Wander Women Bali:
A Yoga + Adventure Retreat
Ubud, Canggu + Jimbaran
May 14-21, 2027
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to surf and savasana, temple hop, beach bum and celebratory toast your way around the Island of the Gods. Spend eight days and seven nights in Alex’s beloved home island of Bali, taking in the highlights of Ubud, Canggu and Jimbaran Bay.
Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality and sun-kissed pleasure as Bali. A glorious cocktail of cultures and influences; ancient wisdom and modern energy meet here to create one of the planet’s most magnetic destinations. Bali is teeming with creative people and inspiring design, filled with delicious healthy food, blessed with stunning natural landscapes and bursting with opportunities for adventure. After years of wanderlust; the pull of this magical place inspired Alex to buy her first home here, overlooking a peaceful rice paddy — and yes, she’ll be hosting you there!
Throughout the week, we’ll rest our heads in swoon-worthy accommodation, ranging from a chic boutique hotel to sleek authentic villas. Balinese hospitality will be in full effect, as we indulge in local cuisine and culture around this stunning island paradise. Bali is no hidden gem; but with Alex’s connections and insider knowledge, we’ve arranged unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
A photographer will be behind the lens every step of the way, ensuring everyone leaves with profile-picture worthy shots of themselves. In addition to full access to the hundreds of photos our pro will take throughout the trip, she’ll send a daily selection of highlights for you to post on-the-go.
As with all Wander Women Retreats, we seek to be mindful travelers in our destination by partnering with small, locally-owned businesses and traveling as low-waste as possible.
Still want more? Join us on our Wander Women Komodo retreat to soak up the sea, sand and sun of Komodo National Park for a dive and yoga liveaboard experience!
The Details
This eight day retreat will be held from May 14-21, 2027, and starts at $3,500 for shared accommodation and $4,400 for private accommodation.
What’s Included
• Seven nights of unique boutique accommodation
• Two meals a day
• Daily yoga
• All outlined activities — see below!
• All local transportation + airport transfers
• A custom welcome bag
• Local tipping for activities, meals and drivers (we generously tip on your behalf, removing the stress and anxiety of when and how much to tip in a new culture!)
• Professional photos of the trip
• Donation to local NGOs
What’s Not Included
• Flights
• Additional meals, alcohol or activities not specified in the itinerary
• Mandatory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Subject to change, but you’re going to have a magical time — here’s the general idea!
Day 1: Welcome to Bali! We’ll kick off our retreat with a traditional Balinese offering workshop, manifesting a beautiful week ahead. Tonight we’ll toast to an exciting week ahead with a welcome dinner at our jaw-drop private villa prepared by Alex’s favorite private chef. Bellies and hearts full after getting to know your fellow Wander Women, we’ll bliss out with a yin massage yoga class and sound bath to unwind post-travels — the perfect way to dive straight into the culture and calming energy of Ubud.
Day 2: We’ll rise with the jungle this morning for an early yoga flow in our cliffside shala overlooking the river, followed by a refreshing dip. After breakfast we’ll head out for one of Bali’s most meaningful cultural experiences — melukat — a traditional Balinese purification ceremony that uses holy water to cleanse the body, mind and spirit, offering a beautiful way to connect with the island’s deep spiritual roots. We’ll refuel with lunch at a local Indonesian cafe before heading into Ubud town to shop till your heart’s content — think locally crafted pieces, artisan-made treasures, and beautiful Bali textiles. After a little villa downtime, we’ll head to a pool cafe famously overlooking the Tegalalang rice fields. Sip, swim, swing your way into that iconic Bali photo, then settle in for dinner with a view. Back at the villa, we’ll end the night in peak Wander Women style: curled up for a Bali themed movie screening (okay — we’re watching Eat, Pray, Love!).
