A Vibrance Collective™ Retreat
Celebrating The Arts & Honoring Saraswati
Ellen Watson
with Yasminida Muridan and Nonik Arisanti
January 20 - 26, 2026
Ananda Cottages, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Who is Saraswati, you might ask? Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess whose tasks are governing the feminine arts, the waters, dance, literature & poetry, music, and knowledge. Throughout the island of Bali (the Island of the Gods & Goddesses), statues of Saraswati are seen at every school, and many hotels, retreat centers, as well as venues whose stewards honor Saraswati.
I feel excitement as I visualize us visiting the Ubud Saraswati Palace, joining our guide, Narok, for a sunrise walk through the centuries old rice fields behind Ananda Cottages, our home for this week.
And, of us embodying the Vibrance practices of dancing, singing, writing poetry. Of reading what we write, or reading favorite poems, of meditating together…both sitting and moving practices. Of visiting Tirta Empul, the Healing Waters beside the retreat house built in the 1950’s for the first president of Indonesia, Suharto.
Of a day trip to Pura Rambut Siwi, Negara,for visiting the temple The Goddess or Queen of the Southern Seas, Nyai Rara Kidul.
Of discovering our own stillpoint, wrapped in the nurturing environment of Ananda’s rice fields, bungalows, and our wantilan. Living in the space between doing and not doing….shifting from the orientation of destination to living our own/manifesting our own destinies.
In the heart of Bali — where spirit, nature, and culture intertwine — Yasmin, Nonik and I invite you to join us for our retreat honoring Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. This is more than a retreat — it’s a homecoming to your inner artist, your sacred voice, and your embodied truth..
Together, we will journey through the arts of movement, voice, ritual, and stillness, woven into the fabric of Bali’s vibrant traditions.
Saraswati Retreat:
A 7-Day Journey of Sacred Wisdom, Art, and Devotion
Dates: January 22–29, 2025
Location: Ananda Cottages, Ubud, Bali
Retreat Leader: Ellen Watson
Balinese Assistants: Nonik Arisanti & Yasminida Muridan
Special Visit: Pura Taman Saraswati (Saraswati Palace), Ubud
Theme: “Flowing with Wisdom: Honoring the Goddess of Learning, Art, and Inner Knowing”
Retreat Overview
This 7-day immersion is a sacred honoring of Goddess Saraswati, the Balinese embodiment of knowledge, creative expression, and inner light. Held during the powerful week of Saraswati Day (January 23, 2025), this retreat combines Balinese ceremonial practices, expressive arts, somatic movement, and quiet reflection to awaken the inner river of wisdom.
Day 1 – Arrival & Opening Circle
Date: January 22
Theme: Stepping Into Sacred Space
Check-in and arrival at Ananda Cottages
Welcome tea and introductions with Ellen, Nonik, and Yasminida
Altar building with flowers, books, and sacred symbols of Saraswati
Opening circle, Saraswati mantra, Expressive Arts
Dinner
Day 2 – Saraswati Day Ceremony
Date: January 23 (Saraswati Day in Bali)
Theme: Honoring the Goddess of Learning
Morning dressing in ceremonial attire (white/yellow sarong & kebaya)
Balinese-style offering-making workshop with Nonik & Yasminida
Attend public Saraswati Day temple ceremony at Pura Taman Saraswati in central Ubud
Afternoon silence: no reading or writing (in reverence for the day)
Group reflection circle: "What is sacred knowledge to me?"
Balinese dance performance or gamelan concert in the evening
Day 3 – Water, Voice & Flow
Date: January 24
Theme: Purification & Expression
Sunrise meditation and breathwork
Visit to local water temple for Melukat purification ritual
Afternoon voice activation and devotional singing
Writing session: "Inviting the Inner Muse"
Free time for spa, rest, or journaling
Evening bonfire and chant circle
Day 4 – The Art of Embodiment
Date: January 25
Theme: Wisdom Through Movement & Creation
Somatic movement and embodied prayer with Ellen
Creative arts session: painting, drawing, or weaving inspired by Saraswati
Optional workshop: Balinese offering dance (Tari Rejang)
Quiet sunset rice field meditation
Group reflection: "What am I becoming the vessel for?"
Day 5 – Silence & Listening
Date: January 26
Theme: The Sacred Pause
Morning silence: rice field walking meditation, contemplative observation
Optional massage or healing session at Ananda’s spa
Afternoon wisdom circle with Yasminida: The Feminine Face of Devotion in Bali
Silent dinner followed by candle-lit journaling ritual
Day 6 – Integration & Inner Offering
Date: January 27
Theme: Living the Teachings
Group sharing: What has Saraswati awakened in me?
Collaborative altar art or mandala creation
Afternoon free time: explore Ubud or enjoy spa services
Optional trip to Saraswati Library or visit local artisan shops
Fire ceremony: releasing doubts and offering intentions
Day 7 – Celebration & Closing
Date: January 28
Theme: Carrying the Light Forward
Morning movement and mantra circle
Celebration breakfast with traditional Balinese foods
Closing ritual and blessings from Ellen, Nonik & Yasminida
Dinner at Laka Lekke with Balinese ceremony
Departure Day
Date: January 29
Optional one-on-one closing with Ellen or assistants
Breakfast
Gift: Saraswati blessing talisman and retreat workbook to take home
Farewell
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.
Pricing & Payment
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Suite Ricefield View
Full Price - $ 2,625
Early Bird until October 1, 2025 - $ 2,325
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Deluxe Ricefield View
Full Price - $ 2,150
Early Bird until October 1, 2026 - $ 1,850