Pia Hakko Yeşil Finds Her True Self In Bali

Some destinations leave a lasting impact on our lives. For Pia Hakko Yeşil, Bali is that transformative destination. She describes Bali as “a place where I become the Pia I always wanted to be.” It has been a cornerstone in her journey of personal growth. Embracing a “less is more” approach to her self-care and wellness routines, Pia has found new depths in her yoga practice and mindfulness amid Bali’s tranquility. We sat down with her to discuss her daily rituals, the joys of motherhood, and the deep connection she has nurtured with herself.

What do self-care and wellness rituals mean to you?

For me, feeling good starts with building a friendship with yourself. Nothing else matters if you don’t love and deeply trust yourself. I strive to keep my self-care and wellness rituals practical and achievable. By setting small goals, I truly question what I need to thrive.

 

 

You travel to Bali frequently. How has your time there helped you grow in self-awareness, both physically and mentally?

In Bali, I became the Pia I’ve always dreamed of being. I feel deeply connected with my body, shedding the constant rules I usually impose on myself. I live in the moment and feel a sense of freedom like never before. I realize how little I truly need and remember to chase my dreams. I could live like this forever. My yoga practice, the food I savor, the walks I take, and the scent of Bali, all while seeing a smile on a stranger’s face… Even just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

 

How do you prefer to start your day when you’re in Bali?

Now that I have a daughter, I plan my day around her. So, I wake up a bit earlier to organize my day. After making my coffee, I prepare breakfast for her. While she enjoys her meal, I head to my yoga class. These one or two hours I carve out for myself are incredibly precious to me.

What role does yoga play in your life?

Yoga came into my life at a time when I desperately needed it. Back then, I felt utterly disconnected from my body, like something crucial was missing. Eventually, I realized that yoga was that missing piece. I didn’t just practice it; I immersed myself in its philosophy by taking several courses to deepen my understanding. Yoga has shown me how my emotions are expressed through my body. It has allowed me to let go and find stillness when I’m prone to panic.

How has becoming a mother affected your relationship with your body?

Embracing a new identity and body is challenging. When my baby was little, I avoided taking photos with her because I didn’t want to see how much my body had changed. Looking back, that makes me sad. However, motherhood has helped me understand myself better and show more compassion towards myself. I want to be a good role model for my daughter. I want her to be at peace with her body and understand that other people’s opinions don’t define her. As women, we should take pride in what our bodies can do. Of course, I know this is easier said than done.

 

Do you have any wellness routines you’ve developed and follow to cope with the challenges of motherhood?

I try to kickstart my day with early morning exercise, which helps me stay flexible and adaptable throughout the day. This year, I discovered an app called Journal, and it’s been a game-changer. Reflecting on my daily activities has made me feel more grateful. On Sundays, I make a conscious effort to take it easy, which sets a positive tone for the rest of the week. I genuinely believe in the saying, “A Sunday well spent brings a week of content.”

What products do you use in Bali to protect your skin from the sun?

I love using products from Heaven on Earth for myself and my daughter, Lily.

 

Have your skincare habits changed over the years? What are your go-to products?

I use products from Luce Rituals for my hair, especially loving their shampoo and hair mist. Regarding skincare, Susanne Kaufmann’s cleansing gel and serum are my go-to. I’ve been loyal to Musc by Reminiscence perfume for nearly 20 years, but I’ll have to part with it since it’s become impossible to find.

 

What are your favorite wellness and beauty spots in Bali?

I’m a massive fan of COMO Shambhala—their wellness hotel and products are simply excellent. At Fivelements Retreat, the chakra massages are a delight. The Yoga Barn is my top pick not just for yoga, but also for their energy healing services. I also love The Path Yoga Center, Morning Light, and Alchemy Yoga Ubud for yoga. My first sound therapy experience at Pyramids of Chi was unforgettable, even though it has become a bit mainstream now. The quick 15-minute massages at Spring Spa always do wonders for me, and I adore their Bali Crème mask. Maria Curau is my go-to for manicures and pedicures—it’s a natural and vegan spa offering great beauty treatments. Fields of Yarrow is fantastic for completely natural facials, with all ingredients sourced from their organic garden in Bali. The vitamin C and papaya enzyme facial is a favorite.

Do you have a ritual that always works when you want to feel good?

Lighting candles in the evening and sipping ginger tea before bed helps me feel more balanced. Listening to Kirtan music also soothes me. When I do this, I take a moment to breathe calmly. It might seem simple, but it really helps me relax.

What is your favorite flaw?

I find it challenging to be in places that don’t align with my interests or values. I thrive on deep connections with topics and people I truly resonate with, so small talk can sometimes be challenging for me.