I first met the ex-ballerina, wellness founder, Chrissy Sundt, in 2020 when we started working together. Her business, Silver Linings Wellbeing, was starting to flourish as an amazing online wellness platform and we instantly loved what she was doing. Then, in 2021, when I moved out of London to the countryside I was put on our new school year group whatsapp and as coincidence would have it – I saw her name pop up… “Silver Linings Chrissy – is that you?” “Yes!” she responded instantly – turns out that the school and area we had moved to was where Chrissy herself was living and our kids were in the same class. Our relationship developed over the years as we worked together, and school-mumed together, until one day Chrissy announced that she was moving to Bali, a place she had never been to before, but had always wanted to go, with her family for a year of a complete change of scenery. My first reaction was a pang of envy, I had always wanted to (and still harbour desires) to upsticks and move my family across the world for a new experience. And it turns out that I am not alone in this – in fact 16% of the global adult population – approximately 900 million people – expressed a desire to move to another country permanently if given the chance, according to a recent Gallup survey. This marks an increase from 12% a decade ago. But I am also aware that whilst a new life in tropical climes sounds very tempting, it has its challenges too. So halfway through Chrissy’s adventure I gave her a call to discuss all the pros and cons, and lessons learned about moving your whole family abroad. These are the things that will stay with her long after her expat experience ends.
Embrace a Different Education
Chrissy is a seasoned traveller. Her ballet has taken her all over the world – South East Asia, Bulgaria, Australia – you name it! However, Chrissy had never been to Bali. It was actually Chrissy’s husband who had been to Bali previously and fallen in love with a forward thinking school out there called The Green School. So when he needed a break after a recent, very stressful, stint as CEO of a large company, he suggested that he wanted to send their 6 year-old daughter, Sunniva, there. Since Chrissy can work from anywhere, she loved the idea and jumped at the chance to embrace a new format when it comes to education for their daughter. “The Green School is unlike any other school I know. It is amazing at onboarding, madly welcoming, and gets parents really involved. There are no buildings, just bamboo sculptures where kids learn. All the other families have a story too – there are 52 different countries in the school community. What they are really good at is integrating life skills like asking questions, being kind, mindfulness – they have mindful eating at lunch everyday and she ends her day with a gratitude circle. These are all things that my daughter will have with her for life.”
If You Get Bali Belly – Drink Jamu
“Drink lots and lots of young coconut water and Jamu”. Chrissy goes on to explain that Jamu is a strong concoction of ginger, turmeric, and lemon but that each Balinese family seems to have their own generational recipe for it. Jamu is believed to have been around as a health tonic for more than 1,300 years ago. Since then, it remains as a natural remedy against ailments and is thought to be an immune system booster. “After a few days of drinking the Jamu and the coconut water you start to come back to life!”
When it Comes To Change: Children Are Much More Resilient Than We Think
“My daughter is quite a homebody, she has only ever known one house and one school” said Chrissy. Normally quite a quiet and shy member of the classroom Chrissy was amazed at her daughter’s confidence from the moment she got to The Green School – “she sailed in” Chrissy commented. Much down to her amazing kind and English speaking teacher. Sunniva misses her family, like her granny and her cousins. “My daughter made friends instantly and within three weeks she was already fully integrated into her new life here – but I do think that it helped that she is still young. I’ve seen from some of my friends out here that it is harder with older children but not impossible, and it’s the most amazing experience for them.”
Look For Signs From The Universe to Guide You On Decision Making
Chrissy totally believes in signs and so when she was viewing lots of different properties to pick her home it was when she was sent the details for a place called Villa LaLa Land that her interest piqued because of the connection to performing and musicals. She then went to view the house and, as she was walking in, the owner of the house was walking out and low and behold it was an old client of hers who she used to teach Barre Classes to during her Barrecore days in London. That was it, she thought, she had to live there. It overlooks a paddy field, has an inside-outside kitchen and even has an inbuilt studio for her to continue her filming for Silver Linings Wellbeing.
