Moving to BALI 10 years ago: A transformative journey

"The greatest decision of my life was leaving everything behind to live 12,433 km away from everything I knew. It was bold, it was raw, and thank God I did it!"

The call for a new lifestyle and reset

I used to live in Geneva, Switzerland, where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion at Haute École d’Art et Design. Despite being surrounded by creativity, I always felt a bit like an outsider. Since high school, I had tried to fit in—and I was pretty good at it, even though it often felt painful. I had amazing friends and lived a fun life, but something always felt slightly off.

As I approached my 30s, the loss of my father continued to haunt me. It felt like a shadow I couldn’t escape, a weight that kept me from fully embracing my true self. I was torn between societal expectations and the quiet but persistent call for freedom—a call to explore the depths of my soul.

I felt an undeniable craving for reconnection with nature, though I didn’t fully understand it at first. Anxiety was a constant presence, tapping on my shoulder, whispering that this wasn’t really my place.

If I’m honest, I’ve always hated rules, laws, and the way society molds us into numb, passionless versions of ourselves. My soul longed to speak about the things people are too afraid to discuss. My spirit yearned for adventure, and my heart desperately needed to heal.

It became clear—it was time to seek new horizons. Sometimes, the best way to heal is to step away from everything you’ve ever known, to face the blank pages of your life, and to write your own story.

A spontaneous and slightly crazy idea

I came to Bali with my best friend Cléa in 2015 for a 3-week holiday trip. I can’t even remember why we decided to go there or when we booked our flights—it seems like a lifetime ago now. Back then, I had a beach clothing brand, and I wanted to use Bali textiles for a new collection.

We stayed in Kuta at first and adventured on our motorbike for hours, getting lost in the streets until we arrived in Canggu. We had no idea what Canggu was or what we could expect when we arrived here. It was still raw, filled with beautiful endless rice fields and an exciting vibe in the streets. It didn’t take us long to meet the local legends and start surfing at some of the best surf spots in Bali.

We took our first surf lesson in Canggu, went out to Old Man’s for sunset surf sessions, met amazing people, and discovered a new way of living. I truly fell in love with the vibe here. There was just something in the air screaming the spirit of freedom, and I didn’t want to leave.

On the day of our departure, we purposely tried to miss our flight. Seriously!
But eventually, we told ourselves we’d be back in six months. I returned home, quit my job, gave up my apartment, packed all my things in boxes, and three months later… I left.

I had no second thoughts, no doubts. It was loud and clear—I had to go.

Ripping off the roots in the garden of my Soul

Moving to Bali was, after losing my dad, the biggest challenge of my life. Yes, it looks dreamy on Instagram—palm trees, coconuts, and endless waves. But the reality is that your nervous system doesn’t understand what’s happening. I was now in Bali, navigating a new language, culture, and way of life. It was a complete RESET. And let me tell you, it's a LOT!

The first year was about pure, unapologetic fun. I let myself be silly, lighthearted, and free. I wanted to feel the sand between my toes, lose myself in infinite landscapes, and meet people who viewed life differently. I needed to escape societal expectations, find my voice, and speak my truth.

After a year, I started surfing, and I’ve never stopped since. Surfing gave me something to wake up for every day, a purpose. It became my therapy, my teacher, and my daily meditation.

Healing every single day, on every single wave

Every sunrise surf in Bali, every paddle out into the ocean, every moment spent creating art or connecting with others—it all gave me a fresh perspective on life. In every therapy session, every vulnerable conversation, and every moment of stillness, I was healing. Slowly, steadily, and deeply, stepping closer to myself.

Healing isn’t a straight line; it’s a journey. You can’t go from 0 to 100 overnight. Healing takes time, and we have to be okay with that. Accept that YOU have the power to heal, and trust that YOU can walk this path with courage and strength.

I used every resource I could find:

• Hypnotherapy

• Crystal healing

• Sound healing

• Psychotherapy

• Energy healing

• Reiki

• In-depth medicinal sessions

"Bali, the Island of Gods, opened its arms to me and saved my soul."

Surfing in Bali has become more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that continues to heal me every single day. Out on the waves, I find space to let go of the constant noise in my mind. Surfing teaches me patience, deep breathing, and the art of being present.

This journey has been tough and wild, but oh, if only you knew how magical it’s been. The biggest wave of my life—and the longest, most fulfilling ride.

Your Healing Journey Awaits

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to move to another country to change your life. My decision was radical because it had to be. Some of us need to completely pull away to finally see who we truly are.

Take a step back. Reflect :

• Know what works in your life and what doesn’t.

• Be brutally honest with yourself.

• Trust the intuition within you.

• Start making small, consistent changes every day.

I’m not saying it’s easy—but I promise you, it’s POSSIBLE.

Let’s go. You’ve got this.

Much love,
Anaïs ✿