After years of navigating the fast-paced rhythm of life in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, this American yogi felt a pull toward something quieter, more intentional — and ultimately more freeing.
Her first visit to Bali in 2014 sparked a love affair with the island’s spiritual depth, natural beauty, and slower way of life. What began as a retreat in Ubud blossomed into a full relocation supported by Our Year in Bali nearly a decade later.
In this candid interview, Emmy shares her heartfelt journey of moving solo to Bali, the life-changing moments that shaped her decision, and how she’s building a meaningful life rooted in presence, simplicity, and community. From embracing unexpected detours to navigating visas and investing in her dream business, her story is both inspiring and refreshingly real — the kind of “holy shift” many of us secretly crave.
Tell us about your background – where are you originally from?
I am originally from Los Angeles, California, and I was raised between LA and Chicago for most of my life. Before moving to Bali, I lived in Palm Springs, California, which is a desert resort area located about three hours outside of Los Angeles.
When did you arrive in Bali, and how long do you envision making this island your home?
I first stepped foot in Bali in 2014, and as a yogi, I instantly fell in love with the Hindu culture and the principles of karma. I appreciated how safe, intimate, and enjoyable the island felt. At that time, getting around was easy, and I loved the quality of the food, the warmth of the people, and the deep devotion present on the island. Each day, I discovered something new to do. Unlike America, Bali feels free and unconfined. I truly believe this is my forever home.
What sparked your decision to relocate to Bali? Walk us through your thought process and planning journey.
My journey to Bali really started back in 2018 when I hosted a retreat in Ubud. That trip cracked something open in me. I met a bunch of Australian expats who had built these beautiful, simple lives surrounded by nature and community. Their stories stayed with me — about choosing slower mornings, meaningful work, and just… more presence.
I went home to the States with this deep pull in my heart. I started saving for the move, dreaming of a more grounded way of life. But then, like for so many of us, COVID hit — and everything got put on pause.
Oddly enough, that pause became a portal. During the lockdowns, I shifted my work online and launched a virtual yoga channel. Teaching from home gave me space to rethink how I want to live and work. I started craving less hustle, more peace. Less “what’s next,” more now.
Fast forward to early 2024, I made the decision: I’m finally moving to Bali by the end of the year. It’s been nearly five years in the making — full of detours, growth, and a whole lot of inner work. But I was super ready for the next chapter. One that feels aligned, intentional, and long overdue.
How did you discover Our Year in Bali, and what was your experience working with Simone during your transition?
Once I made the decision to move, I knew I needed to take the process seriously, considering both my legal status in the country and the financial costs associated with the move. This was a significant decision, and I wanted to ensure I accounted for everything, from healthcare expenses to retirement planning for my parents. I found Simone through a Google search, reviewed her website, and decided to hop on a call with her. After our conversation, I chose to purchase the Silver Package and have stayed in touch with her ever since.
I’ve actually met great people through her who have supported me throughout the entire moving process – from Kitas information to opening a bank account and renting a villa – Simone has been an incredibly valuable asset to this move.
Which area of Bali did you choose to settle in? Paint us a picture of your neighbourhood and the community around you.
I chose to move to Ungasan. Honestly, this was not on my vision board, lol. I initially wanted to relocate to Canggu because of its trendy health clubs, restaurants, and shopping. However, once I arrived, I realised that I desired a quiet, tranquil island life. Most importantly, I wanted to ride my scooter to the beach every day and spend time reading.
I explored several areas, including Ubud, Sanur, and Uluwatu. With the help of a local management company, I found a gorgeous villa tucked away on a quiet private road in Ungasan, just 10 minutes from Melasti Beach. Located at the southernmost point of the island, I am in a neighbourhood filled with locals, which I love.
I keep my villa open each day, which means I now share my home with local dogs, cats, tokays, and frogs. I don’t mind one bit! I learned to ride my scooter from a local and have formed a local “family” that I enjoy spending time with. I now film my yoga classes from home in my garden next to the pool with my lovely videographer, a local named Chandra.
How has the adjustment to Balinese life been for you? What aspects of living here have had the most positive impact on your wellbeing?
There’s a saying: “Bali will teach you what you need, not what you want,” and I believe this is true.
If you’re from a first-world country, this place can be a shocking experience. The mindset you’ve been taught—being passive-aggressive, the hustle and grind mentality, working smarter not harder, and living a life filled with abundance and convenience—gets challenged when you’re on a remote island in the middle of nowhere.
