Life coach Nichola Davenport and nutrition coach Sarah Iles are launching the inaugural Sembuh Recovery retreat in Uluwatu, Bali, a six-day program scheduled for September 4 to 9. The retreat is designed specifically for women over 40 who are transitioning into a new life stage after years of prioritizing family and career obligations.
Unlike many popular Bali retreats situated in the island’s interior, the Sembuh Recovery retreat is located in Uluwatu in the south, chosen specifically for its proximity to the airport and its avoidance of the heavy traffic associated with Ubud.
Focusing on the 40-plus demographic
According to co-host Nichola Davenport, the retreat targets women who feel they have “ticked all the boxes” but now struggle with the belief that their best years are behind them. The program addresses the physical and mental toll of long-term caregiving, where women often lose touch with their personal identity and health habits. Davenport, who has navigated divorce and sobriety, emphasizes that the retreat is built on the shared life experiences of its founders.
Retreat structure and methodology
The curriculum combines physical wellness with psychological coaching. Participants will engage in one-on-one “inner” audits, gut health workshops, and mindful eating sessions. Sarah Iles, the retreat’s nutrition coach, states that her approach focuses on identifying personal patterns to facilitate long-lasting change rather than providing information that is quickly forgotten. The itinerary also includes hypnosis sessions, breathwork, and emotional release exercises.
The shift toward retreats that emphasize “mindset” over simple fitness suggests a growing market demand for holistic, psychological support for middle-aged women. By moving away from the “hippy” aesthetic often found in Ubud, this program targets a demographic seeking both personal transformation and a standard of luxury, potentially signaling a trend toward more specialized, outcome-oriented wellness tourism.
Future implications for participants
The effectiveness of the retreat will likely be measured by the participants’ ability to implement the provided take-home protocols. Because the program emphasizes the creation of a “safe environment” for social connection, the long-term success of the initiative may depend on the strength of the community bonds formed during the six-day window. If the model proves successful in fostering long-term behavioral changes, it is possible that the organizers may expand the frequency or reach of these recovery-focused sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Sembuh Recovery retreat?
The retreat aims to help women over 40 move past unhealthy habits and mindset blocks to reclaim their lives after years of focusing on family and career.
Where is the retreat located?
The program is based at the Renaissance Resort & Spa in Uluwatu, with additional activities held at the neighboring Sembuh Recovery complex.
What activities are included in the six-day program?
The itinerary features inner audits, hands-on nutrition and gut health workshops, hypnosis, breathwork, emotional release sessions, and fire pit dinners.
How do you believe personal connection impacts the success of wellness retreats for women in this age group?
