Midlife has always been a season of change, but for too long, women were told to shrink into the background, to quiet their needs, and to see ageing as a decline. Chelsea Ross, founder of Goddess Retreats, has been rewriting that story for over two decades. A pioneer in the women-only retreat space, Chelsea has created a sanctuary where women come not just to rest, but to reclaim their vitality, reawaken their passions, and consciously design the next chapter of their lives. In our conversation, she reflects on the evolving needs of women in midlife, why retreats are so powerful during times of transition, and how creating safe, sacred spaces allows women to step back into their own strength, clarity, and joy.

You’ve been creating transformative retreat experiences for women for over two decades. How have you seen the needs and desires of women, especially those in midlife, evolve during that time?

Definitely over the past two decades, I’ve seen the wellness landscape for women change dramatically, especially in how we approach midlife, menopause, and post-menopause. When wellness first came onto the scene, it was very much focused on anti-ageing, medical procedures, weight loss, and surface-level aesthetics. Now, the conversation has deepened into one of longevity and holistic wellbeing. It goes far beyond traditional healthcare approaches to heart disease or cancer and is now centred on hormonal balance, emotional resilience, and spiritual nourishment.

Women are no longer passive receivers of medical advice; they’ve become self-advocates for their health and well-being. It’s no longer simply about going to a doctor to have something prescribed. Women are seeking integrative and holistic therapies that honour physiological and psychological changes rather than fight against them. This includes rejecting reductive narratives about women “just being emotional” as they age. It’s a cultural turning point, women are claiming agency and demanding that their wellness journeys reflect their unique needs, and this movement is largely being driven by women themselves, and it seems a lot of this is done on social media platforms.

There’s also been a clear shift away from compartmentalising the physiological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing. In the past, these areas were treated as separate domains, medical care in one box, spiritual practices in another, psychological support somewhere else. Today, women are seeking approaches that integrate all three, and we’re finally seeing solutions that cohesively meet those needs.

Equally important is the cultural re-evaluation of the “everything woman” ideal. For decades, women have been expected to juggle careers, families, relationships, and endless responsibilities. What we’re witnessing now is a collective permission to set boundaries, say no, and release some of that mental load. Midlife has become an ideal moment to recalibrate, to step back and ask: Who am I beyond my roles? What does my physical, emotional, and spiritual health look like now? How can I reinvent myself with purpose and authenticity without carrying the same weight of responsibility I once did?

Many women are using this time to rediscover passions they set aside decades ago. It’s a season of second, or even third, chapters, and the outdated notion of “ageing gracefully” is being replaced by something far more empowered. Women in midlife aren’t simply fading out of the picture anymore; they’re seeing this as a second life. They’re seeking adventure, pushing their physical capabilities, and embracing vitality in ways that previous generations rarely did. For example, we’ve seen a 120% increase in women aged 50+ choosing our Surf Goddess retreat (since before the pandemic), which shows the rise in midlife women choosing adventure and themselves.

There’s also a growing interest in strategies that support long-term health, everything from cognitive function and metabolic resilience to mitochondrial health and hormonal balance. It’s no longer about simply accepting decline; it’s about optimisation. Many women recognise that if not now, when? With lifespans extending well into their 80s and 90s, women in their 50s and over often see this period as the beginning of a new era. They want to use their hard-earned wisdom and the wealth of new wellness knowledge and technology to shape the decades ahead intentionally.

This is why retreats are resonating so deeply now. They’ve evolved far beyond pampering and relaxation. Women are looking for experiences that act as intentional, integrative portals for reflection, renewal, and transformation – spaces where they can consciously design the next season of their lives with clarity and vitality.

Midlife often brings transitions, empty nests, career pivots, and menopause. Why do you believe retreats can be such a powerful reset point during these seasons of change?

Retreats are incredibly powerful during life transitions because they’re far more intentional than a regular holiday. Women ’s-only retreats are particularly powerful. They give women the space to step back from daily routines and gain a fresh perspective on their lives. At Goddess Retreats, we intentionally weave in workshops and activities that support self-reflection and spark self-discovery.

