A Personal Reflection from Putu Maryam, Founder of Floating Leaf Eco Retreat

People often ask me,

“Putu, is Bali too crowded now for retreats?”
“Isn’t it all just traffic and tourists these days?”

And I always smile. Because while yes, parts of Bali have become busy and commercialized, the sacred Bali I know and love still lives and breathes—just beyond the main roads, tucked between temples and rice fields, held softly in the heart of the village.

That’s the Bali I grew up in.
And that’s the Bali we still offer through Floating Leaf.

Sukawati: Where Spirit Still Leads the Day

Sukawati: Where Spirit Still Leads the Day
The name Sukawati itself holds deep meaning. In Sanskrit, “Suka” means joy or happiness, and “Wati” means to possess or be filled with. So Sukawati can be translated as “the possessor of happiness” or “filled with joy”.  It’s a beautiful reflection of the village’s atmosphere—peaceful, heart-centered, and full of quiet blessings.
Our retreat space sits in Sukawati, a traditional Balinese village located between Ubud and Sanur. It’s just 20 minutes from the heart of Ubud—but feels like stepping into a different world.
Here, mornings begin with the scent of sandalwood incense, and soft prayer chants echo from nearby shrines. Women walk barefoot with offerings on their heads—canang sari made with love for the ancestors. The pace is slower. The smiles are sincere. You feel it as soon as you arrive—the land still remembers.

I often say Sukawati is the soul of Bali’s artistry. It is the home of the famous Sukawati Art Market, but beyond that, it’s surrounded by villages that each hold a unique creative legacy:

  • Batuan: known for its mystical, intricate paintings—many of which hang in temples, not galleries.
  • Celuk: where gold and silver are not just crafted, but blessed.
  • Kemenuh: where generations of woodcarvers still shape sacred masks for ceremonial dance.
  • Batu Bulan: home of batik makers and temple performers who channel ancient stories through movement and fabric.
  • Sukawati for leather puppetry

Temple Days & Ceremonial Life

One of the most special things we offer retreat guests is not written on any itinerary—it’s the chance to witness and participate in the rhythm of Balinese life.

When there is a temple odalan (anniversary), the village transforms. You’ll see the temple gates draped in white and yellow, with bamboo penjors swaying in the breeze like arms lifted in prayer.

Everyone dresses in traditional attire. The air is thick with the fragrance of frangipani and sandalwood. You can hear the gamelan music long before you see the dancers.

Sometimes we bring guests to Pura Puseh in Batuan, one of the oldest temples in the region, carved from volcanic stone and alive with centuries of prayer. I remember going there with my grandmother as a little girl. She would hold my hand as we walked barefoot across the temple courtyard, whispering blessings in my ear. That memory still lives in me. And when I see retreat guests walk through those same gates today, I know they’re being touched by something timeless.

Healing in a Place That Holds You

At Floating Leaf, we’ve welcomed retreat leaders from every corner of the globe—yoga teachers, coaches, trauma workers, wellness facilitators. And what they all seek is the same: a place that supports deep transformation.

That’s what Sukawati offers.

It’s not just peaceful here—it’s energetically clean. The land is nourished with daily offerings. The people are rooted in gratitude. It creates the perfect container for healing work. Whether you’re leading meditation under our yoga shala, offering a coaching session near the rice fields, or holding space for emotional release—you are held, too.

And if your participants are ready to explore deeper layers, we can introduce them to traditional Balinese healers, water purification ceremonies at sacred springs, or even one-on-one energy balancing guided by local wisdom.

A Place for Purpose-Led Retreats

If you’re reading this and you’ve been dreaming of hosting a retreat that’s not just beautiful—but meaningful, culturally respectful, and spiritually grounded—this is your sign.

You don’t have to battle the crowds of Canggu or the overstimulation of Seminyak. There are still places in Bali where the essence remains pure. Where the sounds of scooters are replaced by rustling palms and temple bells. Where your guests can take off their shoes and feel the earth again.

An Invitation from My Heart

Floating Leaf was created to be more than just a retreat center. It is my offering to the world—a space where people can remember who they are. And Sukawati is the perfect village to hold that remembering.

So, dear retreat leader, I invite you: Come home to the sacred side of Bali.
Come share your work in a place that is ready to receive it.
Let’s co-create something meaningful, together.

With love from Bali,
Putu Maryam
Founder, Floating Leaf Eco Retreat & Bodhi Leaf Wellness