Q: Chelsea, congratulations on your success. What was the initial inspiration for setting up Goddess Retreats?
A: Thank you. My inspiration for Goddess Retreats was deeply personal. More than 20 years ago, as a solo traveller, surfer and yoga enthusiast seeking deeper meaning, I found a void in the travel industry.
It mostly catered to couples, families, or indulgent escapes, lacking the restorative, connected and purposeful experiences I desired.
There were few options for solo women seeking rest, reflection, healing and growth in a supportive space. So, I followed my intuition and created it myself.
Goddess Retreats blends my passions, life coaching background and a desire to share meaningful, transformative experiences with other women.
Q: Starting up a new business always has risks. Did you think it would be as successful as it has become?
A: I didn’t begin with a plan or a goal to build a global brand. My intention was simply to create something of genuine value. It began with a single retreat, a small group of women and a location I loved deeply.
I believe that when you create something with sincerity and purpose, it naturally draws people to it. The growth was organic. Word of mouth spread quickly because the experience truly resonated with the women who visited.
Over time, it evolved into something much larger than I ever imagined. I believe that success has come from staying true to the original purpose, which was to offer a space where women could feel seen, supported and inspired.
Q: Why do you think there is such a boom in wellness travel?
A: For a long time, wellness travel’s demand was overlooked by a traditional industry focused on indulgence and escape.
Today, informed individuals, empowered by independent media and social sharing, are increasingly aware of how modern lifestyles – poor nutrition, toxins, digital overload – contribute to stress and fatigue. This awareness makes wellness travel a natural evolution.
People now seek genuine replenishment, aiming for better health, longer lives and meaningful connections. The pandemic amplified this focus on well-being and the urgency of pursuing fulfilling experiences.
Additionally, a growing interest in longevity is shifting perspectives. Unlike previous generations who accepted decline after midlife, our generation seeks sustained vitality and purpose.
Wellness, once niche, has become a foundational aspect of how we aspire to live and age.
Q: Similarly, why do you think more women are choosing to travel solo?
A: Solo female travel now powerfully represents independence and self-trust. Traditionally, women often waited for external validation to explore.
Now, more women travel on their own terms, claiming personal time and space without needing permission.
Travelling solo provides clarity, renewal and builds self-confidence. For women navigating life transitions like divorce or career changes, it’s a way to reconnect with themselves outside daily roles, a form of self-empowerment through independent exploration at their chosen time.
The pandemic also highlighted the preciousness of time. Women are no longer delaying their desires, actively seeking experiences that nourish their spirit and align with their values.
Q: Are sustainability and cultural immersion major parts of what you do?
A: Absolutely. Respect for Balinese culture and the local community has been fundamental to Goddess Retreats since the start. Our long-term team fosters a deep sense of family and we honour local traditions and wisdom.
We embrace a holistic view of sustainability, considering both the environment and the well-being of the people and place.
We actively support local farmers, artisans and healers, striving to minimise waste, source locally and positively contribute to the community.
Our guests frequently highlight the cultural connection as a deeply meaningful aspect of their experience, leaving Bali not only refreshed but also enriched by a greater understanding and sense of belonging.
Q: For someone who is considering one of your retreats, what kind of experience are they going to have?
A: A Goddess Retreat offers a deeply nourishing experience – a sanctuary for women to escape daily noise and reconnect with themselves.
We blend gentle wellness like yoga, meditation and spa treatments with inspiring cultural activities, nature time and nourishing food.
Above all, we foster genuine care without pressure. Women can arrive as they are – to rest, heal or celebrate. Each retreat invites a return to one’s essence and priorities, engaging physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social well-being.
Q: Finally, what kind of buzz do you get from running Goddess Retreats?
A: For me, the joy is in empowerment. I created Goddess Retreats to empower myself as a solo traveller, a surfer and a woman seeking meaning. In doing so, I found a way to help other women empower themselves.
It is deeply rewarding to witness a woman arrive feeling tired, uncertain, or overwhelmed and to watch her, over the course of the retreat, begin to soften, to reconnect with herself and to light up again.
You see it in her posture, her smile and the way she speaks with clarity and confidence by the end of the week.
We offer a reset, not an escape, enabling a return to life with greater vitality and intention.
Being part of this transformation, helping women remember their strength and worth, is a privilege. Goddess Retreats, born from a personal vision, now belongs to every woman who discovers her inner beauty through it and that inspires us all.