Our tagline is Awaken, Inspire, Celebrate, and the “inspire” piece is all about rediscovering passions, exploring new possibilities, and opening doors to the next chapter while honouring all that’s come before. The retreat setting is designed to hold and support these conversations, both in guided sessions and organically. Some of the most transformative moments happen spontaneously: by the pool, over dinner, or during quiet mornings after a yoga class. Women often tell us that the group itself is one of the most meaningful aspects; they form deep connections and have honest, expansive conversations that they rarely get to have at home.

A lot of important decisions are made during this time of reflection, and these often act as a springboard into the next chapter, whether it’s setting new goals, changing direction, or simply moving forward with more clarity and confidence. Midlife transitions are most successful when they’re anchored in a strong sense of self, and retreats create that moment to pause, reconnect, and consciously shape what comes next in work, relationships, and personal growth.

Many women in midlife struggle with identity beyond roles like mother, partner, or professional. How do your retreats help women reconnect with themselves on a deeper level?

Our retreats are designed to help women reconnect with themselves by creating space for genuine exploration and reflection. One of the most powerful aspects of the experience is that around 80 per cent of our guests come on their own, as solo travellers. For many, this is the first time in decades that they’ve stepped away from family, friends, and the roles that have shaped their daily identities. By removing themselves from the boxes of “mother,” “partner,” “colleague,” or “friend,” they give themselves the rare gift of taking themselves on a date, so to speak – a chance to see who they are outside of the expectations and responsibilities of others.

Throughout the week, women have the opportunity to choose from more than twenty activities and five program streams, ranging from creative workshops like jewellery making or batik, to cultural explorations such as temple visits, or even adventurous pursuits like surfing or hiking. Each guest can tailor her retreat to reflect her personal values, curiosities, and desires. This intentional variety is designed to inspire self-discovery and help women reconnect with the parts of themselves that may have been put aside for years.

Beyond the activities, we also hold workshops, intention-setting ceremonies, and facilitated discussions that encourage deeper reflection. Women are invited to explore why they came, what they’re ready to release, and the new directions they wish to embrace. This process of consciously choosing, reflecting, and engaging allows them to rediscover their passions and leave with a clearer sense of identity and purpose.

At the heart of Goddess Retreats is the idea of helping women reconnect with their inner goddess – their higher self that has always existed, long before the roles of partner, mother, or professional took shape. That part of us often speaks in a quiet, still voice, and the retreat is intentionally designed to give it space to be heard again. When women reconnect with their true values and do things that genuinely inspire them, they return to their lives with a sense of abundance and alignment, bringing renewed energy into every role they hold.

Another meaningful element is our unlimited spa offering. It’s not simply indulgence for indulgence’s sake; it’s a way of allowing women to approach self-care from a place of abundance, without guilt or limitation. There are no “shoulds” on retreat. Each woman self-regulates how much time she wants for solitude, rest, connection, or activity. This gives her the chance to reconnect with her natural rhythms and learn to honour them, often for the first time in a long while. That sense of sovereignty – of being able to decide for oneself what feels right – is something many women carry home, integrating it into their everyday lives long after the retreat ends.

You pioneered the women-only retreat model at a time when it didn’t really exist. What does a safe, sacred space for women mean to you, and why do you think it’s so vital in midlife?

A safe, sacred space for women is one that truly honours them, not just through words, but through genuine intention and thoughtful care. When I created Goddess Retreats, spaces like this didn’t exist. There was nowhere designed specifically for women to come together, feel completely supported, and be celebrated simply for who they are. From the very beginning, my vision was to create an environment that understands women deeply and anticipates what makes them feel seen, held, and valued.

Everything we do is rooted in that philosophy. It begins with emotional and physical support; our team is wholeheartedly present for our guests, ensuring they feel cared for in every moment. And then there are the details, the little gestures that speak volumes: homemade cookies by the bedside, beautifully set dinner tables adorned with flowers and intricate decorations that make each evening feel like a special celebration. Even our unlimited spa treatments are intentional; I knew many women would hesitate to treat themselves if it wasn’t included, so we removed that barrier entirely. It’s about creating an atmosphere of abundance and permission, a place where women can receive without guilt.

