The Tantress (Bali)

Reclaim your shadow and practice radical self-acceptance & self-love in this beautiful healing retreat

Get In Touch

🌹 10th-17th June 2025 🌹

 

 For anyone who has suffered with self-doubt, lack of self worth, or burn-out. 

Awaken the Tantric Goddess Within

Join us for a transformative retreat that merges the ancient wisdom and spirituality of classical tantra with modern tantric approaches to pleasure and self-care. On The Tantress Retreat, we invite you to explore the divine within you through bodily and somatic experiences and heart-led ritual practice.

Dive into the Essence of Tantra

Discover the rich tapestry of tantra as we blend the traditional teachings of body awareness and divine connection with contemporary understandings of sensuality. We will explore Balinese approaches to Tantra and the sacred, through beautiful rituals and ceremonies. Our retreat will guide you to experience physicality as a pathway to deeper self-acceptance and divine connection. Face your shadow side and find full freedom in acceptance and embodiment of your full self in our safe and supported space.

Self-Care as Your Superpower

Self-care, self-acceptance and self-love will become your superpowers as we engage all five senses in creative and wellness activities. Immerse yourself in mindful mandala art, traditional Balinese Batik painting, and sacred purification water rituals. Experience somatic healing practices that reconnect you with your body and elevate your spirit, allowing you to bask in the joy of self-discovery.

Become the most connected, loving version of yourself.

🌹 Transmute limiting beliefs and past traumas into a powerful sense of identity
through workshops that utilise somatics, archetypes, and storytelling.

🌹 Heal collective and individual wounds
engaging in somatic movement, yoga, and ecstatic dance to release emotional blockages and foster deep healing. Experience the power of movement as a pathway to wholeness.

🌹 Supercharge and diversify your experience of feminine energy
through learning about the Divine Feminine in Balinese Hindu tradition, participating in mindful ritual practices from Balinese Hinduism.

🌹 Calm your nervous system and tune your frequency
with Balinese and Western yoga practices, chakra work, meditation sessions, and more nourishing mind-body-spirit wellness activities.

Embrace this opportunity to connect deeply with yourself and others, and unlock the love that resides within you.

 

❌ This is NOT a tantric sex retreat! ❌
While Western tradition has associated Tantric practice primarily with sex, sexuality is not the focus of this retreat. While body-based sensuality and sensory experiences (such as dance, massage, creative and sensory rituals) are integral to the experience, and topics around female sexuality and desire will likely be discussed and explored mentally and emotionally, we will not ask you to engage in any intimate physical / sexual activities. Don’t panic – you aren’t unwittingly signing up for an orgy!

Features

✨ Complete luxury ✨

Let us curate your experience from the moment you arrive. Enjoy luxurious accommodation in traditional Balinese lumbungs, nestled amidst verdant countryside near Ubud, the vibrant cultural centre of Bali. Sit in the shade of mature trees and enjoy your serene surroundings, take a refreshing dip in the emerald-blue pool, or relax in your lumbung with a book and order room service. All island transport is included in the experience, as well as delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a fantastic fusion of local traditional and global cuisine, with options to cater for all dietary needs.

🎭 Creative workshops 🎭

Explore multi-sensorial, mindful and ritual arts  through expert-led workshops. Experience ritual-based dance and movement, deepening your connection with both your body and the Divine: including ecstatic dance as well as traditional sacred Balinese dance and movement sessions with Cok Indrayuni. Calm your nervous system with mindful Batik painting and sacred art classes. Explore the depths of your being, celebrating the beauty of self-acceptance and the magic of community, through workshops in classical tantra, archetype and storytelling with Wanderess founder Dr Ellie Chadwick. 

Tibetan Singing Bowls

🛕 cultural immersion 🛕

Visit temples, attend traditional performances, learn from Balinese craft workshops and take part in rituals. Achieve a sense of calm and mindful creation through Balinese artistic expression rooted in spiritual and communal connection: from sculpting and blessing your own traditional wooden mask, to taking part in mindful rituals such as the crafting of Canang Sari, beautiful offerings of gratitude. Learn about Saraswati, goddess of the arts and “she who possesses speech”, integrating the energies of divine feminine in Balinese Hinduism into your understanding of the feminine. 

 

🌺 holistic wellbeing 🌺

As well as being supported to express yourself and harness your inner creative energy, you will also be nurtured mind, body and soul on this retreat, through a comprehensive offering of wellness activities. Morning yogic movement, somatic release, and mudras will set you up for a day of grounded, connected inner work; chakra-based techniques will empower you to feel fully in your body; guided meditation sessions, Reiki circles, shamanic drum journeys and sound healing will leave you feeling truly at peace. Reiki 1 to 1s and massage will also be available to promote healing and wellness and integrate all that you are experiencing. 

