The Sacred Art of
Soulful Self-Love
A 10-Day Experience for Women
in Enlightenment, Adventure and Self-Love
on the Sacred Island of Bali and the Gili Islands!
May 25 - June 4, 2022
with Alicia Ashley, MA
“Your task is not to seek for love,
but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you
have built against it.”
Rumi
Welcome! I am so happy you are here!
Today, I want to invite you to think about experiencing boundless joy, never ending freedom, being totally unlimited, and enjoying feelings, sights and sounds that are beyond your wildest imagination! These are all feelings I've experienced like never before here in Bali and the Gili Islands!
No matter where you are in this phase of your life, this is your opportunity to expand into deeper self-love, greater enlightenment and joy like you've never known before! These 10 days on the sacred island of Bali deepening your soulful self-love are more than the usual retreat and more than amazing sight seeing, these are 10 days of intentional travel. They are truly the perfect fusion of adventure, enlightenment and fun! 
You will discover the incredible beauty of Bali, from its thousands of temples to its majestic waterfalls and turquoise waters teeming with exotic fish.
But more important, during this life-transforming adventure, you will discover the majestic and divine beauty within you!
You will go home more alive, awakened and aware. You will be renewed in body, mind and spirit ready to take on the world in a whole new way.
Intentional travel is an exceptional opportunity to set an intention that will be more far-reaching than simply discovering new places and experiencing new people, cultures and foods.
Intentional travel is an exceptional opportunity to experience expansion in places you may have been restricted possibly all of your life! It is an opportunity to face fears, breakthrough barriers, question beliefs, try new things, expand your awareness, let go and bring in the fresh, the new and the unimaginable…all in the very best way!
Each day we will share meditation, enlightened conversation, and the opportunity to look inward while we are savoring all the delights and surprises of some of the most exotic islands on the planet!
You’ll enjoy the best the islands have to offer - whether it’s swimming with sea turtles in crystal clear water, gazing at larger-than-life Buddhas, seeing sunrises and sunsets that are beyond your wildest imagination and meditating in deeply spiritual settings that only exist in Bali.
I can’t wait to explore the sacred monkey forest with you, to shop in the traditional Balinese market and see your eyes light up with what you find and take home! I look forward to sipping coconut water out of a fresh coconut with you while we gaze at the stunningly gorgeous Tegalalang rice terraces, and I can’t wait to be your personal photographer and take even more stunning photos of you in some of the most gorgeous infinity pools in the world!
Together, with other extraordinary women, we will have the time of our lives being BBB women…Bold, Brave and Badass! We will create a safe place to breakthrough any barriers you may have had to living the unapologetic, fearless and fabulous life you desire and deserve!
Featuring These Iconic Locations
Bali Lush Boutique Resort
Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
Air Panas Banjar
Holy Hot Springs
Sekumpul Waterfall
Ubud,
The Cultural Center of Bali
The Gili Islands
Meet the Bold, the Brave, and the Totally Badass Alicia Ashley!
aka
Your Fearless and Fabulous Island Guide
to All Things Bali, Transformation and Epic Self-Love!
Greetings from beautiful island of Bali!
In one of my darkest hours in the middle of the pandemic I was called to move to Bali! Weird I know, but so true! I decided to give away, throw away or sell almost everything I own and move to an island 8 degrees from the equator and a place I had never even been to before! Oh trust me, I had curated a lovely home with many beautiful and elegant "things" and I had a wonderful life doing what I love . . . before the pandemic! And then it all came to a crashing halt!
I was called to come to Bali to follow my bliss and work deeply and meaningfully with women leading women's healing and empowerment retreats, just like the many retreats I'd been leading for years, but now totally different on Bali!
My mission has always been to support, empower and to make a significant difference in the lives of women around the world, and there's no better place for me to do this than in Bali!
So I can't wait to welcome you to Bali! I'm so eager to take you on a life changing "Grand Tour" of all the best places that will take your breath away, make your soul sing, your jaw drop in awe, move you to tears of gratitude, and fill your heart with love beyond measure!
It will be the trip of a life lifetime, one you will never forget! I hope you'll answer the calling of your soul and join me here! The adventure of a lifetime awaits!
With much love and the biggest Bali hugs,
Alicia
"Religious ceremonies are of paramount importance in Bali, an island, don’t forget, with seven unpredictable volcanoes on it . . .
you would pray, too! "
Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love
Your Grand Tour Itinerary
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
You've Arrived! Welcome to Bali!
