You know that friend that always has your back, and tells you how things really are? The one that can be a little harsh in standing up for your growth, but loves you until the end?
Well, Bali is that friend for me. We haven’t always had an easy relationship, but it’s one that’s changed my life. She has shown me how I can create more impact, where I still need to grow, and what my true purpose is.
Bali actually means “Offering”, and Ubud, where I spend most of my time and currently run retreats, translates to “Medicine.”
This land, this island, also known as Mama Bali, is a place where people from around the world come to find their answers, seek healing, and walk further down their spiritual path.
I didn’t really understand the truth of it all, until I came here for my first time 4 years ago. As I settled into the energy of this mystical place, I knew I was home. I knew that there was a message for me here. I just didn’t know how much it would impact the rest of my life.
After my first trip to Bali, I felt called to launch Revamp Retreats. I had no clue how, but the calling was so strong, that I would find a way. Later that year after launching my company, I brought my first groups to Bali.
At the first retreat, 4 people quit corporate jobs that they didn’t feel aligned with, and one person actually moved to Bali. It was wild, the impact this small island had on everyone that came.
Since then, I have been bringing groups to Bali every year and on each trip, I get to witness people tapping back into their inspiration and happiness.
But trust me, it doesn’t always look like sunshine and rainbows. During retreats, I’ve seen people break down, feel the depths of their pain and sadness, and feel more confusion then ever. But when those people really trust the process, the healing, and the magic of this place, I’ve seen them take off like never before.
And it’s not only the people that I bring to Bali that go through this process. Each year as I return back home to this island, I go through my own transformation once again. After trips to Bali I built my career, started relationships, ended relationships, had breakdowns, breakthroughs, and intuitive messages that come so strongly I have no other choice but to listen.
On this current trip (I am writing this from a cute little café in Bali now), I had one of those breakdowns. I was ready to throw my hands up and just step back from everything I am doing. It was hard and painful, but instead of giving up, I asked Mama Bali for the lessons and the next steps. Instead of agreeing with me on ‘giving up’ she told me to open a healing space here. The next day I stumbled across a piece of land, perfect for a healing retreat center - and an animal sanctuary of course :)
And so, the next phase of my journey now begins…
~
With this note, I hope you can feel a bit of magic this place has to offer. Bali is not for everyone, but if you do feel called, I hope you listen as there is something truly special here. Something much greater than I can even express.
Sending all my love from Mama Bali,
Kori
~
Whether you come on a retreat or on your own, here are a couple things I recommend:
PLACES TO VISIT
Ubud - The heart of Bali, for me I see it as spiritual capital of the world
Canggu - Beach town, cute cafe vibes, and a little more lighthearted.
Uluwatu - Quiet surf town, a little more isolated, beautiful cliffs and gorgeous beaches.
PLACES TO SEE
Tirta Empul Sacred Water Temple - The most holy water in Bali, come here for cleaning and blessings.
Mt Batur - Wake up at 2am, hike 2 hours up the mountain to catch sunrise!
Monkey Forest - Right in Ubud, walk through the forest, feed monkeys, and have them climb on you!
Waterfalls (all of them) - One of my favorite things is to jump on a scooter and ride through the island searching for waterfalls and hidden gems.
PLACES TO EAT
Zest - Vegan, Ubud
Bella - Ubud
Sayuri - Vegan, Ubud
Alchemy - Vegan, Ubud
Mudra - Ubud
The Common- Canggu
Shady Shack - Vegan, Canggu
PLACES TO PRACTICE YOGA
Yoga Barn - Ubud
Intuitive Flow - Ubud
Radiantly Alive - Ubud
The Practice - Canggu
Oddyssey - Canggu
Nirvana Strength - Canggu (not yoga, but an amazing Gym)