The idea of a retreat in the picturesque island of Bali has always been associated with yoga, meditation, or surfing. But today, it’s undergoing an evolution. Bali is offering retreats around every conceivable theme, each promising an immersive experience.
The newest entrant to this innovative holiday concept is the interiors and design retreat, brainchild of Sheila Man, the founder of Bali Interiors. A renowned interiors photographer, Man, is deeply entrenched in Bali’s design ecosystem. Her online platform, Bali Interiors, has been a beacon for design aficionados, bringing to the forefront Bali’s exquisite interior design and architecture. Her 2021 YouTube series, “A Peek in Paradise,” showcased the island’s most stunning homes and garnered a significant following.
This retreat, lasting six nights, invites a maximum of twelve guests to dive deep into Bali’s enigmatic design culture. Hosted in a luxurious Balinese resort, it combines the pleasures of spa treatments and yoga sessions with an intensive exploration of the island’s architectural marvels.
Guests at the retreat range from established interior designers to novices, all united by a shared passion. They are treated to exclusive tours of private homes, direct interactions with Bali’s top architects and designers, and unique insights into the workings of local artisans and craftsmen.
A prominent feature of the retreat is its focus on traditional craftsmanship fused with modern aesthetics. For instance, at the Ong Cen Kuang studio, guests meet designer Budiman Ong, who masterfully melds traditional craft with contemporary materials, producing exquisite lighting pieces from unconventional materials like white zips. Another stop, the Tarum textiles, introduces visitors to the Balinese family-owned establishment that champions sustainability, weaving fabrics with natural dyes derived from indigo plant leaves.
While the retreat heavily emphasizes design inspiration, guests can hardly resist the lure of Bali’s artisanal shopping scene. Whether it’s pots from the archipelago, unique earrings from an architect’s studio, or customizable rattan furniture, the island’s craft scene is rich and diverse.
The retreat also ensures that guests experience the raw beauty and culture of Bali. From relaxing by the natural pools of the Bambu Indah resort, known for its groundbreaking bamboo architecture, to witnessing breathtaking sunsets at Seminyak’s Petitenget Beach, the retreat promises a sublime blend of design, culture, and leisure.
In summary, these interior and design retreats in Bali aren’t just vacations; they’re transformative journeys. They blend the love for design with Bali’s rich cultural heritage, offering a unique experience that is both intellectually stimulating and soulfully rejuvenating.
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