As someone who used to agonize over every little decision (and admittedly still does from time to time), I think it’s pretty telling that less than 24 hours after first discovering The Place online I had my flight booked for a two week stay. I genuinely spent weeks researching a place that allowed me to get away and focus on myself for a bit. I looked up countless retreats and rehab centers all over the world that had a focus on the mental wellness aspect that I was so desperately looking for, but nothing had everything I was looking for. I didn’t just want to go on a yoga retreat because I wanted to really do the work on myself, but I wasn’t quite sure that a rehab center with a focus on mental wellness would be a great fit either. It came to a point where I literally gave myself one more day to look up places before settling on something that didn’t quite fit the bill, and thank god I found The Place on that Monday afternoon.

I don’t know if I can do The Place justice with my words, but here goes nothing. This place is pure magic. I think the only time the word I used the word “magic” prior to spending time at The Place was when describing the self-anointed “most magical place on earth”, Disney… but move over Disney.

The minute you walk through the front doors, you will understand what I mean. After nearly 72 hours of traveling (due to some unexpected delays), I stepped through the front door with no idea of what I was walking into and I immediately felt at peace and, strangely, at home. I was greeted by the wonderful David, shown to my room and was told that there was a massage waiting for me as soon as I had time to settle in. The wonderful group of people on my retreat also offered to push back dinner so I could join them. We had each meal family style around the incredible table in the outdoor kitchen/living room.

There are some people you meet and feel just instantly calm and comfortable around them, and JC and Manuela are absolutely two of those people. They are both so incredibly gifted at what they do and they work together seamlessly. I accomplished more in my first 60 minute session with JC than I did after 2 years of therapy back home in the States. He has a way of cutting through the nonsense that you’re likely not even aware you’re telling yourself and honing in on what is really important. When I told him this, he thanked me and let me know that it was his goal to accomplish as much as possible in the limited time we had together. He is the real deal.

As for Manuela, I had no idea that a “yoga instructor” could play such a huge role in my healing process. You can tell from the very first class how much she believes in what she teaches and she has a way of spreading that throughout the class. She has a true understanding of how much trauma the body holds onto and really seeks to get to know each person on the retreat and then tailors her class accordingly.

The way that JC and Manuela work together is also incredible. I would leave a session with JC and come to class with Manuela and suddenly remember something I hadn’t in years or have things click. And your time at The Place doesn’t end in Bali… JC and Manuela are there for you 100% once you leave and will send you home with a personal meditation to help you continue to achieve your individual goals. Every time I sit down for my meditation, I feel that same sense of calm wash over me.

The accommodations are incredible, the staff is hyperaware of your every need and will have an espresso in front of you before you even ask, the food… the food is AMAZING. Mr. J is an exceptional chef and has a way of picking up on the type of food you like and preparing similar things without repeating the same meals. And everyone they bring in for the variety of treatments is so so gifted at what they do. My advice would be to try everything once (and then request it again and again).

I also want to take a minute to acknowledge the amazing guests. During my time at The Place, I created bonds that I know will last a lifetime. Everyone is there with some sort of common ground and I would encourage you to fully embrace that and share your story. You will be met with arms wide open.

To say this place changed my life is an understatement. My time at The Place slowed life down for me and taught me that I could only control your own actions. I learned that I am enough and until I could get there on my own, JC constantly reminded me. I learned to love myself for the person I am. I have a new sense of calm that I have been able to maintain since I left The Place four months ago. As JC always says, “all is well and everything is as it should be.”

If you are someone who feels like you’re at the end of your rope and desperate for a huge change, this place is for you. If you are someone who just feels like you’re stuck in a rut and need a pick me up, this place is for you (and will do way more for you than you can imagine). Or if you just need a minute to get away, this place is for you. I truly could not (and would not) recommend a place more highly than The Place. I cannot wait to go back.