From Frazzled to Flourishing

By Amanda Sumner-Potts

From frazzled to flourishing: 5 things that will take you from frazzled to fabulous after a week away with Ubud Serenity, the wellness and pamper experts in Bali.

Life’s hectic, whatever stage we find ourselves in. For a woman in her 50’s and 60’s life can be quite a juggle, throwing up all sorts of unexpected situations and stresses. Menopause, empty-nesting, first time grand-parenting, giving support to both aging parents and adult children navigating new worlds. Many of us are still working, perhaps thinking about winding down or maybe even taking on more responsibility and more challenging roles.

Time out and self care are essential for getting us through these challenging times. What can we do and where can we go to find some nourishing me-time for ourselves, to get away and re-charge? A week away on a pamper and wellness retreat, like the one offered by Ubud Serenity, can be the perfect antidote. Imagine fabulous food, time by the pool, massages, yoga and spending time with a group of amazing, like-minded women. Expect to arrive in Bali exhausted and frazzled. Extracting yourself from life and outsourcing your responsibilities can be challenging but it will be so worth the effort.

Once you touch down in Bali your Ubud Serenity hosts will have everything organised. Finally, someone else is in charge of the to-do list and taking control, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the journey. The biggest decisions you’ll have to make…..what type of massage to have, which yoga session to attend or what to order from the menu. Each day you’ll find yourself down regulating a notch or two…..The obsessive need to check phones, newsfeeds, emails and social media melts away with every massage. To do lists, grocery lists, meal planning and work schedules are replaced by pampering activities (all optional), delicious food prepared for you (not by you) and work worries a distant memory.

And, in case you need any more convincing, here are 5 things that you’ll find on an Ubud Serenity retreat that will take you from frazzled to flourishing:

1. The bliss of a four-hand massage: you’ve probably never had one and may even think four hands moving at once sounds a bit chaotic. Think again! The four-hand massage is one of the best things on the spa menu. A traditional full body massage but with two masseurs who move their hands in perfect unison, transporting you into a blissful state of deep relaxation. Far, far from the to-do lists and work responsibilities.

2. Spa chill-out session: Bali is the ultimate destination for anything ’spa’ related. Facials, scrubs, massages, mineral baths, manicures, pedicures and much more. There are two half day spa sessions on the Ubud Serenity itinerary but there’s nothing to say that you can’t enjoy a treatment every day of your pamper week…..need we say more!

3. Lazing by the pool: nothing says ‘relaxing holiday’ like spending time reading a book by the pool. You know you’re winding down when all you want to do for some ‘me-time’ is to hang out by the pool reading while waiting for your club sandwich and fresh pineapple juice to arrive.

4. Yoga Barn: a class at the world-renowned Yoga Barn is the perfect way to connect in with how both your mind and body are feeling. Busy mind can mean a busy body. Join a Restorative or Sound Healing Yoga class in one of the centres stunning open-air studios built using traditional Balinese architecture, set amongst tropical gardens, and take your mind and body to a new level of relaxation.

5. Food with friends: Bali has some of the best dining options you’ll ever experience. The cuisine and venues in Ubud are world class. Imagine sipping exotic cocktails overlooking lush river valleys or taking a gentle stroll through the rice fields to dine with new (and old) friends watching sunsets or being entertained by local Balinese dancers and musicians.

If after this you’re so relaxed that you can’t imagine going home yet, then travel via ferry to the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan for a 4 day ‘Extend the Serenity’ island experience. Here, you’ll be treated to even more pampering and relaxation- plus cocktails beneath palm trees, beach swims, boat trips and snorkelling. White-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Nusa Lembongan is laid-back, authentic and away from the hustle and busyness of the beaches of mainland Bali. There is still plenty on offer including boat trips and reef experiences, charming beachfront restaurants, pristine hidden beaches as well as yoga centres and day spas. Either way, if you arrived fresh off the plane feeling fatigued and frazzled, then you’ll leave Bali feeling fulfilled and fabulous, ready to tackle whatever life throws at you with more patience and vigour. Guaranteed!

LIMITED SPACES!

www.ubudserenity.com.au

Women's Wellness and Pamper Week

Ubud, Bali

1-8 August 2026

Optional Extend The Serenity (4 days on Nusa Lembongan)

8-12 August 2026

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida

12-13 August 2026

Sanur, Bali