GOLDEN ESSENCE

YOUR RETREAT PREP GUIDE

Bali is almost here 🤍

This is your little home for everything you need before we go, from what to pack and how to prepare, to visas, transport, arrival details and what you can expect from our few days together.

This retreat has been planned with so much intention.

Yes, we're going to create beautiful photographs, but more than that, I want you to have the space to step away from everyday life, reconnect with your creativity, talk openly about business and the things we don't always get to talk about, and leave feeling excited about what's next.

Expect beautiful light, creative shoots, honest conversations, incredible food, a little luxury and that feeling you get when you're surrounded by women who completely understand this world.

You don't need to arrive with everything figured out.

Come exactly where you are, with an open mind and whatever you'd love help with.

I cannot wait to have you there.

Cassy xx

PACKING LIST

CHECK LIST

A FEW LITTLE BALI TIPS

WHATSAPP
Download WhatsApp before you arrive. It's how most drivers and local businesses communicate.

GRAB + GOJEK
Both are great to have for getting around Bali and ordering food. Be sure to add your payment details prior to leaving as it can be hard to get a bank verification when over there

CASH
Cards are widely used, but having some Indonesian Rupiah for smaller purchases, markets and tips is handy.

DRINKING WATER
Stick to bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.

GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Bali traffic has a mind of its own. A short distance can take much longer than expected.

COME RESTED
If you're travelling beforehand, enjoy every second of it, but try not to cram your schedule immediately before the retreat. You have a full few days ahead of you with us.

LEAVE SOME SUITCASE SPACE
Trust me. Canggu shopping 😂

ENTERING BALI

Bali entry requirements seem to change constantly, so I recommend waiting until just before your trip to complete everything so the information you’re following is current.

Don’t stress about trying to remember it all now. We’ll keep checking everything together in our Instagram group chat in the weeks leading up to the retreat and I’ll let you know if anything changes.

For Australian passport holders travelling on a standard short tourist stay, you’ll generally need a Visa on Arrival (VOA / e-VOA).

I recommend organising your e-VOA online before you fly through the official Indonesian Immigration website. It makes arrival much easier and saves lining up to purchase your visa when you land.

Official Indonesian e-Visa website
https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id

When applying, select the 30-day Visitor Visa / Visa on Arrival for tourism.

You can still purchase a Visa on Arrival at Bali airport when you land, so don’t panic if you haven’t done it online, but expect an extra queue.

ALL INDONESIA ARRIVAL FORM

Indonesia has now combined the previous immigration, customs, health and quarantine declarations into one form called All Indonesia.

You can complete this from around 3 days before arrival, so this is one to do just before we leave rather than weeks in advance.

Official All Indonesia website
https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id

I recommend completing it before you fly so your arrival is as smooth as possible.

GETTING AROUND BALI

If you don’t already have a driver you use in Bali, here are the details for mine:

MARTIN
WhatsApp: +6281337789798

He can help with airport transfers, getting around Bali, day trips or transport before and after the retreat.

I’d also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you arrive, as it’s what most drivers and local businesses use to communicate.

Bali traffic can be unpredictable, so always allow a little more travel time than you think you’ll need.

CANGGU, BALI

5-8 november 2026

WHERE WE'LL BE

Our retreat villa is tucked just 15 minutes outside the heart of Canggu, giving us the best of both worlds.

I really wanted us to have a beautiful private space completely to ourselves, with room to shoot, learn, eat, relax and properly switch off together, rather than being right amongst the busyness.

If you're adding some extra Bali time before or after the retreat, I'd recommend staying in or around Canggu so you're close to the restaurants, cafes, shopping and everything there is to explore.

Our exact villa location, Google Maps pin and arrival instructions will be shared privately closer to the retreat.

  • 2:00 PM Arrival – Arrivals & Check In – Settle into our beautiful home for the next few days, unpack, relax, and connect with the other girls.

    Welcome Dinner & Connection – Cocktails, beautiful food, open chats, mindset conversations, and getting to know the girls you’ll be spending the week with.

SAMPLE TIMELINE

  • Morning Pilates – A slow and grounding start to the day.

    Education & Villa Shoot – Live learning, creative sessions around the villa, and open conversations throughout the day.

    Poolside Downtime – Time to relax, swim, edit, or simply slow down.

    Sunset Beach Shoot – Full sun into sunset magic by the ocean.

    Pizza Night & Open Chats – A relaxed evening to unwind, connect, and chat all things business, creativity, and life.

*Please note this is a sample itinerary and may be subject to change as details are finalised to ensure the best possible experience.

While this is a sample itinerary, the learning extends far beyond the scheduled education sessions.

Golden Essence isn't designed as a traditional workshop where you're sitting in a classroom all day feeling overwhelmed with information. While we have dedicated education sessions planned throughout the retreat, the learning doesn't stop there. Education, photography and business conversations naturally flow throughout the entire weekend. I'm an open book from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, so whether we're at breakfast, by the pool, travelling between locations or over dinner, you're encouraged to ask questions, bounce around ideas and pick my brain whenever you like. Many past attendees have said these relaxed conversations became some of the most valuable learning moments of the entire experience.

  • Sunrise Waterfall Adventure & Photoshoot – Exploring and beautiful Bali at a stunning waterfall with a photoshoot

    Day Spa Experience – Massages, treatments, and intentional rest.

    Free Time / Explore Bali – Optional- Relax, explore or stay back for informal Q&A time with Cassy

    Dinner Out In Town – Cocktails, beautiful food, and one last special evening together.

  • Slow Morning & Breakfast – Coffee, pastries, and soaking in our final morning together.

    Edit With Me & Final Education – Casual editing, open Q&A, and final conversations with both myself and Mel.

    Brunch – One last beautiful meal together before departures.

    11.30am Departures & Hugs – Heading home creatively inspired, refreshed, and connected 🤍