Day 3: Today we say farewell to Ubud — but not before checking out a few more iconic spots. We’ll hit the heart of town for breakfast before starting our journey to Canggu. On the way we’ll stop at the Monkey Forest for that photo and go chasing waterfalls for that other one, then enjoy lunch at a hip waterfall day club — Bali truly has everything! Once in Canggu we’ll take in that first breath of beach air as we get a new perspective in with an aerial yoga class at one of Bali’s most stunning studios. After settling into our gorgeous Canggu abode, we’ll head to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, serving up fresh and healthy local fare with a side of social enterprise goodness. Keen to carry on? Alex will show you her favorite places for a late night boogie!
Day 4: Rise and shine, it’s party time! To set the mood, we’ll enjoy a stunning floating breakfast in our pool followed by a classic Wander Woman sip + stretch yoga class. Bali’s beach clubs are famed the world over, and today we’ll be hitting up a classic Seminyak spot that’s recently resurrected itself as a mecca of sustainability, design, and good times. We’ll start with a fun upcycling workshop to see how this beach club is turning their waste into funky and functional art. We’ll then go lounge in the sun, make new friends with fellow travelers and dance the day away. Sun kissed and silly we’ll head home to Alex’s very own Bali villa for the ultimate pizza + wine night.
Day 5: Today we’re hitting the beach for a classic Canggu day, kicking off with a beachside breakfast at one of Alex’s favourite early morning warungs before hitting the sand for a shoreline clean-up. Then, we’ll dive right in with a surf lesson led by Alex’s own personal surf instructor and friends — because when in Bali, right? After rinsing off the salt, the afternoon is yours to explore the heart of the Canggu scene, with free time for lunch, shopping, and a little boutique hopping. Then it’s time to fully lean into Bali bliss with an indulgent spa afternoon, complete with a full-body massage, scrub, and gold facial. Once we’ve melted into total relaxation, time to glam up for an elevated Indonesian dining experience in a stunning joglo with a traditional Balinese dance performance and cocktails featuring local flavors. If we’re still raring to go post-dinner, we will party on to the coolest bars + clubs in Berawa, another nearby neighborhood.
Day 6: We’ll ease into the day with a slow morning at the villa, starting with yoga and breakfast before a little free time to lounge by the pool or sneak in some final Canggu shopping. Then, we’ll head to a local heritage hotel for a lunchtime Balinese cooking class, where we’ll learn the secrets of sambal and get hands-on with the flavours that make this island so delicious. This afternoon, we’re off to Tanah Lot for something seriously special: a sunset kecak fire show, set against one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples. As the sky turns gold, we’ll soak up the magic of the performance before ending the day with dinner on the beach.
Day 7: Today we’ll say farewell to Canggu and make our way south, stopping first at Denpasar Market for a truly local tour through one of Bali’s most bustling everyday markets. From there, we’ll move our bodies to the rhythm of the island with a traditional Balinese dance class — matching colourful sarongs very much included. Along the way, we’ll also visit the SAKA Museum for an interesting insight into Bali’s history, culture, and traditions before arriving in Jimbaran, where lunch awaits at our heritage hotel home for the night. This afternoon, we’ll slow things right down with one final relaxing yoga session and free time to wander, rest, or soak up the softer pace of this quieter corner of Bali. Tonight, we’ll gather for a final toes-in-the-sand dinner on the beach — the perfect way to toast our last night together in Bali.
Day 8: Bali has blessed us with lifelong memories — and friendships! It’s time for hugs and fond farewells… unless you’re sticking around for more!
Joining our Komodo Retreat? The fun continues with a week of diving and luxuriating at sea!
The Adventure
Why sightsee when you can sight do! We’re going to enjoy Bali the way Alex fell in love with it — in motion. Here’s what’s included, but of course, expect some surprises.
Daily yoga
Traditional offerings workshop
Water temple visit
Rice terrace viewpoint
Ubud Monkey Forest visit
Waterfall excursion
Beach club entrances
Surf lesson
Balinese cooking class
Luxury spa experience
Balinese dance lesson
Temple visit + Kecak fire dance
A pizza party at Alex’s villa!
