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Why I Started Organizing Retreats: A Personal Journey

When people ask me why I started organizing retreats, I often joke that it was for very selfish reasons. But in all honesty, it's because I discovered a passion that allows me to combine everything I love while making a profound impact on people's lives.

Soulshine Bali

The Seeds of Inspiration

My love for travel, adventure, great food, yoga, Pilates, and meeting like-minded people has always been a driving force in my life. Much of my travel has been solo, thanks to work commitments. While I cherish these experiences, I've come to realize that travel and adventure are even more magical when shared with others.

About 20 years ago, I started going on retreats with my favorite yoga teachers. These experiences were eye-opening. They offered a perfect excuse to travel, a chance to escape the daily grind, and an opportunity to connect with amazing, like-minded individuals. These retreats allowed me to slow down, focus on self-care, embrace healthy living, and have fun in ways I'd never experienced before.




From Participant to Leader

The idea of leading retreats in my favorite places around the world seemed like an absolute dream. Initially, I thought I might organize a couple of retreats just for fun. But after my very first retreat as a leader, everything changed. I felt like I had found my calling!

Don't get me wrong being a physiotherapist and Pilates teacher for the past 25 years has been incredibly rewarding. Helping people heal from injuries and return to their beloved sports and activities is deeply fulfilling. But organizing and leading these retreats? It takes everything to the next level for me!


The Magic of Transformation

What makes these retreats so special is the opportunity they provide. Not only do I get to help people with their injuries or movement issues, but I also get to shake them out of their daily routines and life stresses. I have the privilege of introducing them to beautiful new places in the world and awesome new adventures. And with this comes an improved sense of self I get to witness them feeling empowered!

Hearing the stories and seeing the faces of my retreat guests at the end of the week is the most rewarding thing ever. Their testimonials never fail to move me:

"This week has changed my life! It was a therapeutic transformation that I felt in my soul!"
"I learned that I am capable of more than I thought I was. Every day I did something out of my comfort zone, and that felt amazing!"
"I have always wanted to travel on my own but was afraid. Because I knew Sam (or knew of her through other friends) and trusted her, I felt comfortable enough to travel to a foreign country by myself. And I'm so glad I did!"
"I was scared to try Pilates, but wow, I'm better at it than I thought I would be, and I feel great!"
"Yoga was never part of my routine because I thought it was too boring or I wasn't flexible enough. But this has really opened my eyes! It will definitely be part of my routine when I get back home."
"I never had the courage to try surfing. But wow - it was the most fun thing ever! I'm so proud of myself!"


A Story of Transformation

One story that particularly stands out is that of my retreat guest, Kim, who shared with me that she said this to her husband: 

“I am turning 50 this year, our kids are grown-up and out of the house, it’s been a really tough 2 years for us, we’re out of shape, my hip hurts, you have bad knees and a bad back, and it has been ages since we have together without the kids. We are going on this retreat to Bali with Sam!”

After the retreat, Kim said the experience changed her life. What she thought would be a "fun little vacation" turned out to be a therapeutic transformation that she felt in her soul. She felt so much better - both emotionally and physically. They embraced the classes, the Balinese culture, and really took the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with each other. Prior to the retreat, Kim was literally convinced she needed hip replacement surgery due to how painful and stiff it was. But once she let go of her emotional traumas and increased her mobility & strength with yoga & Pilates- she felt like a new person.  They left committed to making Pilates and yoga part of their lives at home and eager for the next retreat.  And when they returned home, friends and family told her she looked happier and younger!


See what Kim had to say on the last day of our retreat at Soulshine Bali:




The Power of Opportunity

Now, I know these transformations aren't because of me. I simply provide the reason, the excuse, and organize everything so all our guests have to do is book on the website, purchase their flights, and get on the plane. Once they arrive, the magic happens because they're open to it.

Leading these retreats gives me the incredible opportunity to contribute to people's feelings of empowerment, confidence, and joy. It's the best feeling in the world, and it's why I'll continue to organize and lead retreats for as long as I can.

So, while my reasons for starting retreats might have been a bit selfish wanting to combine all the things I love the outcome has been anything but. It's become a way to share joy, inspire growth, and create unforgettable experiences that resonate long after the retreat ends.




 


Why I chose the name, Barefoot Luxury


Imagine stepping onto a pristine beach, feeling the warm sand between your toes. You're surrounded by nature's beauty, yet enveloped in comfort. That's the essence of Barefoot Luxury – an experience that combines the raw, authentic connection with nature and the indulgent touches that make you feel pampered and special.  


