Floortje in Bali

Retreats for stress and mental balance

I was juggling the production of ten episodes for a new BNN/VARA program. This entailed everything from shooting and editing to scriptwriting, conducting voiceovers, and handling press interviews. All of this was in addition to meeting a tight deadline for my book manuscript. On top of this demanding schedule, I was also caring for my very elderly father, rekindling connections with long-neglected friends, overseeing operations at Camping Buitenland (a venture I co-own with four friends in Drenthe), and managing Nukuhiva, a fair-trade clothing store in Utrecht, in partnership with two other friends. The result? A thoroughly exhausted me...

Floortje's work at NGO World Animal Protection

Amidst the whirlwind of activity, I received an email from the NGO World Animal Protection. They asked if I could capture stories in Bali about the exploitation of wild animals in the tourism industry. It's truly heart-wrenching that so many still opt for entertainment at the expense of these creatures. From riding mistreated elephants to swimming with dolphins purportedly 'rescued' but often snatched from the sea to live in captivity. Or taking a selfie with an endangered species like the Orangutan, which should be high in a tree, far from human contact, not sitting beside you for a photo. Though I was utterly exhausted, there was no question - I was determined to lend a hand to these animals.

Retreat destination Bali

As I touch down in Bali's capital, Denpasar, the scene is a whirlwind of activity - crowded, noisy, and bustling. I can't help but reminisce about my initial arrival at a small, chaotic airport. Over time, the island has evolved into a tourist hub, replete with Western influences: sprawling resorts, a plethora of tourist shops, familiar fast-food chains, and exuberant travelers ordering buckets of beer. Yet, if you venture away from this hustle and bustle, Bali still retains its charm as a remarkable island, steeped in a unique culture, offering delectable cuisine, and showcasing awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Balinese nature

Bali, with its predominantly Hindu culture, exudes a profound sense of spirituality. Each household receives daily blessings and houses its own small temple. Here, deities are held in high regard, and the natural world's spirits are treated with deep respect. The Balinese people possess a profound appreciation for the hidden energies within all living beings: be it animals, serene beaches, lush jungles, or the vivid green rice fields, punctuated by the occasional distant volcano. Given this spiritual essence, Bali offers an array of remarkable retreats, providing spaces for rejuvenation, empowerment, and healing. It's why I thought it would be an excellent idea to incorporate two retreats into my Bali work schedule - one upon arrival for relaxation, and another afterwards for a thorough recharge.

Floortje Dessing's experience in Revivo Retreat, Nusa Dua

Revivo is nestled in Nusa Dua, the serene southern tip of the island. It's just a half-hour drive from the bustling airport and a mere ten minutes from the sea. What a tranquil oasis! Concrete yields change into lush tropical gardens and elegant, unassuming Balinese architecture. The grand main building boasts an inviting open lounge, a sleek infinity pool with comfortable loungers, two expansive yoga studios, and multiple guest villas each with their private pools. In addition, you'll find a spa, gym, sauna, and a stunning garden adorned with serene ponds.

Pool Therapy

Every morning, you can join yoga classes suitable for all levels, including beginners. There are also Pilates sessions and specialized options like aerial yoga. The spa offers a diverse range of therapeutic treatments that you can book. About half of the guests come here for a wellness retreat, but if you'd prefer to unwind with a good book by the pool, this is also an excellent choice.

A Hospitable Team

I'm instantly charmed by the place, thanks to my gorgeous, roomy villa and, most importantly, the peaceful atmosphere. The incredibly welcoming team goes out of their way to ensure my stay is as pleasant as possible. After settling in, I realize I've left the book I was reading on the plane. When I inquire at reception about available reading material, a staff member promptly arrives at my door with a generous stack of books within ten minutes.

