The notion of a “retreat” in Bali, an island known for its picturesque landscapes and spiritual aura, traditionally brings to mind immersive experiences in yoga, meditation, and holistic healing. However, the essence of retreats on this Indonesian paradise is experiencing a transformation. Today, the retreat experience is evolving beyond traditional boundaries to center around an array of diverse thematic experiences.
One such modern retreat concept focuses on the world of interiors and design. Spearheading this fresh take is Sheila Man, the dynamic owner and founder of Bali Interiors. For a week, guests are given the chance to deeply immerse themselves into the intricacies of Balinese design, architecture, and homeware.
Man is no newcomer to the realm of interiors. As a seasoned interiors photographer, she’s closely familiar with the nuances of local architecture and design. Through Bali Interiors, her online platform, she showcases the finest examples of Balinese interior design and architecture, successfully capturing the hearts of over 31,000 followers on YouTube.
Guests at Man’s retreat aren’t merely observers. They actively participate in the exploration of Bali’s design landscape, with exclusive access to private homes, discussions with top local architects and designers, behind-the-scenes visits to artisans’ factories and workshops, and guided tours of the island’s numerous shops, studios, and galleries. All this occurs in the serene backdrop of a Balinese resort, where mornings might start with yoga and evenings culminate with spa treatments under the shade of towering coconut trees.
For those like me, embarking on personal construction projects in Bali, the retreat offers a goldmine of insights. Joining me are like-minded enthusiasts: women from diverse backgrounds such as interior design, event planning, entrepreneurship, and others keen on collecting ideas for their personal building endeavors.
The retreat isn’t just about architecture. It’s a journey into Bali’s rich culture. Ceremonial Balinese blessings, visits to lighting studios, textiles workshops harnessing sustainable practices, and excursions to marble, stone, and wood shops make up the holistic itinerary. While the emphasis leans heavily on sourcing and inspiration, the temptation to indulge in some retail therapy is hard to resist, especially given the affordability and unique craftsmanship of the items.
Yet, amidst the design inspiration and shopping sprees, the essence of a Bali holiday isn’t forgotten. The guests find leisure in the beauty of the island, whether it’s basking in the natural beauty of Sayan’s Bambu Indah resort with its renowned bamboo architecture or relishing a sunset over Seminyak’s Petitenget Beach with a cocktail in hand.
In a nutshell, Man’s interiors and design retreat exemplifies the modern-day Bali experience – a harmonious blend of learning, inspiration, culture, and relaxation.
READ MORE: