Why I chose not to lead a retreat in Bali (in 2026)
TLDR:
I have decided not to go to Bali in 2026 but instead to return to the wild paradise-like Osa Peninsula to share a retreat in Costa Rica March 21-27, 2026.
I understand many of you were excited about the Bali retreat, we had a waitlist of over 25, and I want to be transparent about the reasons behind this change and my decision not to lead retreat in Bali in 2026.
This is not to say I won't lead retreat in Bali (or preferably an island nearby that is less over-touristed) at another time when I have more space to do the research and make choices that reflect alignment with the values of my retreat business, but 2026 is not the year for Bali.
Here's a deeper look into my decision:
For over a year, I've researched and planned the Bali retreat and had several zoom calls with wonderful folks in Bali to discuss potential venues and ways to get the legal requirements and visa to share retreat in Bali. However, as I delved further, I encountered several ethical and logistical concerns that weighed heavily on my heart.
As my research progressed, I became increasingly aware of the stark disparities within Bali's tourism industry. The dreamy bucket list vision of Bali that I had absorbed was unravelling and I wondered how the locals felt about this unshakeable presence of mass tourism in their homeland? Bali is the most instagrammable place in the world. (I have seen soooo many photos on social media of a beautiful girl in a flowy goddess dress on a swing over a rice terrace in Bali) And Bali suffers from the demands of mass-tourism: traffic jams, severe plastic pollution washing up on beaches, environmental degradation, Selfie culture, and crowds. The prevalence of luxurious, often foreign-owned holistic wellness resorts contrasts sharply with the realities of poverty in Bali. Often locals cannot get jobs beyond the service sector and see very limited impact on quality of life or wealth from the impacts of mass tourism. Water pours from infinity edge pools and landscaped grounds yet safe drinking water is limited in some remote local communities. I struggled with the ethical implications of promoting a picture-perfect image of serenity while overlooking these critical issues. Recently, I read the memoir "The Story Game" (excellent book, by the incredible Shze-Hui Tjoa - I highly recommend) and felt like it all deserved a more nuanced exploration before diving in from afar and hitching myself to the Bali wellness travel bandwagon.
One of my core values in leading retreats is going to places that are a bit off the beaten-path. On my retreats, we have been to Amorgos, Greece rather than the mass-touristed Santorini, we will wander off to a serene Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains rather than the busy streets of Marrakesh, we cozy into authentic Blue Zone Bari eastern Sardinia away from the oligarch's yachts in Northern Sardinia, we venture away from the beach clubs of St. Barths to the wild volcanic hot springs and eco-adventure travel haven of Dominica, and we fly south to the most wild zone of Costa Rica: The Osa Peninsula away from the overpriced McMansions of Santa Teresa. I find these off-the-beaten-path locations create the best conditions for us to drop deep into yoga practices and for the nervous system to settle. Beautiful pristine nature, spaciousness, authentic culture, delicious food, eco-sustainable measures that support the planet and the local economy, and an emphasis on slow-travel are qualities I value most as a retreat leader.
During my recent time in the wild Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, I experienced a profound sense of connection with the wild landscape. Pristine, remote, empty except for the ever present monkey and scarlet macaws - a space where you could really exhale deeply and commune with wilderness. The lush, vibrant jungles and private deserted beaches mirrored Bali's beauty, but with significantly shorter travel times and a strong commitment to ecological preservation. It felt like I had found the experience I was seeking for my retreat all along, but just much much closer to home: no jet lag, no 30-hour plane-ride, just dropping right into expansive wild natural beauty and profound yoga immersion.
Looking around while in Costa Rica this past February leading retreat, I realized it is the same warm welcoming humid climate and lush jungle foliage one might find in Bali, but 1/8 of the travel time and jet lag.
And it hit me, this feeling I get so often when I go deeper into yoga: That the thing I have been chasing seeking so doggedly is not in fact what I wanted or needed but what I wanted was right in front of me all along.
Costa Rica can be reached in one day from the east coast or two days with an airport hotel in San Jose from the west coast. I adore the focus on ecological conservation and the pride that the locals have in their country's environmentalism.
So for 2026 I am thrilled and delighted to return to Costa Rica. If you are interested in a strong athletic practice, a private deserted black sand beach fringed by jungle palms frequented by scarlet macaws and monkeys, and a high-integrity retreat center with simple yet comfortable accommodations, a gorgeous enclosed jungle yoga shala with floor to ceiling windows, and the most delicious and healing 100% Gluten Free meals, then I would love for you to join me March 21-27, 2026 in the Osa Peninsula.
Thanks for reading along and following this journey. It is never linear, and I am grateful for the trusted and wise input and for the freedom to correct course and follow what feels in highest alignment with the offerings I want to put forth in the world.
Learn More about our upcoming retreat to Costa Rica and add yourself to the waitlist here:
https://www.lilydwyerbeggyoga.com/costa-rica-wild-life-2026
Registration will open to the presale list 4/15.