A clear sign: I am getting sick

For those seeking a fully-equipped luxury spa or a wide range of holistic or spiritual therapies, Revivo might come across as somewhat basic. I've saved my spiritual retreat for the end of my journey. For my current needs, there's plenty of choice available. Each morning, I start with small glasses of Ayurvedic concoctions: hot water with coconut oil and a ginger shot. Then, I join a yoga class led by an incredibly skilled Balinese instructor. In the afternoon, I indulge in a soothing massage at the spa, followed by a warm ginger tea in the relaxation area. However, on the third day, I wake up feeling incredibly unwell. A virus I brought with me from the Netherlands suddenly hits me with full force. It's a lingering effect of all the stress, hustle, and work pressure. I can't do more than lie in bed and sleep due to the intense headache. My body is sending me a clear signal to take things easier.

Divine Cuisine

Thankfully, my body's natural healing ability kicks in. After three days, I feel my strength and appetite returning. Another significant highlight of Revivo is its outstanding cuisine. The meals are carefully crafted, using fresh, incredibly healthy, and delicious ingredients. This alone would be reason enough for me to return to Revivo. (Tip: don't miss the scrambled tofu for breakfast, it's heavenly!). After one final day of relishing in delicious food and resting to regain my strength, it's time to get back to work.

Floortje Dessing's experience in Fivelements Retreat, Ubud / Bali

For five consecutive days, we delve into poignant narratives exposing the darker side of the tourism industry, where animals suffer the consequences. These stories serve as a means to enlighten people about the decisions they make while on vacation, often due to ignorance. It's emotionally intense, which is why I'm truly grateful for the chance to unwind at the second resort of the trip: Fivelements. This is an extraordinary and spiritually enriched haven, just a short half-hour drive from the renowned Ubud. Nestled alongside a vigorously flowing river, its soothing sound permeates every corner of the resort.

Breathtaking and Spiritual

Fivelements, while slightly smaller and more relaxed in layout compared to Revivo, boasts even more breathtaking natural surroundings. Nestled in a bend of a river within the jungle, it features exquisite gardens with serene fish ponds and charming riverside cottages offering tranquil views over the water. The newer villas are situated adjacent to an extensive vegetable garden, and they boast beautifully decorated rooms with spacious bathrooms. These include a natural stone bathtub, an outdoor shower, a heavenly bed, and a secluded garden with a private plunge pool. Yet, the true gem of the resort lies in the unique and spiritual therapies offered here. From healing massages to fire ceremonies and water therapy in a large, warm bath with therapeutic properties, the experiences are truly exceptional.

Experienced Local Healers and a Vegan Cuisine

The seasoned local therapists turn treatments into truly extraordinary experiences. Some of these healers have inherited their gifts from their ancestors and can lead profoundly healing and powerful sessions. In addition to this, there's a daily yoga class. You'll also find a spa and a gym on the premises, and you can take leisurely walks through the nearby rice fields. Moreover, there's a spacious open-air restaurant by the river where you can savor delectable vegan dishes (unlike Revivo, the kitchen here exclusively uses plant-based ingredients).

Secret Space: Magnetic Forces

Upon arrival, the incredibly affable John, the Australian/Danish general manager, gives me a tour. He shares that the majority of the staff comes from nearby villages, including the yoga instructors (a departure from many places in Bali where Western teachers are more common). John also enthusiastically shows me the 'friendship table', a place for guests to meet, the medicinal plant garden which supplies ingredients for the spa products, and the vegetable garden that provides for the kitchen. Then, we reach a fascinating spot: the secret space. It's a circular, grass-covered area used for special rituals and gatherings. Legend has it that this place possesses magnetic forces, and at one point, lightning even struck right in the center of the circle.

Cool Agni Hotra hut

The focal point of the retreat is the Agni Hotra, a traditional hut standing an impressive 28 meters tall, crafted from wood and bamboo, and entirely covered in thatch. Typically, daily yoga classes are held here, benefiting from the spacious and naturally cool yoga floor, thanks to the two openings on either side of the roof. However, during my visit, the space is being used for a retreat focused on mastering the yoga handstand over five days.