Just as important is the culture we foster among guests. We intentionally create a respectful, nurturing environment where every woman’s voice is heard and valued. Over the years, I’ve seen how transformative it is when women gather in a space where they feel safe to share, reflect, and simply be. For women in midlife, this is especially vital. So many tell us they’ve felt overlooked or invisible in other areas of their lives. At Goddess Retreats, the opposite happens. We see each woman fully. From personalised touches like names carefully placed on beds to the way our team shows up 110% with warmth and care, everything is designed to make each guest feel cherished.

To me, a sacred space is one where women can exhale deeply, drop all their roles and expectations, and feel profoundly honoured. It’s about being witnessed, supported, and celebrated in a way that reminds them of their inherent worth and beauty.

Spirituality can take on new meaning as women grow older. How does yoga philosophy and meditation support midlife women in navigating uncertainty, loss, or reinvention?

While yoga is often associated with the asanas, the physical poses, at its heart, yogic philosophy is really about cultivating consciousness. It’s about learning to turn inward, to quiet the fluctuations of the outside world and the constant movement of our thoughts and emotions, so we can connect with our truest, highest self. I like to call this the’ goddess within’ every woman. 

By the time we reach midlife, most of us have lived enough to recognise that seeking happiness outside ourselves, through achievements, roles, appearance, or relationships, is never completely satisfying. These things can bring joy, of course, but they’re all temporary. Yogic philosophy reminds us that if we rely on shifting external circumstances for our sense of happiness or security, we’ll always feel unsettled, because the outer world is always changing.

Yoga, through the practice of meditation, leads us toward Samadhi, a state of deep inner connection with our highest self. Buddhism beautifully calls this “making friends with ourselves.” When we become familiar with this eternal part of ourselves, we begin to navigate life with a deeper trust in the wisdom of its unfolding. We stop grasping for control and instead can ‘go with the flow’ with greater ease.

A core part of this is learning to anchor ourselves in the present moment. Rather than replaying the past or worrying about the future, yoga and meditation help us fully inhabit the now. This is where our true power lives. On retreat, one of the most effective ways we bring women into this space is through gratitude cultivation, a simple yet profound practice that trains the mind to notice and appreciate what’s here, right now.

So much of what the mind worries about never actually happens. When we can rest in the present and truly feel, I am enough, I have enough, this moment is enough, we begin to shape a beautiful life, one moment at a time.

Paramahansa Yogananda, a great yogic master and author of Autobiography of a Yogi, expressed this beautifully: “Live each present moment completely, and the future will take care of itself.” The past is behind us, the future hasn’t arrived; the only real place we can live is here, now.

For many women, midlife is a time when identities have been shaped by decades of caring for others as mothers, partners, professionals, and caregivers. Yoga and meditation are practices that gently guide us back to ourselves. They invite us to listen inwardly and remember who we are at our core, beyond roles or expectations.

From this place of inner connection, we can express our authentic selves more clearly when out and about in the world. We meet life’s changes with more clarity and wisdom, even when we can’t control what’s unfolding. This inner anchoring – a deep sense of peace and trust that grows from within – is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves as we navigate life’s inevitable transitions.

For many women, the idea of taking time away for themselves feels selfish. How do you encourage women, particularly in midlife, to embrace rest, joy, and adventure without guilt?

There’s been so much conversation in recent years about environmental sustainability, which is essential, but I think we also need to talk about personal sustainability, how we sustain our own energy, vitality, and emotional well-being over the long term. For many women, especially in midlife, the idea of taking time away for themselves still carries a sense of guilt. There’s often this ingrained belief that putting yourself first is selfish, and that’s been a significant barrier.

The good news is that in recent years, social media and broader cultural conversations have really helped to normalise self-care. And fortunately, throughout time, it’s always been socially acceptable to take a holiday. In the past, that might have looked like lying by a pool with a cocktail in hand,  which still has its place,  but now more women are taking the opportunity to go one step further and create intentional holidays.

