The Actress (Bali)

A luxury retreat in Bali which will help you discover the POWER and MAGNETISM of your inner LEADING LADY, through the healing power of ritual theatre, somatic storytelling approaches and soul-led creative practice.

Join the Wait List

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3rd-10th June 2025

 

For anyone who is tired of feeling invisible, silenced, “too much” or “not enough”: Discover the MAGNETIC POWER of your Inner Leading Lady. 

Stepping into your Leading Lady era means fully embracing being the main character in your life. It is an era all about self-discovery and self-empowerment. You are no longer waiting for validation or permission from others. As you walk through this life like a performer on a stage, what masks have you been hiding behind? Shed the layers of conditioning that have pressured you to stay small, quiet, and contained as a woman in a patriarchal world and learn how to comfortably and unapologetically step into the limelight in every area of your lifeFeel totally centred in your body and utterly confident in your voice, using the energy of the Actress to transform your daily experience. 

Transform into the MAIN CHARACTER version of yourself
through sessions led by experts in performing arts, spiritual practice, mental health and wellbeing, and somatic healing.

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

🌺 Heal somatically and ground your body 
through learning traditional Balinese performance arts, such as the graceful Legong dance and the powerful Kecak voice chant taught by Balinese masters;

🌺 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.

 

This retreat is about utilising body-based performance techniques and ritual theatre to access your inner divine feminine power and is suitable for those both with and without any experience of performing arts!

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your inner creative energy and step into a powerful new version of yourself, this unique retreat gives you the tools, environment, expertise and community you need to fully embrace your powerful inner Leading Lady and bring deep soul-level healing through the ancient tool of ritual performance.

About

✨ 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 🎭

Nourish confidence and poise with your inner Actress through expert-led performing arts workshops. Explore bodily expression in unique, feminine, powerful ways through Balinese dance and movement sessions with Cok Indrayuni of the famous Tirta Sari Peliatan Legong group. Take part in  expressive voice work sessions, harnessing the power of your voice through a blend of traditional chant work and modern vocal technique. Explore themes of identity, selfhood, confidence, and connection through workshops in intercultural performance, 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 painting 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”, and integrate 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 yoga incorporating Balinese and Western perspectives will set you up for a day of grounded, connected inner work; chakra-based techniques will empower you to feel fully in your body; regular guided meditation sessions and sound healing will leave you feeling truly at peace. Reiki and massage will also be on offer to promote healing and wellness. 

Awaken your Inner Archetypes

Our signature Wanderess method, created by specialist Dr Ellie Chadwick (PhD), encourages and enables you to take a wander through archetypal energies that can transform your daily experience.

On this retreat, we will tap into your inner Leading Lady, celebrating your magnetism and innate ability to step into the spotlight of your life. Through the archetypal energy of the Hindu goddess Maa Saraswati, who brings order from chaos and gives the power of speech, embodying creation itself, we’ll also explore grace, eloquence, artistry, and confidence – to empower you to embody forth your inner self with expressivity and presence.

We will connect with the Diva and Primadonna to explore the shadow side of the Leading Lady, where women are made to feel “too much”, “too demanding” or seen to be taking up too much space, and we will explore and shift the limiting energies of the Wallflower, while embracing the sensivity and emotional depth of this archetypal figure that hides in the wings. As you awaken these energies, you’ll learn to truly express yourself and free yourself from the limiting structures we have been handed down as women. 

This 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.

🌺 Join Our Sisterhood for a Journey of Transformation 🌺

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.

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.

Own the stage: your Leading Lady era has arrived.

Nestled amidst lush tropical landscapes, Wanderess invites you to delve deep into your identity and purpose. Inspired by the rich traditions of Balinese Hinduism, immerse yourself in sacred rituals and ceremonies that honour the island’s spiritual heritage. Indulge in sumptuous accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and spa treatments, while embracing the harmony of yoga, meditation, and artistic workshops led by inspiring mentors.