Treatments along the river

All therapy spaces are open and nestled along the river, creating a truly unique atmosphere. My first treatment is a calming massage administered by a skilled female therapist. Afterward, I'm treated to sweet ginger tea and miso crackers while gazing out over the endlessly flowing river. That night, I sleep like a baby. The next morning, I wake up feeling completely refreshed and join a yoga class with just five others. Even if you've never practiced yoga before, you can easily follow along, as the Balinese instructor patiently and clearly explains every step (advanced yogis can also opt for private yoga sessions).

Intense Cleansing Treatment: Renewed Energy

Then, I experience one of the most intense treatments I've had in years: a healing massage. The therapist, an elderly Balinese practitioner, applies strong, deliberate strokes to my head, abdomen, and legs while reciting prayers. It feels like he's clearing out the 'old baggage' from my body. After about fifteen minutes, I start to feel a slow surge of energy. Then comes the actual massage. At times, there's a sharp sensation when he presses deeply into the sole of my foot with his sturdy fingers. Yet, I welcome it; I want to feel this energy, knowing that my body craves it. He works in absolute concentration, not uttering a single word. Afterward, he brings me my tea and gently advises that I've been pushing myself too hard. I need to grant my body more rest, and above all, give my mind a break. It's been carrying too much weight, and that burden ripples through my entire body. As I sip my ginger tea and gaze out over the river, I feel the energy rising from my feet, a sensation that will linger with me well into the evening.

In Search of Wisdom and Happiness

The following morning, I participate in a mindfulness session combined with sound bowl therapy. The therapist and I sit together on a small cushion, facing each other. In front of him are the silver bowls he will soon play. But before that, I listen attentively for over an hour, absorbing insights on how to approach life mindfully. His narrative never becomes too weighty, occasionally drifting into the ethereal, yet it holds a wealth of wisdom. Simple principles like cultivating genuine focus, releasing the urge to possess, living with honesty, and serving fellow humans. These are the foundations for seeking tranquility and spaciousness in both mind and body—a quest for the feeling of ultimate happiness, something every person ultimately aspires to. Following this, I recline on my back as he draws forth deep resonant tones from the bowls for over half an hour. At times, I find myself drifting away from the yoga studio, only to be gently brought back to the present moment. The experience is challenging to articulate, one that truly needs to be lived. Late into the evening, I continue to ponder over all the wisdom he shared with me.

Floortje Dessing's tips for mental balance and less stress: No Longer Pushing my Limits

The days glide past, and a true sense of calm returns to my body. Alongside this comes the recognition that, once I'm back home, I need to make a commitment to myself. The paramount lesson from this journey is the necessity to genuinely invest in my body and mind. I'm weary of falling ill each time I finally find some respite. Prioritizing my relaxation needs to take precedence over work or social engagements. I've already established my daily morning routine: regardless of where I am in the world, I devote a half-hour to yoga every morning. My yoga mat is a constant companion on my travels. Yet, there's more to be done - it involves rising earlier and retiring to bed sooner. Daily meditation, even if it's just for five minutes, to clear the mental clutter. Equally important is reducing phone usage. While it may sound like a cliché, it consumes time and yields little in return. Another objective is to incorporate more strength training. During my travels, I observed its remarkable benefits, particularly at my age. (And it can be easily accomplished without machines - a TRX strap is fantastic.) And of course, I'm determined to eat even more healthily. I haven't consumed meat in years, but especially while traveling, I tend to gravitate towards convenience foods like salty snacks.

Goodbye Bali, see you soon!

With a clear mind and a rejuvenated body, I bid adieu to Bali. This island holds a special place in my heart, and each visit deepens my affection. It consistently offers me so much in return. I've had the privilege of capturing beautiful stories through film, hoping they raise awareness. Staying in two extraordinary places has been a true blessing, nurturing my well-being. Despite the days spent in bed, this experience has been both beautiful and invaluable. Now, it's time to demonstrate to myself the true growth I've achieved.

Floortje Dessing

Floortje Dessing is a well-known Dutch television presenter and journalist. As PureandCure ambassador, she travels to health resorts all around the world and shares her captivating travel experiences and wellbeing insights.