Behind the Scenes: Scouting a MedTreks Trip
Designing a MedTreks Trip
Every detail in our itineraries is intentional. We say this often, but what does it really mean?
Recently someone asked me, “How do you design your experiences?” It’s a great question—and a tricky one to answer. Every destination is different, and each trip we create has its own unique puzzle to solve. Since I just returned from a scouting trip in Bali, I thought I’d give you a peek behind the curtain into what it actually looks like to design a MedTreks adventure.
I wish I could say it was as simple as typing “best yoga retreat venues in Bali” into Google, picking from the top five, and then spending the week sipping coconuts by the pool. The reality is that it is much more complex – but also more rewarding.
Yes, online searches (and even AI!) can be helpful, but they can’t answer the questions that come from the in person experience. That infinity pool might look stunning in photos—but is it tucked next to a noisy main road? That boutique hotel by the river might seem perfect—but how long will it really take guests to reach the cultural heart of the city? A 5-star spa might sparkle with elegance, but is the service warm, personal, and infused with local character—or is it cookie-cutter luxury? And the food—does it feel fresh, nourishing, and healing?
These are the things I have to discover firsthand. Last week in Bali, I walked miles, toured more than ten retreat venues, and sat through endless traffic, searching for that missing piece of the puzzle. For days, nothing seemed to click. With so many “wellness resorts,” why hadn’t I found the right fit? Was I being too picky?
No. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my gut. And my gut told me: keep looking.
Finally, in the last 24 hours of my time in Bali, it all came together. I was sitting at breakfast drinking coffee and watching the palm leaves rustle in the wind. I had my hand written notes by my side. The pieces of the Bali puzzle started to come together.
That moment reminded me why I love this work. Designing a MedTreks trip isn’t about convenience or shortcuts. It’s about being present, experiencing the place, listening to the people and being clear on what I want our guests to feel when they’re here.
As a small business, we have the freedom to be flexible and to design trips outside the box. That means we don’t take the easy route. You’ll never find cookie-cutter experiences with us. Our trips are constantly evolving because we believe travel is an investment—not just in adventure, but an investment in your wellbeing. And we want it to be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
So when Bali finally enters our MedTreks line-up, know that it’s been carefully, lovingly, and wholeheartedly chosen. I can’t wait to share it along with all of our other experiences with you.
With gratitude,
Ari
