Embodied Healing
Northern Bali Retreat
July 18-24 2026 • Tejakula
A 7-day somatic and trauma-informed yoga retreat for people 40+ who are exhausted from caregiving, recovering from illness or injury, or ready to feel safe in their bodies again.
Gentle. Healing. Transformative.
Book Your Spot - 3 Places remain
Who is this for?
This retreat is for you if you're 40+ and:
- Exhausted from caring for aging parents, children, clients, or colleagues
- Recovering from illness, injury, or chronic pain
- Navigating difficult life transitions
- Feeling disconnected from your body
- Burnt out beyond what sleep can fix
- Ready to feel safe in your body again
- Weekend getaways (the relief lasted until Tuesday)
-Yoga classes (felt too intimidating or physical).
-Setting boundaries (people pushed back and you felt guilty)
This is designed to be different—deeper, gentler, more understanding of what you're actually carrying.
The transformation
Where You Are Now
You're exhausted in a way that sleep doesn't fix. You've spent years putting everyone else first. Maybe you're recovering from illness or injury that's left you feeling unsafe in your own body. You don't sleep well. You have no patience left. You've lost the everyday moments of joy.
You want to remember who you were before you got so tired or unwell. You want to feel safe in your body again. You want to stop feeling guilty for needing rest.
But part of you still believes: "I can't leave my responsibilities. I'm too old/sick/injured for this. I don't deserve this. It probably won't help anyway.
What This Retreat Offers
Seven days combining somatic movement, breathwork, nervous system regulation, journaling, and genuine community—in the quiet, healing environment of Northern Bali, where you'll be welcomed like family.
How You'll Feel When You Leave
✓ Like yourself again—before burnout/illness took over
✓ Actually rested (deeply restored, not just "less tired")
✓ Safe in your body, maybe for the first time in years
✓ Hopeful instead of depleted
✓ Connected to people who understand
✓ Equipped to handle what life brings
✓ Greater ease in body and mind
✓ Present in moments instead of lost in worry
✓ Aware of your possibilities despite your limitations
What You'll Take Home
✓ Somatic practices you can use at home
✓ Breath work tools for nervous system regulation
✓ The ability to hear what your body needs before you crash
✓ Understanding of where you hold tension and how to release it
✓ Journaling practices that help process stress
✓ A community who continues supporting you
✓ 3 weeks of online classes for integration
✓ Sustainable self-care that works in your real life
What's included
🏡 6 nights at Poinciana Resort, Tejakula
Beautiful accommodation in quiet Northern Bali
🌱 All plant-based meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (allergies and intolerances accommodated)
🧘 3 hours daily gentle somatic yoga
2 sessions (morning 8:00-9:30am, evening 4:00-5:30pm) of embodied movement and restorative somatic rest
🫁 Nervous system regulation & interoception training
Learn to listen to your body's signals and soothe your nervous system
📝 Guided journaling & small group sharing
Time and space for personal reflection with processing support
💆 2 traditional Balinese massages
Relaxation and deep unwinding
🛕 Temple visit & cultural experiences
Visit to Ponjok Batu Temple and Canang Sari offering workshop
✈️ Airport transfers included
Shared transfers from Ngurah Rai Airport (3 people per car)
🚗 All local transportation
👥 Small intimate group
Maximum 15 people for genuine connection
💬 Private WhatsApp community
Ongoing connection during and after the retreat
🎥 Pre-retreat practice videos
Start preparing your nervous system before arrival
🎓 3 weeks post-retreat online classes
Integration support when you return home
🧘 All yoga props and materials
Mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters provided
Your daily rhythm
Each day balances gentle movement, breathwork, reflection, and spaciousness—with plenty of time to simply be.
Morning: Gentle somatic yoga practice (8:00-9:30am)
Midday: Free time for rest, beach, pool, massage, or journaling
Evening: Restorative practice, breathwork, or journaling (4:00-5:30pm)
Throughout: Nourishing plant-based meals, cultural experiences, deep rest
Remember: You can skip any session if your body needs rest. Your wellbeing comes first, always.
About Ellen
I created this retreat because I needed it.
Twenty years ago, I was burnt out, anxious, and had serious back pain. I walked into a yoga class desperate for relief and left in tears—pushed into poses my body couldn't do, convinced yoga was for people who were fit and flexible.
So I spent two decades learning how to make yoga different. Gentler. Trauma-aware.
Designed for bodies that have been through things.
I'm a certified yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience, specialising in trauma-sensitive yoga, somatics, yoga therapy, and sound healing.
I teach yoga for bodies that need something different and I teach from experience, because my body needed it too.
Now I teach this approach to people who feel exactly how I felt: too old, too injured, too anxious. You're not. You're exactly who this is for.
About Tejakula
Over Christmas, I visited Tejakula, a quiet village in Northern Bali, far from tourist crowds.
My cousin's family runs Poinciana Resort there, and from the moment I arrived, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time: held.
They welcomed me like family. Not polite hospitality, but genuine warmth. They remembered how I take my coffee and that Ede and I are both plant based.
That's what I want to create for you in Tejakula—a place where you're welcomed like family, where rest feels safe, where you can finally exhale.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to Tejakula?
Tejakula is about 3 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) by car.
Shared transfers are included in your retreat cost (3 people per car). We coordinate pickup times based on flight arrivals.
If you're arriving very early or late, we can arrange a private transfer for $120 AUD per person (available as an add-on when booking).
What if I have an injury or health condition?
Most injuries and health issues can be accommodated through gentle modifications. This retreat is specifically designed for bodies that have been through illness, injury, chronic pain, and trauma.
Before the retreat, please share your specific needs with me—osteoporosis, cancer recovery, chronic pain, joint issues, whatever you're managing. Every practice will be adapted for you.
The only physical requirement: Being able to climb stairs to the first-floor yoga studio, which has beautiful mountain views.
You're not too injured for this. This exists for people like you.
What about dietary restrictions?
All meals are plant-based and made with healing whole food ingredients .
We accommodate all intolerances, allergies, and dietary requirements—gluten-free, nut-free, onion-free, whatever you need.
You'll share your dietary needs after booking, and the kitchen will prepare meals that are safe and nourishing for you.
How much yoga is there each day?
Two gentle sessions:
Morning: 1.5 hours (8:00-9:30am)
Evening: 1.5 hours (4:00-5:30pm)
Both are gentle embodied movement and restorative somatic rest—lots of props, supported poses, slow mindful movement, breathwork, deep rest.
These aren't physically demanding classes. They're healing practices for bodies that need gentleness.
And if your body needs rest instead? You can skip any session. Your wellbeing comes first.
I'm nervous about traveling alone / leaving family / whether I can handle this.
Almost everyone feels this way before arrival. The nervousness, the guilt about prioritising yourself, the anxiety about whether you can manage it—all of this is completely normal.
That's why we have pre-retreat support to work through concerns together. And when you arrive in Tejakula, you won't be alone.
What if I'm not flexible or "good at yoga"?
You don't need to be. This isn't about achieving poses or flexibility. It's about learning to listen to your body and move safely.
Everyone who comes has limitations—injuries, stiffness, chronic pain, anxiety. That's not a barrier. That's why we're here.
What if the room I want isn't available?
Good news: there's much more flexibility with rooms than you might think.
If the room type you want shows as sold out ( except the ocean view villas, there are only two of these and they have already been booked) please join the waitlist for that room option. I can reconfigure the last remaining accommodation to make additional rooms available or adjust the setup to suit the group.
Don't miss out on the retreat because of room logistics.
Join the waitlist for the room you'd like, and we'll sort it out.
What's not included?
-International flights to/from Bali
-Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
-Visa fees
-Additional day trips not scheduled with the group
-Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at resort)
-Additional spa treatments (can be booked onsite)
-Additional snacks, coffees etc that you order outside of meal times
-Private airport transfer (available for $120 AUD per person if needed)
Retreat details
Dates: July 18-24, 2026
Cost: From $2,960 AUD per person (twin share)
Room options and pricing available at booking
Payment options: Deposit of $850 AUD, with two equal payments later to help with budgeting
Available: 3 places remaining
Location: Poinciana Resort, Tejakula, Northern Bali
Questions
I'm happy to talk through anything: your health concerns, travel logistics, whether this feels right for you.
Email: hello@ellenblackmanyoga.com
Phone: 0403 779 242
What makes this retreat different?
Escape to the tranquil setting of Kinglake for a weekend dedicated to genuine rest and renewal. Our retreat centres around two complementary practices: Embodied Gentle Yoga—a personal journey that honours your unique body and movement patterns—and Restorative Somatic Rest with Sound Healing. Unlike conventional yoga experiences, you'll be invited to move in ways that feel safe for your body, rest whenever needed, and receive modifications tailored to your specific needs, whether you're managing injuries, illness, or other challenges. Each session is thoughtfully designed for our small group, creating a safe space for both mind and body to release tension, improve sleep, regulate your nervous system and develop deeper self-awareness. Complemented by nourishing plant-based cuisine prepared by our co-host Ede, this retreat offers practical tools for bringing greater ease into your daily life.
Return home feeling genuinely restored, with practices that honour your body's wisdom and unique journey.
Where we’re staying
Set amongst the beauty of the Kinglake Ranges, the property we're staying at features 20 acres of native bushland with over 2 kilometres of private bush tracks to explore - home to an abundance of birdlife and wildlife such as wallabies, wombats, and kangaroos
The house grounds feature a solar-heated swimming pool, a small olive grove and fruit orchard with open paddocks beyond which is home to friendly sheep
On this nourishing yoga retreat we will practise gentle embodied yoga in the mornings looking out at a view over the beautiful bushland and in the evenings we'll snuggle up with bolsters and blankets for restorative somatic yoga and sound healing.
These retreats are well known for their amazing food and it is often one of the most memorable parts of our time away together. We prioritise nourishing your body and spirit with homemade plant based meals made by my husband and cohost, Ede.
There is plenty of personal time for integration after each day’s activities, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and feel nourished and rejuvenated.
What’s Included:
*Two nights' luxury accommodation in the beautiful Kinglake ranges
*Fully catered. Delicious plant-based meals lovingly made by my husband and co-host for the retreat, Ede
*2 x Morning Embodied Gentle Yoga classes
*2 x Evening Restorative Somatic Rest and Sound Healing sessions
*Early arrival on the Friday and join us for lunch and late check out on the Sunday, after brunch to make the most of your stay.
*Optional Journaling workshop to reflect and process whatever is going on for you.
*Mindful walks in the surrounding bushland.
*The chance to connect with wonderful like minded souls.
There will be plenty of time for yourself to relax, read a book, explore the beautiful bush lands.
*** Relaxing on-site massages are available at an extra charge of $130- let me know when booking if you would like to add this to your weekend of self care ***
Our retreat Accommodation
All on one level our retreat venue features six large bedrooms and three bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for a maximum of 10 guests.
The retreat venue has spacious living and dining areas, an amazing kitchen for Ede to cook for us in, a private cinema, library and solar-heated swimming pool!
Pull up a chair on the sun-drenched veranda which wraps around the entire house offering views of the ranges to the east and garden views to the west or have a swim in the pool, walk through the native bushland, watch a movie or nap when you’re not doing yoga or eating delicious food!
Accommodation options
There are 5 rooms that all have Queen and Single beds in them. And a master bedroom with 1 King Size bed or 2 singles.
There will be a maximum of 10 guests and the rooms have been allocated as follows:
3 x Twin Shared rooms. All with a single bed and queen bed.
