THE ART OF ALIVENESS RETREAT

UBUD, BALI

January 14th – 22nd, 2020

A revitalizing return to what matters most

IT’S TIME TO COME HOME TO YOURSELF

I believe we are collectively craving a deep reunion with the things that matter most — to step away from daily routines, technology, and to-do lists towards more nourishing, meaningful, and potent life experiences that truly feed our souls.

The Art of Aliveness Retreat is designed to support you on this journey of coming home to yourself.

Equal parts cultural immersion, creative kickstart, holistic rejuvenation, and soulful vacation, this nine-day adventure will nurture you back to a more vital sense of yourself.

Our days will be spent painting, moving, writing, connecting, exploring, and experiencing the magic of Balinese culture. We will also have ample opportunities to relax and “choose our own adventure.”

My intention with this retreat is to offer a powerful array of life tools, creative insights, and experiences that will continue to support and inspire you well beyond our time together. Bali holds a very special place in my heart, and I can’t imagine a more devotional, inspiring, beautiful, and artistic place to hold this once in a lifetime gathering. 

Please note, painting and drawing will be woven throughout our time together, but this retreat also includes a broad spectrum of activities and experiences (see below). If you’re looking for a retreat that focuses mostly on painting, I suggest one of my Bloom True Workshops

“The Art of Aliveness Retreat is more than a workshop and more than a vacation. It’s a true awakening to creativity, generosity, presence, and aliveness.”

WHY BALI?

Bali captured my heart within moments of stepping off the plane ten years ago. The smell of incense lingering in the warm air, flower offerings placed thoughtfully at every turn, and bright welcoming smiles made me feel instantly home.

I spent my first month in Bali painting 25 large paintings inspired by the culture, landscape, colors, and people I came in contact with. With each passing day, I fell more in love with the devotional and artful way of living that is so deeply woven into the Balinese culture.

I continued to return to Bali each year, and eventually, I organized my first retreat there. This upcoming Art of Aliveness retreat will be my fifth time hosting a retreat in Bali, and each experience has brought together such a special group of people from all over the world.

This retreat is the culmination of everything I cherish about Bali. Using creativity and “place”  as our two vehicles for connection and transformation, we’ll have the honor of experiencing the magic of Bali in a truly soulful and creative way.

During our time together, we’ll learn about traditional music and dance taught by a talented local family. We’ll spend time hiking through ricefields, exploring waterfalls and caves, and participating in a Balinese water blessing, fire ceremony, and sound bath. 

Throughout the retreat, we’ll use painting as a way to process our experiences and invite us into the present moment. Our retreat will culminate by connecting and giving back to the local community through a co-created public mural project.

If you’ve felt the call to experience Bali in a meaningful way that goes well beyond the typical tourist track, I hope you’ll consider joining us for The Art of Aliveness.

“Flora and her team not only designed an experience that beautifully balanced interior exploration and cultural immersion; they held space for a quantum leap in my personal healing and transformation. This retreat is a perfect blend of the magic of Bali and the power of women gathering. I loved every minute.” – Lynna

Retreat Details:

(More details will be emailed upon registration)

LOCATION

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

DATES

January 14th – January 22nd, 2020

We will begin with an Opening Ceremony on the evening of January 14th and close with a group breakfast on January 22nd.

What’s Included

    • 9-day facilitated retreat 
    • 8 nights of accommodations at Bali Swasti Eco Retreat Center
    • All transportation to retreat outings
    • Welcome dinner party
    • Daily organic breakfast buffet
    • A traditional Balinese massage
    • Generous goody bags + daily gifts
    • All art supplies
    • Painting + creativity classes with Flora Bowley
    • Daily yoga classes
    • Local Giveback service day opportunity
    • Offering making and traditional dance workshops with local Balinese friends
    • Sacred spring + waterfall adventure
    • Sound healing session
    • Traditional Balinese Fire Ceremony
    • Creative exploration + special dinner at Bambu Indah
    • A relaxing day at the beach
    • Closing dinner and party
    • Personal time to explore and/or rest as needed
    • Connections, memories, and adventures to last a lifetime!

