what comes to light in the valley?

The Valley, is a metaphor for a low point in life, a place of darkness and adversities. Yet, the valley is also a resting place, where tranquillity offers peace and clarity. It is full of life from the flowing river and thriving forest, which nourishes the body and feeds the spirit. Perhaps, the valley has lessons to teach and the forest has wisdom to share. Take the journey into the valley to discover the beauty of this space and recover the strength to begin again.

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Experience Highlights

  • Immersive Forest Bathing

  • Healing Waterfall

  • Ethereal Forest Trail

  • Ancient Tree Teachers

  • Heartwarming Story Circle

  • Farm-to-table Balinese Food

  • Authentic Human Connections

  • Slow Nature Living

  • Space to Meet with Yourself

  • Sleep with River Melody

  • Campfire & Stargazing

  • Connection with Source of Life

this is for you if you...

♢ are going through a low point in life

♢ are seeking direction and meaning

♢ are open to receive the wisdom of nature

♢ are looking for deep rest and play

♢ need a reset of your nervous system

♢ wish to expand your heart and mind

♢ wish to get a heightened experience of life

♢ wish to renew your sense of hope, joy and clarity

♢ want to experience nature living in the safety of a community

all is welcome.

this retreat supports inclusivity, non-discrimination and love for all.

The stars shine the brightest when you are surrounded by darkness.

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day 1

arrivals, check-in
greeting the land
forest bathing: the valley

day 2

forest bathing: waterfall
intentional free time
workshop: inner compass

day 3

day trip to forest park
campfire x story circle

day 4

check out
ancient tree
lunch with a view
departures

Program

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Gifts to Receive

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Relationship with Mother Earth

Forest therapy will open the doors to intimate encounters with nature and help you see the living world through your heart. You will grow a closeness with nature and leave with a heightened experience of life.

Reconnection with self

With gentle guidance, you may shed the expectations and facades you carry and simply rest into your natural being. Most discover an uplifting sense of childlikeness and playfulness and a remembrance of what brings them joy.

Nourishing Environment

Living in the heart of nature, you will be away from stressful stimuli, enabling a reset of your nervous system and a relief of tension in the body. Be surprised by the circadian rhythm your body will naturally fall into.

Self Trust & Confidence

With the room to discover and express who you are, leaning into the natural urges and intelligence of your body, you may find a stronger trust and relationship with yourself. Create a healthier inner landscape to hold you through difficulties.

Safety & Bravery

You will be held in a nonjudgmental space so you may freely explore both your joys and fears. Experience the support of the land and warm-hearted humans in your encounters with edges.

Spark for life

With curiosity, wonder and fascination at the heart of the experience, you may find clarity or clues on your zest in life. This is the life-giving force that keeps you going forward.

… & receive what you need

The retreat is set in an open manner so every individual may receive what they need in their present season of life. While the external journey is common, the internal journey will be unique. You will have the autonomy to deviate or sit out from activities to do what you prefer in the space.

“It is not a retreat, but a homecoming.”

- M, participant of gentle retreat

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  • Land of Pelaga

    Hidden away in a lesser-known village in the North of Bali, Pelaga is a charming forest valley where the waters of the sacred Lake Beratan flow. Away from the city noise, one will be fully immersed in the sounds and encounters with the river, rocks, plants and creatures.

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Rooms

Super Deluxe (king solo or twin sharing)

  • Glamp with a View

  • King Bed (solo / couple)

  • Twin Bed (room sharing)

  • En-suite bathroom with hot showers

  • Forest View

Glamp Facilities

WiFi, comfortable mattress, private bathroom, hot showers, natural ventilation, fan, amenities (towels, water, kettle +), mosquito net, in-room orders.

Food

The in-house cafe-restaurant will cater delicious food, coffee and beverages from 8am - 8pm daily. Regular meals are provided and additional orders are at personal costs. Vegan/vegetarian options available.

Service

The staff team is a group of Balinese villagers from the area who offer warm hospitality and communicate well in English. This is a down-to-earth co-living experience in which kindness and mutual support will be practiced.

