Glow – Creativity Retreat

“No matter what your age or your life path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.” 

Julia Cameron, The Artists Way

 

Ubud, Bali – September 25^th-October 2nd , 2019

Book your ticket, pack your bags and gift yourself 8 blissful days and 7 magical nights of creativity, nurture and inspiration in magical Ubud, Bali. Create, connect and be inspired. 

💕Would you love to reconnect with yourself and spark up your passion and joy?

Through a dynamic week long program of creative playshops and gently guided sessions, expand your mind, heart and creativity to reconnect with your joy, passion and self. 

 

💕Are you looking to open up creatively and find that excitement and invigoration of new ideas? 

Step into the world of Bali’s ancient arts mecca and experience expansive and joyful creativity, divine surroundings and vibrant Balinese culture.

 

💕Are you craving clarity and focus, freeing yourself towards new solutions to old problems? 

Re-engage your creative brain and experience benefits ranging from a calmer nervous system and improved brain health to brand new thought pathways and stellar problem solving. 

 

💕Are you wanting a time out to rest, re-energise, calming your body and mind and focussing on your own needs?  

Take a time out, to recalibrate from your everyday and refocus on who you are, what you love and dream of for your life. For 8 blissful days and 7 magical nights leave your responsibilities behind and let us take care of you. (and if you are of a mumma of small children let us help take care of them too) 

 

💕Longing to give your body some nurture and nourishment so you can approach your precious life with love, energy and vitality?  

We will take care of your body with lovingly prepared vegetarian meals and support your mind, body and creativity with relaxing gentle yoga flow sessions. Together with our amazing venue staff we will do everything we can to see you nurtured, nourished and pampered with amazing food, 5 star service and the most beautiful tropical surroundings. 

 

💕Is your energy bank due a recharge?

Here’s your chance to take that much needed break from the overwhelm of daily life and surrender to an inspiring retreat program, time out by the pool and peace and comfort of your spacious room – putting your own needs first for a full recharging week. 

 

💕Are you an arts industry professional searching for ways to supercharge your skillset and expand your creative boundaries without comitting unlimited time, space or finances?  

Not only will you be expertly guided through daily journaling, creative flow and creative life sessions you will extend your skills base and creative thinking under the highly personalized expertise of over 15 local specialised facilitators. And support for your arts-business and creative life won’t stop here with personalized consulting packages available before, during and after the retreat.

 

Join Christina Giorgio, mamma of 5, musician, arts-business and creativity consultant and Bali creative travel passionate, for 7 nights and 8 blissful days of creativity and deep nurture.  From professional artists to the creatively curious, this retreat is an opportunity to give yourself permission to connect deeply with your passion and creative heart in a supportive and nurturing environment.  As well as diving into a week of inspiring playshops and creative break out sessions you are given space to rest and reconnect with yourself, explore your own creative work and connect with like minded people.

• Completely relax into your creative flow knowing we have everything organised for you (even childcare if you need it!). 

• Nourish your spirit and fire up the depths of your creative capacity.

• Soak up artistry from master teachers ready to meet you exactly at your level

• Expand creatively, whether it’s advanced professional skills you’re after or simply the joys of creativity. 

• Gather in the company of inspiring speakers and experience joyous playshops that will have you glowing with creativity. 

• Create a flow on to your life and creativity regardless of if you are an arts professional or simply creative curious. 

• Nurture your body with heavenly Indonesian cuisine – freshly prepared, wildly delicious and deeply nourishing. 

• Lap up decedent spa treatments. 

• Soften into Ubud village life and the space and time just to be and do whatever your heart desires. 

• Wrap yourself in a week of inspiration and connection with like minded women. 

This creative retreat is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul. Book in your place or organise a custom group now!

What to expect

• Revel in Bali’s vibrant arts mecca of Ubud

• Retreat to gorgeous accommodation in a stunning jungle setting.

• Enjoy integrated yoga sessions designed to nurture and encourage creative flow.

• Reconnect with your creative energies with supported journaling and thoughtfully facilitated group sessions.

