Strength & Serenity
Bali Retreat 2025
August 18th-22nd, Karamas Beach
This retreat is your chance to reconnect with yourself, cultivate new habits, forge meaningful connections, and return home feeling rejuvenated, empowered, and at peace.
This is a very special collaborative retreat where you’ll be guided by not just one, but three wellbeing professionals:
Melissa Byass, Ash Besse, and Stef Wild bring a wealth of experience and skills to the facilitation team, ready to impart you with techniques you can take away with you for life in the realms of training, mobility, understanding your mind-body connection, and nutrition.
We’ve designed this retreat to empower you to understand your body and calm your mind, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, strong, and centered.
Meet your retreat coaches:
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Melissa is a dedicated and experienced yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching experience and a passion for making yoga an enriching journey for all. She has extensive training in various disciplines, from yin yoga to pranayama, and specialized areas like restorative yoga, children's yoga, and sound massage. Her extensive education includes certifications from renowned teachers such as Donna Farhi and Sarah Powers, among others. Melissa's unique approach combines traditional practices with modern insights, ensuring that each class is a blend of exploration, self-discovery, and deep connection to the body and mind.
As a mother and avid nature enthusiast, Melissa brings a grounded and nurturing energy to her teaching. She believes that yoga should be a supportive practice that enhances all aspects of life. Whether you're on the mat or out in nature, Melissa's classes encourage you to embrace the fullness of your experience, helping you discover new layers of yourself. Her journey with yoga is one of continuous learning, and she’s passionate about sharing that journey with others, guiding them to create a practice that is truly their own.
"I believe your journey with yoga should be interesting, exploratory and help you to learn more about yourself with every class."
Follow Mel on Instagram: @melissa_____yogasound
Visit Mel's website: yogasound.me
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Ash is a dynamic personal trainer who has thus far helped thousands of women transform their lives and reach their full potential.
With a background in athletics, touch football, and dancing, she honed her skills at a performing arts school in Sydney, where she trained intensively in singing, dancing, and acting. However, after this chapter ended, Ash faced challenges in maintaining her health and fitness, leading to a period of unhealthy habits while working in hospitality. Determined to take control of her life, she pursued a PT course, which opened her eyes to the toxicity and misinformation often perpetuated by the media. Having personally navigated struggles with disordered eating, overtraining, and body dysmorphia, Ash now channels her experiences into helping others overcome similar obstacles.Ash’s journey as a Nike Trainer for four years has significantly shaped her approach as a coach. With a deep passion for empowering women, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, holding certifications such as Cert III and IV in Fitness – Master Trainer, ASCA Strength and Conditioning Level 1, and Australian Weightlifting Federation Level 1 Coach. Ash’s commitment to ongoing education, including advanced program design and performance nutrition, reflects her dedication to her clients’ success.
"I firmly believe that with the right mindset, support, and inner strength, we can all achieve our goals. I’m here to guide you on that journey to discover just how powerful you truly are."
Follow Ash on Instagram: @ashbessefitness
Visit Ash's Website: ashbessefitness.com
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With over a decade of experience in coaching, Stef offers honest, science-based, and personalized strategies to individuals seeking to optimize their health and fitness for life. She blends holistic movement practices with sustainable nutrition habits to deliver lasting results.
Stef's journey began on the dance floor as a professional dancer and dance teacher, which ignited her passion for fitness and led her to become a qualified personal trainer, Pilates teacher, yoga instructor, and barre expert.
Her approach is simple: training should be enjoyable, varied, and balanced, mixing strength training, mobility exercises, and cognitive challenges to ensure both body and mind are continuously engaged.
Stef's career includes working as a professional dancer nationally and internationally, starting at the age of 19. From 2015 to 2020, she served as a "Nike Trainer," where she focused on boosting women's participation in health and fitness globally. In 2017, she founded her company, "Performance Pilates & Yoga," in Melbourne, and in 2020, she expanded her offerings with the online studio "Workin’ With Stef." Through her programs like the "Stef Wild Fitness Mentorship Program" and collaborations with platforms such as Daily OM and My TXO, Stef continues to inspire and transform lives worldwide.
"Trust in your body’s wisdom. Through mindful movement, you grow stronger, unlocking potential far beyond what you ever imagined. Movement is your medicine, guiding you to become your most capable self."
Follow Stef on Instagram: @stefwild
Visit Stef's website: stefwildfitness.com
Enter your details here to receive our Retreat Info Pack and have all the essential details at your fingertips—everything you need to know to start planning your rejuvenating getaway!
