Join Keith & Christabel in magical Bali for 10 days of inspired self-transformation, breathtaking nature, cultural exploration and sacred experience.
Welcome to the Island of the Gods
”Bali is known as a place of transformation, a place of purification.
For centuries it has been known among the local people for carrying funneled energy, eliciting awakening and change...”
Experience the heart of Bali and its incredible people.
Known far and wide as the cultural hub of Bali, Ubud embodies a rich history. Taking its name from the Balinese word for medicine, this captivating town sits within the lush highlands and terraced rice paddies of the island, and is home to impressive temples, a lavish artistic heritage and outstanding natural beauty.
The Premier Destination for Holistic Healing and Wellness
We are thrilled that 2024 sees us return to Bali. This ten day retreat will focus on the healing power of working with the subconscious, ceremony and creativity. Bali is one of the most well-known and desired destinations for wellness travel worldwide, and for good reason; the island is beautiful, the people and culture are exemplary, and there is seamless immersion in lush natural surroundings. The Balinese people are amongst the most inviting and sincere you will ever meet, and their culture achieves an impressive balance between family, community and spiritual life. The Balinese people follow a unique form of Hinduism, entwined with Buddhist and animistic beliefs; their dazzling culture and traditions impact each and every aspect of life on the island, characterized by regular elaborate ceremonies and experienced in their intricate and colourful sacred rituals of daily life. Bali is an island of magical practices in which the astral, spirit realms and deity worship are deeply woven into the fabric of life. The retreat’s healing work will mirror this, with a focus on the shadow and subconscious aspects of the mind and body which beckon for acknowledgement and expression.
The retreat features eight full days, beginning with an orientation and opening circle on the first afternoon. The daily schedule includes a two-and-a-half-hour morning and two-and-a-half-hour afternoon practice, for a total of five hours each day. There will be a number of curated trips and excursions throughout; these experiences are carefully chosen and scheduled not only to enhance cultural immersion, but to support your transformational process within the format of the retreat.
Mornings - We’ll use the mornings to explore the energy field, the body and the subconscious. Group energy healing sessions will help us open to depth in ourselves, identifying where the blocks in our field and bodies are located. Then our practice will turn towards guided journeying - how we can traverse our inner world through imagery and symbolism. These journeying sessions will aid us in accessing the hidden, subconscious aspects of the psyche. We’ll be asking specific questions and then exploring how the psyche and soma can help provide the answers. During our journeying sessions we’ll use potent tools to amplify the exploration: from simple breathwork techniques to using a master crystal. We’ll be making use of archetypes as a reflective lens through which we may gain insight into our habitual patterns and limiting beliefs. We may also employ creative exercises that aid our self-reflection such as drawing or journaling. Overall, morning practice will be inward and individual focused.
Afternoons - The majority of the afternoons will be allotted to partner trades which will serve to deepen the day’s work and bring emphasis to relational dynamics. Each participant will be “holding space” for others in partner exchanges in which bodywork and energy work may be employed. At times, we will also incorporate group energy healing sessions for further integration. In contrast to the mornings, the afternoons will be more external facing and group oriented. Working with others is the perfect complement to the self-practice focus of the morning. Not only will you be able to practice space holding for others, but you will also be receiving sessions from experienced facilitators.
We'll be actively engaged with each person throughout the retreat, giving individualized attention throughout the practices. The program for the retreat is incredibly dynamic, integrative and engaging. We trust it will be an experience to remember!
THE STUDIO AT SANTRA PUTRA
Many retreats are held at Santra Putra. Wayan Karja, the owner of Santra Putra, is a well-known Balinese artist and while Santra Putra does have a dedicated gallery space elsewhere on the property, the studio classroom is not only for retreats but sometimes doubles as a secondary gallery. It is a lovely, open white space with art on the walls, and patio doors opening onto a terrace and lush garden.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
The arrival day is Thursday 30 May (opening ceremony in the afternoon), a full daily programme will operate 31 May - 7 June, departure is Saturday 8 June (closing ceremony in the morning). Two afternoons and two evenings will feature the listed excursions, and another evening a group dinner. There will be opportunity during the retreat for participation in local sightseeing and enjoying the surrounding environment.
Day 1 Afternoon Opening Ceremony
Day 2 Morning Practice / Afternoon Practice
Day 3 Morning Practice / Afternoon Practice
Day 4 Morning Practice / Day Trip to Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang Rice Fields
Day 5 Morning Off* / Afternoon Practice / Evening Trip to Sound Healing at Pyramids of Chi (optional)
Day 6 Morning Practice / Afternoon Practice
Day 7 Morning Practice / Day Trip to Besakih Great Temple & Batur Volcanic Hot Springs
Day 8 Morning Off* / Afternoon Practice / Evening Legong Dance & Gamelan at Ubud Palace
Day 9 Morning Practice / Afternoon Practice / Evening Group Dinner in Ubud
Day 10 Morning Closing Ceremony
* The studio-classroom will be available at this time for self-practice or partner trades
Please note this is a tentative schedule; while all trips will take place, final daily scheduling will be confirmed closer to the start of retreat.
