A Vibrance Collective™ Retreat
Honoring The Goddess Saraswati and Art
Ellen Watson, Yasminida Muridan,
Nonik Arisanti & Ketut Karta
Guest musician : Anna and Catur Wijaya
January 21 - 26, 2026
Ananda Cottages, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Who is Saraswati?
“Saraswati is the river of wisdom, the song of the soul, and the purity of the lotus. To walk with her is to live in harmony, to create with love, and to speak with clarity. Join us in Bali to awaken her spirit within.”
In Balinese tradition, Dewi Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, learning, creativity, and the arts. She is often depicted seated gracefully on a lotus, holding sacred scriptures, a rosary, and a stringed instrument—symbols of knowledge, purity, and inspiration.
She represents the flow of divine wisdom, guiding us to clarity of thought, eloquence of speech, and the courage to express our inner truth. Just as a river nourishes the land, Saraswati nourishes the mind and soul, helping us transform knowledge into wisdom, and creativity into a sacred offering.
To walk with Saraswati is to invite beauty, balance, and harmony into life. She reminds us that wisdom is not only for the mind, but also for the heart—lived daily in grace, compassion, and joyful expression.
Saraswati Through Balinese Eyes
Saraswati Day is dedicated to knowledge and the sacred power of aksara, the written word. The tradition of refraining from writing is often misunderstood as not studying, when writing risks mistakes, erasing, which make “killing” of letters, but still in truth, it is an invitation to learn in new ways. Saraswati inspires us to explore fresh knowledge, creativity, and insight.
In Bali, Saraswati is the most revered goddess, embodying art and taksu; the divine charisma that transforms even the smallest act into a masterpiece. For priests, Saraswati Day holds profound spiritual weight as it is the source of knowledge. For artists, it represents the lifelong pursuit of taksu, a gift of inspiration granted only through time and devotion.
This program will honor Saraswati through the arts: movement, painting, music, and the healing touch of massage. Each practice becomes an offering, a path to awaken her spirit within us.
Awaken Your Inner Wisdom, Creativity & Feminine Grace
A 5-Day Retreat in Bali: For women and men who honor the feminine
Step into the sacred energy of Dewi Saraswati, the Balinese goddess of wisdom, creativity, and grace. This unique 5-day journey is designed for women who wish to awaken their inner wisdom, find their authentic voice, and embrace the flow of creativity in harmony with everyday life.
In the heart of Bali’s cultural and spiritual landscape, we will weave together ancient ritual, creative expression, sisterhood, and transformative practices to embody the gifts of Saraswati.
What Awaits You
Sacred Ceremony & Rituals
Experience a traditional Balinese water purification and join in temple blessings that honor Saraswati’s presence with prayer, music, and devotion.
Creative & Spiritual Workshops
Be guided through sound healing, somatic dance, painting, bead-making, and wisdom circles, each inviting you to explore creativity, embodiment, and devotion in gentle, spacious ways.
Cultural Excursions
Walk through rice fields to an artist’s studio, visit the Lotus Temple, and explore a local museum, immersions that connect you with Bali’s art, nature, and sacred traditions.
Circles of Connection
Open and close the retreat with community circles, and gather in smaller moments of sharing throughout spaces to feel supported, witnessed, and inspired by like-hearted women.
Integration & Inspiration
Leave with memories, connections, and gentle practices that can continue to nourish your daily life, carrying Saraswati’s blessings of wisdom and creativity into your own path.
Personal Transformation
Return home with clarity, inspiration, and practical tools to integrate Saraswati’s wisdom into your daily life.
Our Schedule
Day 1 – Arrival & Opening the Circle
We gather in the late afternoon at Ananda Ubud.
Ellen leads our welcome circle with introductions, intention setting, and a Saraswati invocation.
As the sun sets, we share our first meal together, planting the seeds of community.
Day 2 – Purification & Sound of the Heart
Our day begins with a water purification ceremony at a balinese high priest “Home Temple” in Singapadu, Gianyar. Blessings of water, prayer, and ritual to cleanse body, mind, and spirit.
Returning to Ananda, after a break, Anna & Catur guide us into a musical journey, opening our hearts through vibration and resonance.