This shift is powerful because it allows women to bypass the internal resistance they might have to smaller day-to-day acts of care, like booking a weekly massage or simply taking time alone without feeling guilty. By framing it as a retreat or a wellness vacation, it feels reasonable and permissible to give themselves that space.

From a psychological perspective, this kind of rest, joy, and adventure isn’t indulgent; it’s essential nervous system regulation. Activities that genuinely bring us joy activate the parasympathetic nervous system, lower cortisol, and build emotional resilience. It’s deeply pragmatic. I often use the image of a well: if you keep drawing water without allowing the rains to refill it, eventually you’re left pulling from emptiness. That’s exactly what happens when women push themselves continuously without creating intentional spaces for renewal… It leads to burnout.

On a spiritual level, it’s important to remember that life moves in cycles – day and night, winter and summer. There are seasons for output and seasons for replenishment. When a woman gives herself permission to rest and explore, she’s not withdrawing from her responsibilities; she’s honouring this natural rhythm. She’s replenishing her inner well so she can return to her relationships, her work, and her passions with greater clarity, creativity, and joy.

One of the most powerful shifts that happens on retreat is that women stop apologising for their need for rest and start recognising it as a vital part of their wholeness. And from there, rest can become intentional and pre-emptive; something that’s planned into life rather than only happening when exhaustion forces it.

Just as we talk about sustainability for the planet, this is about creating sustainable rhythms for our personal energy and longevity. It’s about designing a life where rest, joy, and adventure aren’t occasional escapes, but essential, integrated practices that allow us to thrive.

Your retreats blend luxury with sustainability and cultural immersion. How do you think mindful travel and conscious living resonate with women in their forties, fifties, and beyond?

We really weave the ideas of sustainability and cultural immersion into the fabric of our retreats as a way of broadening the mind and rekindling that sense of inspiration and adventure. When we’re young, we naturally approach the world with a sense of wonder and endless curiosity. One of the things that’s so important as we move into our forties, fifties, and beyond is to not let that sense of curiosity calcify; to keep it alive, vibrant, and engaged with the world.

Cultural immersion plays a huge role in that. Many of our guests have never been to Bali or Indonesia before, and for some, it’s the very first time they’ve stepped outside their own culture. Bali is an incredibly rich and diverse place – artistically, spiritually, and socially. It’s a culture layered with meaning, beauty, and craftsmanship, with deeply rooted traditions, stories, and rituals. It’s truly an exotic adventure in the best sense, one that sparks the spirit just as cultural exploration has always done.

One of the things we pride ourselves on is offering authentic cultural experiences that go far beyond the superficial snapshot moments you see on Instagram. We bring women into the heart of Balinese life through temple ceremonies, local artisans, food traditions, and meaningful interactions, and I’ve seen how deeply this touches them. It’s not about observing from the outside; it’s about participating, feeling, and being moved.

Sustainability, for us, also means creating a deep appreciation and immersion in nature. There’s now so much psychological research that shows how being in natural environments supports mental health and calms the nervous system. So when women arrive at our retreats, they’re surrounded by landscapes intentionally designed with environmental sustainability in harmony with the local culture. It’s not just beautiful – it’s restorative on a deep psychological level.

For many women at this stage of life, mindful travel becomes a way to stay young at heart. It reignites imagination, opens new perspectives, and reminds them of their own courage and vitality. It’s not about theorising the benefits – we don’t just talk about why walking in a forest is good for you; we take you out to walk through the forest. We don’t lecture on the importance of cultural exploration; we simply bring you into the culture so you can experience it firsthand.

That experiential quality is everything. Travelling to another country on your own, immersing yourself in a new environment, meeting new people, tasting new foods, participating in sacred traditions – these are empowering acts. And because the women live these experiences directly, they carry the benefits home with them. It becomes part of their personal story, something they own, rather than something they’ve just listened to a podcast about.

Midlife can sometimes feel like a crossroads between holding onto the past and stepping into possibility. What practices do you suggest for women to cultivate courage and trust in their next chapter?

