Destination Deluxe Retreat at Intaaya: Where Conscious Travel Meets Transformation
After months of unpacking and getting settled in the Middle East, I finally carved out time to retreat inward to reconnect with nature, stillness, and purpose. That journey led me to Intaaya, a breathtaking sustainable resort tucked away in Southeast Nusa Penida, created for those who believe travel can be both transformative and regenerative. In collaboration with Destination Deluxe, the retreat gathered a small circle of seekers, healers, and creatives for five days of intentional living — where every sunrise, ritual, and conversation carried meaning.
A Sanctuary Built in Harmony with Nature
Intaaya isn’t just another resort; it’s a living ecosystem built with integrity. Every structure — from the yoga shala to the Tea Temple — was designed using rammed earth, bamboo, and limestone, blending seamlessly into the lush tropical landscape. Solar power fuels the property, and the on-site permaculture gardens provide an endless harvest of organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables for the farm-to-table restaurant. Guests wake up to the sound of the ocean and birdsong, surrounded by wild beauty. A few steps away, the path down to the private bay near Diamond Beach invites sunrise swims and barefoot grounding — a daily reminder that true luxury is living in harmony with nature.
Mindful Mornings and Movement
Each morning began with yoga at the open-air shala, where gentle flows helped participants awaken their energy and settle into the day. The practice was followed by breathwork or meditation, setting a rhythm of mindfulness that carried into every moment of the retreat.
Breathwork with Laura Hof: Nervous System Reset
Laura Hof, daughter of the legendary Wim Hof, led powerful breathwork sessions that balanced intensity and surrender. Her teaching — grounded in science and spirit — guided participants through emotional release and nervous system recalibration. It wasn’t about performance or endurance but connection: feeling each inhale, honoring each exhale, and finding stillness in between.
The Hypno-Sound Bath™ Experience
I had the honor of facilitating two Hypno-Sound Baths™, weaving therapeutic hypnosis with the pure tones of Crystal Tones™ Alchemy Bowls and Tibetan bowls. These sessions invited participants into a deep trance-like relaxation — a space where the subconscious could soften and reprogram old narratives. The sound and frequency of the bowls synchronized with guided hypnotic suggestions, supporting emotional regulation, stress release, and nervous system balance. Guests described feeling “weightless,” “expanded,” and “as if time disappeared.” In those moments, surrounded by the resonance of the bowls and the scent of Balinese incense, it felt as if the entire retreat was breathing as one.
Tea Ceremonies and Farm-to-Table Nourishment
Transformation also unfolded in simplicity — over tea ceremonies, shared meals, and heartfelt conversations. The farm-to-table organic cuisine celebrated local produce with vibrant, anti-inflammatory dishes that nourished both body and soul. Every detail — from handcrafted ceramics to the natural linens — reflected mindful luxury. Sustainability wasn’t a trend here; it was a way of being.
The Melukat Water Blessing: A Closing of Renewal
The retreat closed with a sacred Melukat Water Blessing, a traditional Balinese purification ceremony performed by local priests. Guests gathered near the temple, flowers in hand, as sacred water — tirta — was poured over their heads to cleanse the energy and seal intentions of gratitude. It was a moment of surrender, renewal, and profound connection — a final reminder that transformation begins within and flows outward like water returning to the ocean.
Looking Ahead: Jordan 2026
As the retreat came to a close, conversations naturally turned toward the future and the next opportunity to journey deeper. Together with Destination Deluxe, I’m curating our next immersive experience in Jordan, set for March-April 2026. The itinerary will weave ancient wonders and modern mindfulness: from cooking classes in Amman to a sound bath at the Dead Sea, sunrise sound meditations in Petra, and stargazing ceremonies in Wadi Rum. Like Intaaya, it will blend culture, consciousness, and community — offering a space for travelers to reconnect with both the world and themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A. Intaaya merges sustainability, spirituality, and modern comfort. Built from natural materials and powered by solar energy, it offers a restorative eco-luxury experience that nourishes both guests and the planet.
-
A. A Hypno-Sound Bath™ combines therapeutic hypnosis with sound healing using Crystal Tones™ Alchemy Bowls, helping participants release tension, reprogram the subconscious, and achieve deep relaxation.
-
A. Melukat is a sacred Balinese purification ritual performed with holy water (tirta) to cleanse energy, release negativity, and invite renewal. It symbolizes spiritual rebirth and gratitude.
-
A. Breathwork is one of the fastest ways to calm the nervous system and reset the body after long periods of stress. Laura Hof, international wellness educator and daughter of Wim Hof, teaches simple breathing techniques that improve circulation, boost resilience, and bring the mind into balance. Her approach blends science and spirituality, showing how conscious breathing can regulate emotions and restore clarity in just a few minutes a day.