How Michael Franti blends yoga, music, and culture at Soulshine Bali
MICHAEL FRANTI’s first visit to Bali sparked more than a connection to its serene landscapes – it planted the seed for Soulshine, a space where culture, wellness, and music come alive.
MICHAEL FRANTI’s first visit to Bali sparked more than a connection to its serene landscapes – it planted the seed for Soulshine, a space where culture, wellness, and music come alive.
Soulshine Bali – originally a fiveroom vacation home with a yoga studio – is a testament to Michael Franti’s love and appreciation for Balinese people and culture. Built together with his co-founder and wife, Sara Agah Franti, the resort has grown into Bali’s first Sound + Wellness Resort. With over 30 rooms, expansive barefoot luxury villas, spas, multiple yoga studios, and an ever-evolving vision for the future, Soulshine Bali has become a unique wellness hub for those seeking to rediscover balance and reconnect with nature.
Prestige Indonesia spoke to Michael Franti about Soulshine Bali’s impact on the wellness community, the philosophy behind the endeavour, and the couple’s plans for the future.
Michael Franti, Founder of Soulshine Bali, with his wife and co-founder, Sara Agah Franti. PhotoCredit: Prestige
How were you initially inspired to establish Soulshine Bali, and how does it reflect your health and wellness journey?
Soulshine Bali was born from my own journey of seeking balance and wellness. Back in 2006, after an intense tour in Australia, I came to Bali looking for a place to rest and recharge. Ubud captured my heart, especially the ‘Tri Hita Karana’ philosophy, which emphasises harmony between humans, nature, and spirit. This philosophy deeply resonated with my own quest for a holistic approach to well-being.
I built Soulshine Bali together with my wife, Sara, to embody these principles. The spaces we’ve created – like the Togetherness Lounge and Stay Human Restaurant – encourage meaningful human connections, something I’ve always valued in my wellness journey. We also made a conscious decision to preserve the 700-year-old rice fields around us, respecting nature and ensuring our guests can enjoy the beauty and serenity of organic, living landscapes. Spiritually, we honour Balinese traditions by involving our guests in local customs and ceremonies, fostering a deeper connection to the culture and spirit of Bali. Soulshine is a reflection of my personal journey, blending these elements to create a space where others can find their own path to well-being.
What is the underlying foundation of your health and wellness philosophy? Meaningful connections are at the core of our health and wellness philosophy. Sara and I have backgrounds that emphasise the importance of relationships, and making people feel seen and valued became the foundation of my approach to well-being. Wellness isn’t just physical – it’s about connecting with others and treating each other with respect and compassion.
Soulshine carries the unique description of a Sound + Wellness Resort. Cz`ould you elaborate on the transformative role of sound in wellness? We see ourselves as disruptors in the wellness space, and sound plays a significant role in that. Wellness doesn’t have to mean silence, restrictions, or austerity – it can also be vibrant and full of life. Our goal was to create a balance where guests can experience both healing and joy, with sound as a powerful tool for transformation.
Wellness doesn’t have to be just about silence, restrictions, or austerity – it can be fun and lively too.
Music and sound enhance every aspect of the experience – whether it’s a DJ energising a poolside gathering or the soothing soundscapes that accompany our yoga and meditation sessions. It’s all about setting the right atmosphere for people to feel rejuvenated, inspired, and connected – both to themselves and the community around them.
At Soulshine, sound is an integral part of the healing journey, elevating the spirit and shaping memorable moments. Guests can dance away stress to rhythmic beats by the pool, find tranquillity in a meditative sound bath, or simply soak up the uplifting energy of our spaces. Here, wellness isn’t about choosing between joy and healing – it’s about embracing both in perfect harmony.
What were some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome in establishing Soulshine Bali? Building Soulshine Bali has been an incredibly rewarding journey, full of opportunities for growth and discovery. I see challenges as a way of reaffirming our commitment to our vision. One of the biggest was striking the right balance between wellness and joy. Unlike many retreats that focus solely on quiet, austere practices, we wanted to create a space where guests could truly relax, heal, and also savour life’s pleasures – whether that’s enjoying a great cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Another key challenge was ensuring a respectful and sustainable connection with the land and culture of Bali. The ancient rice fields surrounding Soulshine are treasures we deeply cherish, and it has always been our mission to honour and preserve them while keeping our environmental footprint minimal. This dedication to sustainability has guided us in making thoughtful choices that reflect our deep appreciation for the island and its people.