Single Bed $850
Queen bed $950
For single people or two friends who are happy to share a room. All with shared luxury bathrooms.
2 x Private rooms with Queen sized beds. $1750 total for the room.
For single people who would like the privacy of their own room with shared luxury bathrooms.
1 x Luxury Master room with a beautiful private ensuite and sitting room for a couple or two friends coming together. King sized bed or two singles $1175 per person.
Please let me know which room you would like when booking and I will send through details of how to organise deposits to secure your place through bank transfer.
50% non refundable deposit is required to secure your place. If closer than 4 weeks to the retreat then full amount is payable.
Also let us know if you have any special dietary requirements ( all meals are plant based and often gluten free) or if you have any injuries or health issues so that I can plan classes to suit you.
Ede and I can’t wait to host you on this nourishing and rejuvenating weekend.
*Link to Terms and Conditions of booking here.
France Retreat
September 7-12th 2026
Join the waitlist...
These incredible retreats are co-hosted with my beautiful friend Marion at her place Monplaisir in Ambeyrac, which is about two hours north of Toulouse.
Ambeyrac is a gorgeous little town in the Midi-Pyrenees surrounded by farmland, rivers for swimming, magnificent cliffs and medieval towns! Can you sense the excitement and love of this place! And Marion's place has to be seen to be believed; a converted straw factory and renovated barn with rolling gardens, places to escape and read a book, lie by the pool, swim or nap!
We invite you to treat yourself to 5 nights of indulgent relaxation.
Enjoy gentle embodied flow yoga in the mornings and restorative somatic rest classes in the evenings that are designed to help you slow down and move with breath that nourishes the body and spirit. Classes are carefully planned and themed, and rather than learning rules or techniques each class is focused on moving in gentle ways that can help soothe stress, anxiety and pain in the body and mind. Each class has moments of stillness, breath and meditation and is based on a theme or poem to help you connect more deeply with your practice. We believe yoga should be for everyone no matter what injury or illness you might be dealing with or recovering from. Each class allows you to honour your body, your range of movement and individual anatomy as well as your honouring your inner world.
The other highlight of these retreats is the food!! Marion will feed your body and soul with delicious, healthy vegetarian delights using fresh local ingredients including organic fruit and veg from her kitchen garden. We can also cater to dietary requirements so please do let us know.
Getting there:
There are regular flights with budget airlines to Brive and Rodez if you are coming from the UK.
For both retreats, transfers to and from the Brive and Rodez airport on specific flights are included. We'll let you know which flights to book from the UK.
We are striving to minimise the negative environmental impact of travelling to Monplaisir. The course fee therefore includes a realistic contribution towards offsetting your carbon footprint through a tree-planting scheme.
Imagine this day:
Start with a somatic, gentle yoga class that starts at 8.30am and finishes around 10am. Then enjoy a light breakfast on the terrace. Next there's time for you to rest. Time to relax by the pool or swim in the local river (always my favourite) or stroll the peaceful gardens. Marion will prepare a delicious lunch for us and then there's more time to read and swim and soak in the French countryside.
If you are feeling up for a day out then there is the option to go on a day trip to see some of the lovely mediaeval towns and villages in the region for lunch and a stroll through the pretty streets. There are many local markets nearby which are always a joy to explore.
When we arrive back from a day of adventuring we will do a restorative and somatic rest practice and then look forward to more inspiring cooking from Marion and good conversation around the dinner table on the terrace in the warm summer air.
The retreat includes:
* 5 nights accommodation at Monplaisir
* Transfers to and from Toulouse airport
* Gourmet vegetarian meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
* All Gentle Embodied and Restorative Somatic yoga classes.
* Excursions and visits to local places of interest.
There is a maximum of 9 on the retreat, please get in touch with me at hello@ellenblackmanyoga.com or Marion at marionmonplaisir@gmail.com to confirm your interest on this restful and luxurious 5 nights.
SOLD OUT for 2026.
