The Planner Who Finally Let Go

I am, by nature, a planner. I research, I spreadsheet, I leave nothing to chance. So when I say that this was the first trip I have ever taken where I truly let go and let someone else handle every detail, and it was the best trip of my life, I hope you understand the weight of that.

Away Retreats’ Bali Pilates retreat exceeded every expectation I didn’t even know I had.

A Place That Felt Like a Sanctuary

We stayed at Blue Karma Village, one of the most breathtaking and peaceful properties I have ever set foot on in all of my travels. The grounds, the food, beautiful, plentiful, and delicious, and a staff so warm and attentive that you felt genuinely cared for from the moment you arrived. Bali herself does the rest. The Balinese people are among the kindest I have ever encountered, and I am already planning my return.

The Pilates studio alone is worth the trip. Mostly glass, perched quietly on the property overlooking a stunning infinity pool, surrounded by the sounds of nature, it was a sanctuary. Even on rainy days, the space felt calming and nurturing rather than dampened.

Every Body, Met Where It Was

Classes were thoughtfully designed to meet every body where it was: challenging enough to feel it, restorative enough to need it. Morning meditation flowed naturally into movement; afternoon sessions were there if you wanted them.

There was never pressure, it was a true choose-your-own-adventure rhythm, and yet nearly all of us showed up for nearly everything, because it simply felt good to be there.

Emily Mastrofino

The instructors, Lexi and Kaitlyn, were exceptional. Lexi leads with a rare kind of intentionality, her voice, her presence, her eye for your body’s needs, that made a group class feel almost like a private session. Kaitlyn brought a beautiful counterbalance: warmth, energy, a little delightful chaos. Together they created an environment where you felt both held and motivated. By the end of the week, I was stronger, more attuned to my body, genuinely rested, and yes, a little sore in the best way.

The Sea Has Her Own Agenda

The excursions were executed with the same care as everything else. A day trip to Nusa Penida took us on a ferry to snorkel for manta rays, through mountain roads in a caravan of cars to a scenic lunch, and down to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. We didn’t spot any manta rays that day, the sea has her own agenda, but the sun, the water, and the company more than made up for it.

One evening was set aside for a dress-up dinner at a beachfront restaurant, open to the sea, with a custom menu crafted just for our group. It was the kind of meal you remember.

The Moment I’ll Carry Longest

But the moment I will carry longest happened during a traditional Balinese Hindu ceremony led by a priest and his wife. Wrapped in sarongs and sashes, we were guided through a 5 senses ceremony and asked to meditate on an intention. I chose direction. I arrived at this trip standing at a crossroads, quietly hoping for a sign.

We each received a Panca Datu: a five-color string bracelet representing the five natural elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space, tied around the right wrist to symbolize walking a righteous path. We were told to wear it until it naturally fell away on its own.

I still wear mine.

Who This Trip Is For

If you are someone who plans everything and trusts no one to do it as well as you would, this retreat is for you. If you are someone seeking stillness, strength, connection, or simply a real vacation, this retreat is for you.

Away Retreats thought of everything so you don’t have to. All you have to do is show up and let Bali do the rest.