About Firefly retreat
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Our Story
Firefly Retreat began 13 years ago in the Mengwi area, about an hour and a half from Ubud. Two years later, we moved to our current location in the rice fields just outside Ubud, and we've been here ever since.
Ariel founded Firefly after coming to Indonesia 18 years ago as a refugee. He was trying to reach Australia by boat when it sank. Indonesian fishermen rescued him from the water and took him back to shore. Of the 83 people on board, only 13 survived. He was one of them.
After settling in Bali, Ariel started Firefly with two main goals: to support the local community and to create a space for people going through tough times, including depression and burnout.
This second goal influenced how the retreat operates. Everyone arrives on the same Sunday and stays for a full week. No one joins a group that has already formed. When people start together, they connect, and that bond is often what guests need most. It's a straightforward idea, but after 13 years, we've seen it work week after week.
We never aimed to create a luxurious retreat. Our focus has always been on benefiting everyone involved: the guests, the staff, and the local village. Thirteen years later, that remains our plan.
About us
Firefly Retreat is located in the rice fields, a 25-minute walk from Ubud's main street. It's close enough to visit town whenever you want but far enough that you can fall asleep to the sounds of frogs instead of traffic.
We have been running weekly retreats since 2013. Thousands of guests have visited us during this time, with most arriving alone and leaving with friends. We keep the rooms simple and the prices fair, investing in what truly matters: good food, skilled teachers, and genuine Balinese experiences.
Making guests happy is just part of our mission. Firefly creates 12 direct jobs and supports over 30 indirectly, including farmers and drivers. All our programs are designed around Balinese culture, so your stay helps preserve these traditions.
The retreat has 15 rooms, a rooftop yoga shala, and a small restaurant serving healthy, local food.
We can host your retreat
Firefly Retreat has 15 rooms and can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests. This makes it ideal for private retreats and yoga teacher training.
Please note that we only host experienced organizers. If you are new to running a retreat, Firefly may not be the best venue for you.
To rent the entire space, contact us at love@fireflyretreatbali.com.