Moving to a new country is always a big decision, especially when it involves uprooting your family and embracing a completely different lifestyle. In this interview, Simon shares his family’s journey from a busy life in London to settling in the peaceful village of Pejeng, Bali. From finding the perfect schools for their children to opening a yoga center and immersing themselves in Balinese culture, Simon reflects on the challenges, surprises, and joys of creating a meaningful life on the island.
Whether you’re considering a move to Bali, curious about alternative education options, or simply inspired by a slower, more intentional way of living, this story offers insights, practical tips, and a glimpse into the unique lifestyle that Bali can offer.
Tell us a little about yourself and life before Bali
Where are you originally from, and what’s your background, life before your Bali adventure? My name is Simon. I am originally from France but lived in London for 15 years. After my wife and I left London, we had two beautiful children. Before we settled in Bali, we lived a nomadic life, out of the
suitcase – travelling and living in India, Australia, France, and travelling to many other countries in between.
When did you move to Bali?
We moved to Bali in September 2024, so about 1.5 years at the time of this interview. We intend to stay here until our youngest child is out of school. So we hope to stay for another 15 years. But who knows what the future holds!
What inspired your move?
Even though life in London was comfortable, towards the end my wife and I felt something was missing — a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and balance and a desire to stop the unhealthy ‘work hard / play hard’ lifestyle. We also wanted a peaceful, countryside environment to raise our children and a nature school. Bali was a good fit for us because it provides a countryside lifestyle but it still close to everything. And it’s between Australia and France, which makes it easier for us to visit family.
How did you come across Our Year in Bali, and why was the service valuable to you?
We came across Our Year in Bali on the internet, just browsing on Google search, I think. It was interesting to read how other people settled in Bali, especially with young children, so we set up a call first in December 2023, when we were visiting Bali and planning our move by visiting schools, etc.
Simone was very helpful in guiding us through the local lifestyle and helping us settle into our new life. We are still very much in touch today, over 2 years after our initial conversation
Where do you live in Bali?
We live in Pejeng. On the edge of Ubud and Gyanjar, between the rice paddies and the jungle. We don’t believe there is a perfect place on earth. But, for our family, Pejeng is very close to perfect. We chose Pejeng because it offered exactly what we were looking for: calm, culture, nature, and a strong sense of community. We did not realise before we arrived, but the expat community is very strong in Pejeng, which is perfect for us.
It is also close to Empathy School and Ubud Little Sunshine, where our children are enrolled, and it is home to the eco-village Naya Veda Vastu, where we opened our Yoga center SKY (Yoga and Meditation). Pejeng has become the heart of our life in Bali, and we love it.
What have you decided to do for schooling and education? Please share your experiences and also talk about raising children in Bali.
Our youngest child goes to a Balinese Montessori school. And our older child goes to a local nature school. For us, it was important that our children are immersed in nature whilst schooling. Bali provides this. We don’t want to put our children in a traditional-style school, facing the blackboard or whiteboard. This defies the point of moving to Bali and living an alternative lifestyle, in our opinion.
How does everyday life in Bali compare to home financially?
Life in Bali is very different financially compared to home. Most aspects of Bali’s life are more affordable, especially food, bills, wellness services and community-based activities. The school fees are the only thing that are very high! But we are also mortgage-free in Bali. For the price of our house in London we could afford a much better villa here in Bali to make life affordable so we can focus more on our passion.
How do you financially make it work?
I opened the first Yoga center in Pejeng, SKY Yoga and Meditation, and I work there everyday. I came to Bali to open a Yoga school. The program for all our Yoga training was pretty much all done before arriving to Bali so my main goal after settling in for 2 weeks was only to found a place. And I ended up finding it within a week. Opening SKY has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life, as I am not only proud of promoting authentic Yoga education but the location we are in is truly a magical place, nested in an eco-village community like no others.
We very much focus on Yoga Education and less on daily Yoga classese (although we offer 2 classes a day to contribute to the life of the Pejeng community). Through our Yoga Teacher Training programs, we are able to guide students on a much deeper journey — not only learning yoga postures, but truly embodying the philosophy, meditation and lifestyle that goes with Yoga.
Even though I run the organisation everyday, the work/life balance is perfect, I can be home everyday for the kids, have every weekend off and take 10 weeks off a year (most of the school holidays). I could never have this when I run 2 businesses in London before, I feel that just by living in Bali you have to care for your time off much more than the profit of the company. This would never happen in ‘the West’ where most company owner will work themselves too hard.
What does a typical day look like for you and the family in Bali?
I wake up between 5.30am and 6am. Teach a quiet and mindful asana class at 6.30am everyday for our Yoga Teacher Trainings. Back home at 8am to have breakfast, I take the kids to school everyday with my wife and come back to the Yoga center around 9.15am. I take a lunch break from 12.30pm to 2pm and come back home to help my wife putting our son to nap, have lunch with her and then back to the Yoga center from 2pm to 4.30pm. Even if the Yoga center keeps me busy, life feels slower, more intentional, and more connected here.
What are some common misconceptions about Bali, and what would you say to set the record straight?
There is no perfect place in the world. Bali is not perfect. But it can be almost perfect, if you stay focus on the positive aspects, the lifestyle is pretty incredible. Bali is truly magical if you let go of your western principle and connect with the local culture and spirituality of the land.
How have you immersed you and the family in the local culture?
We have immersed ourselves in Balinese culture through ceremonies, traditions, and daily interactions. This cultural spirit also inspires the way we hold space at SKY Yoga and Meditation — with respect, humility, and heart. The SKY team is composed of more than 50% Balinese staff so every day we understand the Balinese culture more. As a family, we support local businesses and join the local ceremonies. My youngest child goes to a Balinese school and our children take language classes. We also try to buy all our food locally, so we can build friendships with the local farmers. The Balinese have taught us so much about gratitude, devotion, and living in harmony.
What should other families think about before making the move?
Just move to Bali. So many families are unsure, or take ages to make the leap. Then when they arrive in Bali, they are still unsure and cannot commit to a longer time living here. Leave the inhibitions and worries asides. Believe Bali is the right place at this time in life.
It’s OK to go back home if you don’t like it. But don’t let the ‘what if’s scenarios hold you and your family back. Bali is an island of dreams. People live out their dreams here. Your hobbies can often become your ‘real job’, so you are no longer a robot in the 9 to 5 grind. Don’t miss out on being part of this dream.
Is there anything else about your Bali experience you’d love to share?
It’s important to build many communities here. Not just the school community, but other communities. Eg: clubs, writer’s groups, Yoga groups, padel groups, etc. It takes a while to settle in but once your different communities are established, you won’t feel lonely in Bali. Everyone is friendly and there is so much support among the expats and the locals.
How can we learn more about your wonderful yoga school?
Visit: Sky & Yoga Meditation
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/sky_yoga_meditation