I believe one of the most important practices when you find yourself at that crossroads of midlife,  between holding on to the past and stepping into new possibilities, is to truly acknowledge it, process it, and release it.

It’s almost impossible to start a new story if you’re still actively carrying old hurts, resentments, fears, or limiting beliefs like “it’s too late” or “I can’t change.” Those internal narratives need to be acknowledged and worked through so that there’s freedom to move forward.

Many women come on retreat precisely at these pivotal transition points. Through meaningful conversations with other women about past relationships, family dynamics, or personal struggles, they begin to explore their stories up to the present moment. This reflective space allows them to process, find closure, and start to imagine new strategies for ongoing situations. A crossroads is, after all, a moment of choice: to keep walking the same path or to consciously choose a different direction.

Our healing retreats are especially powerful for this. Through different healing modalities, women can begin to resolve past traumas, emotional wounds, or energetic attachments that may have kept them anchored in old patterns. Spiritual and emotional healing can be just as transformative as physical healing – whether that’s through energy work, rituals that symbolically cut ties to the past, or simply receiving guidance from a trusted healer. This creates space for new possibilities to take root.

For some women, stepping into a new chapter is also about reconnecting with their bodies in a new way. Perhaps they want to start a new fitness journey but don’t know where to begin or what’s right for their body now, which may have changed since their twenties or thirties. Working with a personal trainer on retreat often opens them up to movement practices that feel empowering and sustainable, helping them envision what vitality can look like in this next stage of life.

This is why we offer such a diverse range of activities on retreat – from healing sessions to fitness, cultural experiences, spiritual practices, and creative workshops. It’s about creating a safe environment to try new things under the guidance of experts, which builds both courage and trust. Every woman arrives with different questions, but the essence of the work is the same: supporting her in finding her own answers.

Ultimately, cultivating courage and trust for a new chapter requires honouring your authentic values and being deeply honest with yourself about what you want, what’s no longer working, and who you’re becoming. One of the beautiful gifts of midlife is that many women stop living for other people’s expectations. They care less about external approval and more about living in alignment with their truth. But to get to that point of freedom, you have to start by being honest with yourself.

Through the conversations, healing modalities, and experiences on retreat, we create a space where women can do exactly that. Underneath everything we offer is the desire to help each woman become her most authentic self, to live a life that truly honours her. Because ultimately, if you’re not living your life… whose life are you living?

You’ve built a global community through Goddess Retreats. What role do sisterhood and connection with other women play in helping midlife women thrive?

This connection is really at the heart of everything we do. It’s the magical X-factor of Goddess Retreats. One of the reasons our retreats have specific start and end dates is so that a group of women can share a journey from beginning to end. As much as it’s important for us to thoughtfully facilitate the experience, a huge part of the transformation happens in the spaces we create for women to simply sit together, listen deeply, and share their stories.

There’s something profoundly powerful about being in a circle of women and realising that, beyond titles or achievements, we all carry a lifetime of lived wisdom. This mirrors the way older women were traditionally honoured in villages and societies throughout history – as keepers of wisdom, storytellers, and guides. On retreat, we’re not just honouring the wisdom of external experts; we’re honouring the wisdom within each woman.

Guests often tell us how much love, insight, and strength they gain not only from the retreat itself, but from the other women they meet. It’s incredibly empowering to witness how shared experiences can catalyse growth and healing for others. Many women arrive not knowing how powerful being in a group of women can be, simply because modern society tends to keep us isolated. Outside of the occasional book club or brunch, we rarely gather in spaces that are intentional, emotionally safe, and deeply authentic.

When you bring women together in such a setting – where vulnerability, honesty, and shared emotion are welcomed – something extraordinary happens. Wisdom flows in both directions: it’s empowering for the women receiving support, but it’s equally powerful for those giving it, as they recognise the value of their own life experiences.

This is one of the most beautiful aspects of midlife. Rather than diminishing with age, our experiences become more enriched, layered, and valuable, not only to our peers but to younger generations as well. We often hear from younger women who say, “I learned so much just from being in this space.” And that, to me, is one of the greatest gifts the retreat offers: a space where sisterhood is honoured, where mature women are deeply valued, and where intergenerational wisdom is shared in a way that uplifts everyone.