“This has been the most soul-nourishing gift I have ever given myself. I arrived here in survival mode, and I am leaving with a bright flame burning in my womb, my heart overflowing with love for all my soul sisters, and most importantly a deep love for myself. Who knew I had to fly across the world to come back home to myself. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.” – Jazzy

ACCOMODATIONS

Our group will be renting out the entire tranquil and earthy Bali Swasti Eco Retreat Center, a beautiful eco-conscious retreat center located in Nyuh Kuning, a quiet neighborhood filled with walkable cafes, yoga studios, and local homes. The famous Monkey Forest and the bustling main shopping area of Ubud is just a ten-minute walk away. 

To arrive at the peaceful grounds of Bali Swasti, you walk down a winding portal of green passionfruit vines to enter a true oasis of peace and beauty tucked away from noise and outside distraction. We love this little slice of heaven, complete with a pool, yoga shala, beautiful gardens, a wonderful organic cafe, and friendly goats!

The accommodations at Bali Swasti are creative, charming, and more on the “rustic” side depending on your expectations. You can see a gallery of images here to get a sense of the place. Please note, each room is totally unique and many of the bathrooms are “open air,” which is typical in the tropics, but may be a unique experience for you. If you’re looking for modern, top of the line accommodations, this might not be the right fit for you. 😉

There are single rooms, shared cottages, and a brand new “dorm” option, all at a variety of prices. Please read more about each option below.

swastidorm
swasticottage (2)
swastisingle

MORE DETAILS ABOUT EACH OPTION:

Single Rooms

The single rooms are constructed of Balinese wood and stone and are more “modern” than the Javanese Shared Cottages. The single rooms are spacious with one double bed, one bathroom with a stone bathtub, many windows, tall ceilings, and a private balcony to enjoy your morning tea or coffee on. Each room has an eco-friendly air conditioning unit, trash, recycling bins, a large bottle of filtered water to fill your personal water bottle with, easy access to the garden and pool, and many artistic touches throughout. Each room is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Single Cottage

There is one single room cottage built with recycled teak wood from Javanese antique houses and filled with artistic touches throughout. The cottage has a front porch where you can enjoy your morning tea or coffee. There is one double bed with an additional loft and a small bed on the second floor (meditation spot?). The single cottage has one large, open-air bathroom, an eco-friendly air conditioning unit, trash and recycling bins, a large bottle of filtered water to fill your personal water bottle, and easy access to the garden and pool. This cottage is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Shared Cottage

The shared cottages are built with recycled teak wood from Javanese antique houses and filled with artistic touches throughout. Each cottage has a front porch where you can enjoy your morning tea or coffee. There are two beds (one double + one single), and some of the cottages have three beds. (We will only fill the third bed if you are coming as a group of three friends because the two smaller beds are in close proximity to each other). Each cottage has one large, open-air bathroom, an eco-friendly air conditioning unit, trash and recycling bins, a large bottle of filtered water to fill your personal water bottle, and easy access to the garden and pool. Each cottage is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Dorm

The brand new dorm building was being constructed during our last retreat, and we’re so excited to be able to offer a lower-priced option this time around. The dorm is nestled in the organic garden. It has spacious high ceilings, artistic decor, plenty of windows, and seven single beds placed throughout one large room. There is an area of shelves and hooks next to each bed for your personal items. The dorm has two bathrooms, an eco-friendly air conditioning unit, trash and recycling bins, large bottles of filtered water to fill your personal water bottle, and easy access to the garden and pool. This is a great option for those on a budget who are open to sharing space with a group (think tropical slumber party!)

Each accommodation locks and there are additional lockers available at the reception for any items of value.

Coming with a friend?

If you have a friend you’d like to share a space with, you will both need to purchase a Shared Cottage. Please email us right away so we can arrange for you to be together. A few of the cottages have three beds and are perfect for a group of three friends. If you are coming in a group of three and would like to share one of these cottages, the cost will be reduced to $3000 each. Please purchase two Shared Cottages (we will refund you the difference), and we can arrange separately for the third person to join the retreat. Just let us know!

LOGISTICS

MATERIALS

We will be working with gouache and acrylic, paint pens, and mixed media on watercolor paper. All art materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring any art materials you love to work with. 