I chose the name Barefoot Luxury for my retreats, because my team and I believe that true luxury isn't about opulence or extravagance. It's about:

  • The freedom to be your authentic self

  • Immersing in breathtaking natural surroundings

  • Enjoying thoughtful, high-quality experiences

  • Connecting deeply with yourself and others

  • Finding balance between adventure, fitness, and relaxation


It's luxury that doesn't separate you from the environment, but helps you engage with it more fully. It's about creating unforgettable moments that nourish your body, mind, and soul.


Why Barefoot Luxury RetreatsAre Different:

A Unique Approach to Wellness Travel


There are so many great retreats out there these days, catering to various interests and destinations. So, what sets Barefoot Luxury Retreats apart? Let me share a few key aspects that make our experiences unique:


Expert-Led Wellness with a Personal Touch

While I'm a yoga and Pilates teacher, my background goes deeper. With over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist, I bring a unique perspective to our retreats. Always wanted to join a wellness retreat but are worried about a lack of experience or an injury? Don't be! My physiotherapy background allows me to provide modifications, ensuring you can safely enjoy all classes. This blend of expertise means you're not just participating in generic classes you're getting personalized attention that caters to your specific needs and goals.






Intimate, Personalized Experiences: 

I've been fortunate to attend many retreats, and this experience has taught me what works and what doesn't. One key lesson? Size matters. While I've enjoyed retreats with famous yoga teachers and groups as large as 100 people, I've realized that smaller is better for the experience I want to create.

At Barefoot Luxury, we keep our groups intimate. This allows everyone to receive personal attention, with exercises tailored to individual needs. It's not just about the practice - it's about creating an environment where people truly get to know each other, fostering connections that often last long after the retreat ends.



Flexibility and Fun: Your Retreat, Your Rules

Another aspect I've fine-tuned based on my experiences? The level of discipline, and the importance of balance. Yes, we're here to reflect, grow emotionally, and improve physically but not at the expense of enjoyment. At Barefoot Luxury retreats:

  • Craving a chocolate brownie for dessert? Go for it!

  • Feel like having a glass of wine with dinner? Absolutely!

  • Need a break from Pilates and yoga? Skip a class guilt-free!

  • Sound Bath Meditation not your thing? Hit the beach instead!

We organize plenty of activities, ensuring there's always something to participate in. But remember it's YOUR retreat. Customize your experience to what you need. No pressure, no guilt just you do you!


Authentic Local Immersion

In my opinion, staying at a big fancy resort for a week isn't truly traveling it's vacationing. There's a difference! At Barefoot Luxury, we believe in really diving into the places we visit experiencing the food, culture, and people. That's why we:

  • Partner with local teachers for classes and workshops.

  • Hire local chefs to prepare our meals.

  • Plan outings that connect us with the local community like surfing with locals in Nosara, visiting the monkey forest or sacred water temple in Bali, or boating to private coves around Mallorca.

We purposely don't include all meals, encouraging you to try some of the area's best restaurants. It's about providing opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.






Giving Back

Perhaps most importantly, we always incorporate a cultural exchange to give back to the community and environment. Our goal is to leave places better than we found them. Some examples:

  • In Costa Rica, we work with Costas Verdes, a non-profit organization restoring coastal ecosystems affected by past agricultural practices.

  • In Bali, we joined the staff at Soulshine to plant rice, contributing to local agriculture.



Wellness Community

We partner with friends and colleagues in the wellness industry, bringing in experts in acupuncture, sound healing, massage, and various yoga disciplines to enrich your experience.


Join Us for a Truly Unique Retreat Experience

At Barefoot Luxury, we've crafted a retreat experience that balances expert-led wellness, intimate connections, personal freedom, cultural immersion, and positive impact. It's not just a getaway it's a chance to grow, explore, and contribute, all while enjoying the luxury of being your authentic self.


Ready to experience the Barefoot Luxury difference? Check out our upcoming retreats and join us for an unforgettable journey of wellness and discovery!


  1. Costa Rica: Surfing, Yoga, and Pilates (November 17-23, 2024) [Details about the Costa Rica retreat]

  2. Mallorca: Yoga and Pilates in an Authentic Spanish Villa (June 21-28, 2025) [Details about the Mallorca retreat]

  3. Bali: The Soulshine Experience 2026 (dates and details coming soon)


Looking ahead, we're exploring future retreat venues in Portugal, Croatia, South Africa, Colombia, Morocco, and Italy. The world is full of amazing places to discover! 

Where would you like to retreat with us?



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