Day 3 – Embodied Flow & Healing Touch
Start in the morning, Ellen invites us into somatic dance and the art of healing touch. Through conscious movement and connection, we rediscover the wisdom of the body.
Day 4 – Walking into Art & Feminine Devotion
At sunrise, we walk through the rice fields to Ketut Karta’s studio, where painting and nature become our canvas, through the day.
Then we return for Yasminida’s Wisdom Circle: The Feminine Face of Devotion in Bali, exploring the stories and symbols of sacred feminine expression.
Day 5 – Temples, Culture & Creative Offerings
This day is a journey to the Saraswati Temple and Palace in Ubud and a visit to a local museum, immersing ourselves in Balinese art and Saraswati’s presence in culture.
In the afternoon, Yasminida guides a creative workshop of making malas, necklaces, and weaving, a devotional crafts born from our hands and hearts.
Day 6 – Closing & Gratitude
We gather one last time in our farewell circle, with music, reflection, and words of gratitude.
Our journey closes with Saraswati’s blessings carried within us, ready to inspire our lives beyond Ubud.
This Retreat is For You If…
You feel called to deepen your connection to feminine wisdom.
You wish to strengthen your intuition, creativity, and authentic voice.
You are seeking healing, inspiration, and clarity.
You long for soulful community and sisterhood.
You desire a sacred pause from daily life to reconnect with yourself.
Your Takeaway
At the end of these 5 days, you will carry Saraswati’s blessings into your life:
A quieter mind and a more open heart.
Fresh inspiration for your creativity and self-expression.
A deeper sense of connection with yourself, others, and nature.
Gentle practices and reflections to keep wisdom close in daily life.
Who This Retreat is For
Women ready to reconnect with their wisdom & intuition and Men who are ready to embrace their feminine nature
Creatives, seekers, healers, leaders, mothers—anyone ready to awaken Saraswati’s gifts
Those seeking community, healing, and inspiration in Bali
Meet the Leader
-
Ellen Watson
Celebrates her 40th year in the staff and faculty of the Esalen Institute, in Big Sur, California, where she studies, practices and teaches various ways of meditative practice, massage and movement. Ellen is a teacher of Esalen® Massage & Bodywork, 5Rhythms by Gabrielle Roth, Holotropic Breathing, SpiritDanceSoulSong®, Vibrance®, Touching Essence ™, Wake Up & Roar. From 1984 to 2003, Ellen developed and administered the Movement Arts Program in Esalen. In 1996 she founded MovingVentures (www.movingventures.org), which offers workshops, retreats and training courses in Esalen, Bali, China and other parts of the world. Visit: www.TheVibranceCollective.com, to learn more about Vibrance.
-
Yasminida Muridan
Yasmin Muridan is the Founder and Director of Yasminida Bali, an eco-friendly craft business producing sustainable household goods made from natural materials. Inspired by Indonesia’s ancestral wisdom, Yasmin believes that sustainable living begins with simple everyday choices at home. Through Yasminida Bali, she is committed to educating consumers on the importance of returning to biodegradable materials while empowering local artisans.
As a young female entrepreneur, Yasmin actively shares her vision through initiatives such as #Greenspirasi, standing as part of a new generation of leaders shaping a more sustainable economy in Indonesia.
-
Ketut Karta
Growing up in the cultural heart of the island, Ubud, he developed a deep connection to art and spirituality from an early age. Much of his inspiration comes through dreams, where visions of deities, mythological figures, and cosmic symbolism guide his creative process. His paintings reflect the richness of Balinese tradition while expressing a deeply personal spiritual journey. Exhibited across Indonesia and featured in Bali Travel News, Karta’s work continues to bridge cultural heritage with contemporary expression, offering viewers both beauty and meditation through his art.
Guest Musician
-
Catur H. Wijaya
Catur H. Wijaya is a dynamic world musician from Indonesia, known for his deep connection with music and his mastery of over twenty instruments, including drums, strings, and flutes. He is also the founder and teacher at Ubud Drum, a prominent drumming school in Bali.
Musical Journey:
Early Life & Learning: Catur has been involved in music for as long as he can remember, learning traditional music from esteemed masters throughout his life.