COMMUNITY

The Art of Aliveness Retreat will consist of approximately 25 participants, plus an incredible team of teachers/supporters and local helpers to ensure a dynamic group with plenty of personal attention and one-on-one support. Upon registration, each participant will be invited to a private Facebook group to foster connections among the group.

Please note, everyone staying at Bali Swasti must be participating in the retreat. We have found that having significant others and/or children staying in the rooms creates too much of a distraction from the experience. Thanks for understanding. This time is for YOU!

PREREQUISITES

No experience is required to attend this retreat. 

PLEASE NOTE

This retreat (and all international travel!) requires an adventurous spirit, a flexible attitude, and an open mind. There will inevitably be stressful moments based on things like language barriers, mosquitoes, unusual food, rain, humidity, “ceremony traffic” …you get the idea! Traveling is always an adventure and understanding for that going in will set the stage for more easeful navigating. That said, Bali is one of the most welcoming, beautiful, and accommodating places I’ve ever traveled, and we are here to make the journey as easeful as possible. 

We will also be walking and hiking on uneven ground for a number of our outings, so please take that into consideration when booking.

YOUR INVESTMENT

PAYMENT PLANS

You will have the option to pay in full or pay in a series of three payments — one now, and then two more each spaced a month apart.

If you choose to use a payment plan, you will receive an email when your next payment is due. You can pay it by logging into your account on florabowley.com.

If we haven’t received your final payment by October 1st, we will need to refund your deposits (minus a $100 processing fee) and open up your spot to our waitlist. Thank you for understanding!

CONFIRMATION

Once you’ve paid your deposit, you will receive a confirmation email with details regarding travel to Bali, packing lists, and other ways to prepare for our time together. Please feel free to email any questions to [email protected]. We are here to help!

CANCELLATION POLICY

There are no refunds for this retreat unless we are able to fill your spot. If we are able to fill your spot, a $100 cancellation fee will apply, and the rest of your retreat investment will be refunded. If we are not able to fill your spot, there will be no refund issued.  

In case of a natural disaster or any other unforeseen reasons to cancel the retreat, we reserve the right to make any changes necessary to the retreat. In this rare case, will offer you a full refund and the option to book another retreat. However, we will not be responsible for any changes made to your airfare. For your peace of mind, we recommend purchasing “cancel for any reason” trip insurance in case cancellations or changes arise.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare to and from Denpasar, Bali
  • Transportation between the airport and Swasti Eco Cottages. We will send out clear instructions about how to book our favorite drivers as we will all be arriving at different times.
  • Lunches, dinners, and gratuities (other than the meals we will provide — see what’s included)
  • Gratuities for the retreat center staff 
  • Any alcohol you purchase during the retreat

YOUR GUIDE

Hi! I’m Flora, and I’m thrilled to curate this once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you. This will be my eighth trip to Bali, and I can easily say, it’s my very favorite place in the world!

To create a truly rich and inspiring experience, I’ve selected my very favorite experiences and places to share with you.

In addition to organizing this retreat, I will also be facilitating a number of painting, creativity and mindfulness explorations throughout our time together. These mini-workshops will serve as in invitation to access your creativity from a place of freedom and curiosity by tuning into your intuition, learning to see the world in totally new ways, and being open to change along the way.

I look forward to experiencing Bali with you!

“Flora’s Art of Aliveness Retreat is an honoring of life itself — a deep connection to human wisdom which shines a light on our capacity to connect with self and others with more presence. Flora and her team modeled the art of giving from a place of overflow, to honor ourselves wholeheartedly. I so appreciate her capacity to work emergently and to create a nourishing container for the group.” – Karen

WAITLIST

Changes do happen. If we have an opening in the retreat, we will email the entire waitlist. The first person to sign up for the spot will get it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bali?

Bali is a small Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Bali is located between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. The island is quite small —95 miles wide and approximately 69 miles north to south.

How long does it take to get to Bali?

Of course it depends on where you are coming from.

If you are traveling from the United States or Canada, expect about 30 hours of travel. We will provide more information about traveling to Bali upon registration.