Over the course of five blissful days in paradise, you’ll immerse yourself in a variety of movement practices, each one thoughtfully designed to enhance your flexibility, strength, and overall well-being.
You’ll be guided in yin yoga sessions accompanied by soothing sound healing, fortify your technique with mat Pilates, build functional strength with resistance training, and find joy in barre and dance.
Vinyasa yoga will leave you feeling centered and aligned, and journaling will deepen your connection to yourself.
Whether you choose to participate in all the activities or take some time to simply unwind, you’ll have ample opportunity to indulge in luxurious massages, relax by the pool, or simply bask in the beauty of the ocean.
Alongside the above movement practices, we’ve also curated three very special workshops you may choose to participate in.
Destination : Komune Resort, Karamas Beach, Bali
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Beachfront Yoga Shala
Your movement practice will be accompanied by the sounds of waves lapping the shore, the gentle breeze on your body, and the fresh ocean air filling your lungs.
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Sunrise Meditation
Meditation just hits different when you feel the warmth of the rising sun on your skin.
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Jungle Pool
Fancy a blissful dip? This pool is situated right beside the open-air jungle yoga shala, and it's a kid-free zone, making it all that more peaceful!
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Beachfront Pool
Situated right on the beach, this pool is the perfect place to watch surfers catch some waves while you kick back with a coconut or cocktail or mocktail.
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Outdoor training
Need we say more? Balinese design meets all your modern training needs.
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Health Hub Cafe
Casual dining in the warm breeze happens here. You'll mingle with new friends over your morning coffee, or enjoy some alone time while selecting something fresh and delcious from the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Nutritious Meals
All meals in the Health Hub are served with care and organic ingredients, many grown on site in the Komune produce garden. All dietary requirements can be catered for.
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"Muscle Beach"
Fun in the sun while being guided through strength training? Yes please. You'll be returning home feeling so energised and re-charged by the sun.
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Gardens
Stop to smell the tropical flowers on your way to and from your room each day.
Komune Resort
“An absolute oasis for rest and relaxation. The staff, the food, the yoga, the rooms, the pool, the views and even the coffee are all 11/10. The day spa is out of this world incredible, the goddess package was pure bliss. I can’t wait to return. Thank you!” - Trip Advisor Review August 2024
“Hotel Komune is a must see!! The staff were all so friendly and helpful. The food was all so delicious and nutritious with many plant based, vegan and gluten free options, the health hub was my favourite, ( try the coconut pancakes with sorbet!! YUM!! ) I also loved that they have an adults only pool for those who want to relax and unwind with a book. The yoga space over the beach was the perfect way to wake up every morning, AND I was even able to get some weight training in at the gym onsite. The spa services were a wonderful way to finish the day with full body massages and scrubs, hair treatments and even blow waves. I could not recommend the Hotel Komune more. Thank you to all of the wonderful people who work here, I will be back again! “ - Trip Advisor Review July 2024
Strength & Serenity.
Strength & Serenity.
Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, the ocean breeze brushing against your skin as you begin your day with a nourishing movement and meditation session. With each movement and breath, you feel your soul settling into a peaceful rhythm.
As the day unfolds, you nourish your body with nutritious fresh meals that leave you feeling vibrant from the inside out.
This retreat isn’t just about health and fitness—it’s an experience that will leave an imprint on your heart, a memory of serenity and fulfillment that you’ll carry with you long after you’ve returned home.
See the example daily itinerary here.
What’s Included
4 nights and 5 days at the beautiful Komune Resort in Keramas, Bali Indonesia
4 nights of accommodation - view all the incredible accommodation options below
All your meals and non-alcoholic beverages: à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Health Hub Open-Air Dining area. Raw, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivore options all available. Take our word for it - all the food here is delicious and made with care!
Daily classes in a variety of mind and body nourishing forms including:
strength training, vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, Pilates, meditation, journaling prompts, and other fun activities
Workshops on nutrition and goal-setting
All yoga props and exercise equipment provided
A special final night dinner-party, to celebrate your achievements on the retreat
Flights
Travel Insurance
Return airport transfers from Denpasar airport
Spa treatments (you can book these separately)
Bali tourist Visa
What’s Not Included
Who is this retreat for?
Our retreat is designed to be inclusive and welcoming for everyone from all fitness levels and backgrounds. Whether you're new to movement and meditation or have an established practice, you'll find a space here that caters to your unique journey.
With a flexible schedule and optional activities, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience or simply relax by the pool —it's your retreat, your way.