International Experience: In 2018, he traveled to Mali, West Africa, to further his understanding of traditional drumming and to experience the origins of the Djembe.
Musical Contributions:
Fusion of Traditions: Catur is passionate about blending traditional music styles. He regularly composes and performs pieces that incorporate elements from Indonesian, West and North African, Indian, and other global musical traditions.
Performances & Projects: Based in Bali, he is an active member of various musical projects and frequently performs at major festivals across the Indonesian archipelago.
Recent Work:
Solo Album: Catur recently released his debut solo album, "Bali To Mali," which is available on all major music platforms.
-
Anna Wijaya
A Multitalented Artist and Spiritual Practitioner
Ania Wijaya is a multifaceted artist originally from Poland, currently living with her family in the vibrant jungle of Ubud, Bali. Her life is a harmonious blend of dance, music, family, and spiritual pursuits. As both a dedicated student and nurturing teacher of mantra meditation, Anna's journey in the world of sound reflects her deep commitment to spiritual growth.
An accomplished dancer, Anna’s passion for performance is palpable. Her love for music deepened after meeting her husband, Catur, who introduced her to the art of drumming. Ania is the proud founder and an integral member of Matangi, an all-female drumming and singing band. The band's collective rhythm and voices resonate with empowerment and unity, creating an inspiring fusion of music and sisterhood.
In collaboration with her husband, Ania also lends her vocals to his musical endeavors. Together, they have seamlessly woven their shared love for music and the profound power of sound into their joint venture, Yoga Sound Alchemy. Through this platform, they offer classes, workshops, and transformative retreats, helping others explore the healing potential of music and sound.
Ananda Ubud History
In the 1960’s just as Bali was becoming known as a desirable destination for international travel, Wayan Pageh, decided to invest the money he earned being a driver, in buying one ‘are’ (an are is 10 square meter : 10 are comprise 1 hectare) of land in the area of Sangingan, just off Jalan Raya Ubud. One are became two, then four, and so on over the next 25 years. We now, almost 60 years later, have the pleasure of living amidst the rice fields, wrapped in nature’s embrace. We design our programs to include ample time in our assorted meditation practices…sitting, walking, dancing, drawing & painting, accompanied most often by the rhythm and music of the ricefields.
Wayan Pageh, along with his beloved wife, Suriyani, and their three children lived at Ananda, Immersed themselves in the daily rhythms of Balinese life; and, still today, these customs and traditions are kept alive. In November, 2024, Wayan Pageh, after a busy day in Ubud, went to bed and peacefully died. Of course, Suriyani, their children and grandchildren, miss his presence daily. And, now his spirit returns on each galungan day, to join them for 10 days, then with their blessings, returns to the spiritual world on Kuningan Day.
This Balinese family invites each of us who journey there to abide in the remarkable environment created for us by Pageh, as he manifested his vision. You’ll likely sense his presence as you walk through Ananda’s rice fields, play badminton, relax beside one of the three pools, visit the family temple, enjoy fellowship in the restaurant, or attend one of the classes offered to us by a Balinese staff member.
Venue and Accommodation
Ananda Cottages - Suite Ricefield
The pool with a view and hot tub are the standout features of this suite. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite comprises 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. Boasting a terrace with garden views, this suite also provides a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Ananda Cottages - Deluxe Ricefield
Located on the second floor, this double/twin room offers bigger space and a private balcony. It's fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. En suite bathroom has a bath and a shower.
Enrollment Agreement
Once you have submitted your application and been accepted, you need to fill in the enrollment agreement down below, read it carefully, sign it, and submit it.
Pricing & Payment
-
Deposit
Deposit Saraswati Retreat $1,000
-
Suite Ricefield View
Full Price - $ 3,095
Early Bird: Save $300 if you book before November 15, 2025 - $ 2,745
-
Suite Shared Room
Full Price - $ 2,745
Early Bird: Save $300 if you book before November 15, 2025 - $ 2,395
-
Deluxe Ricefield View
Full Price - $ 2,535
Early Bird: Save $300 if you book before November 15, 2025 - $ 2,185
-
Deluxe Shared Room
Full Price - $ 2,295
Early Bird: Save $300 if you book before November 15, 2025 - $ 1,945