A Letter To Bali

Dear Bali,

I'm not quite sure how to thank a place for giving me exactly what I didn't know I needed. After a 24 hour journey from Los Angeles, I arrived feeling tired, excited, and honestly just ready to exhale. I was greeted by two familiar faces, my friends Ashley and Naomi the retreat hosts, the warmest resort staff, and a foot massage that immediately told my nervous system it was safe to relax.

That first evening was simple, dinner, introductions to eleven women who were strangers at the time, a sound bath and a long, warm shower. The room was quiet, spacious, and exactly what I needed before the week unfolded.

The next morning began with yoga, all of us dressed in matching Fabletics sets, moving together as the sun welcomed a new day. After practice, the day belonged to me. I got a complimentary massage, spent time lounging by the pool, read a few pages of The Company We Keep, and paused long enough to appreciate the fact that I was over 8,000 miles away from home.

That evening, we gathered for an all white dinner surrounded by live Balinese musicians and dancers. Before the night was over, we found ourselves dancing alongside them. It was impossible not to smile.

By the third day, I could already feel myself slowing down. We started with another yoga practice before gathering for a workshop centered around one word rest. It wasn't simply about sleeping more. It challenged us to examine the seven different types of rest, where we were lacking, what intentional rest could look like, and how we could begin creating more of it once we returned home. The conversation was eye opening and sparked meaningful discussions that allowed many of us to open up to one another. Later that day, we learned how to make traditional Balinese offerings. It was creative, peaceful, and reminded me how healing it can be to make something slowly with your hands. Afterwards, we explored the rice field that almost didn't seem real.

Then came one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. We visited Tirta Empul for a traditional water purification ceremony. From the moment our guide began explaining each ritual to standing in the flowing water in prayer, the experience felt incredibly grounding. I prayed deeply, not only for myself, but for my family. What I appreciated most was how welcoming the ceremony was. Regardless of religion, everyone was invited to participate with respect and intention. It reminded me that spirituality can be both deeply personal and beautifully inclusive.

Our day continued with a visit to a Luwak coffee plantation, where we learned about the coffee making process, including the famous Luwak coffee. We sampled an incredible variety of coffees and teas before making our way to the Bali Swing. It was terrifying at first and absolutely worth it!

Suspended high above the beautiful landscape, I felt like I was floating through the sky. The pictures were beautiful, but the feeling is something no photo could ever fully capture.

That evening ended with another deeply relaxing sound bath, allowing the day to settle into my body.

The following morning began before sunrise. We climbed into jeeps headed toward Mount Batur, driving above the clouds beneath a sky filled with more stars than I'd seen in years. Watching the sun slowly rise over Bali was one of those moments where words simply don't do it justice. It was quiet, peaceful and inspiring. On our way back, we stopped near Mount Agung to see the lava rock fields left behind after the 1963 eruption. Nature has a remarkable way of reminding you just how powerful and resilient it is. We also unexpectedly found ourselves at another Luwak plantation this time complete with chocolate tastings, which no one was upset about. After returning to the resort, we reunited with the group for a beach day followed by a little shopping.

By this point, I had completely settled into Bali's rhythm. Our next morning began with a nourishing yin yoga practice before spending the afternoon at Tjampuhan (Thaga) Singha, enjoying another pool day. At some point, I realized I had purchased entirely too much to fit into my suitcase, so I ventured into Ubud in search of another one. I honestly wish I had stayed longer exploring the town, but I wanted to make it back in time for our final evening together. That night, we participated in a sacred fire and water cleansing ceremony led by a priest before gathering for our closing circle.

There were tears, laughter, vulnerability and overall gratitude. It's amazing how 14 strangers can become something that feels much more like community in just seven days. The shared experiences, conversations, quiet moments, and adventures created connections that I know will extend far beyond Bali.

Our final morning was spent practicing yoga one last time before saying goodbye or maybe more accurately, "see you later." One thing still makes me smile. I traveled over 8,000 miles alone but somehow, I came home with two new friends.

As I write this, I've been home for two days, and I'm still riding the high. Not because Bali was perfect, but because it reminded me what it feels like to be fully present. My mind wasn't racing toward the unanswered emails or even thinking about work. I wasn't distracted by what needed to happen tomorrow either.

For one week, I simply existed. I rested, laughed, prayed, reflected and explored. Somewhere along the way, my cup which had arrived with just a little left inside became completely full. Maybe even overflowing.

To Naomi and Ashley, thank you for having the vision and seeing it through. Watching two of my friends build something so intentional, so thoughtful, and so healing was one of my favorite parts of this entire experience. I'm incredibly proud of you both and grateful that I got to witness the beginning of something so special. Thank you for creating space for all of us to pause, reconnect with ourselves, and experience Bali in such a meaningful way.

And to Bali...

Thank you for reminding me that sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves isn't doing more. It's allowing ourselves to simply be.

Until we meet again.

Xo,

Melissa