This is a perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and make new friends, or if you’re just wanting to take some time for yourself that’s great too! It’s a perfect environment to take some time to yourself and turn inwards.
For those looking to share the experience with friends, it's an unforgettable way to bond and create lasting memories. Couples, too, will find plenty to enjoy, whether you're both dedicated movers or one of you is just beginning to explore the practices. Even if your partner, friend, or family member isn't into yoga or fitness, they're welcome to come along and enjoy the retreat in their own way.
If you are immersed in family life right now, you can bring your partner and children. The Komune Resort is very large and can accommodate family groups. Contact us directly to discuss options for this. While our organised group activities are not for children, there are ample ways to keep your kids occupied in other areas of the resort while you attend our retreat activities.
Movement Practices
This retreat is all about finding balance through a variety of effective movement practices. Here’s what you’ll experience throughout the retreat.
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Ash's Resistance Training Sessions at the retreat are designed to challenge and empower you, no matter your fitness level.
Indoor Gym Sessions will dive deep into lifting techniques, focusing on how to properly program for strength and hypertrophy. You’ll learn about different methods of loading and gain practical experience in executing a well-rounded strength program, all in a supportive and focused environment.
For a change of pace, our Outdoor 'Muscle Beach' Sessions will bring a sense of fun and camaraderie as we focus on functional strength and conditioning. Expect to break a sweat and enjoy the fresh air—afterwards, a cool dip in the pool will be the perfect reward!
These sessions are designed to help you feel strong, capable, and energised while building lasting skills you can take with you.
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Stef's Mat Pilates and Barre Sessions at the retreat will focus on building core strength, enhancing control, and refining your movement precision. These classes will guide you through exercises that challenge your core stability, improve posture, and increase flexibility. Each movement is carefully synchronized with your breath, helping you connect more deeply with your body while fostering balance and coordination.
Whether you're a Pilates or barre enthusiast or new to these practices, you'll leave feeling stronger, more centered, and empowered by your body’s potential.
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Mel's Yin + Sound classes offer a deeply nourishing experience for the nervous system. Through the calming combination of long-held yin yoga poses and soothing sound vibrations, this class is designed to guide you into a state of deep relaxation and inner stillness. As you settle into each posture, the sound healing frequencies help to release tension and restore balance, creating a harmonious environment for both body and mind. Perfect for those seeking to unwind and rejuvenate, this unique blend will leave you feeling grounded, relaxed, and renewed from the inside out.
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Discover the pure joy of movement with Stef's Dance Fusion Session where we'll creatively blend vinyasa yoga, dance fitness, and free movement. This session is designed to help you connect with your body, flow to the rhythm of the music, and express yourself in a playful, liberating way. Whether you’re stretching, grooving, or flowing, each movement is an opportunity to tap into your inner freedom, build confidence, and have fun.
No dance experience is necessary, just a desire to move freely and dance like no one's watching under the open sky.
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Mel's Yin and Yang Style Class offers the perfect blend of soft and strong, stillness and flow. Influenced by the gentle movements of various modalities and with the intention to move energy, this class encourages a graceful flow, connecting each movement with your breath to create a meditative experience. With an element of "choose your own adventure," you have the freedom to explore variations that suit your body’s needs, allowing you to move at your own pace and intensity.
This class is all about balance—inviting you to find harmony between effort and ease, strength and flexibility.
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Join Stef for Vinyasa Yoga Classes at the retreat, where the naturally warm, humid environment will help heat your body quickly, allowing for a deeper exploration of each pose. This flowing style of yoga links breath with movement, guiding you through a seamless sequence of postures that build strength, flexibility, and balance.
The tropical climate enhances your practice by gently warming your muscles, helping you to sink more fully into stretches and expand your range of motion. Whether you're looking to energize or unwind, these sessions will leave you feeling invigorated and connected to your body.
Retreat Workshops:
Set Your Retreat Intention
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Begin your retreat experience with clarity and purpose in Stef's Intention Setting Workshop. You’ll be guided to reflect on your personal goals for the retreat and set a powerful intention that will anchor your journey. Through a manifestation meditation, you’ll learn how to connect deeply with this intention and visualize it coming to life throughout your stay. This workshop is designed to help you cultivate focus, align your energy, and make the most of your transformative retreat experience.
Breathe Your Way To Calm: Pranayama For Daily Life
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Unlock the power of your body's Rest and Digest System in Mel's calming and insightful workshop which promotes relaxation, healing, and overall well-being. Through guided breathing techniques (pranayama), you’ll discover how to quiet your mind, reduce stress, and bring balance to your nervous system.
