What to Expect on Our Samoa Retreat

A retreat can be a hard thing to picture from the outside. Is it a holiday? A health bootcamp? A group therapy session? If you've been curious about our Bari-IQ Project retreat in Samoa but weren't quite sure what it involves - or whether it might be well suited for you - here’s what to expect. 

What the retreat actually is

The Bari-IQ Project is a retreat program built around one simple idea: change is easier to sustain when you understand the why behind your choices - your habits, your motivations, and the things that quietly drive your decisions. Over a few days, as part of a small group you’ll work closely with our experienced facilitators to explore the thoughts, feelings and habits that shape how you live - and to build practical tools for doing things differently.

It's interactive and experiential, not a lecture series. You'll take part in workshops covering values, stress and the nervous system, and the mental side of change, alongside time to rest, reflect and simply be. The group is kept deliberately small so everyone gets space to take part and be heard.

Importantly, while our retreats are typically for bariatric patients, the focus is not really about weight management. It's about self-awareness, reconnecting with what matters to you, and leaving with a clearer sense of how you want to live. Weight loss and maintenance may sit within that, but our retreats focus on the bigger picture.

The Samoa Program

Similar to our Ohakune retreats, you can expect the full program of structured sessions, with a few more activities and downtime in between. The Samoa retreat runs as combined Standard and Advanced retreats, with sessions running in parallel - some together, some in smaller breakout groups - so whether it's your first retreat or your fourth, there’s a dedicated program for you. The facilitated workshops are designed to help you work through the patterns getting in your way and provide you with the tools to shift them. 

What makes Samoa special is what sits alongside the learning. You'll have a spa treatment, a giant clam and turtle tour, and a trip to the To Sua ocean trench, one of the most beautiful spots in the South Pacific. Snorkelling gear and beach towel hire are sorted, so you can make the most of the water - and there's plenty of unhurried time to simply relax and genuinely switch off.

Your four nights' accommodation and airport transfers are included, along with daily breakfast, all lunches from Friday to Monday, and Saturday night dinner. A few evenings (Thursday, Friday and Sunday) are left open, so you've got the freedom to explore and choose your own dinner.

Your questions, answered

Do I need to have had surgery? No. The retreat is open to anyone with an interest in their health and their relationship with food and themselves. Most participants have had bariatric surgery, but all are welcome. 

Do I need to be "far enough along" in my journey? Typically we encourage patients to attend a retreat from about 6 months post op, but there’s no restriction if you’ve had surgery more recently. It’s really nice having people from various stages of the bariatric journey. 

What if I've never done anything like this before? You'll be in good company. Most people arrive a little nervous. Our facilitators are experienced at meeting people exactly where they are, and the group is kept deliberately small so nobody gets lost in the crowd. It's supportive, not confronting.

Will my dietary needs be looked after? Yes. The meals provided are freshly prepared and catered to your needs, whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or have allergies or preferences. Just let the team know when you register.

Is this a first-time retreat or for returning participants? Both. The Samoa retreat runs combined Standard and Advanced programs, with sessions running in parallel - some together and some in smaller breakout groups or one-on-one sessions.

Can I use my allocated Ohakune retreat towards Samoa? Yes. If you have a standard (and still valid) Ohakune retreat included as part of your bariatric program, you're welcome to put it towards the Samoa retreat instead. Select the option TC std package retreat when booking.

Summary

Our Samoa retreat is a small-group, immersive experience built around understanding yourself and building tools that last - not a holiday, and not a bootcamp. It carries all the core teachings of our New Zealand program, with spa time, a giant clam and turtle tour, and a visit to the To Sua ocean trench woven in. It's open to anyone interested in their health, whether or not they've had surgery, and at any stage of the journey. 

Come join us in 2027

Due to popular demand, we're hosting two Samoa retreats in 2027 - one in March and one in October. Spaces in each are strictly limited to 12 people.

Register for the Samoa retreat here, or get in touch with the team if you have any further questions. We'd love to have you with us.