Day Trip: Tirta Empuul & The Tegalalang Rice Fields
We will be participating in a water purification ceremony at Pura Tirta Empul. Tirta Empul means Holy Spring in Balinese, and the temple compound consists of a petirtaan or bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus attend for ritual purification. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu god name for the supreme consciousness Narayana and is thought to be one of Bali’s holiest sources of water. This will serve as a kind of initiation into the intention and insights you've made thus far on the retreat. Not only will you experience the water purification but we'll also be meditating as a group at the site to connect with the subtle energies.
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most picturesque destinations. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tegalalang contains wide, undulating layers of rice paddies, kept alive by an ancient, sophisticated irrigation system and farmers who tend the terraces just as previous generations have done for millennia. It's an opportunity to walk through this beautiful site and appreciate the terraced farming practices common in many parts of Asia and its unique aesthetic.
Day Trip: Besakih Temple & Mount Batur Volcanic Hot Springs
We will visit Besakih Great Temple, an essential pilgrimage site for the Balinese Hindus; known as the “Mother Temple” it is the largest and holiest temple complex in Bali with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The temple is dedicated to the Trimūrti of Hinduism, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). Perched nearly 1,000 meters up the side of Gunung Agung, it is an extensive complex of twenty-three separate but related temples. As with Tirta Empul, we'll not only tour Besakih but will also offer a group meditation to connect with the location and land.
We will also experience the healing volcanic hot springs fueled by Mount Batur, an active volcano and one of the four primary sacred mountains on the island, considered supremely holy by the Balinese. Lake Batur, adjacent to Mount Batur, is inside of an active caldera and is where the geothermal springs make their way to the surface. These mineral hot springs are very powerful and soothing and after multiple visits we've found the best location to access these springs.
Evening Experience: Balinese Legong & Gamelan at the Ubud Palace
The Balinese have an ancient dance tradition that is part of their religious and artistic expression. Balinese dance is dynamic, angular and intensely expressive - enacting stories of dance-drama through bodily gestures including unique expressions of fingers, hands, head and eyes. It is an exquisite and unique form of dance that reflects the Balinese fascination with trance and the unconscious.
Gamelan is a highly sensorial, beautiful form of music, unique to Indonesian traditions. It is often used to accompany religious ceremonies and entertainment, including dance! Gamelan music features a multi-timbre ensemble consisting of metallophones, xylophones, flutes, gongs, voices, as well as bowed and plucked strings. This music has had a significant impact on many western composers who found it to be enchanting. Like Balinese dance, Gamelan music reflects a cultural interest in the subtle aspects of the psyche and the dream world.
Evening Experience: Sound Healing at the Pyramids of Chi
There will be an optional trip one evening to the Pyramids of Chi. These sound healing structures are a combination of pyramid power, sacred geometry, polar alignment and resonance. Sound healing is an ancient practice and this center was designed to optimize vibrational potency. During a sound healing experience at the Pyramids of Chi you may find yourself melting into an ocean of vibration moving through the body and energy system. For those who enjoy sound healing, you will not be disappointed!
Our charming accommodations are nestled in beautiful gardens, interspersed with working temple areas, art and sculpture...
This ten day retreat is held at Santra Putra Gallery & Guesthouse, located in Penestanan village, just outside the centre of Ubud. This traditional Balinese style guesthouse and gallery is run by local artist, Wayan Karja, his wife Made and their family.
Our traditional accomodations provide more than a glimpse of the local way of life, with comfortable self-contained rooms dotted around the tropical gardens. A true home away from home, we relax a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, but within walking distance to the center of town.
Rooms feature open-air living, queen bed, private ensuite bathroom, kitchen and wondrous views of the gardens and rice paddy fields.
Discover the sacred spirit of Bali
Ubud has so much to offer! There will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy many of the resources of Ubud. Take a walk on the Campuhan Ridge with stunning panoramic views of Ubud and its surroundings - the Sungai Wos river valley with remote small village houses surrounded by rice fields, green hills, lush rainforest, and gorges. In clear weather, you can even enjoy the spectacular scenery of Mount Agung. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud, home to cheeky long-tailed macaques. The forest also features 186 species of plants and trees and three temples. In the evenings try out the amazing restaurants with exceptional Indonesian options alongside foods from all over the world. Indulge in high-quality, inexpensive massage, spa and body therapies at any number of wellness centers. We will provide recommendations of our favourite places in Ubud, including a renowned Balinese reflexologist...
Meet your hosts
Keith Parker is an adept facilitator and teacher of consciousness transformation. Read bio. Christabel Armsden is an experienced facilitator and highly skilled space-holder. Read bio.
If you have any questions about the retreat, just send us an email and we'll get right back to you!