We also wanted to create a space where music, sound, and energy seamlessly intertwine with wellness. Integrating these elements into a meaningful experience was both a challenge and a joy, but seeing our vision come to life – and witnessing the profound impact it has on our guests – has made every step of the journey incredibly fulfilling.
Can you share a memorable instance or transformation you’ve witnessed or personally experienced at Soulshine Bali? One of my most memorable experiences is watching guests at our Soulrocker Retreat drop into a space of deep reflection and connection. It’s incredible to witness people let go of the barriers they’ve built around themselves. And, as they go through the retreat, you can literally see their confidence grow. Moments like these remind me why we created Soulshine in the first place – this space is all about transformation and helping people find their true selves.
It’s incredible to witness people let go of the barriers they’ve built around themselves … moments like these remind me why we created Soulshine in the first place.
Soulshine at Sea translates the core of the resort into a cruise setting. How do you ensure the original wellness philosophy is interpreted thoroughly? Soulshine at Sea is an exciting extension of what we’ve created at the resort, but it’s also a unique challenge to translate that energy and wellness philosophy into a cruise setting. Our goal is to make sure that, even though we are out at sea, the core principles of Soulshine – joy, healing, and connection – remain central to the experience.
Music and community elements play a huge role here – these are not just cruising vacations; they’re opportunities to grow, reflect, and share moments with like-minded people.
The recently launched Host Your Own Retreat programme is an interesting initiative. How did you develop this concept, and how has it been received so far? We came up with HYOR as a natural extension of our belief that transformation and connection can happen anywhere, especially when people are free to create their own space. Sara and I have always wanted Soulshine to be a place where people could lead their own journeys, tap into their potential, and build their ideal experiences. The idea of hosting your own retreat here is all about giving our guests the tools, spaces, and freedom to craft their dream experience, whether that’s a yoga retreat, a company gathering, or something more unique.
We’ve received such positive feedback, particularly from seasoned retreat leaders like Justin Michael Williams, who shared how Soulshine’s energy and connection to the spirit of Bali make it an ideal place for hosting transformative retreats. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how this program is resonating with others and helping them create spaces of growth, joy, and community.
How do you envision the evolution of Soulshine Bali for this year and the years to come? We plan to expand our spa and introduce The Sanctuary, a 10-room space perfect for private retreats, yoga teacher training, or even weddings. It will have its own yoga shala, workshop space, and dining area, allowing guests to host their groups while still enjoying the broader Soulshine experience. Ultimately, our vision for Soulshine Bali is to continue to honour the land, the culture, and the people of Bali and to keep creating a space where people can find renewal, connection, and joy. We’re constantly evolving, but we’re doing it in a way that stays true to the heart of what Soulshine is all about.
Beyond health and wellness, what milestones and goals do you hope to achieve this year?
This year, we’re focused on several exciting milestones. One of our main goals is to grow Soulshine as a brand while maintaining the intimate, personal touch that sets us apart. We want to share the transformative experiences we offer – whether through our retreats, music, or the unique blend of relaxation and fun – with a broader audience.
We’re also expanding our team to include people who share our passion and vision. Finding the right individuals who align with our values is essential to ensuring we continue delivering exceptional experiences for our guests while preserving the integrity of what we’ve built.
Beyond that, we’re deepening our commitment to sustainability and giving back to the Bali community. This year, we’re determined to make a meaningful impact, not only for our guests but also for the people and environment around us. We’re especially proud to have received the Tri Hita Karana Award and the Eco-Tourism Gold Certificate – recognitions that affirm our dedication to responsible practices.
As we expand our facilities, we’re doing so in a way that stays true to our values of connection, transformation, and authenticity. These milestones remind us that we’re on the right path and motivate us to keep evolving in the year ahead.