• Embrace a range of local arts activities including silversmithing, batik, gamelan, dance and painting.

• Emerse yourself daily in your own arts practice.

• Be nourished by the tastes and scents of Bali with healthy vegetarian meals lovingly prepared onsite.

• Be nurtured with an indulgent spa session.

• Celebrate with an artful dining experience.

• Relax by the pool overlooking tropical gardens and surrounded by rice fields, read a book or take advantage of Ubud’s many health and beauty spas.

• Know that if you are in a stage of parenthood that requires you to travel with your children that you are so welcome and we will support you to participate and link you with skilled local nannies.

What some past attendees had to say…

“GLOW was an amazing experience, for me and my one year old son, Jasper.  My week in Ubud was a powerful reminder of how energising and fulfilling the act of ‘creating’ can be – for mind, body and soul. The entire experience – delicious vegetarian meals, yoga practice and journalling, hands-on arts practice and loving carers provided for Jasper – was expertly designed by Christina without ever feeling overly organised or regulated. Having never done something like this before, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the retreat, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to come out the other side so HAPPY! I feel totally reconnected with who I am, as a creative individual, a working professional, a wife and a mum.

I think as women we tend to put everyone and everything else first, especially when it comes to pursuing our creative interests. It doesn’t matter who you are – a career professional, a creative hobbyist, a business owner, a mother – GLOW is the perfect opportunity to fuel the creative fire that’s within all of us and experience the joy that comes from learning, making and connecting.” -Anika – Byron Bay, Australia

 

 

Gather with like-minded people.  Experience Love for yourself, flowing on to your friends, family and life.  Open to new experiences, cultures and friendships. Come together with other Wonderful people to share experiences through creativity.

 

This nurturing, creative 8 day/7 night exclusive experience is only
US$1999 – Twin Share/US$2199 – Private Room

Only 5 rooms available for this personalised and pampering retreat 25% deposit locks in your spot so email christina@christinagiorgio.com to book Payment plans are available, let me know when you book and we’ll set yours up.
To arrange a private retreat for your group (minimum 4 people – maximum 8) get in touch christina@christinagiorgio.com.
Childcare available please advise at booking.

Inclusions

• Professionally guided journaling and group sessions

• Silversmith workshop

• Batik class

• Gamelan music & dance workshop

• Painting class

• 3 x Integrated yoga sessions

• Boutique accomodation in beautiful, locally owned and run accommodation

• 7 x made to order Breakfasts

• 6 x Indonesian Lunches

• 7 x Afternoon Tea 

• 1 x Artful dining experience

• 1 x 1hr Balinese massage

• Welcome Drink 

• Tropical Fruit Basket

• Daily Room Servicing

• Free shuttle around Ubud town

• Free Wifi

• Return Airport Transfers

Terms and Conditions *airfares not included *retreat packages are non refundable but fully transferable *all participants must have travel insurance including cancellation coverage, we recommend you get coverage as soon as you pay your deposit *visas and entry taxes not included *as the retreat includes skills and professional development if you are earning an income from your creative work or expect to over the retreat financial year you may be eligible to claim retreat costs.  If this could be you consult your accountant. *finer details subject to change *children welcome, US$350 per child including accommodation in parent’s room, airport transfers with parent, designated play area, breakfast, lunch (including for your nanny/child carer) and afternoon tea and local childcare liason, childcare is available with a private local nanny at approximately US$50/day for up to 2 children. 

Checkout the Glow 2015 Slideshow

Look at more photos from previous Ubud creativity workshops, our 2015 retreat and follow the retreats on Instagram.

 

Have a Look at our Hands on Arts Workshops

 

Check out the 2015 Retreat Schedule Here

Your Host

Christina Giorgio

– Musical gypsy, creativity all rounder, travel lover, creative business coach, mum.