The Power of the Tantress

🌹 This retreat is a space to cultivate self-love, connect with your desires, and harness the power of physicality and sensuality to heal and repair 🌹


Awaken Your Inner Feminine Archetypes

Our signature Wanderess method encourages and enables you to take a wander through archetypal energies that can transform your daily experience. On this retreat we will tap into the energy of Aphrodite, celebrating your feminine magnetism and the gifts of sensuality. Through the archetype of Mary Magdalene, we’ll also explore sacred sexuality and heart healing, opening pathways to attract love and magnetize your heart’s deepest desires. We will connect with the Wild Woman to flocate and unleash the naturalness of expressing who you are: shadows, desires, and all. As you awaken these energies, you’ll learn to truly express love and aceeptance not only towards others but also towards yourself.

Join Us for a Journey of Transformation

The Tantress is more than a retreat; it’s a sacred space for women to connect, heal, and empower each other. Through workshops, rituals, and community bonding, you’ll uncover layers of yourself that have long been waiting to be celebrated. 

🌹 Your sacred adventure awaits 🌹

Your Hosts

Dr Ellie Chadwick (PhD)

Dr Ellie Chadwick (PhD)

Lead Facilitator

Ellie has a PhD and MfA in theatre and is a published author with expertise in archetypes, collective memory, and performing arts in collective well-being. She has expertise in somatic technique, has undertaken various courses in understanding patterns of behaviour, and is on a pathway to becoming a trauma-informed integrative somatic therapist.

Since 2016 Ellie has hosted retreats across the globe, including many times in Bali, and brings knowledge of intercultural approaches to ritual, art, and wellbeing having worked in China, Indonesia, and across Europe as well as the UK.

Cok Indrayuni Baruna

Cok Indrayuni Baruna

Local Facilitator

Cok Indrayuni is a world famous Legong dancer of the classical Peliatan Style and runs the Oka Kartini Arts Centre with other members of her family.

Oka Kartini Arts Centre is a centre of excellence for Balinese arts in Ubud, particularly their world-famous Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) show, which has been documented by National Geographic and CNN.

Laura McNeill

Laura McNeill

Co-Facilitator

 

Laura is a Shamanic Reiki Drumming Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Crystal Healer, and Sacred Somatic Journey Practitioner. She blends crystal healing, somatic movement, sound, chanting, and shadow work to create safe, authentic spaces for deep healing. With a BA (hons) in Theatre and Performance, Laura has a background in theatre production, and is also currently training as a Sound Practitioner.

Laura’s healing path began eight years ago through researching nutrition, when she sought alternative ways to support her children when conventional medicine fell short. This led her to a deeper exploration of holistic and energy-based practices. Today, she helps others release trauma, reconnect with their inner light, and transform through one-on-one sessions, circles, and retreats.

Join the obligation-free waitlist to be the first to hear when booking opens.

🌹 And join Ellie, Cok Indrayuni and Karma to connect with a community of brilliant Wanderesses 🌹

Our Retreat Venue

Our serene retreat venue offers rustic  yet luxurious accommodation in traditional wooden structures inspired by Balinese rice barns. Made with local traditional materials, the air-conditioned garden villas come with a fan, mosquito nets, and ensuite bathrooms. Private balconies are located on the first floor, and offer views of the beautiful surroundings.

Featuring a stunning outdoor pool with a spacious deck, a large open dining area, and a raised workshop space with inspiring views of the grounds, the venue is perfect for relaxation, rejuvination, and creativity.

Additional facilities include a library, a 24-hour front desk, and 3 kitchens throughout the property, all providing room service.

Words of a Wanderess!

“I had a truly inspiring time in Bali, which has left me with memories I will carry with me forever. If you want a break from the day-to-day and time to nourish your creative side, join one of Ellie’s retreats.”

Morven Macewan, 2016 Retreat Participant

Your journey through the senses....

Tuesday: Arrival

Imagine stepping into a serene sanctuary as you arrive at The Tantress Retreat. The air is fragrant with blooming flowers, and the soothing sounds of nature instantly calm your spirit. Warmly welcomed by our team, you’re enveloped in a sense of community as you meet fellow participants eager to embark on this transformative journey together.

After a brief orientation, you savour a nourishing meal celebrating local flavours. As twilight descends, you gather for a sunset meditative experience. Picture yourself in a beautiful pavilion outdoors, the sky outside ablaze with vibrant colours. The circle is opened with a short and simple ritual, connecting all to each other, to the divine, to Mother Earth. Guided by soothing words, you close your eyes and reflect on your intentions for the retreat.

As the sun sinks below the horizon, you feel a profound sense of peace and possibility—this is the beginning of your transformative journey into the energy of The Tantress, where love, connection, and self-acceptance await. (swipe across for more….)

Wednesday: Touch

Today is all about connection through touch. You begin with a discussion on classical Tantra, delving into the profound ways touch can elevate the spirit. As you share insights, a sense of community begins to blossom. The day continues with a soothing massage, where skilled hands help release tension, inviting relaxation to wash over you like a gentle wave.

Next, you flow into a rejuvenating yoga session, your body moving gracefully to the rhythm of your breath. You feel the energy shift as you explore contact improvisation, engaging with your fellow participants in a playful yet powerful dance of connection and discovery: the communal power of movement as expression, as prayer, as liberation. In the afternoon, you dive into a sculpture class, shaping clay with your hands and letting your creativity take form. The day concludes with the sacred Tirta Empul water ritual, where you immerse yourself in holy waters, washing away the old and inviting in the new. 

