Wsometimeshere to go and what to do when you are over worked, burnt out and on the verge of adrenal fatigue? The obvious choice often sees us looking close to home; perhaps a weekend off, a sleep in, or a lazy weekend lounging around the house. Perfect for some, however Melbourne just wasn’t going to cut it for me. With bone chilling winds and constant downpours sucking all the life left out of the Autumn we were all hopelessly holding on to…. I was craving some sun, salt, surf, and sand between my toes. I needed a mini break to get right away from my own expectations and the demands I put on myself. Yes, I have only myself to blame for my workload as I’m a self confessed and self driven over achiever. This time I needed to be far enough away where the temptation to work 20 hours a day would not be possible and I needed to give my body some love and care that it was desperately crying out for.
Where did I go? Bali! Where in particular? …. One of the most gorgeous health retreats nestled away in the heart of Seminyak; Ocean Soul Retreat
Ocean Soul Retreat had my name written all over it. Not only is the retreat aesthetically every girls dream home – with it’s white stone exterior, perfectly manicured garden and private yoga studio; it is a picture perfect retreat and it feels like stepping into your own private oasis. This is the perfect nurturing place to call home for a week, allowing you to refresh your mind, switch off, energize your body, and reconnect with your soul.
Ocean Soul Retreat was created and founded by Melbourne born and raised Georgie White. Struggling with her own health problems she took off on a trip overseas which grew into a journey of self discovery and connection, finding balance in life with the elements that encompass what Ocean Soul Retreat is all about: the beauty of the ocean, the challenges and rewards of surfing and a grounding dose of yoga and holistic therapy. Her passion certainly doesn’t go unrecognized and her positive energy is extremely contagious. She has certainly created the perfect haven for like-minded women to come together, to enable them to reset, reconnect and relax whilst having endless flexible opportunities to do as you please to make sure you get the most out of your stay at Ocean Soul Retreat.
Ok, so what’s it like? Whilst there is a spiritual element (if you choose; remembering everything is optional) it’s not a hippy, tree hugging, let’s only consume air and fresh juices, chant to the moon whilst sitting in a circle and crying over our lifes woes, type of retreat! For me it was a Foodie’s heaven, with an amazing holistic menu designed by Melbourne Nutritionist Meg Thompson. You undoubtedly have no chance to ever feel hungry with endless protein balls, fresh juices and snacks everywhere you turn. You really are extremely nourished from the inside out with nothing but wholesome, divine foods comprising a mixture of western and traditional (health-a-fied) dishes. For me, being that person who is constantly in the kitchen, this was heaven. Every meal was a mouthfull of nourishment, gluten free and catered for my every need. Ahhh….. a dream come true. A week off from the kitchen is certainly an element of the retreat that resonated with my need for unwinding and with a menu that could do no wrong, I was certainly in Foodie heaven.
I choose the Surf and Yoga package, which included surfing every morning with lessons from the Balinese boys at Surf School Bali and two hours of yoga and mindful meditation in the evening. Within the package two massages and a holistic treatment is included; in which I took up a session of acupuncture by Balinese Dr Made, an extra holistic healing session by world renowned Holistic Guru, Elisa Senese who works her holistic magic with easing negative energy in the body and helps heal the underlying negative emotions in body parts. A little far fetched? Maybe.. but I was open to it, after all it’s not everyday you have the opportunity to be in the hands of some of the worlds best healers.
Like everything at the retreat, there are endless choices and if you would like more, Georgie seamlessly organises it for you at the drop of a hat and if you feel like opting out of something and want a little more time to yourself, that is also ok. There is also three hours of “you” time each afternoon. At Ocean Soul Retreat everything is possible and flexible. The aim is for you to get the most out of it for yourself and I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. My week was surrounded by an incredible group of strong and inspiring women, each with their own story to tell. As cheesy as it sounds, you really do make friends for life and I am feeling so incredibly grateful to have met Georgie, Carly and the women I spent my week of wellness with.
If you are in need of a break, whether to simply relax and unwind, or to experience a week where you literally don’t have to use your brain and absolutely everything is taken care of, I highly recommend you consider Ocean Soul Retreat. I’ve left on an incredible high, emotionally content, relaxed and feeling extremely grounded. Taking time out of your life to invest in you is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Thinking of attending? Well we have a treat for you. Book now in June for either the June, October or September retreats and get a very special mates rates deal. Just mention A Conscious Collection and you will be entitled to a flat rate of $2800 AUD – which is up to 30% off RRP. Wooohoooo. What are you waiting for?! Book now to ensure you don’t miss out. Limited spaces available!
Check out http://www.oceansoulretreat.com For more details