Weather

Daytime 25 - 30°C and nighttime 15 - 20°C. Rain is unpredictable in the mountains, but this season would be relatively dry.

Terrain

The glampsite is situated within the forest valley, with stone steps and slopes around. It is generally safe for able individuals but unfortunately not wheelchair friendly.

Environment

Expect an au naturel experience, living close to many kinds of interesting insects and birds. Most are harmless and you will be well supported on room hygiene and meeting with any fears.

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Cost

Early bird prices begins from $788.

This contribution will support
⸙ the quality of food and hospitality
⸙ the meticulous curation of an authentic and connected experience
⸙ the livelihood of local partners and providers
⸙ gentle walks in sustaining itself as a regenerative and purposeful business

Inclusions

⸙ Lodging for 3 nights
⸙ Meals (from check-in to check-out)
⸙ Group transfers from & to airport
⸙ Land Transportation
⸙ Program and entry fees

Exclusions

x Flight cost and booking
x Travel insurance
x Travel arrangements deviating from the group
x Personal purchases

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Sign Up

Registration opened now.

♢ Early bird sign-up begins 20 January 8pm, promotional price applies for the first 6 individuals.
♢ Registration link closes on 28 Feb 2025 2359h.
♢ Retreat is capped at 16 pax, with a minimum of 10 pax to proceed.
♢ Refund & cancellation policy is subject to terms (see Registration page).

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FAQ

  • You may choose any flight that arrives before 10am on 15 April and departs after 6pm on 18 April. We recommend to take it slow after the retreat to offer some spaciousness to integrate the experience. You may wish to extend your stay in Bali or clear your plans over the weekend. Google flights is a good way to scan for flight options.

  • The program is curated with adults in mind, as it offers a deep appreciation of life philosophies and the wisdom of nature. We recommend participants to be at least 21 years and above.

  • The glamp is located within a forest valley, offering us the opportunity to rewild. We will often meet with ants, spiders, slugs, dragonflies, butterflies and even fireflies. Most of them are harmless and the techniques of forest bathing expand our ability to co-exist with these beings. It is uncommon to meet creatures like snakes, leeches and large mammals even though they exist in the vicinity.

  • You are invited to check in on your readiness and willingness to meet with your fears. The forest bathing practice offers a brave space for gentle encountering, relaxing your nervous system for a friendlier meeting with the common fears like darkness, insects, water, or being alone.

    The method has effectively supported the experience of previous retreat participants, and we are enriched by an expanded capacity to experience more of life's richness. However, if you have clinical conditions like extreme phobia or OCD, you are encouraged to consult with your physician.

  • The glampsite is situated on a hillside with slopes and stairs to navigate. While the pace of the program is slow, it may require a minimum level of fitness and confidence to participate. You may opt out of some programs voluntarily should you have breathing and heart problems, or should any illnesses arise during the retreat. As the locations are not wheelchair friendly, we regret the inability to accommodate wheelchair-bound participants.

    For individuals with clinical psychological conditions, we recommend consulting with your psychologist or therapist on your suitability and come equipped with your measures for emotional first aid.

  • Forest bathing is an open practice conducted in a secular manner with the intent to deepen our relationship with nature. Participants are free to draw their own meaning according to their personal faith and beliefs and has full autonomy over their own interpretation.

  • Yes, you can mention your request during sign up and it will be subject to availability. Cost of additional nights will be added to the total fees.

  • Rain is a friend we welcome as part of the experience. Outdoor experiences will continue under safe conditions, flowing with the elements. If the program cannot proceed, it will be converted into free time for personal activity.

  • Not to worry, we do not retain any devices during the retreat. We respect individual autonomy on how they would like to stay connected or disconnected.

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Words from Past Participants

  • Over just a couple of days, I gained such a massive amount of self-assurance. Having developed such a strong connection with myself has allowed me to adjust how I'm steering my life right now.

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    Shiva, 2024 Jul Retreat

  • The whole retreat was well thought out, and each activity was thought-provoking, leaving a lot to ponder and reflect on. Through the retreat, I came to appreciate that to connect with nature, I must first connect with myself.