Christina studied film and theatre at university. She has had films screened internationally and has a deep love of acting, but has found her creative home in music. A singer songwriter, she writes, records and performs her folk-fusion originals. Christina has been working in the arts and cultural sector for almost 20 years. She has worked as a trainer and facilitator and providing support and guidance to artists of diverse ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds. She has explored fair trade fashion, does web and graphic design and generally lives and breathes creativity in her working life. Christina is a gypsy at heart, travelling extensively through south East Asia and Europe. She has lived in Italy and Demark and spent extended time in Thailand and Bali. She has travelled in central and South America, New Zealand and her home country of Australia and plans to continue exploring our precious planet all her days. Christina has two boys and is step-mum to 2  daughters and a son. As a mother of 5 she has become the consummate short order chef, launderette coordinator, cleaner extraordinaire, ace landscape gardener, crackerjack scheduler and master multi-tasker! Christina has embarked on wild travelling adventures solo as an intrepid young adventurer and with all 5 kids, including trekking the rainforests of Borneo and touring New Zealand in an RV. Over the past 8 years she has turned to Bali as a place to recharge, be nurtured and keep plugged into her creative juices. She is super excited to be able share this nurturing and creative energy with others.

Schedule

During your retreat experience feel free to embrace what suits you and leave what doesn’t, this is your precious journey. All playshops are suited to inspire creativity in each participant, ranging from professional artists to creative novices.  The daily schedule allows a great deal of flexibility but flows a little like this! 7am – 8.30am –Enjoy an indulgent breakfast spread with fresh tropical fruits, eggs made to order, home baked breads, coffee, tea and more! 9am- 12 Get those creative juices flowing with our morning creative workshop. Each session is tailored to relish local Balinese cultural wealth, expand artistic skills and engage creative flow. 12.30 Lunch! Healthy vegetarian delights lovingly prepared. Tantalise the senses with a vegetarian buffet of fresh, seasonal Balinese dishes. Afternoon – Run free! Create. Relax. Reflect. Connect. Explore. Sleep. Be. 3pm – Reconnect with the group for the afternoon creative flow session.  All sessions are tailored to the groups special needs and include hands on creative exercises, discussion, special guests and guided reflection. Evenings – We have left evenings free to set your own schedule. Experience the foodie sensation that is Ubud, from raw food to fine dining, Ubud has it all. Embrace the nightlife and delve into the cultural smorgasbord on offer. Stay home, order in and create by the light of the fireflies and to an orchestra of soothing night sounds.

Why This Creative Program is For Everyone

The Glow creative experience is for everyone, from the creative curious to the expert artisan.  All of our teachers are the best Ubud has to offer (I know because I’ve test run LOTS of classes and teachers).  They are able to challenge those with advanced skills and support those with no skills at all.  The program is designed to expand everyone’s thinking, experiencing, feeling and creating.  Each activity is designed to engage and inspire maximum creativity.  Creativity benefits our thinking processes, nuroplasticity, brain health, problem solving, innovation, stress levels, overall well being and our artistic skills.  This is an inclusive creative experience that will meet you where you’re at.

Location

Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by rice fields and farmland, Ubud is to arts and culture what Kuta is to Bintang Beer and surfboards in the tourism landscape of Bali. Developed as a tourist centre specifically oriented on traditional Balinese cultural preservation and artist expats, Ubud is Bali’s arts Mecca. A foodie’s paradise, it is home to renowned fine dining eateries, a world class raw and health food revolution and any number of local warungs. For yogis it has become a spiritual centre, flanked by temples and holy sites, it is a pilgrimage place for spiritual retreats and yoga centres.

Accommodation

Our luxurious studio accomodation is in the most sought after area of central Ubud.  With huge comfy beds, decadent open air bathrooms and your own private balcony, you will receive 5 star service while being welcomed into a family owned and run home away from home. Using traditional Balinese architecture and open air stylings this is an intimate boutique guesthouse nestled in lush tropical gardens and verdent rice fields a short walk into the heart of town. Local staff will nurture you during your stay with attention to detail and exceptional service. Nearby are a number of tranquil day spas if you wish to pamper yourself with additional signature massages and treatments. Rooms are immaculate and lusciously comfortable. Spacious and thoughtfully designed by local artisans with a combination of modern clean lines and traditional décor. Built in harmony with nature, our retreat venue boasts gorgeous aspects, local wildlife and lush tropical surrounds, a perfect space to find inspiration!

