Island Takeover: Wellness Retreat on Cempedak Island
The Vision
As wellness retreats have surged in popularity post-pandemic, I embarked on a bold mission: to create a unique experience by taking over a private island for a four-day wellness retreat. Though I rarely blog about my workshops and events, this one deserves to be shared, and it begins with a story that shows how it all came together.
During a meditation session with my mentor in October 2023, I experienced something remarkable. In my meditation, I envisioned myself sailing solo on a gigantic ship towards a distant island. Despite navigating rough seas, I remained focused and determined, although part of me longed for support on this journey.
A month later, I met Andrew Dixon, who proposed hosting a wellness event on one of his islands in Indonesia. Without hesitation, I embraced the opportunity and launched into months of discussions and careful planning for this exclusive island retreat.
During a recce visit in April 2024, as I sat on the speedboat gazing at Cempedak Island to avoid seasickness, I was struck by a realisation. This resembled my meditation vision perfectly, but with one key difference—my good friend Amanda was by my side, offering the moral support I had wished for. Her presence gave me the confidence to fully commit to this project.
On October 17th, 2024, after careful planning and preparation, the first Island Wellness Retreat became a reality.
The Retreat
My first morning began with the call of a hornbill—one of many birds in this rich habitat. The island, home to endangered pangolins and otters, provided the perfect setting for our programme. During the singing bowl sound bath sessions, I synchronised the sounds of the singing bowls with the rhythms of nature, blending them with the waves, palm trees, and birdsong. The beach created natural acoustics, allowing participants to experience both the healing vibrations and the sounds of nature as one harmonious meditative symphony.
We opened the programme with a fire and sound ceremony on the beach, where everyone gathered to connect with the ocean and wildlife while Tamsin and I created a safe space for setting intentions for the retreat.
Day 2 began with morning yoga on the jetty, followed by beach meditation and a singing bowl sound bath. After a healthy breakfast, we recorded a poolside interview for my Get UNSTUCK™ Club podcast, where David and I shared our wellness journeys—perfectly complementing my UNSTUCK™ coaching programme. We then divided into men's and women's circles for deeper sharing, and I introduced EFT tapping to newcomers. The afternoon allowed small groups to rotate through cold plunge therapy, EFT tapping, and gentle yoga. By dinner, everyone was eager to share their experiences, while David's fantastic tunes at the Dodo Bar created a brilliant backdrop for participants to bond and connect.
Day 3 offered a gentler pace, though our guests had become completely hooked on the cold plunge experience. While David guided an early morning session at their request, I led a deeply restorative chakra balancing yoga class, complete with sound meditation – creating space for centering and grounding. The afternoon flowed freely, allowing everyone to revisit their preferred therapeutic treatments. We concluded the retreat by the pool with a farewell celebration that carried us joyfully past midnight.
The participants brought an extra layer of magic to the retreat. They created an atmosphere of warmth, trust, and support that allowed everyone to look inward, reflect deeply, and share insights on building healthier, more balanced lives.
A special thanks to our amazing team:
David & Amanda Jacob: For their dedication to cold plunge therapy, the UNSTUCK™ interview, and the fantastic DJ sessions.
Tamsin Bradshaw: For co-creating a powerful opening fire ceremony that fostered healing, connection, and renewal.
Nathanael Lim & Jerica Liew: For beautifully capturing our journey through their content.
Andrew and the Cempedak team: For providing this incredible opportunity and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Special thanks to Leanna Crowley and Jimmy Lim, whose thoughtful attention and impeccable service made everything seamless.
Akesi: For the continuous support of my wellness events.
To everyone who joined us on our island sanctuary—thank you for bringing your energy and openness.
Island Wellness Retreat 2025
This first Island Wellness Retreat exceeded all our expectations, cultivating meaningful connections in a truly special setting. For those looking to experience this unique blend of wellness and island living in paradise, join us for our next retreat from February 28th to March 3rd. Register your interest here.