I'm planning a 7 day somatic and trauma-informed yoga retreat in Northern Bali for people aged 40+ who are struggling with burnout from caregiving roles, recovering from illness or injury, or navigating difficult life transitions and who feel disconnected from their bodies, exhausted beyond what sleep can fix, resentful from years of putting everyone else first, and convinced that 'normal' yoga classes or wellness retreats aren't designed for bodies and minds that have been through as much as theirs have.
This 7-day retreat combines somatic movement, nervous system regulation through breath work, journaling practices, a trauma informed approach and the powerful remedy of being truly seen by others who GET what you're going through—all in the restorative environment of Northern Bali.
You'll leave feeling:
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Like yourself again, that person you were before burnout/illness/injury took over
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Actually rested (not just 'less tired' but deeply restored)
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Safe in your body, perhaps for the first time in years
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Hopeful and content instead of depleted and resentful
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Connected to others who understand without explanation
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Confident that you can handle what life throws at you
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Less overwhelmed by pain (physical and emotional)
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Present in every day moments instead of lost in worry
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Aware of your limitless possibilities despite your limitations
You'll leave with:
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Somatic practices tailored to YOUR body that you can do at home
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Breath work tools that regulate your nervous system every day
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Interoception skills—the ability to hear what your body needs before you crash
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Knowledge of where you hold tension and how to release it
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Journaling practices that actually help process stress
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A private WhatsApp group with your retreat group
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2 weeks of FREE online classes with Ellen when you return for integration support
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Ongoing access to face-to-face or online class options
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A sustainable self-care practice
The difference you'll notice:
Most people report sleeping better within the first week home, feeling 'more like themselves', and they maintain their practices 6+ months later because the community support continues. This isn't temporary relief, it's lasting transformation because you're addressing body, mind, and spirit together, with enough time for real change, and ongoing support so it actually sticks.
Join the Waitlist & Receive:
✓ First option of booking one of the 14 places
✓ Save $300 with waitlist exclusive early bird pricing
✓ Pre-retreat somatic practice videos
✓ 3 weeks of post-retreat online classes (vs. standard 2 weeks) to support integration
WHO IS THE WAITLIST FOR?
You're someone 40+
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Is burnt out from caregiving or recovering from illness/injury
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Knows they needs more than meditation apps and weekend getaways
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Feels disconnected from their body and wants to feel safe again
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Is interested in Bali but needs time to plan (talk to family, arrange work coverage, save money)
If this sounds like you please register your interest below by filling out the form by clicking on the link below.
Your email is safe. No spam. Just retreat updates, preparation support, and first access when spots open.
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.