We’ll explore various pranayama practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help regulate your body's stress response, allowing you to feel more centered and at ease. This workshop is perfect for anyone seeking tools to better manage stress and cultivate a deeper sense of calm.
Flexible Dieting
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Ash will lead a comprehensive Flexible Dieting Workshop, where you'll learn the key principles to create a sustainable and balanced approach to nutrition. In this workshop, we'll cover:
Understanding Your BMR: Discover how to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and why it’s essential for determining your daily energy needs.
Deficit vs. Surplus: Learn the science behind eating in a caloric deficit or surplus, and how these approaches affect weight loss, muscle gain, and overall body composition.
Personalized Meal Planning: Get step-by-step guidelines on how to create a meal plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle, allowing flexibility while staying on track.
Whether you're looking to lose fat, build muscle, or maintain a healthy balance, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and tools to succeed with confidence!
Itinerary:
An example of a typical day on the Strength and Serenity Retreat:
6am - 7:30am: Start your morning with the soothing sounds of the ocean during a Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga session led by Stef on our breathtaking ocean-view deck. The gentle warmth of the sun rising over the water creates the perfect backdrop for a flow that energizes both body and mind.
7:30am - 9am: After yoga, enjoy a delicious breakfast, filled with nutritious options to fuel your day. Take this time to connect with fellow retreat participants or embrace some peaceful solitude while savoring the fresh, vibrant flavors.
9:30am - 11am: Choose your challenge as Ash guides two group strength sessions. Group 1 focuses on beginner strength, where you’ll build confidence with foundational movements, while Group 2 tackles an advanced strength workout designed to push limits and encourage growth.
12pm - 1pm: Lunch is served! Relax with a nourishing meal, recharge, and get ready for the rest of your day.
1pm - 4pm: Enjoy free time to unwind and explore. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or taking a peaceful walk through the tropical gardens, this is your moment to embrace serenity and personal time.
4pm - 5pm: Return to the mat for Mellow Restorative Pilates led by Stef. This gentle session is perfect for unwinding tight muscles and reconnecting with your breath. As part of the session, Stef will guide you through a daily journaling reflection, creating space for introspection and personal growth.
6pm - 7pm: Dinner is served! Enjoy a wholesome, thoughtfully prepared meal that nourishes your body and soul as you relax into the evening atmosphere.
7:30pm - 9pm: End the day with a deeply calming Yin Yoga practice led by Mel. This slow-paced, meditative practice allows for deep relaxation and release, setting the tone for a restful night ahead.
Accomodation Options
Take advantage of our early bird discount by securing your spot with a non-refundable $500 deposit before December 31st, 2024.
Payment of your remaining balance is due by May 1st, 2025.
All bookings made after May 1st, 2025, must be paid in full upfront.
All prices include taxes, retreat activities, and meals.
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Resort Room : Twin-Share
Bringing your partner, friend, or want to be paired with a new friend?
Twin-share rooms feature your choice of a queen bed or two single beds, a private ensuite with shower and high-speed Wi-Fi internet available.Interconnecting rooms are available upon request, which is perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Total retreat price:
With early-bird discount: AUD $2497 per person.
Normal price: AUD $2747
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Resort Room - Solo
Want some solo time? Book a resort room just for you. Your room will have a comfy queen bed, and a private ensuite with shower and high-speed Wi-Fi internet available.
Interconnecting rooms are available upon request, which is perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Total retreat price:
With early bird discount: AUD $2797
Normal price: AUD $3047
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Beachfront Pool Suite : Twin-Share
Bringing your partner, friend, or want to be paired with a new friend?
Twin-share Beachfront Pool Suites feature your choice of a king bed or two single beds.
Overlooking the Lombok Strait, Nusa Lembongan, and the world-famous Keramas surf break, these five-star Bali beachfront rooms are the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the ocean from your pool.The waterfront Suites feature a horizon edge pool with a lounger, waterfall shower, and deep soak tub.
Total retreat price:
With early bird discount: AUD $3097 per person.
Normal price: AUD $3347
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Beachfront Pool Suite - Solo
Want some luxury solo time? Book a Beachfront Pool Suite just for you!
Overlooking the Lombok Strait, Nusa Lembongan, and the world-famous Keramas surf break, these five-star Bali beachfront rooms are the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the ocean from your pool.
The waterfront Suites feature a horizon edge pool with a lounger, waterfall shower and deep soak tub.
Total retreat price:
Early bird discount: AUD $3597 per person.