Friday: Sight

Imagine you rise with the sun, ready to embrace the new day. A sunrise trek takes you through lush landscapes, where the golden light dances upon the dew-kissed grass. You feel invigorated as you immerse yourself in a mindful walk in nature, each step grounding you deeper into the present moment. The beauty around you becomes a feast for your eyes.

In the afternoon, you explore colour therapy, allowing the vibrant hues to inspire and uplift your spirit. You express your creativity in a Batik painting class, where the ancient art form comes alive under your brush. As you transition to painting masks, you uncover aspects of yourself that have been waiting to be expressed. The day closes with a breathtaking sunset, the sky ablaze with color, mirroring the beauty of your journey.

Thursday: Scent

Imagine you are enveloped in a fragrant embrace as you awaken to the aromas that fill the air. Today is dedicated to scent, starting with a nourishing aromatherapy session that invites you to breathe deeply and connect with nature’s healing essence. You embark on a vibrant journey to the spice market, where colors and fragrances mingle, igniting your senses in a sensory feast.

Later, you engage in a Canang Sari class, crafting beautiful offerings of incense while learning about their significance in Balinese culture. You participate in an incense temple ritual, filling the air with sacred scents as you connect with the divine. The day culminates in a deeper exploration of classical Tantra through the sacred dance of Shakti and Shiva, experiencing the powerful union of energies within your own body.

Saturday: Taste

Imagine the delightful aromas wafting through the air as you enter the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Today is all about taste, where you learn to create dishes that nourish both body and soul. You savor the experience of crafting smoothies, selecting fresh fruits that burst with flavor, and delighting in the vibrant colours of nature’s bounty.

Next, you embark on an ethical coffee tour, tasting rich brews that awaken your senses and deepen your appreciation for the land. You gather for a food and meal meditation, where you engage mindfully with each bite, experiencing the essence of nourishment in a whole new way.

Sunday: Sound

Imagine stepping into a temple, where the soft chime of bells fills the air, inviting you to tune in. Today is dedicated to sound, starting with a captivating gamelan lesson where you learn to play traditional instruments, the rhythms echoing your heartbeat. As you embrace the art of sound healing, you feel the vibrations resonate through your being, washing over you like a gentle tide.

You sink into a gong bath, allowing the deep, resonant sounds to guide you on a journey within. The day culminates in a Kecak class, where you join in a mesmerising performance that tells ancient stories through sound and movement. You feel the energy of the group as you create a shared experience that echoes long after the sounds fade away.

Monday: Integration

Imagine a sense of calm and reflection as you begin your final day at The Tantress. You start with yoga and mindful walks, integrating all your senses as you revisit the experiences of the past week. Journaling becomes a sacred practice, capturing your thoughts and insights as you reflect on your journey.

You engage in somatic expressing, allowing your body to communicate the wisdom it has gathered. The Tantress meditative journey and visualisation offer a space to connect deeply with your inner self. As the evening approaches, you gather for ecstatic dance, letting go of any remnants of tension and celebrating your transformation with joyful movement, surrounded by a community that feels like family.

As your retreat comes to a close, you carry the gifts of connection, love, and self-discovery with you, ready to embrace the world anew.

Pricing

What this includes:

Luxury Stay:

Experience authentic Balinese charm in a traditional lumbung twin room with en-suite, shared with a fellow Wanderess.

Empowering Workshops:

Transformative sessions designed to help you embody your inner Tantress.

Wellness Treatments:

Relax and rejuvenate with curated treatments to nurture your body and spirit.

Delicious Meals:

Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, featuring authentic local cuisine.

Convenient Transfers:

Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off to ensure a smooth arrival and departure.

Immersive Trips & Activities:

Explore Bali’s rich culture and stunning landscapes with guided outings.

🌟 Plus! Our Special Retreats Bonus! 🌟

A 6-month complimentary membership to our online Wanderess Circle, complete with group somatic coaching/therapy, extending your journey of growth and connection long after the retreat ends.

Embrace your inner Wanderess

All of our retreats embody the Wanderess spirit, inviting adventurous souls to embrace new experiences, honour ancient traditions, and cultivate a sense of freedom, purpose, and profound interconnection with themselves and the world around them through creativity and community.

We always work with our signature archetypes method – using that explorational Wanderess energy to break free from the limiting stereotypes and moulds we as women have been subject to in our lives, transmuting them into powerful symbolic containers of the different facets of womanhood that transcend cultural barriers and differences: from the Sorceress to the Authoress, the Empress to the Creatress. We embrace the diversity of being female and experiences of the feminine, to help you to step into your own individual power within a supportive community.

Take up this unique opportunity to creatively empower yourself mind, body, and spirit in an exquisite Balinese retreat.

Join our wait list – no commitment required – to embark on a luxurious journey of self-discovery and empowerment within a supportive sisterhood.

Wander with Us