It’s this sense of genuine connection, shared humanity, and collective strength that helps women thrive in midlife. There’s truly nothing more powerful.

Looking back on your own journey, what has midlife taught you about empowerment, and what do you hope every woman who comes to your retreats carries home with her?

On my own journey – I’m now 55 – midlife has taught me that true empowerment comes from within. Over the years, I’ve realised that my personal sense of empowerment has always been rooted in courage and curiosity.

For me, courage has never meant being fearless. As the saying goes, it’s not the absence of fear, but feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Whether it was learning to surf, riding a motorbike, travelling solo to new places, or simply starting a conversation with someone new, every time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I strengthened that inner muscle. One of the mantras I’ve repeated to myself throughout my life is: “I can do this.” Whenever challenges arise, I remind myself that I am fully equipped for this moment. Those experiences, the fears I’ve faced and the things I’ve accomplished through them are what have built my empowerment. And like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Midlife has also been a profound teacher in the transitory nature of things. There comes a time when you begin to let go of external measures,  especially the social narratives around appearance, youth, and fitting in. For women, so much value has been placed on external qualities, but midlife invites us to build our empowerment on something more solid, something that can’t be taken away.

Psychologically, this is the shift from external validation to internal grounding. Instead of relying on how we look, how we’re perceived, or the roles we play, empowerment becomes rooted in our internal emotional structures, our self-concept, emotional intelligence, personal values, and the quality of the relationships we’ve cultivated over time. It’s about the inner reservoir we’ve built through how we’ve lived, loved, and shown up in the world.

I look back on the experiences I’ve had, the relationships I’ve nurtured, and the way I’ve followed my heart even when it went against the grain, and I see that as the foundation of my empowerment. It takes tremendous courage to ignore the noise of other people’s expectations and live in alignment with your own truth. That’s what I want every woman who comes to our retreats to take home with her.

I hope she leaves with the feeling, “I can do this.” I hope she knows clearly what she loves and what she doesn’t, and that she’s willing to keep stepping outside her comfort zone. I want her to carry home the understanding that her value is not defined by her age or the external world, but by her spirit – her spirit of adventure, intelligence, kindness, creativity, and open-heartedness.

Ultimately, the journey outward should build the inner landscape. Midlife is when you get to lean on the strength of that inner world you’ve cultivated, your courage, your emotional resilience, your self-awareness, and your relationships. These are the unshakable foundations that empower you to step into the next chapter with confidence and grace.

Chelsea’s words remind us that midlife isn’t an ending, it’s a powerful new beginning. With courage, curiosity, and community, we have the chance to step into this season not with fear, but with purpose and vitality. What she has built with Goddess Retreats is more than a wellness experience; it’s an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to come home to yourself. Whether through yoga, cultural immersion, sisterhood, or simply the quiet of your own reflection, midlife offers us the freedom to create again. And as Chelsea so beautifully shows us, the question isn’t “What have I lost?” but rather “What am I ready to rediscover?”

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About Goddess Retreats:

Founded in Bali in 2003 by Chelsea Ross, Goddess Retreats is an award-winning wellness sanctuary offering transformative retreats exclusively for women. More than just a getaway, Goddess Retreats offers a boutique and intimate experience centred on authentic connection, profound self-reflection, healing, and renewal amidst Bali’s serene landscapes. Guests enjoy immersive wellness and cultural experiences, fostering personal growth, a supportive sisterhood, and a journey of self-discovery. For more information, visit www.goddessretreats.com.

If my words have helped you, a small contribution here will allow them to continue reaching the women who need them most. Also, don't forget to join me on Substack, where I share my Love Notes, a gentle pause in your week to reflect, realign, and reconnect in midlife. It’s not just another newsletter; it’s an intimate circle where I offer fresh intentions, soulful prompts, and simple but powerful shifts to inspire purposeful, creative living. Together, we’ll uncover the small but meaningful changes that help you design a life that feels beautifully your own.