Why Children are Welcome

This retreat has been designed to equally accomodate parents who are unable or not wanting to be away from their young children due to factors such as parenting style, family situation, breastfeeding or even simply a desire to share the magic of Bali with their children.  This is especially the case for mums and women.  I believe that a nurtured, fulfilled and connected woman is a happier, more energetic mum, wife and person.  From my own experience I understand that in the early years it can be tough to find the space and time to meet our own needs, the batteries go flat and motherhood can be a time of exhaustion and disconnect.  This retreat is an opportunity to light the creative spark and nurture the needs of the woman, so you can move forward as a reenergised mum with more joy, passion and energy to share with your children.

Babysitting Service

While parents chosing to travel with their young ones are responsible for their children for the entire duration of the trip, you will be connected with a recommended local babysitter who will be able to assist with your child/ren everyday.  For parents travelling with more than 2 children in most cases an additional nanny will be required at an additional charge, email us to discuss further.  There will be a play zone set up for the duration of the retreat with toys and activities.  Babysitters are screened, have basic English, police check and first aid.  If you prefer to bring your own childcarer this can also be accomodated.  We aim to link families and sitters shortly after you are booked in so you can get to know each other a bit over Facebook or email.

Travel with Children

Travelling with children can be an amazing adventure.  Seeing the wonder of the world through a child’s eyes can add a whole new dimension to travel. Children open us up to meeting more people and connecting through the universal experience of parenthood.  Bali in particular has a deep reverence for children.  In Bali babies go from arm to arm for their entire first 6 months, families sleep together in a shared room and the extended community care for all children as their own.  Most people travelling in Bali find that this love is extended to their own children when visiting. Travel with children in developing tropical countries can certainly also be a challenging experience at times.  Young ones adjust to time differences, unfamiliar places and food, insects and humidity.  Safety standards are different from the West and there is a need for a certain level of vigilance.  As the retreat gets closer Christina will share years of experience travelling with her own young children in developing countries and Bali in particular with blogs on travel health and safety, flights and Bali for children.  The following article is packed with great info.

Ethos

We are committed to supporting the local Balinese arts and tourism industry. Many retreat centres and hotels are owned by foreigners, our accommodation is entirely locally owned, run and staffed creating employment for the local community. Our traditional creative arts workshops are run by local master artists with generations of experience. By working with local artists we are supporting the continuation of traditional culture in Ubud. In addition to our buy local ethos we contribute a percentage of profits back into the local community for programs that support women’s health and Balinese arts and culture. Our principal organisation we are supporting on this retreat is the Bumi Sehat foundation. http://www.bumisehatfoundation.org

Details For Arts Industry Professionals

For those of you working in the arts this retreat in many cases is tax deductible. We recommend you discuss this with your accountant. Please communicate any specific invoicing needs with us, we are happy to work in with your taxation needs as required.  Ubud is a haven for the arts and there are many inspiring professionals to connect with. If you would like us to connect you with any specific art form practitioners, teachers, galleries or opportunities please let us know.  Christina works 1 on 1 with individuals on their arts business, career and creative life and will be offering some limited sessions during the retreat. Sessions are also available prior to and after the retreat via Skype or over the phone. These sessions are highly personalized and designed to explore specific focus areas. These sessions are also tax deductible for arts professionals and are AU$110/hour.

Cancellation Policy

Our retreats our are non refundable but fully transferable.  A US$295 non refundable deposit is due to secure your place.  The balance is due 30 days before departure.  In the unlikely event that we cancel the retreat you will be given the option to transfer your balance to future events or will receive a full refund of the retreat fee. All participants are required to obtain travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage to cover any other expenses related to an event cancellation.  Please make sure your travel insurance will cover you for any other causes for retreat cancellations.

Even More Info

Come over and join us on our Facebook event page for the latest updates, photos, blogs, links and more!