Matahati Collective's Inaugural Retreat: Finding Our Zen, Zooming Out, and Cultivating What's Next!
The air was crisp, the mountains called, and yes, the Bandung skies greeted us with a gentle, persistent rain. But for the six dedicated members of Matahati Collective, this past July 5th and 6th marked a truly special milestone: our very first team retreat. Far from our usual "work from anywhere" setup, this was our deliberate pause to Zen In / Zoom Out. Disconnect to Reconnect. And Cultivate What's Next. And what an unforgettable journey it was!
Our adventure began with a slightly later start from Jakarta, meaning our planned breakfast stop at WOI Kopitiam was already bustling and full by the time we arrived. Embracing the flow, we decided to swap our morning plans around. Our first main stop was a delicious lunch at Dapoer Pandan Wangi - Patuha, where every dish was a delight, especially the legendary Terong Raos – crispy on the outside, incredibly tender within. A true culinary highlight! After fueling up, we made our way to the renowned Selasar Sunaryo Art Space in Dago. There, we immersed ourselves in captivating artworks, even picking out our favorite pieces and discussing them – sparking creative insights that perfectly set the tone for our collective spirit. The constant rain throughout our Bandung adventures added a unique, cozy challenge, making every dash between our minibus and destinations a memorable, albeit slightly damp, dance!
Upon arriving at the charming Namdur Villa Sariwangi, it was time to truly Zen In. After settling into our cozy retreat, we kicked off our first session with "Squad Unmasked: Tebak Personil." This ice-breaker was an absolute hit, designed to foster deeper connections by unearthing unique and often hilarious facts about each other. The room erupted in laughter as surprising revelations came to light. While everyone was a good sport, Derry's unexpected facts brought the most laughs, and Chychy proved to be the easiest to guess – a testament to how well we already know (or thought we knew!) each other, yet still found delightful surprises! Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the wonderful Arini Wongso (makeup artist turned Holistic Practitioner) offered personalized tarot card readings, providing moments of introspective guidance.
As evening fell, after a delicious dinner featuring Nasi Hainam and Bistik Solo, it was time to Zoom Out. Our Town Hall session was a pivotal moment for Matahati Collective. Management shared exciting news: our first year (2024) saw us exceeding our revenue targets! The announcement filled the air with an electric buzz of enthusiasm and optimism. The post-Town Hall atmosphere was palpable with renewed vigor, as everyone eagerly discussed the new targets to chase in the second half of 2025. This collective energy perfectly embodied our commitment to "Cultivate What's Next." The night deepened with Arini Wongso also leading a session on "Healthy Work Lifestyle," ensuring our growth is rooted in well-being, and casual chats flowed late into the night, often circling back to the fascinating tarot insights.
Sunday morning began on a tranquil note with a rejuvenating Wellness session: Somatic Breathwork & Sound Healing. Participants shared how they felt a profound sense of body awareness afterwards – a beautiful affirmation of our "Zen In" objective. After a hearty breakfast of Nasi Uduk and Nasi Goreng at the villa, with moments of free time and packing, we prepared for our last adventure. Our plan to visit the Geology Museum was unfortunately foiled by heavy rain. Adapting quickly, we instead headed to Dailah - Cisangkuy for lunch, savoring another delightful Bandung meal before finally heading back to Jakarta, carrying with us not just memories, but a renewed sense of purpose.
This first-ever Matahati Collective retreat was a resounding success, proving that even with a smaller group and a little rain, the spirit of connection, creativity, and strategic growth can truly flourish. As we reflect on our journey of "Zen In / Zoom Out" and "Disconnect to Reconnect," we are filled with excitement for Cultivating What's Next.
To future talents considering joining our vibrant collective: this is just a glimpse of the unique blend of professionalism, genuine connection, and boundless fun you'll find at Matahati. And as for where our collective journey might take us next, beyond just retreats to Bandung? Our team is already dreaming big, hoping for unforgettable team adventures to destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Raja Ampat, Japan and even Europe! We're just getting started.
