🌹 A 6 month journey into the self, starting with a 7 day retreat.... 🌹

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

Awaken the Tantric Goddess Within

Join us for a life-changing retreat that integrates ancient Tantric wisdom with modern, trauma-informed therapeutic methods. 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 and the nervous system. We will explore Balinese approaches to Tantra and the sacred, through beautiful rituals and ceremonies, and combine Tantric teachings with Polyvagal Theory and contemporary somatic therapy, exploring the nervous system’s role in processing emotions, releasing trauma, and fostering self-acceptance. Through therapeutic practices grounded in neuroscience and trauma-informed care, we will guide you to experience physicality as a pathway to emotional release, deeper self-awareness, 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

In this retreat, self-care, self-acceptance, and self-love will become your most powerful tools for transformation. Engage in sensory practices and creative activities that activate all five senses, including mindful mandala art, Balinese Batik painting, and sacred purification rituals. These practices not only nourish your body, mind, and soul, but also offer therapeutic benefits by engaging the vagus nerve and promoting a calm, grounded nervous system. 

What Makes Our Retreats Unique?

  This is not just a retreat—it’s an ongoing 6-month therapeutic container for deep transformation and integration, providing you with tools to continue growing long after you leave Bali.

A Holistic, Research-Based Approach to Transformation

Wanderess’ approach not only taps into the transformative power of ancient ritual performance, but also incorporates Polyvagal Theory, somatic healing, and archetypal psychology to help you reconnect with your self – body, mind, and spirit.

We’ve carefully blended ancient creative and ritual practices with modern research-backed methodologies like Polyvagal Theory and somatic trauma healing. This is a scientifically grounded approach to healing and empowerment, where body and mind work in tandem to reset your nervous system and release old patterns of stress and trauma. Guided by experts in performance arts, therapy, and education, this retreat will equip you with the tools and insights to create lasting change in your life.

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 Tantric practices are often associated in the Western worldview with sexuality, this retreat focuses on body-based sensuality, creative expression, emotional healing, and self-care. We will explore female sexuality and desire emotionally and intellectually, but there will be no intimate or sexual activities involved. Our focus is on empowerment, not physical intimacy. 

Awaken Your Inner Archetypes

Developed by Dr. Ellie Chadwick (PhD) — specialist in performance, embodiment, and trauma-informed practice — the Wanderess Method offers a research-grounded approach to feminine archetypes, storytelling, and self-expression. Combining academic insight, performance training, and somatic therapy, this method invites you to explore your sensual identity through a deeply embodied lens.

In this retreat, we engage with archetypes that have historically shaped — and often distorted — our relationship to femininity, sensuality, and self-worth. Through a blend of movement-based inquiry, storytelling, voice work, and trauma-informed body practices, you will reclaim your own expression of love, sensuality, and presence.

Together, we will explore:

  • The Lover / The Tantress, who honours intimacy, pleasure, and emotional connection as sacred expressions of the self — reclaiming the right to feel, to want, and to receive.

  • Aphrodite as an embodiment of sensual magnetism and creativity — accessing the power of receptivity, beauty, and erotic vitality as essential parts of the feminine psyche.

  • The shadow archetypes of The Whore and The Nun, reframed through cultural and historical analysis, to help release inherited shame and repression around sexuality, desire, and boundaries.

  • Mary Magdalene, not just as a symbol of sacred femininity, but as a figure of misunderstood power and healing — guiding us toward heart integration and radical self-acceptance.

  • The Wild Woman, rooted in both cross-cultural mythology and somatic intelligence, who reminds us of our instinctual right to express ourselves fully — with no apology, no filter, and no fear.

What you'll get from this retreat

Healing from Toxic Relationships & Heartbreak
Deep healing from past emotional wounds, toxic relationships, and heartbreak, releasing patterns of entanglement.

Rediscovering Self-Worth & Self-Love
A renewed sense of self-worth and self-love, empowering you to step into your authentic power and sovereignty.

Nervous System Regulation & Polyvagal Tools
Practical tools for nervous system regulation, including Polyvagal-informed techniques to foster resilience and balance.

Tantric Knowledge & Practices
Foundational tantric practices to awaken sensual energy, cultivate embodied presence, and explore the sacredness of intimacy.

Archetypal Activations & Expressions
Guided archetypal activations and expressive practices to unlock powerful aspects of your feminine psyche and reclaim your true essence.

Emotional Truth & Boundaries
A safe space to explore intimacy, desire, and boundaries, and to integrate emotional complexity into your sense of self.

Myth, Movement, and Meaning-Making
Integration of myth, movement, and meaning-making into your everyday life to support lasting transformation.

Ongoing Support
Receive 6 months of virtual coaching and sisterhood connection to help you continue your growth and integrate the retreat experience into your daily life.

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.

Karma Tucker

Karma Tucker

Co-Facilitator

Karma is a level 3 Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Life Coach, as well as a Reiki Master. She has expertise in body-based practices and a degree in Choreography and has been working in the performing arts sector for over 20 years.

With an FdA Performance Practice and Events management, a Diploma Teaching in Life Long Learning sector and a PGCert Teaching in Higher Education Karma is a highly experienced and qualified teacher and facilitator.

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

Super Early Bird Payment Plan Available for:

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We have a super early bird deal available to save big when booking by June 2025. There are two options for you to choose from :

£3,600 up front (save 25%), or

Pay a £600 deposit and sign up to our payment plan of just £324 per month and save 20% (June 2025-March 2026).

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, a coaching container offering group somatic therapy, extending your journey of growth and connection long after the retreat ends.

Embrace your inner Wanderess

At the core of every Wanderess retreat is our signature Archetypes Method—a powerful blend of academic research, performance practice, and somatic storytelling designed to help you transform inherited roles into authentic expressions of who you truly are.

Archetypes aren’t clichés—they’re living, symbolic energies rooted in history, psychology, and culture. We help you uncover those shaping you unconsciously, challenge limiting narratives, and consciously choose the ones that empower you.

Created by Dr. Ellie Chadwick (PhD), a scholar, therapist, and international theatre practitioner, the Wanderess approach invites you to explore your personal mythology through the performance of self. Through movement, voice, and creative ritual, you’ll access embodied wisdom and new ways of being.

Every retreat is an invitation to step beyond imposed stories and into embodied truth. We work with a rich spectrum of feminine archetypes—the Sorceress, Mysticess, Creatress, Empress, Rebel, Wild Woman, and more. Each reveals aspects of your voice, sensuality, authority, and creativity that may have been silenced or forgotten. These archetypes offer doorways into your full multidimensional self.

This is more than personal growth. It’s re-authoring your story, healing deep wounds—and reclaiming your place in a larger, collective narrative.

Join our waitlist today to begin your journey into archetypal embodiment and radical self-discovery.

Wander with Us