We get that you don’t want to end your trip needing a vacation from a vacation — while we’re offering a lot of fun and activity, always feel free to opt out to rest and recharge.
Where We’ll Stay and What We’ll Eat
We’ve carefully selected a collection of beautiful accommodations that showcase the different sides of Bali, from the lush jungle landscapes of Ubud to the laid-back beach culture of Canggu and the coastal beauty of Bali’s southern peninsula. Expect boutique properties with plenty of character, thoughtful design, inviting pools, and comfortable spaces to relax and connect after a day of adventure. We’ve prioritized locations that reflect the spirit of each destination while providing the comfort, atmosphere, and amenities that make a Wander Women retreat special.
Due to the unique nature of our accommodation in Bali, double rooms will feature shared king or queen sized beds. In some locations, there will be an option for two single beds. Of course you can room with a friend but if you’re traveling solo, fear not, so are most of our Wander Women guests! We’ll do our best to pair you with someone we think you’ll click with based on your intake forms — and we’ll all be besties by the end anyway. Rooms vary slightly by layout and view in some locations and will be assigned based on booking order.
Every day, two meals will be included; typically breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Bali has become an expat destination with people from all around the world bringing their beloved cuisine to the island, expect it not only to be delicious but healthy and balanced. For the non-included meal of the day, we’ll bring you to a favorite spot where you can order at your own expense, or branch off and do your own thing. All diets can be accommodated.
Extend Your Adventure
Bali Pre-Retreat Extension (Coming soon!)
Want even more Bali? Arrive two days early and join us from May 12-14, 2027 for a special pre-retreat extension designed to help you shake off the jet lag, and ease into Bali before the main retreat begins. This two-night getaway will take you to Bali’s volcanic highlands, where you’ll stay at a luxury glamping retreat surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Think cozy evenings under the stars, natural hot spring soaks, and plenty of time to relax before the adventure kicks off. Highlights will include an optional sunrise trek up Mount Batur, one of Bali’s most famous volcanoes, as well as an indulgent in-tent massage. As the extension comes to a close, you’ll be seamlessly transported to Ubud to join the main retreat.
Wander Women Komodo (Book now!)
Not ready to head back yet? Hop from the Island of the Gods to the Land of Dragons for a week of unparalleled diving cruising through the best of the islands on our private charter for Wander Women Komodo. Join us on a beautifully renovated phinisi, a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel turned floating barefoot luxury resort, for a this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip — you deserve it! We’ll head to the gorgeous volcanic archipelago of Komodo National Park, Indonesia for a blissful seven nights exploring the topside and underwater of some of the most beautiful islands on Earth.
Travel With Us
On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Alexandra Baackes as your host, and Rayna O’Nan as your private photographer.
Alexandra Baackes is the founder of Wander Women Retreats and Alex in Wanderland, and will lead your yoga practices throughout this trip. Alex fell in love with Bali’s hospitality, culture, and adventures while completing her PADI Divemaster in the Gili Islands in 2016 after her first visit to Indonesia in 2015, and is now a proud home owner and part-time resident in Bali. She is a PADI Ambassadiver, as well as a RYT 200 Registered Yoga Teacher, a Buti Bands and Sculpt instructor, an aerial vinyasa and yin instructor, and a regular yoga practitioner for over a decade. She can’t wait to travel with you.
Your photographer Rayna is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, owner of Ocean Rays Photography and self-professed shark whisperer who has been working with sharks for nearly 10 years. Rayna has joined us in Key Largo, in the Maldives, Raja Ampat and in her home of West Palm Beach! After becoming a scuba instructor in the Florida Keys, she picked up an underwater camera and fell in love, allowing her to travel the world taking photos of underwater life to inspire marine conservation. While she loves to snap sharks under the sea she can’t wait to capture your best angle amongst the beauty of Bali, which she fell in love with on our inaugural Wander Women Bali!
