What’s so special about Bali? Top 3 Reasons
Nusa Penida, Bali
Many of you have been intrigued by and followed along this year’s Bali retreat journey on social media. Others have been asking about it. Honestly, I’ve had a hard time finding the words to convey why it’s such a special place. With some time to integrate it all, I feel it’s time to share.
Beyond being a feast for the eyes with its beautiful beaches, shades of turquoise waters, breathtaking cliffside vistas and temples, lush jungles, and world famous rice terraces (oh and we can’t forget - the amaaaazing food) Bali has deep soul…a palpable serenity that’s both soothing and contagious.
I feel like this energy is due to 3 different elements coming together:
Sacredness built into the daily: everywhere you look!
In Bali, spirituality is expressed and embodied in the everyday. Millions of offerings are meticulously crafted each day, containing multicoloured flowers, sweets, fruits, all wrapped up in handcrafted natural containers. Placing these offerings in symbolic locations throughout their houses and vehicles, streets and sidewalks, a sacred ceremony is performed, making these offerings of gratitude to the thousand Gods. An incense stick is then lit and sits there burning, carrying up the intentions up to the heavens! Walking around Bali, you see these everywhere, reminders of their deep and embodied spirituality.
The head of a household might create and place up to 30 offering containers around their house, grounds, home and community temples every single day. Imagine this multiplied by millions everyday.
Our group had an offering making workshop to help us build our own offering, to be used at the Holy water purification temple the next day: one of THE most sacred experiences of my life
As my friend and retreat co-host Natasha described so well: “the most profound moment came during the water purification ceremony at Tirta Empul, a holy spring temple that has been used for ritual cleansing for over a thousand years. Dressed in silk sarongs, we entered the cool, sacred waters in silence. One by one, we moved through the fountains, bowing our heads beneath the flowing streams, each one representing a prayer, a letting go, a rebirth.” Bali is full of these sacred spaces and rituals.
2. Sacred Energy Vortex
Bali is also believed to have a unique spiritual power due to a sacred energy vortex intricately linked to the Earth's Kundalini energy. This energy comes from two strong lines that meet in Bali, making it a powerful container for peace and transformation in those looking for it. Its numerous temples, ancient wisdom practices and shamanic healers, and the overall harmonious relationship between humans and nature contribute to this unique spiritual atmosphere.
3. The Balinese People
And finally, the people of this land are the cherry on top of this Bali Sunday . In one of her blogs, Natasha expresses it perfectly: “In Bali, kindness isn’t just a gesture—it’s a way of life. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted not as a stranger, but as a friend. Sometimes, even as a relative. There’s something uniquely warm and soulful in the way the Balinese connect with you—it’s in their smiles, their open-hearted greetings, the way they look you in the eyes and truly see you.
“This is a place where presence is sacred. The Balinese don’t rush past you with distracted hellos. They pause. They engage.”
Most often we can’t understand each other as we only have limited vocabulary in common. But they offer their kindness as naturally as breathing, as if it’s the most essential form of communication—and maybe, it is.
Their compassion isn’t a performance or a show. It’s not for money or attention. It’s genuine.
Whether it’s a shared smile, a gentle gesture, a helping hand, or a quiet moment of shared laughter, the people remind you that kindness doesn’t need words to be understood. It’s the universal language—and in Bali, it’s spoken fluently.”
Another retreat participant, Caroline, shared this about the Balinese:
“ahhh the generous souls that live there, how they look after each other, their families, how they value all life forms, how offerings and being grateful are woven so deeply in their culture”.
In a world that often moves too fast, Bali teaches us to slow down, be present and lead with our heart.
In an upcoming blog, I will share more about the type of transformation we experienced during our inaugural retreat in April.
For more information on our upcoming 2026 Bali retreats, feel free to take a peek here. Early bird discounts still available. 😊
May we take a bit of inspiration from the Balinese and sink into slowing down, resting, and being truly present to what matters to our hearts.
Warmly💕
Charmaine xx