"Bali has long felt like a spiritual home to us. Over many years of exploring the island we have been repeatedly enchanted by the village of Penestanan, its charming people and traditional way of life. The opportunity to finally share this special place with the FD community is very exciting to us. The energy and spirit of Bali island is highly attuned for transformation work, both playful and summoning deep relation with the land and calling us to look inside of ourselves..."
Christabel & Keith
Retreat pricing
This retreat is priced at $1,695 or $1,795 per person.
Some rooms at Santra Putra are newer and others a little older, more traditional in style. We have chosen to make a slight price differentiation between these rooms in acknowledgement of this. All rooms are very comfortable and have everything that you need!
When you place your deposit simply confirm your room choice as "newer" ($1,795 - 5 ROOMS REMAINING) or "older" ($1,695 - SOLD OUT). We will then be in touch to confirm your first choice of accommodation. All rooms are single occupancy (one queen bed), unless you are looking to attend the retreat as a couple. If so, please reach out to us direct.
Please note, there are limited places on the retreat, and we anticipate all rooms will sell out!
Getting there
Getting there is an easy journey. Denpasar International Airport (Ngurah Rai) (DPS) operates many flights from major international cities. It is then a 50-60 minute taxi ride to Ubud, and just a few additional minutes to Penestanan village. It is important to make sure that you arrive into Denpasar no later than 2pm on Thursday 30 May in order to be present for our opening circle. With low rainfall and milder days, June is the perfect time to visit Bali. Visas requirements are simple and easy to arrange.
Our ten day retreat is held at the charming Santra Putra Gallery & Guesthouse, located in Penestanan village, about 10 minutes from the centre of Ubud. Santra Putra is most easily accessed on foot via the Penestanen stairs from the main Ubud road (Jalan Raya). Look for the taxi stand across from Tjampuan hotel. Next to the taxi stand, are the famous Penestanan steps. Climb the steps and continue straight until you see Santra Putra on your right. Taxis can also approach via Penestanan Kelod (up the hill past Zest), continuing until reaching Vespa cafe. Cars cannot access beyond this point. Continue on foot via Gg. Pacekan, down the hill, across the small river, pass Made’s warung on the right and Santra Putra is then on your left.
Facilities
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Home cooked Balinese breakfast included
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WIFI available in rooms and main commons
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Room cleaning provided daily
What’s not included
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Airfare to/from Denpasar International Airport (Ngurah Rai) (DPS)
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Transfers to/from the airport to Ubud or Penestanan village (taxis are friendly, plentiful and should have a set rate fee of 300,000 IDR (approx. USD $20) for this journey, however this can vary slightly depending on the time of day)
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Meals other than breakfast; eating out in Bali is a most enjoyable experience not to be missed! Meals are very affordable, costing anywhere from a few dollars in a local warung to approx $10 for local or Western fare in more formal eateries. Fresh high-quality vegan and vegetarian options are hugely popular and widely available in both local and Western eateries, and we will be providing a list of our top recommendations to all attendees. There are many fantastic and low-cost choices both within the area of our accommodation and classes, and in Ubud centre which is walkable from the venue in around 15 minutes
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Additional Pyramids of Chi sound healing excursion (approx. $25 per person if you opt-in at the time!)
Whilst you're there, why not stay longer?
If you are able, we highly recommend that people consider taking more time to explore the Island or places nearby. Bali is one of the best places in the world for “low cost, high quality” so even for the budget-minded traveler, it’s worth spending a few extra days. In Ubud itself, there are numerous affordable spas with incredible massage and treatments, and a plethora of yoga classes and wellness pursuits. You could travel to the beaches on the coast, enjoy some world-class surfing, or take a trip to neighbouring islands such as Nusa Penida or Lombok. A personal favourite of ours are the Gili islands, a short boat ride from Bali, where you can snorkel or dive in coral-rich waters teeming with life and even swim casually with the beautiful sea turtles.
Retreat details & booking terms
This retreat runs 30 May - 8 June 2024 at the Santra Putra Homestay in Penestanan, Ubud, Bali. The arrival day is Thursday 30 May (opening circle in the afternoon). A daily programme will operate 31 May - 7 June, with times allocated for included and optional excursions. Departure is Saturday 8 June (closing circle in the morning). Price includes nine nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, all teaching hours, a water purification (Tirta Empul), and excursions to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Mount Batur volcanic hot springs, Besakih Great Temple and Ubud Palace.
Please note that the $400 deposit is non-refundable. Balance invoices will be issued on receipt of your deposit, with payment due within 45 days of issue. In the instance a payment plan is requested, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
If you decide to cancel your reservation, the cancellation policy is as follows;
Cancellation 45+ days from start of retreat; 50% refundable, minus deposit.
Cancellation within 45 days from start of retreat; no refunds will be issued.
Field Dynamics reserves the right to ask participants to leave a training, retreat or event if their behaviour is deemed inappropriate or is impacting negatively on the experience of other participants. The full fee may not be refunded, at the organiser’s discretion.
