness retreat in Bali, this is my personal experience. Six years ago, I embarked on what would become one of the most profound experiences of my life, a wellness retreat in Bali aptly named "A Life of Balance." Little did I know that those seven days would fundamentally shift my relationship with myself and leave imprints that continue to shape my daily existence years later.

Arriving in Paradise

The journey began with a traditional Balinese welcome that still feels vivid in my memory. As dusk settled over the island, we were greeted by the gentle glow of candlelight and the haunting beauty of traditional Balinese chanting. In that moment, surrounded by strangers who would soon become friends, I felt both far from home and exactly where I needed to be.

Our home for the week nestled comfortably in Ubud, Bali, a perfect base for the transformational experiences that awaited us. The simplicity and generosity of the accommodations belied the richness of what we would experience there, though I must admit, the massive bug greeting me at my door that first night certainly tested my commitment to embracing nature in all its forms.

Most mornings, our day began at 7 a.m. with rose tea and the gentle sound of a gong vibrating through the retreat in Ubud, calling us to our mats. Those daily practices of yoga and meditation grounded me, creating a rhythm that helped settle my usually racing mind.

Silent Retreat

Silent meditation retreats in Bali have grown in popularity, but nothing prepared me for the depth of self-discovery that a single day of silence could bring.

The evening before our silent day remains etched in my soul, a purification ceremony at a Balinese temple followed by all of us standing in a circle, holding hands under the gentle flicker of candlelight, before entering our commitment to silence.

What followed was perhaps the most challenging and revelatory 24 hours of the retreat. The silence wasn't just external; it was an invitation to witness the constant chatter of my mind. For the first time, I truly heard how noisy my thoughts were, how my anxiety manifested as an endless internal monologue that rarely paused for breath.

This revelation was both unsettling and freeing. In the absence of conversation, I couldn't hide from my own mental patterns. I watched as my mind jumped frantically from thought to thought, rarely resting in the present moment. It was during this day that I realised the extent of my anxiety, not as a theoretical concept but as a lived experience that had been colouring my entire world.

The silence became a mirror, reflecting parts of myself I had been too busy to notice. This single day planted the seed for what would become an ongoing journey into mindfulness practice and eventually led me to seek out books and resources to help quiet the storm in my mind.

Sunrise Yoga

The second morning of silence was a memorable morning. Still in complete silence after our Balinese purification ritual two nights before, we conducted our yoga session at a vista overlooking a volcano, witnessing dawn break over such a dramatic landscape.

For those seeking the best yoga retreat in Bali, this sunrise session was unforgettable.

Of all the experiences on our packed itinerary, the special sunrise yoga session overlooking Batur Volcano stands out as almost mystical, and it’s still something I think about today. There is something profoundly humbling about flowing through postures as the first light breaks over an ancient volcano. The juxtaposition of our small, temporary movements against the timeless majesty of the landscape put everything into perspective.

Once we completed our yoga, we were invited to breakfast to break our fast but also our silence. Those first few words we spoke felt joyous and special.

Connections Beyond Words

One of life's beautiful ironies is how silence can sometimes forge deeper connections than words. The bonds formed with the other retreat participants transcended the typical vacation friendships. There was one woman in particular with whom I connected so deeply that we continued travelling together afterwards, and she later visited me in London.

While the structured activities of the retreat provided a framework for transformation, it was the additional experiences in Ubud that added texture to the journey. The massages that somehow accessed emotional tension I didn't know I was carrying. The monkey sanctuary reminded me of the joy of playfulness. The Pyramids of Chi, where sound healing vibrations left me feeling relaxed and reenergised. One element that also stands out is a session of Arial Yoga, where I remember giggling and playfully enjoying the freedom and creativity of yoga in the air.

Each of these experiences, though not part of the official itinerary, became integral to healing little parts of me. They were reminders that transformation doesn't follow a schedule, it happens in unexpected moments and continues beyond designated "growth" activities.

Nourishment for Body and Soul

The food throughout our retreat deserves its own chapter in this story. Each meal was a thoughtful creation—delicious, healthy and intentionally prepared to support our journey. The flavours of Bali danced on our palates, introducing us to new spices and combinations that delighted the senses while nourishing our bodies.

One afternoon was dedicated to an Ayurvedic cooking class where we learned not just recipes, but a philosophy of food as medicine. Understanding how different ingredients affect our doshas (energetic constitutions) offered a new lens through which to view the simple act of feeding ourselves.

A Different Kind of Mindfulness - Wine Meditation

On our final evening together, we participated in what was described as a wine meditation. Far from the stereotypical image of meditation, this practice invited us to bring complete presence to the experience of savouring wine. We noticed the colour, the aroma, the first touch on the tongue, the development of flavour, and the lingering finish.

This practice of sensory mindfulness taught me that presence isn't reserved for cushions and yoga mats—it can be integrated into every aspect of life, even those we typically rush through. Years later, I still practise this form of mindful appreciation with wine. Letting my senses quieten and I fully enjoy and appreicate everything the wine has to show.

The Return That Never Really Ended

Leaving Bali physically didn't mean leaving behind what I had learnt. The practices of mindfulness, the awareness of my anxiety, the commitment to presence—these came home with me, tucked into the corners of my suitcase and eventually integrated into the fabric of my daily life.

Six years later, when anxiety threatens to overtake me, I return to the lessons of that silent day. When life feels overwhelming, I recall the perspective gained while practicing yoga before an ancient volcano. When connections feel superficial, I recall the depth that is possible when we truly see one another.

The retreat may have lasted only seven days, but its impact continues to unfold. Perhaps that's the true measure of transformation—not what happens during an experience but how it continues to reverberate through your life long after the experience itself has ended.

If you’re searching for the best Bali wellness retreat or planning a transformational self-discovery journey, know that the impact may last far beyond your trip. The true gifts often reveal themselves gradually, appearing unexpectedly in moments of challenge or joy years later. The investment is not just in the experience itself but in who you become because of it, and that return continues paying dividends long after you've returned home.

Have you ever been on a wellness retreat or a mindfulness journey? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!