    Chloe, 2024 Jun Retreat

  • This has been one of the most meaningful trips I had taken. The trip has helped me learn about myself beyond my imagination. I cannot describe the magical feeling that I experienced, but this retreat has nurtured self discovery, growth and love within me.

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    Amos, 2024 Jun Retreat

  • Forest bathing by the river was really peaceful and calming, a change from the hectic life at home. I overcame my fears of waterfalls and learnt to trust my body as I submerged in it. By the end of the retreat I felt more at ease, have learnt to listen to myself and found safety in my body.

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    Jasmine, 2024 Jun Retreat

  • The experience was enchanting and I was captivated by the beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings. Jovena's passion for the forest shone through, and she genuinely cared about sharing the wonders of nature with others. I am absolutely in love with the experience.

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    Jerry, 2024 Apr Retreat

  • If you wish to understand the depths of nature connections and healing, this trip will surprise you in many ways. I went without any expectations and came back feeling more centered in myself. It was the perfect balance of magic and reality.

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    Lyn, 2024 Apr Retreat

  • I really appreciated the warmth, authenticity and willingness of everyone to hold space throughout this retreat. The raw truth of everyone’s journeys was a guiding light and offered perspectives beyond our own.

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    Joyce, 2024 Apr Retreat

  • This experience has truly made a positive change in my life. It showed me the importance of having space to slow down, listen, and follow my heart. I find myself happier, able to breathe deeper and more stress-proof now.

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    Christina, 2023 Nov Retreat

  • Jovena's ability to curate and hold space for others to experience and reconnect with Mother Nature is astounding. It enabled us to fully be with ourselves and all that wants to emerge, and be gently held and healed by Mother Nature.

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    Veronica, 2023 Nov Retreat

  • Gentle Retreat guided me to experience what peace and rest feel like. Jovena offered not just her knowledge and experience, but a safe space for personal exploration and growth. The group dynamics developed into one with much warmth, non-judgment, and love.

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    Tien, 2023 Nov Retreat

  • I enjoyed the company of a group of beautiful strangers who felt like a safe space. The stories they shared teaches me that we are all intertwined and part of this Universe. I have learnt to give myself permission to with the flow, whatever the pace may be, instead of wanting to be more.

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    Michelle, 2023 Aug Retreat

  • This trip was more than just a nature retreat. It was about finding yourself, your journey, your voice, and your community. This retreat allowed me to experience authentic human connections and made me more open to sharing my stories. This trip will always be special to me.

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    Chee Hui, 2023 Aug Retreat

  • The retreat in Bali was an unexpectedly impactful experience for me. I met like-minded friends and returned to Singapore feeling more in touch with myself and as a being in nature. You will feel immersed in nature and looked after by her.

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    April, 2023 Aug Retreat

you deserve rest, and the world deserves a rested you.

- gentle walks

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Your Guide

Jovena

Founder of Gentle Walks
ANFT Certified Guide
Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy & Counselling

Warm Greetings! I’m Jovena, and I founded Gentle Walks with the mission of creating a gentler world on earth.

Since young, I had an innate affection for small animals, but the wild natural world was always fearsome to me. It took me many trips and adventures outside of this island to open up to nature’s wonders and to be moved by the magnificence of Mother Earth.

I only chanced upon forest bathing in 2021 when I was going through a rough mid-life crisis. Nature became an important medicine for my anxiety and a training ground to build self-acceptance, courage and faith. After feeling its positive effects on my mental and physical health, it became clear that it was my calling to be the voice of the forest, and the bridge for others to come home to this natural world.

Bali has been a healing place for my soul, and I found a strong pull to explore Pelaga and various nature gems by chance. The warmth of the locals and the wonderful nature encounters deeply inspired me to share this land with more people. This was how gentle retreat was birthed.

Forest bathing is a great practice for those who love nature, and even more so for those who don’t. It rewilds us softly and reignites our love for Mother Earth’s creations. So, come as you are. You are safe with us.

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