1. Age Is Just a Number

Many of us grew up believing adventure belonged to the young. Yet here we were, women in our 50s, 60s and 70s, boarding planes solo, lugging yoga mats, laughing our way through passport queues.

Our week together proved that courage has no expiry date. Whether it was trying sunrise yoga, sharing our personal story in a group circle, or simply arriving in a foreign land alone, every act was an affirmation: we are still growing.

“We don’t stop doing things because we get old… we get old because we stop doing thi Age matters less than attitude. What counts is curiosity, willingness and the decision to keep saying ‘yes’ to life.

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2. Deep Connection Is the Real Luxury

Five-star villas and infinity pools are wonderful, but the richest experience we had was each other.

Every day included a sharing circle, a space where laughter met tears and women listened without judgment. In a world that often prizes productivity over presence, this kind of connection felt radical.

“Travelling alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Solo travellers often form deeper, more meaningful connections – without the buffer of companions.”

That insight came alive here. In Bali, women who began the week as strangers became soul sisters. We learned that the most luxurious gift of all is being seen, heard, and understood.

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3. Self-Care Is Not Selfish

So many of us spend decades caring for everyone else. The retreat reminded us how vital it is to turn that care inward.

Each day began with yoga, breathwork or meditation and ended with stillness, sometimes a Balinese massage, sometimes journaling to candlelight. At first it felt indulgent; by day three it felt essential.

“Solo travel allows you to focus entirely on your wellbeing.”

Midlife self-care isn’t about face masks and spas (though those help!). It’s about rest, nutrition, movement, and reflection – the pillars that let us show up strong and serene.

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4. Trying New Things Sparks Joy

Sound-healing at the Pyramids of Chi. Tasting Balinese dishes with local chefs, getting a massage on the beach. Shopping in colourful markets. Beach walks. Tattoos!

Every day offered a new invitation to play.

“Age should never be a barrier to exploring the world.”

Those memories don’t fade; they fuelus. New experiences activate creativity, confidence, and laughter. Saying ‘yes’to something unexpected can reignite a part of you that’s been waiting patiently to return.

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5. Nature Heals on Every Level

The Balinese landscape itself became a teacher. The air smelled of frangipani and rain; the rice paddies glowed neon-green after a storm.

In that environment, even the most restless mind found calm.

“Solitude that is chosen gives us time to connect with ourselves.”

Walking barefoot on the earth, listening to the waves, watching the light shift – these simple acts restored balance.

We often seek transformation in big gestures, but sometimes the most profound healing comes from quiet, from listening to our own breath against nature’s rhythm.

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6. Vulnerability Creates Strength

Our workshops weren’t just surface-level; they went deep. We explored purpose, aging, relationships, and sobriety. Some cried. Some laughed. All felt lighter.

It takes courage to drop the armour and speak from the heart. But when we did, we discovered that honesty attracts compassion, not judgment.

One woman said:

“I thought I’d come to relax. Instead, I found myself again.”

That’s the magic of midlife growth – it invites authenticity over perfection. We left feeling stronger, not because we had all the answers, but because we’d dared to ask better questions.

 

7. The Journey Doesn’t End Here

A retreat is not an escape; it’s a reset.

The true transformation happens afterward, when the suitcase is unpacked but the lessons remain.

We encouraged every woman to choose one practice to bring home: 10 minutes of morning stillness, a weekly “digital detox” day, or monthly check-ins with a new retreat friend.

“Solo travel is a chance to reconnect with yourself and embark on a journey of self-discovery,”

I wrote in Embrace Solo Travel.

The same applies here. The retreat may be over, but the journey of intentional living continues – in how we move, connect, and choose joy each day.