🌹Join Ellie, Cok Indrayuni and Karma to connect with a community of brilliant women and learn how to tap into your inner Actress energy and the healing power of ritual performance 🌹

Join the obligation-free waitlist to be the first to hear when booking opens for this exclusive Bali retreat.

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

Imagine....

Your day begins just before sunrise, the air cool and fresh with the gentle scent of dew-kissed frangipani flowers.

The soft rustle of palm trees sways above you as you make your way to the open-air yoga pavilion, where the horizon is painted with the first blush of dawn. You unroll your mat, grounding your feet into the cool wooden floor as the soft voice of the yoga instructor invites you to close your eyes. Your breath synchronises with the slow, rhythmic awakening of the earth beneath you. The sequence flows seamlessly, your body stretching toward the rising sun, each movement a silent prayer to the new energy entering your life. (Swipe for more….)

The morning meditation follows: as you sit in stillness, the world glows with golden light, the sun's warmth touching your skin

 as the first rays break over the lush greenery. Afterward, you stroll to the dining area, where a rainbow of fruits—juicy papayas, ripe mangoes, bright dragon fruit—awaits, and bowls of homemade granola with coconut yogurt. You sip on warm sweet tea, feeling the energy of the food infuse you with vitality. 

You gather now for a Balinese movement class, a graceful exploration of the divine feminine in sacred, earthy gestures.

You feel the pulse of the earth beneath your bare feet as the instructor guides you through the ritualistic motions that are fluid yet strong, rooted in centuries of tradition, and you feel a connection to something ancient and deeply feminine, as if you are tapping into the essence of the island itself.

Next, it’s time for a traditional Balinese massage. The smell of sandalwood and jasmine fills the air as skilled hands knead away the tension in your muscles.

The massage feels like a cleansing of your spirit, a release of all that no longer serves you. Energised and refreshed, you enjoy a light and delicious lunch—the flavours are vibrant, each bite a burst of freshness, connecting you more deeply to the island’s bountiful nature. 

The afternoon is yours for personal reflection. You find a serene spot by the retreat’s tranquil pool, the water glimmering under the sun, and settle with your Wanderess Journal in hand.

 As you write, the soft sounds of nature—birds chirping, water gently lapping at the edges of the pool—envelop you in a cocoon of peace. The words flow effortlessly, a reflection of the inner clarity that has begun to unfold.

Later, you gather with others for a special ritual: crafting Canang Sari offerings. The air is thick with the fragrant aroma of fresh flowers—jasmine, marigolds, orchids—

and you feel the delicate texture of the petals as you weave them together, creating a small, intricate offering. You place incense sticks at the heart of your creation, lighting them with reverence as the sweet, earthy scent begins to curl into the air, rising toward the heavens like a whispered prayer. Each offering, placed carefully on the temple steps, feels like a moment of deep connection between the seen and unseen worlds.

As the day transitions into evening, you sit in a circle, voices soft and intimate, sharing stories and wisdom about the divine feminine energies, how they weave through life, nature, and self.

There’s laughter, there are moments of quiet reflection, and as the discussion unfolds, you feel the power of the feminine energy rising within and around you, like a quiet but unstoppable force.

As dusk falls, dinner is served under the stars. The meal is a sensory feast

—spiced curries, grilled tempeh in sweet soy sauce,  and coconut rice. The soft murmur of conversation blends with the sounds of nature, creating an atmosphere of warmth and connection.

The day closes with an evening sound bath as the moon begins to rise, casting its silver glow over the gardens.

The vibrations are gentle at first, like waves lapping at the shore, but soon they envelop you completely. The sound feels ancient, like the heartbeat of the earth itself, and as it reverberates, you feel a deep sense of release. When the sound bath draws to a close, the moonlight guides your steps back to your room. you feel the soft hum of the island beneath your feet, carrying the energy of this sacred space with you.

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 leading lady.

Wellness Treatments:

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

Gourmet 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 (worth approx. £600!) to our online Wanderess Circle, 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.

Begin your journey