LUXE Loves is our regular feature where we spotlight our all-time favourite places on the planet. From wowza hotel stays to the world’s most happenin’ restos, bars and shops worth raving home about … welcome to the crème of our curated cohort.
What:
Escape Haven
Where:
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Why We Love It:
Imagine a place where women from all walks of life can escape the stresses of daily life… A place with unlimited spa treatments, smoothie bowls, iced coffee and tropical fruit platters. A place where you can rest and relax, be alone yet together with like-minded women, nourish your mind, body and soul, experience new things and explore the gorgeous Island of the Gods (hint: that’s Bali). If this sounds like heaven to you, read on…
Location
Nestled in Canggu just steps away from Bali’s most stylish boutiques and hip eateries, Escape Haven looks like something straight out of Barbie World with its palm trees and pink flowers scattered around a lagoon-like pool. Neon pink floating bean bags drift around a sunken circular fire pit in the pool, with navy striped cushions, sun beds, outdoor jacuzzis and hanging rattan chairs to boot.
The rooms at Escape Haven are just as beautiful and feminine, with towel animals and guests’ names spelled out in frangipani flower petals across the bed. Meanwhile, the seashell and feather-adorned lanterns, placemats, and desk accessories will no doubt bring out the girly girl in anyone.
Checking in
From the moment I arrived at Escape Haven, I could immediately feel my stresses melting away as the warm Balinese female staff welcomed me (quite literally) into their arms. After a mini blessing ritual at the entrance, I was given a coconut to sip while we went through my personalised schedule.
Depending on the package you’re on – which range from Detox, Fitness, Ayurveda and Longevity to the ultra-popular Pilates, Yoga, Surfing and Bucket List – your stay at Escape Haven can be as action-packed or as relaxed as you like. I opted for the Pilates package, as I was looking to stretch, lengthen and tone my body whilst strengthening my core.
Daily schedule
The day usually begins with a healthy buffet breakfast around the table with the other ladies, and then it’s up to you whether you want to lie around at the pool with a book, coffee and/or smoothie, go surfing at the beach, take a yoga/pilates class, enjoy a spa treatment or two, take a dip in the pool, get your tan on, and/or give your metabolism a boost in the on-site sauna and cold plunge pool.
No two days are the same, and the EH team does an amazing job of incorporating cultural activities into the mix, such as Balinese dancing, cooking classes and outings to Bali’s must-see hot spots including Tirta Empul temple in Ubud, La Brisa beach club in Canggu and hikes up to Mount Batur.
Thankfully, there’s no pressure to join any of the events, and you’re free to explore Bali on your own or simply stay put inside the heavenly grounds of Escape Haven. With unlimited meals (including coffee, smoothies and snacks throughout the day), what better place to simply let yourself relax?
Just chill
Women are often known for taking on too much and putting everyone’s needs above their own. During my stay, several ladies even mentioned feeling guilty for “doing nothing” or simply “reading by the pool.” Others felt the need to stay busy or help out by putting away their yoga mats after class, or returning their used cups and utensils to the kitchen. All of which the Escape Haven staff had to say in response, “Please just stop and let us take care of YOU.”
What’s also unique about Escape Haven is the sisterhood that develops during your stay. Since everyone usually arrives on the same day (Friday) for a typical week-long stay – and thanks to the welcome ceremony around the fire pit on day two – guests usually are quick to form instant and long-lasting bonds, no matter their differences in age, ethnicity, career or background.
With many ladies on their first-ever solo trip or first time in Bali, the staff at Escape Haven were excellent at making sure everyone’s weekly schedule went to plan, whilst connecting with and caring for each and every guest like family.
Verdict
The idea of an all-women’s retreat usually makes you think of women doing all sorts of woo-woo activities and crying most of the time in group huddles, and although some of that did take place at Escape Haven (to which I have no complaints!), the retreat was that and so much more. Besides giving myself a well-deserved holiday where I could truly prioritise my physical and mental health, it was was one of the most healing, wholesome and enriching experiences I’ve ever had.
At Escape Haven, we could be unapologetically ourselves – and in many ways, unapologetically women. We talked, we laughed, we hugged, we cried. We explored, we connected, we experienced, we escaped… Most importantly, we left feeling more seen, more whole, more brave, and more loved than when we’d first arrived, and with a whole new support system of “EH sistas” from around the world for life.
Now, how many other holidays can give you that?
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