About Compass International Wellness Retreats
Meaningful Change
At Compass Retreats, we do not promise unrealistic fixes to life’s challenges; instead, we offer a gateway towards meaningful change.
Our purpose is not to alter your reality but to empower you on your path to transformation—a genuine journey informed by real science. This is not just a retreat; it’s an opportunity to unwind and have fun while embarking on a journey of self-discovery!
Welcome to Compass Retreats
At Compass Retreats, we specialise in transformative six-day retreats nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Southeast Asia, including Bali, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Our retreats are designed to focus on an evidenced based, holistic approach to enhancing quality of life, by experienced Clinical Psychologists, Neuropsychologists, Psychiatrists, Elite Sports Physiotherapists, and Nutritionists; setting us apart from typical wellness retreats.
What distinguishes us is our commitment to an evidence-based methodology, led by skilled, experienced, and qualified clinicians. Our retreats draw from established therapeutic frameworks, particularly Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), ensuring that participants receive scientifically grounded support throughout their experience. The clinicians are also versed in a myriad of other therapy models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and many others.
Compass retreats are designed to be a delightful balance of customised rejuvenation, adventure, and growth.
Alongside our evidence-based approach, you’ll enjoy a true holiday getaway, complete with all meals, drinks, and private accommodations included in your package.
Immerse yourself in local activities and experiences, all set against stunning backdrops. Picture yourself indulging in daily massages, exploring the vibrant culture through shows, and partaking in exciting adventures while also finding moments of relaxation.
Evidence-Based International Mental Wellness Retreats Run by Clinical Psychologists
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Gateways Program
The original Gateways program is a limited participant, 6-day, science driven, clinician led, Mental Wellness Retreat. It is aimed at a significant gap in the Mental Wellness space for participants who seek to prioritise data driven interventions by trained clinicians above all else.
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Luxury Gateways Program
The Luxury Gateways programs share foundational elements with the standard Gateways programs. They are hosted in more affluent countries, deliver enhanced service standards, and are led by clinicians with significantly greater experience, advanced training, and commensurate professional value.
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Clinical Mentoring Program
The Clinical Mentoring Program differs from the Gateways Program in its focus on non-clinical, low, mild, and moderate clinical presentations. It employs a 1:1 mentoring structure (expandable to 1:2 under specific circumstances) and adheres to standard psychology fee structures for 16-hour service days.
The Compass Approach
Before embarking on your retreat, we conduct a comprehensive pre-retreat assessment that evaluates nutrition, physical strength and function, and psychological well-being.
This tailored approach allows us to customise your retreat experience to meet your individual needs effectively.
Together, we collaboratively establish goals which are actionable during the retreat. Although these goals are individually tailored, we recognise the importance of community and connection. Accordingly, our retreats occur in small groups of 5-8.
To promote sustained change, our support extends beyond your retreat experience.
We provide follow-up consultation phone calls one week after the retreat and a one-hour clinical assessment one month post-retreat with a clinician, addressing any barriers to change and supporting your ongoing journey.
The Importance of Connection
Our focus is on non-clinical or low-clinical presentations, and we understand the importance of remaining connected to reality. Unlike many retreats, we actively incorporate technology, utilising it as a tool to enhance your experience rather than disconnect from it.
This retreat ensures to integrate technology, rather than avoid it; personalise the entire program using standardised psychometric, rather than using a one size fits all approach; provide appropriate follow-up/aftercare, instead of having it be a standalone service; avoid making unrealistic promises about the nature of change and wellbeing, rather, it acts as a gateway to that change.
Meet Your Retreat Leader
Michael Spark is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Compass Therapy, Compass Retreats, Compass Paintings, and the host of the ‘Mike the Psych’ podcast.
His hobbies include snorkelling, motocross, and outdoor adventures. His early career was in the steel and mining industry, where he worked as a TA and later as an operator before engaging in two years of volunteer work. Recognising the financial stability that came with a regular occupation and the fulfilment found in helping others, he shifted to a career that combined both.
After 11 years working in high-risk residential youth work and a decade in the mental health space as a psychologist across various settings, Michael became drawn to the concept of mental wellness. He realised that, while he himself was mentally healthy, there was an entirely new journey toward mental wellness that had captivated his focus. Eager to explore this area further, he identified a significant gap for people like himself who weren’t seeking a spiritually emphasised retreat or training towards some form of accreditation in mindfulness or Yoga. Although these sectors provide meaningful services, it was felt that more could be done.
