“Bali Was Calling Me”: How Alice Left Corporate Life in France and Found Home in Ubud, Bali

For years, Alice carried the same quiet dream: to leave behind routine, explore the world, and experience life more deeply through different cultures and places.

Originally from France, she spent much of her career in the corporate world before deciding in 2020 to take a leap into something entirely new.

What was meant to begin as a sabbatical quickly evolved into a much bigger life transition.

“I always wanted to travel and live abroad,” Alice shares. “So in 2020, I left my corporate job with the idea of travelling the world, starting with Bali.”

But like many stories from that period, her plans shifted unexpectedly. Instead of arriving in Bali immediately, her journey first took her to Bora Bora in French Polynesia and later to Portugal before she eventually landed in Bali in October 2025.

Today, more than six months later, she calls Ubud home.

Alice’s journey from corporate life in France to building a new life in Ubud is one of many inspiring relocation stories we have had the privilege of being part of. In the video below, Alice shares her experience in her own words, including what inspired her move to Bali, how she chose Ubud as her home, the challenges and surprises of relocating internationally, and how life on the island has transformed her personally and professionally.

Watch the full interview below to hear firsthand what it is really like to relocate to Bali and create a new chapter abroad.

A Move That Felt Meant to Happen

Unlike many expats who visit Bali several times before deciding to relocate, Alice moved to the island without ever having been there before.

For her, the decision was deeply intuitive.

“Bali had been calling me for a long time,” she says. “I was dreaming about it constantly. I kept experiencing synchronicities that made me feel like I was supposed to be here.”

She intentionally chose to arrive in October 2025, the month of her birthday, seeing it as the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

And almost immediately, Bali felt different.

Not simply as a destination, but as a place where she could truly settle.

Preparing for a Permanent Move to Bali

Because she planned to relocate long-term, Alice wanted reliable guidance before making the move.

While researching online, she discovered Our Year in Bali and purchased the Silver Package in July 2025 to help prepare for her relocation.

After booking a discovery call, she connected with Simone to discuss everything from settling in Bali to navigating the practical realities of moving abroad.

“I wanted access to the best information and resources possible because my intention was to move permanently,” Alice explains. “From the beginning, I felt very understood and supported.”

Having relocation support before arriving gave her the confidence to approach the move with greater clarity and preparation, especially as Bali was completely unfamiliar territory.

Discovering Where She Belonged

Initially, Alice planned to explore multiple areas of Bali before deciding where to live.

Like many newcomers, she visited several popular destinations, including Canggu, Uluwatu, and Sanur.

But each time she returned to Ubud, the feeling became clearer.

“It always felt good to come back,” she says. “After every trip, Ubud felt more and more like home.”

Eventually, the search for the “perfect place” ended there.

She later found a villa in Penestanan, an area just outside central Ubud known for its peaceful atmosphere, greenery, and strong sense of community.

Building a Lifestyle Around Balance and Purpose

Alice works remotely as a coach supporting high-performing individuals through major life transitions, helping clients navigate change through coaching, subconscious reprogramming, and practical personal development tools.

Having already worked online for several years, transitioning professionally to Bali was relatively seamless.

What surprised her most, however, was how aligned the environment felt with both her work and lifestyle.

“Bali has an energy that really supports growth and expansion,” she explains. “For the work I do, it feels like a very supportive environment.”

Alongside working with international clients remotely, Bali also introduced her to a wider community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and remote professionals living similar lifestyles.

For many people relocating to Bali, this balance between professional flexibility and personal well-being becomes one of the island’s greatest appeals.

A Different Quality of Life

While Bali is often associated with a lower cost of living, Alice believes the real difference lies in the quality of life rather than affordability alone.

Compared to her previous life in Paris, everyday living in Bali feels significantly more supported and accessible.

“It’s probably around half the cost of my life in France,” she says. “But more importantly, for that cost, I experience a much better quality of life.”

Simple daily conveniences — from weekly cleaning services and affordable laundry to yoga classes and scooter rentals — have allowed her to create a lifestyle that feels both calmer and more balanced.

Even healthcare felt surprisingly efficient when she needed it.

“The one time I needed a doctor, I was able to book an appointment online within a few hours and have medication delivered directly to my villa.”

Embracing the Rhythm of Life in Ubud

Life in Ubud has also brought a slower, more intentional rhythm to her daily routine.

Most mornings begin quietly with yoga or meditation before transitioning into work, either from home, cafés, or coworking spaces around town.

Afternoons and evenings are often spent exploring the island, attending workshops, or connecting with friends and community events.

“One thing I really love about Ubud is the lifestyle rhythm,” she says. “People tend to sleep earlier, wake up earlier, and overall it feels healthier and more grounded.”

For Alice, that sense of balance has become one of the most meaningful parts of living in Bali.

Connecting With Balinese Culture

Beyond the international community, Alice also made a conscious effort to connect more deeply with Balinese culture and traditions.

She began learning Bahasa Indonesia, joined local workshops, and experienced ceremonies that were entirely new to her.

One of the most memorable experiences was witnessing Nyepi — Bali’s Day of Silence — along with the Ogoh-Ogoh parades held the evening before.

“I had never experienced anything like it before,” she says.

For her, Bali’s spiritual and cultural richness has added another dimension to life on the island — one that continues to shape her experience beyond the surface-level image many people initially associate with Bali.

Finding Home in Bali

Alice quickly realised that many people arrive in Bali temporarily, staying for a few weeks or months before eventually moving on.

At first, that transient nature made it difficult to find long-term connections and community.

But over time, she found people who, like her, were building a more permanent life on the island. And perhaps most importantly, she found a place where she genuinely feels at home.

“There’s a saying that Bali lets you know very quickly whether you’re welcome on the island or not,” she says.

“For me, from the moment I arrived, it simply felt right.”