Where did you travel?
Bali, Indonesia
Date of Travel?
August 3rd, 2026 – August 9th, 2026
Is this your first time visiting this location?
Yes
Why did you pick this location?
I wanted to treat myself to a retreat after completing my dissertation. I wanted a chance to rest, reflect, and celebrate this major milestone. When I discovered a retreat for Black women in Bali, Indonesia, it felt like the perfect opportunity to get some much-needed relaxation while experiencing a country and culture I had never visited before.
I also didn’t want to have the experience of traveling all the way to Bali alone, so I asked my dear friend Zeeland to join me. She said yes without hesitation! Although we had traveled together within the U.S., this was our first international trip together. She is an amazing travel buddy, and I’m so glad we got to share this experience. Traveling that far with a good friend made an already special trip even more memorable. No regrets!
Name five highlights that replay in your mind
Z. Walsh:
- How incredibly humble, kind, and appreciative the Balinese people are
- The unique black sand beach
- Feeding the elephants
- The entire welcome dinner experience
- The winery tour
Dr. L. Fields:
- The kindness of the Balinese people
- The flower bath
- The massages
- The welcome dinner and entertainment
- The swing experience
What was the best day of the trip?
Dr. L. Fields and Z. Walsh – This is a difficult question because we both enjoyed so many parts of the trip! But one experience that immediately comes to mind is our welcome dinner. Our host asked us all to wear white, and it was our first opportunity to really meet and connect with the other women on the retreat.
The dinner was held outdoors on the beach, and every detail felt intentional—from the beautiful table decorations and personalized meals to the fire show and a meaningful foot-bath ceremony, where we each received a special barefoot sandal. There was something incredibly special about being surrounded by women, many of whom we had just met, in such a beautiful setting and sharing that experience together.
The attention to detail made the evening feel both personal and communal. Both of us felt incredibly special, grateful, and appreciative. It was a beautiful way to begin our time together and set the tone for the rest of the trip.
What was the best meal you experienced?
Z. Walsh – Our welcome dinner on the first night set the bar high! I ordered the blackened salmon, spiced rice, fresh veggies, and a slice of carrot cake. The salmon was cooked to perfection, the rice featured amazing unique spices, and the tender broccoli and asparagus were drizzled in a delicious creamy sauce. To top it off, the carrot cake was incredible—served with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. Chef’s kiss to the whole meal!
Dr. L. Fields – I ate mostly plant-based while I was in Bali, and while I can’t say there was one particular meal that stood out as my favorite, I absolutely loved the spring rolls! I enjoyed them so much that I ordered them several times throughout the trip. They were fresh and flavorful. I also enjoyed the carrot cake.
How did the trip shift your perspective on life, home or the world?
Z. Walsh – It reminded me to pause and truly appreciate the blessings in my life that I take for granted—from the welcoming Balinese hospitality to the awe of its dense jungle, soothing ocean tides, and slow-paced living, all grounded in the island’s deep spiritual energy.
Dr. L. Fields – The trip gave me a much greater appreciation for rest and reminded me that I don’t have to fill every moment with busyness. Slowing down had a noticeable impact on my physical and emotional well-being—I felt less stressed, more at ease, and more connected to myself.
I also came home thinking differently about what really matters. During my time in Bali, I was struck by what I perceived as a simpler, less material-focused way of life and the sense of peace and contentment I experienced around me. It reminded me that a full life isn’t necessarily about having or doing more. Sometimes it’s about slowing down, being present, and appreciating the many blessings you already have.
What challenges did you have during your trip that others can avoid?
Z. Walsh – If there’s one challenge others can avoid, it’s spending hours stuck in heavy traffic on the way to attractions and activities. Bali’s narrow roads can get extremely congested, turning quick trips into long rides. To make the most of your day without losing time in the car, try grouping your activities by region, leaving early in the morning, or staying close to the spots you want to explore most.
Dr. L. Fields – One lesson I learned was to exchange enough money, especially if you plan to shop! We spent time at some of the local markets and found great deals, but I quickly realized that I hadn’t exchanged enough U.S. dollars for Indonesian rupiah. I actually ended up borrowing money from someone in my group so I could keep shopping! My advice would be to plan ahead and have enough local currency on hand for markets, smaller vendors, and those unexpected finds you just can’t leave behind.
What advice would you give to someone visiting that country for the first time?
Z. Walsh – If I could give any advice to a first-timer visiting Bali, it would be to do your research and carefully pick where you stay. Bali offers completely different vibes depending on the region—from the lush, spiritual hills of Ubud to the bustling beach towns of Canggu and Seminyak. Because island traffic can be notoriously slow, booking your accommodation near where you’ll spend most of your time will save you hours on the road.
Also, don’t forget to factor in the massive 13 to 14-hour time difference! Give yourself a day or two to ease into the local rhythm so jet lag doesn’t steal the magic from your first few days.
Dr. L. Fields – For a first-time visit to Bali, I recommend traveling with a reputable company or guide that has extensive experience there. We traveled with someone who had been to Bali many times, so she was able to curate our experiences, handle the planning, and make sure we made the most of our time. Instead of spending our vacation figuring out what to do, where to go, or whether an experience would be worthwhile, everything was already thoughtfully planned for us. We simply had to show up, be present, and enjoy the experience.
Dr. L. Fields and Z. Walsh – We would also recommend thinking about ways to maximize your travel if you have the time. We essentially turned one big trip into three experiences. Since we were flying out of New York, we arrived a couple of days early and spent some time enjoying the city. We also had a long layover in Dubai, which gave us enough time to take a mini tour and experience a little of the city. A few of the women in our group even added a trip to Thailand. When you’re traveling that far, it can be a great opportunity to explore another destination or two along the way rather than thinking of the journey as simply getting to and from Bali.
Additional Comments
Dr. L. Fields and Z. Walsh – One of the most memorable things we learned about Balinese culture is how families live together. Instead of individual single-family homes, extended families live in walled family compounds, which resemble mini-villages. Multiple generations. grandparents, parents, children, and siblings, live within the same enclosed property, sharing an open courtyard, a communal kitchen, and family temple. It fosters a strong sense of community, connection, and shared daily life where everyone from the youngest to the oldest family member is well cared for.