Embrace a Slower Pace Of Life
“The heat and tropical climate is challenging at times – it makes you move slower. When the weather is so hot and humid it does not allow you to rush around moving at a million miles per hour. You have to hydrate and you have to take your time and you have to look after yourself in a different way than you do when you live in England.”
Move to a Place Where Your Interest Lie
If it’s skiing, move to the mountains, if it’s swimming, move to the beach, if you’re into wellness – there are few places better than Bali. “It’s almost overload – there is wellness everywhere. I could go to a different studio every single day if I wanted to and sometimes I do explore three or four different studios in a week. The standard is very high and people are obsessed with it. Ubud is great for yoga and Cangu is great for Pilates. I am often seeing people walk around with cupping marks on their backs”.
Moving Abroad Has Brought Us Closer as A Family
“Not only is it a circuit breaker, that makes us address what we would do differently but my husband and I find time for date night and we have had to overcome challenges together as a family that has undoubtedly brought us all closer together. It has made us think about what we would do differently in our lives moving forward.” Chrissy cites that missing her friends and family allows her to appreciate them so much more, and she also misses the winter wardrobe sometimes, but has learned that dressing more casually is freeing “even though being smart is lovely and has its place, I’ve really enjoyed having to rethink my wardrobe out here. There is a freedom to being casual. It’s so hot you just aren’t able to wear many clothes!”
Live Like A Local: Chrissy’s Bali Wellness Hotspots
Where to Stay
“This Aman sanctuary in Ubud is so beautiful. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and cuisine in five-star luxury.”
“Grown-up glamour that’s perfect for a romantic getaway.”
“This is a 40 minute flight from Bali but worth the journey. Beautiful design, fab kids club, incredible food, a brand new Yoga shala and shamanic wellness experience!”
Where to Eat
“There are so many great new restaurants popping up all the time in Bali…it’s hard to keep up.”
“This is where all the yogis hang out. The food is amazing as is the people watching.”
“The best cocktails and sunset balcony with Italian chef Paulo heading up the kitchen. Their beach club, Lawn, downstairs is also a great beachside spot where you can spend the day.”
“Japanese tea room and health food store that’s just so pleasing! I’m addicted to their chilli pesto avo on toast!”
“Farm-to-table concept restaurant with a DJ playing old school vinyl. Such a treat!”
Where to Move
Internationally renowned teachers who are steeped in their practice. The Yoga shalas are beautiful and the schedule is shaped by the elements so you get everything from a fiery Vinyasa flow to serene ‘Ether’ meditation. Hop over the road afterwards to Alchemy cafe for an almond milk matcha.
“This is contemporary Pilates in a contemporary space. Three floors of brutalist spaces full of reformers, mat classes and the brilliant ‘Peach Club’ which defiantly makes the derrière peachier”.
“This is my local! They offer everything, classes with great teachers in a huge variety of disciplines. There are saunas, cold plunge pools, cafes and more. The sister brand, Rejuvo, is all about biohacking and I’m a regular for IV drip and some red light….especially after a filming Silver Linings Wellbeing session.
Where the Families Hang
“Bali is super child and parent-friendly. The locals just love kids!”
“There’s a huge climbing frame and scooter track with a lovely cafe where parents can hang out and kids can swoop past for some crudités before whizzing off again!”
“This enormous water park is a ‘must’. The kids will love it. Health warning: the Green Viper is terrifying!”
Milk & Madu: Berawa & Batu Belong
“The Best pizza in Bali and they have a climbing frame, slides and a lady doing face painting whilst you enjoy a glass of wine and the live band.”
Where to Shop
“This Aussie activewear company is my new go to. Beautiful colours and sets that really work in the heat.”
“Sip on ceremonial grade cacao whilst you select a beautiful new kimono for the beach and some sexy lingerie.”
“The Bali equivalent of Isabel Marant. My go-to for French Island style.”
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