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Andi Refandi
Andi serves as a Senior Account Executive on Emerhub’s global team.
Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture. This has led to a significant rise in tourism and a growing expat community. As a result of this, tourism has become one of Bali’s main economic activity sectors.
Bali currently stands as one of the foremost locations for organizing retreats for the above reasons. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide on organizing a retreat in Bali for the most popular activities while remaining compliant with Indonesian laws and regulations.
Planning the perfect retreat in Bali
The most popular types of retreats in Bali
There are several potential types of retreats that you could choose from in Bali. Determining the primary type of retreat will allow you to identify your target market, whether it’s solo backpackers, organized tours, everyday tourists, or all of the above. You will also be able to better design your business according to the retreat’s classification:
- Health and wellness: These retreats generally include detoxifying spas, indulgent rejuvenation sessions, and wellness activities.
- Yoga: Can fit in the health and wellness type, but can also be a specific niche to focus on and offer yoga classes and physical activities.
- Weight loss: Combines detoxing, exercise, and Bali’s healthy nutrition trends to educate and promote healthy diets and activities.
- Luxury: Generally targeted at a more affluent customer base by combining location and high-end amenities. This type of retreat can take advantage of Bali’s thriving hotel and villa business market.
- Educational and creative: Offers different types of workshops and learning experiences in popular local trades ranging from Balinese cooking, painting, or digital nomad skills.
- Adventure and ecotourism: Leverages Bali’s natural landscape by offering outdoor and environmental sustainability-related activities.
- Sports: Offers different activities for sports enthusiasts that take advantage of Bali’s landscape, from surfing to mountain climbing, or scuba diving.
The market potential for organizing a retreat in Bali is virtually limitless, thanks to the region’s reputation as having a culture that revolves around spirituality, learning, and wellness. Understanding this culture and how local customs and traditions can be incorporated into your retreat can play a major role in creating a unique experience for your clients.
Securing the right venue
Once you have determined the focus of your retreat, it is important to find a venue that matches your ideals and theme. For example, retreats that emphasize calmness and relaxation should avoid tourist centers, whereas surfing retreats should ensure proximity to beaches.
Bali has a significant real estate market, meaning that you can usually pinpoint the right type of grounds based on your criteria. The majority of hotels and resorts also offer communal spaces such as conference rooms and workshop areas which you can also take advantage of depending on your planned activities.
While it helps to be on-site to identify and secure the ideal venue for organizing your retreat in Bali, you can also inquire online. Many foreigners rent out their villas in Bali for a variety of events and seasons. If you considering purchasing your accommodation in Bali, then Emerhub’s Property Service can make this process simpler and more convenient for you.
Consider offering extra activities through your retreat
Beyond offering activities that are specific to your type of retreat, it can be beneficial to take advantage of Bali’s many extra-curricular activities. These can be great options to add to your brochure to boost appeal by offering added value to your potential guests:
- Day cruises
- Kite surfing
- White water rafting
- Cooking classes
- Massage sessions
- ATV rides
- Canyon tubing
- Day trips to waterfalls or neighboring towns.
Consider partnering with local businesses, such as vendors, instructors, and service providers to not only enrich the retreat experience but also to build strong relationships within the business community. This can also be an effective way to enhance your marketing efforts.
What are the legal requirements for holding a retreat in Bali?
Registering a legal company in Bali
It is not uncommon in Bali for foreign nationals to be deported because they have violated the conditions of their visas. Therefore, if you are planning to organize a retreat, you must have a registered company in Bali.
The most common type of legal entity for foreign investors is the PT PMA, which is a limited liability company with foreign ownership. This would be a more optimal solution if you are organizing a retreat that will become a more permanent fixture in Bali.
Emerhub can help you with every step of the process through our efficient company registration process. We’ll ensure that your company is compliant with Indonesian laws and our team of experts can provide you with advice on any type of retreat that you are planning to organize.
Obtaining a KITAS that corresponds to your retreat
A KITAS is an Indonesian Long Term Visa. It is generally issued for periods of stay of one to several years. Several types of KITAS can apply, however, your KITAS must match the subject of your retreat. In general, If you are in the process of organizing your retreat, then it will be necessary to KITAS which is based on a work permit.
That being said, for one-off or occasional retreat organizers, it can be more beneficial to apply for an entertainment KITAS, which is also known as the Artist or Freelancer KITAS. This is a short-term (6-month) visa that is available for many activities, some of which can be relevant to retreats:
- Artist
- Sport Consultant
- Surfing Coach
- Diving Coach
- Yoga Instructor
- Marketing Consultant
Organize a retreat in Bali with Emerhub
There are many intricacies to remember when organizing a retreat in Bali. Through our extensive range of business solutions and deep knowledge of Indonesian regulations, Emerhub can be your go-to consultancy for ensuring that your business meets legal standards.
Our advisors can help you determine how to register your business, where to secure a venue, and which type of KITAS you will need to carry out your retreat-related activities in Bali. Get in touch with us via the form below and one of our advisors will contact you to start your new business venture!