Getting There and Away
All international flights to Bali arrive and depart from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). This is where our retreat will begin.
Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up from the airport and drive you to Ubud to start the retreat. At the end of the retreat, there will be a car service arranged to take you back to the airport on the last day of the retreat. If you choose to stay in Bali past the departure date, we will be happy to help with transfers at your own expense.
Please feel free to reach out to us for help with flight recommendations — we’re always available at retreats@alexinwanderland.com. We offer an hour of complimentary consultation on booking your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate. You will receive a packet at the time of booking with more details regarding travel.
Join Us
This retreat has limited rooming due to some of the unique private villa complexes we’ll be staying at — book soon to avoid disappointment. Your deposit secures your spot, and the remaining balance will be split into monthly payments, with your final payment due no later than one month before departure.
Please note that there is a minimum booking requirement, so please refrain from booking air travel until the departure quota has been met. You will be notified when this is a guaranteed departure.
Can’t make this one? Don’t sweat — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats. Don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions or concerns over if this is the right retreat for you. We’re always here to chat.
F.A.Q.
So does non-refundable really mean non-refundable?
Yes, all payments are non-refundable. If the trip must be postponed or canceled due to events beyond our control, you will be offered the choice between a full refund and applying your payments to a future trip.
The reason payments are non-refundable is that we start incurring costs from the moment someone presses “book” — from credit card fees to high hourly wages for our team who correspond with guests, manage trip inventory and our e-commerce platform, analyze forms to create room assignments, coordinate with our local vendors, and beyond.
There’s nothing we want more than for our guests to take and enjoy the travel they have worked hard and paid for. Thank you so much for your understanding and respect of our need to enforce this policy strictly. We want to be here to travel with you for years to come!
Will I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is absolutely mandatory for all Wander Women Retreat guests to have personal travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Our affiliate, World Nomads offers coverage at affordable rates. We recommend you book your travel insurance as soon as you make your trip deposit to protect your investment.
For those who want ultimate flexibility, we suggest a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy. This allows you to make your own decisions about travel regardless of official advisories. More information will be provided upon booking.
What about visas?
Entering Indonesia is a relatively straightforward process as visas are available on arrival for stays of up to 30 days (for most nationalities). To be sure you are eligible for the visa exemption, please double check your nationality requirements before traveling, along with your passport expiration date — you will need at least six months validity from your intended return date and a blank passport page — hurray, another stamp!
Do I need to be good at yoga?
Absolutely not. (And frankly, we don’t believe in the idea of being “good” at yoga!) We have a range of yogis from brand-new beginners to talented instructors join us on our trips. You’ll get the opportunity to sample a wide range of yoga styles, and you can opt in or out of as many classes as you wish.
Will I have time to do my own thing?
This is your retreat and we want you to make it exactly what you want! There’s a lot to see and experience, so we’ve tried to design an itinerary that balances the best of activity and downtime. But any time you want to bow out to have some “me-time” or do your own thing, we’re going to cheer you on.
How much money will I need to bring?
Bali offers a wide variety of meal options for all travelers! For meals at the local spots we’ll bring you to, you can expect to spend a minimum 200,000 Rp ($12USD) for lunch or 400,000 Rp ($25USD) for dinner, depending on where you go and what you order. Alcohol can range from $2 a beer during happy hour to $20 a cocktail at a beach club. Tipping is appreciated but not required in Bali — 10% is common in tourist areas.
I want to extend my trip to explore more of Indonesia. Any suggestions?
Check out our destination page for our posts about the Gili Islands, Lombok, and the Nusa Islands — and feel free to email us for more info and ideas! Alex has traveled Indonesia extensively. We offer an hour of complimentary consultation on expanding your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years old or older.
Is there a waiting list?
There will be a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis in case spaces open up. If the retreat is full and you’re still interested, email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com to be added to the waiting list.
I still have questions, or cute photos of my dog. Can I contact you?
Um, yes please! Our email is retreats@alexinwanderland.com.