I’ve come to realise that the Balinese people are gentle and non-confrontational. They don’t appreciate rude or mean behaviour, and I have found myself replicating their behavior. Through this, I’ve learned to live without many of the things I once valued and found important. Learning to simplify my life has been hard but important. I find myself purchasing less, wasting less, worrying less, working less, and basically enjoying living life fully present.
In what ways has Bali transformed both your personal life and career path? What unexpected opportunities have you encountered?
As an American, I believe you can plan and prepare for a move like this extensively, but the reality of what it will actually be like can still catch you off guard. Bali is not a typical 9 to 5 culture. Obtaining a working visa, setting up interviews, and figuring out investments is a lengthy and demanding process. However, unlike in the States, the potential to build, create, and invest in Bali is virtually unlimited. The relaxed rules here make it possible to come with a dream and turn it into reality. You just need to have the patience to navigate the challenges.
Initially, I thought getting a working KITAS (a work visa) and starting freelance work would be straightforward, but it’s turned out to be quite an undertaking and a risky investment. I’ve come to understand why it’s important to do thorough research and secure a job or an investment plan before moving.
That said, these past six months have prompted me to focus on investing sooner rather than later and to start my own business in Bali. I want to create something that aligns with my vision. I know this won’t be a quick or easy journey, but since I aspire to stay in Bali forever, I believe it will be worth it to build my long-term community and business venture here.
How does your cost of living here compare to what you experienced in the USA? What lifestyle upgrades have you been able to enjoy?
I have the luxury of a full-time housekeeper, which allows me to focus more on work and self-care. We’ve become close friends, which is very meaningful to me. I also have a home with a pool, something I never had in Los Angeles or Palm Springs due to the high maintenance costs. Here, I can afford a pool and regular maintenance, which is a true luxury.
Additionally, massages in the U.S. often exceed $240 an hour. In Bali, I see a fantastic masseuse once a week for 90 minutes, which is a dream come true. These improvements may seem small, but they are significant for my well-being.
Walk us through a typical day in your Bali life – from morning to evening.
I wake up at 7:30 a.m. thanks to my Bali cats, King and Prince. We enjoy coffee on the porch while I check emails. After a three-mile walk around the Kuta golf course, during which I catch up with friends and family by phone, I hit the gym for an hour.
Depending on the day, I either go to the beach by 3 p.m. for a swim and siesta or visit the Alchemy Meditation Center for recovery with the sauna and jacuzzi.
I have a sunset happy hour with girlfriends once a week and movie night at Ulu Cliff House on Tuesdays. Most nights, I’m in bed by 10 p.m. with my pets in my cozy villa.
What misconceptions about Bali did you have before moving here, and what would you tell others considering the move?
That getting a working KITAS and investing in real estate was “easy.” Do your due diligence and really research your options before investing or relocating full time.
What have been your most memorable discoveries in Bali and adventures to neighboring islands or regions?
Celebrating Nyepi. For months, I kept seeing glimpses of the ogoh-ogoh being built around Bali. I was blown away by how gorgeous and frightening they were. Honestly, the ogoh-ogoh parades have been a highlight of the year. Earlier this year, I visited Nusa Penida and learned that it is the island where all the bad spirits from Bali depart during Nyepi.
The entire tradition of this holiday is beautiful, and the symbolism of taking time for quiet reflection is something I wish every culture would value. I recommend this holiday as a great time to visit Bali and experience a unique taste of the island.
What advice would you give specifically to solo travellers considering a move to Bali?
Go for it! I came alone and I learned so much doing this endeavour by myself. In fact now I brag that I don’t know anyone as cool as me. I mean I learned how to ride a moped on the left side of the road in the middle of southeast asia at 43 – if i can do it, anyone can!
Is there anything else about your Bali experience that you’d like to share that we haven’t touched on?
If you’re living a life filled with hustle and grind, barely making ends meet, it’s time to reconsider how you’re spending your precious time.
Life moves quickly, and we often spend so much of it worrying about how to afford everything or find time for it all.
Moving to Bali relieved me of many micro-anxieties that I didn’t even realise I was experiencing daily. From wasting time sitting in traffic and running unnecessary errands to being a couch potato, overworking, over-exercising, over-shopping, and overindulging in nearly every aspect of my life, Bali has taught me that you need very little to truly enjoy the moment.
Often, we just need to step away from the rat race to shift our perspective. That’s why I’ve labeled this chapter of my life “The Holy Shift.”