You'll arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali. Your driver and I will pick you up and take you to Bali Lush, approximately 90 minutes from the airport.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 -SATURDAY, MAY 28
Bali Lush Boutique Resort
Rest, relaxation, swimming, yoga, meditation and massage are what our days are filled with at Bali Lush. Slow is the name of the game here in order to give your body some time to adjust. We will also walk through Secret Valley to some beautiful waterfalls you can swim in and enjoy, learn the meaning of the Hindu offerings how to make them, and we will experience some beautiful Balinese dancers from the local village.
SATURDAY, MAY 28
Travel to the North Shore
On the way to the North Shore we will stop by the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, some of Bali's most picturesque rice fields and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also enjoy beautiful views of Lake Beratan and visit the Ulan Danu Temple.
SATURDAY, MAY 28 - MONDAY, MAY 30
The North Shore ~ Lovina
While visiting the North Shore, the least visited side of the island we will stay at the Lovina Beach Club and Resort. We will visit the nearby Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery, the Air Panas Banjar Holy Hot Springs, and the Sekumpul Waterfalls. We will also have time to just relax and enjoy the gorgeous infinity edge pool.
MONDAY, MAY 30 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
Ubud ~ The Spiritual Center of Bali
I love all of Bali, but I live in Ubud and absolutely love it and I think you will too! We'll be staying near the center of town at the Meruhdani Boutique Hotel. You'll walk through rice fields, visit Tis Cafe on the Tegalalang Rice Fields, go to the legendary Yoga Barn, and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest. You will also have lots of shopping opportunities from the upscale to the traditional Balinese street market. Get ready to bargain! We'll enjoy a special night out at the gorgeous Sayan House with jungle views and epic sunsets, dinner in the middle of the rice fields and great photo ops on one of the Bali swings!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 - FRIDAY, JUNE 3
The Gili Islands
We'll leave early and catch a fast boat to the most charming and exotic islands I'm certain you have ever seen, the Gili Islands, complete with warm turquoise waters, sandy beaches, horse drawn carriages and a totally fabulous pink resort, The Pink Coco Gili Air! Since there are no motorized vehicles or scooters we'll either be walking, biking or taking a horse drawn carriage around the islands. We'll also take their pink boat out with a captain and underwater guide to snorkel and see lots of fish, sea turtles and and amazing underwater statue called "The Nest" by world renowned sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, off the coast of Gili Meno. We'll also spend some time on the third, largest and most visited island, Gili Trawangan, or Gili T!
FRIDAY, JUNE 3 - SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Sanur
After a delicious breakfast sitting on the beach of the Pink Coco Gili Air we'll take the fast boat back to Bali and go directly to another gorgeous beach at Sanur and the Segara Village Resort. Spend the day as you wish: sunning, snorkeling, local street shopping, fancy mall shopping,
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
We Had A Great Time! Departure
Your driver and I will take you to the airport and assure your safe and timely departure home. Unless...
SATURDAY, JUNE 4 +
Of Course You Can Stay Longer!
Let's talk about what you have in mind and I will assist you in making all of the arrangements so that your Bali experience is customized to your preferences and fabulous!
Bali Lush
Bali Lush is an exquisite boutique resort nestled in a gorgeous valley of rice terraces and lush landscaping. It provides the perfect fusion of Indonesian culture and modern western comforts.
Bali Lush is located far and away from any city where time seems to stand still. Here, you’ll be restored and rejuvenated as you experience the ultimate tranquility and serenity.
The food at Bali Lush is the perfect blend of delicious international cuisine. Much of it is grown right there in their own vegetable gardens and fruit orchard.
Together we will enjoy yoga, sound healing, a class on the meaning of the Balinese offerings found throughout Bali, and a beautiful traditional Balinese dance from young ladies who live in the nearby village and a secluded nearby waterfall where few tourists ever go.
Arrival at the beautiful Bali International Airport and go straight to Bali Lush
Bali North Shore
The North Shore of Bali has some of the most incredible sights and experiences on Bali, and the best part about it is that very few tourists venture there!
It is known for sleepy little fishing villages, some of the best markets on the island and beautiful black sand beaches.
Our time on the North Shore will be some of our most active seeing several spectacular attractions: the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, what some say is the best waterfall on Bali, Sekumpul Waterfall, and the Air Panas Banjar Holy Hot Springs, where you can also do a bit of shopping in the local market nearby.
Lovina is also one of few places on the island where you can enjoy a gorgeous sunrise over the mountains from the rooftop patio of our hotel and a spectacular sunset lounging by the pool.
Speaking of the pool, the pool at the Lovina Beach Club and Resort is one of the most striking on the island. It is an infinity pool whose edge blends right in with the ocean.
Some of my most favorite photos while here in Bali have come from each of these locations.
Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
This majestic monastery complex is the only Buddhist monastery on Bali. It is perched high in the hills above Lovina Beach on the North Shore of Bali. This is one of the least visited areas on the island and very few tourists venture here, therefore it is extremely peaceful, quiet and awe inspiring. Just the sight of the four giant white Buddhas is a spiritual experience.
Examining the name further: Brahma, Vihara and Arama. Brahma means great, noble, commendable. Vihara means a way of life, and Arama means place. So the meaning of Brahmavihara Arama is a place to cultivate a noble and commendable way of life.
This is one of the holiest temples on the island and together we meditate in one of their many meditation areas. You will also have plenty of time here to meditate and journal on your own if you would like.
Air Panas Banjar Holy Hot Springs
Enjoying the magical waters of Air Panas Banjar Holy Hot Springs is a truly Balinese experience and a 'must-do' when visiting the island.
Since Bali is an island dotted by volcanoes you also find some great hot springs, and Air Panas Banjar Holy Hot Springs is one of the best and most beautiful. They are set in a lush jungle garden that is not frequently visited by tourists because of its northern location.
It is like a secret hide-away for relaxation and pampering all with the benefits of healing hot springs.
The water has a comfortable 38 degrees with a sulfur content of 26%. The two main pools are 1-2 meters deep and make the perfect place for swimming and relaxing. The third pool is small with three spouts giving you a natural massage when you stand beneath them.
Sekumpul Waterfall
I first read about the Sempkul Waterfall while doing my island research on the Four Season Hotel website. They have a page of staff favorites and their Director of Guest Experiences wrote, “My favorite adventure is going to Sekumpul Waterfall, the best waterfall on the island. It is a hidden gem of six or seven cascades located in a remote part of Bali on the north side. It's such a thrill to see them – one is over 50 meters (165 feet) high!”
After a nice 30-minute hike to reach the base of the falls through a lush bamboo-forested valley we will come upon an awesome viewpoint of the falls from above. We will stop here to take some beautiful photographs.
You will hear the distant roar of the main falls before you see them. Then as you come around the corner, you’ll be graced by the most incredible majestic beauty of Bali’s best waterfall.
Ubud
I first went to Ubud to hike Mt. Batur and while there I absolutely fell in love with it and, without hesitation, moved from the beach to Ubud three days later! Everywhere you go in Ubud, you immediately feel the rich cultural heritage of the Balinese people.
Whether shopping for fruits and vegetables, an authentic sarong, silver jewelry or larak coffee, you’ll find it all at the lively traditional marketplace, but be sure and bring lots of rupiahs because they don’t take credit cards! (I will help you figure out the currency exchange and get the best deals!)
We will enjoy yoga amidst rice fields, an elegant dinner above the jungle river, and free time to pamper yourself with a massage, facial, hair cut, or eyelash extensions, all at a fraction of the price you would pay at home! Go for it! Why not? You’re in Bali and you can!
Title
Title
Title
Title
Title
Title
Monkey Forest
Tis Cafe
The Sayan House
Yoga House
Kastara Resort
The Gili Islands
Gili Air - Gili Meno - Gili Trawangan
I had never even heard of the Gili Islands when I first came to Bali, but they truly are one of Indonesia’s best kept secrets. The pace of the Gili Islands is slow. Really. Slow. You will not find a single scooter or car on any of the three charming islands, just bicycles and horse drawn carriages.
The Gili Islands consist of three tiny islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, just a 90 minute boat ride from Bali. They are breathtaking surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water and sandy beaches fringed with palm trees,
We will stay in style at the fabulous Pink Coco Resort on Gili Air. The service there is five-star all the way. We will take the Pink Coco boat out for snorkeling, have our special pink bicycles to explore the island with and lounge by the pool on comfy pink daybeds or lounges! Trust me, you won’t want to leave! I sure didn’t!
Transferring from the fast boat to the island boat to go to Gili Air
The views from Bali to the islands were spectacular
Sunset from the beach at the Pink Coco Resort
Ready, Set, Go - Falling backwards off the boat to go snorkeling
Gili Air neighborhood residents, roosters and chickens galor
No vehicles in the Gilis, just horse drawn carriages and bicycles
Pagi means "Good morning"
Leaving the Pink Coco and riding with another guest to the harbor
Horse drawn carriage on Gili Trawangan, the largest Gili Island
The beautiful waters of the Gili Islands, crystal clear and the perfect temperature
"Porn crackers" vs "Prawn crackers" on Gili Trawangan or Gili T as they say
A day at sea on the lovely Pink Coco Resort "Love Boat"
The Pink Coco Resort on Gili Air
Sights Around Gili Air
The Pink Coco "Love Boat" and Snorkeling
Underwater Statues