Normal Price: $3847
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Beachside Villa
Both 1 and 2 bedroom villas are available, or they can be joined into one 3 bedroom villa, perfect for group bookings or family trips.
Each villa has a private pool, lounge area, fully equipped kitchen, and relaxing deep soak tub.
Price upon enquiry.
Ready to reserve your place?
Yay! Here’s some important info:
AUD $500 deposit is required to reserve your room. This deposit is non-refundable.
The early bird discount pricing ends on December 31st 2024.
Final payment for the remaining balance after your deposit is paid, is due on May 1st 2025.
Bookings made after May 1st 2025 must be paid in full upfront.
If you’d like to set up a payment plan, that’s a great idea and we are happy to arrange it for you.
Payments via direct bank transfer are preferred.
Payments via credit or debit card will be processed through Paypal and will incur a 3.5% surcharge.
All participants must have valid travel insurance, and email us confirmation of this prior to the retreat.
This retreat is non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
You can view the full booking terms and conditions HERE.
To confirm your place and pay your deposit, please fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch to personally set it all up for you.
Interested in booking your spot on the retreat?
Use the contact form below and we will contact you with all the information you need to join us for your time in paradise!
FAQs
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There is absolutely no pressure to do all of the scheduled activities. Do as much or as little as you please.
You can choose instead to hang out by the pool, take a walk on the beach, get a spa treatment, read a book, sleep... it's your holiday!
We will provide a detailed itinerary of activies ahead of time so you can plan accordingly if you like. -
Absolutely! You'll meet lots of like minded people and it's likely you'll make life-long friends!
Or if its serene alone time you are longing for, this is also a perfect opportunity to go within. We will provide you with as much space as you desire.
If you want to share a resort room with another solo traveller, that can be arranged too. -
As much or as little as you like! There will be lots of free time in the middle of the day (as the temperature heats up), and movment practice again at the end of the day as the temperature cools down again.
Your movement practice will change on this retreat, that's the beauty of immersing yourself in it, guided in-person by your coaches.
There will be loads of variety on offer, including vinyasa yoga, Pilates, yin yoga + sound, resistance training, and dance/barre fitness.We will also offer a nutrition workshop.
By the end of the 5 days you will feel totally renewed in mind, body, and spirit! -
Check in on Monday the 18th of August in the afternoon, and check out on Friday the 22nd August after brunch.
We've chosen the Monday - Friday dates so you have the choice of traveling to and from the retreat over the weekends.Many guests choose to arrive a few days early in Bali to settle in and /or spend extra time in Bali afterwards. Bali has many wonderful areas to explore.
We encourage you to ensure you arrive in Bali early enough to not miss the first day of the retreat! Allowing extra time for international travel is always a great idea.
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Absolutely. We will run an info night over Zoom in the lead up to the retreat to answer any of your travel questions and give you more info on preparing for the retreat if you need it. Stef, Ash, and Mel have all been to Bali numerous times. Stef has attended Komune Resort on a retreat before and can answer any questions you have about the amazing venue.
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A visa is required for entry to Bali. Australians are automatically eligible for a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) upon landing at Bali airport, which is valid for 30 days (or 60 days with an extension). The visa costs 500,000 IDR (∼$50 AUD) and is available online in the form of an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA), which must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance.
The regular Visa-on-Arrival is purchasable at Bali airport, at the counters which are located just in front of Immigration where your passport is checked. Any digital e-Visa-on-Arrival applications must be applied for up to 14 days before your trip, and no later than 48 hours before your arrival to allow sufficient time for processing. The VoA and e-VoA both cost 500,000 IDR (∼$50 AUD). Both the VoA and e-VoA are short-term visas that cater mainly to tourism.
Please check the via entry requirements for other passport holders.
Please ensure you have at least 6 months validity on your current passport. -
Yes! We warmly welcome non-participating partners and family members. While you are engaged in retreat activities, they can surf, enjoy the pools and resort amenities, and have their own Bali adventure!
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Yes!
The first step is to reserve your place by placing an AUD $500 deposit.If you wish to benefit from the early bird pricing, please make your $500 deposit before Dec 31st 2024.
You can then set up a payment plan at any rate you choose. Full payment is due by May 1st 2025. -
Here's the link to the full booking terms and conditions.
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No, Covid 19 vaccination is no longer required for Australians entering Bali. As of June 9, 2023, Australian travellers are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Bali. However, they are still encouraged to be fully vaccinated for their own safety and the safety of others, as health situations are known to change rapidly. Please check with your GP before booking to see if there's any other vaccines or health recommendations they have specifically for you when traveling to Bali.