He observed that there were relatively few opportunities for participants interested in science-based mental wellness retreats led by APHRA-registered clinicians.
Moreover, he identified notable gaps in the market, such as the lack of programs offering pre-retreat psychometric assessment, post-retreat follow-up, and retreats where technology is wholly removed rather than integrated as a tool for everyday life.
Additionally, Michael noticed a recurring and concerning pattern among some retreats, which promised scientifically impossible outcomes within unrealistic timeframes. This motivated him to start Compass Retreats, with a mission to address these gaps ethically and in a data-driven manner. He envisioned a retreat led by experts in their field, providing evidence based best practices, which still included the serenity and comfort of an overseas holiday. Consequently, we now have Compass Retreats.
How Does it Work
What Does the Retreat Look Like?
Depending on group participants needs, location, and time of year, each retreat will vary. However, the following is an example itinerary:
6-Day Gateways Retreat at Revivo Retreat, Bali
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6-day retreat at the stunning Revivo Retreat in Bali, where relaxation and personal development seamlessly blend. Limited to 8 participants, led by an experienced clinician, ensuring a supportive and personalised journey towards enhancing your quality of life.
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Each participant will undergo a comprehensive psychometric evaluation, a physiotherapy assessment, and a nutritionist consultation, including bloodwork, overseen by a GP.
Prior to arrival, participants will receive a summary of their assessments alongside tailored recommendations for lifestyle changes.
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Final feedback questionnaires emailed to participants post return.
One week post retreat 30min phone call made at pre-scheduled times.
One month post retreat 50min psychology session at pre-scheduled times.
Daily Schedule Overview (example):
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Arrival at Revivo Retreat: Participants are welcomed as they arrive, house rules are reviewed, your clinician will introduce themselves and provide each participant with their personalised wholeness binders, containing reports and recommendations for nutrition and strength. APPs downloaded on to phone.
Group Introduction: Meet fellow retreat members, ice breaker activity and discuss initial thoughts and goals.
Goal Setting Session: In collaboration with the clinician, create collective goals for nutrition, physical strength, and psychological well-being.
Evening: Group dinner followed by a relaxing evening with gentle stretching and meditation.
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Morning: Group breakfast cooking class. Breakfast nutrition discussed.
Activity: Morning yoga session
Daily Psychology Tutorial: Personality Assessment’s handed out and added to Wholeness Binders – Understanding strengths and areas for growth.
Group Activity – DBT TIPP skill and Life Map activity.
Lunch: Enjoy nutritious meal
Afternoon: Free time for relaxation, connecting with other participants, and exploring the retreat grounds.
Evening: Dinner followed by the first cultural show showcasing Bali's traditional performances.
Debriefs: 1:1 debriefs offered upon request if needed.
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Morning: Group breakfast.
Activity: Morning breathwork session and TIPP skill continued
Daily Psychology Tutorial: Schema Theory and Modes – Understanding patterns of thinking. Schema Map and Modes Inventory with interpretations handed out for Wholeness Binders. Focus on Vulnerable Child and Punitive Parent Modes.
Lunch: Lunch cooking class. Discussion of nutrition throughout a typical day.Afternoon: Chair work, exercise, ice baths.
Evening: Group Dinner
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Morning: Group breakfast.
Daily Psychology Tutorial: TIPP skill (final) + Trauma and its Effects – Discussion and reflections- emphasis on Detached Protector and Detached Self Soother Modes. Trauma profile handed out for Wholeness Binders.
Activity: Thrilling whitewater rafting experience.
Lunch: Enjoy a nourishing meal upon return.
Afternoon: Ice Bath sessions, light exercise, and massage for recovery.
Evening: Dinner followed by a second cultural show, immersing in the island's rich culture.
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Morning: Group breakfast, morning walk, stretch, massage.
Daily Psychology Tutorial: Quality relationships- what do they look like and how do we build them- Lessons from the Gottman Institute. Relationship profiles handed out for Wholeness Binders.
Lunch: Optional Lunch
Activity: Outdoor quad riding adventure.
Evening: Dinner Cooking Class and evening nutrition habits discussed.
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Morning: Group breakfast. Final psychometrics and assessments.
Purification Trip: Visit the Holy Water Temple for a cleansing and reflective experience.
Afternoon: Silver ring-making class for graduation ceremony.
Lunch: A buffet lunch where participants can share their insights and their rings.
Graduation Ceremony: Celebrate personal growth and progress, culminating in shared reflections and encouragement for the journey ahead.
Evening: Final group dinner and a closing ceremony in a relaxed atmosphere.