What's the weather like in Bali?

The average temperature in Bali in January is 79 degrees F (26°C) while the average low is 73 degrees F (23°C ), and the average high comes in at 84 degrees F (29°C). January is considered the rainy season, but the rain typically comes and goes with lots of sun in-between. It is quite humid in Bali year-round, and the rain is warm!

What's the food like? What if I have a specific diet?

The food served in the cafe at Bali Swasti Eco Retreat Center is organic, healthy and will easily accommodate your dietary needs. There are also an abundance of delicious, healthy, and affordable restaurants within walking distance (or a short car ride) from where we will be staying in Ubud. We will provide you with maps and suggestions to some of our favorite places.

Where do I fly into + do I need a visa to travel to Bali?

You will fly into the Denpasar airport (DPS).

Free thirty-day Indonesian visas are available upon arrival in the airport for travelers from [these countries](https://topbali.com/indonesia-free-visa-entry/), so you don’t need to plan ahead with your visa unless you plan to stay longer than thirty days.

You will need to make sure your passport is current and valid 6 months from the day you land in Bali.

More information about traveling to Bali will be provided upon registration.

Do I need to speak Indonesian?

Nope. English is widely spoken in Bali, but knowing a few local phrases is recommended. We will send you some guidance on this upon registration.

Do I need immunizations?

Please check the CDC website for recommendations for traveling to Bali.

Can you tell me more about Bali?

How will I get to the retreat center from the airport?

You will need to arrange for individual transportation and we will provide instructions on how to do this upon registration. A driver will pick you up outside the airport (with your name on a sign) and bring you to your destination.

Do I need any painting or yoga experience to participate in the retreat?

All experience levels are welcome and encouraged.

Do I need to bring my own art supplies?

All your art materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring additional supplies you love to work with (ie your favorite pens, etc).

How should I pack for this trip?

A detailed packing list will be sent upon registration. Think tropical vacation 😉

Is there wifi in Bali?

You will have access to wifi at our retreat center, but the connection can be slow at times.  Many restaurants in Ubud also have wifi available, however, we encourage you to take as much time away your devices as possible to recharge 🙂

Do I need to be present for the entire retreat?

Yes. It’s important that everyone is present for the entire retreat to create a safe and inclusive container. Each day of the retreat will build upon the next in a cumulative fashion.

Please arrive in Ubud by the afternoon of January 14th, and plan to depart no earlier than the afternoon of January 22nd.

How much physical activity will be do doing?

This retreat is quite physically active. Between daily movement sessions, fieldtrips, moving around the large retreat center, and optional hikes, we will be on the move! The sidewalks and roads in Bali are also quite uneven, so they may be difficult for people with limited mobility.

How do the payment plans work?

You will have the option to pay in full, or pay in a series of two payments.

If you choose to use a payment plan, you will need to make your first deposit now to secure your spot. Your next payment will be due one month later. You will receive an email when your next payment is due, and you can pay them by logging into your account on florabowley.com.

If we haven’t received your final payment by November 1st, 2019, we will refund your previously paid deposits (minus a $100 processing fee) and open up your spot to our waitlist. Thank you for understanding!

How does the waitlist work?

If anyone drops out a retreat (it does happen), we will notify everyone on the wait list. The open spot will go to the first person who responds to the notification email and confirms registration!

Can I sign up with a friend?

You will both need to register and pay separately for the retreat, but we are happy to put you in a shared accommodation if you let us know who are you traveling with.

Due to the high demand of interest in the retreat, we are unable to “save spots” for friends.

Can I bring my partner and/or kids?

We strongly suggest that family members join you in Bali either before or after the retreat, but not during the retreat. This allows you to be much more present for the experience and the retreat community. Everyone staying at Bali Swasti must be participating in the retreat. We have found that having significant others and/or children staying in the rooms creates too much of a distraction from the experience. Thanks for understanding. This time is for YOU!

When will I hear about the schedule and all the details?

You will receive a confirmation email after you register for a retreat. This email will include detailed information you will need to plan your trip and prepare for the retreat. We will send along follow up emails with more details as the trip approaches. We are happy to help make your trip to Bali easy from start to finish!