058: Voyage Beyond...
My Trip to Jungle Palace in Bali and other Musings on Land Stewardship...
Hey Friends,
I recently returned from a trip to Bali, Indonesia, where I visited a property called the Jungle Palace that my client and friend Edward Blair is building.
Bali touched my soul!
It wasn’t just the beauty of the land—it was the reverence of the people. The way tradition and devotion are woven into daily life. You feel it everywhere: in the offerings on the sidewalks, the prayers, the quiet care. I visited water temples, witnessed fire ceremonies, explored ancient ruins… but what stayed with me most were the people I met—whose presence is now etched into my heart.
This trip stirred something that had been brewing in me for a while.
I keep noticing these “acupuncture points” around the world—places people are activating with intention. And it’s powerful to see how differently people are approaching their work today: thinking about what the world actually needs now, rather than building a fantasy they pinned to a vision board years ago.
One thing I love: when clients start with what already exists instead of defaulting to a new build.
Because the truth is… the world already has a lot of retreat centers!
From a sustainability and regenerative perspective, remodeling (when possible) is often the wiser move. It saves time, money, and it saves Mother Earth from carrying yet another pile of materials on her back.
And it also forces more honest questions:
How many more retreat centers does the world need?
What are we retreating from?
Are we actually creating positive impact—for the land and the people who live there?
Which leads me to something I’ve been saying more and more out loud:
My real contract is with Mother Earth.
She’s the primary stakeholder I answer to.
After her, it’s the people—local community, neighbors, and the Indigenous stewards of the region. If what we’re building doesn’t benefit them, we might as well not begin. And I mean that literally. I pause as many projects as I build. Sometimes I downsize a vision. Sometimes I tell someone, “Not yet.” Sometimes I tell them, “This isn’t the right idea.”
Because these projects—especially in the “eco-luxury / regenerative development” world—can quietly turn into an eco rat race. They can drain your nervous system, strain friendships, and stress marriages. They can turn into a decade-long ordeal that reshapes your entire life for better or worse.
Now—this specific project feels different. It’s not “another retreat center.” It’s more like a laboratory for civilization design—a place for people creating real impact (in their own lives and in the lives of others) to gather, connect, and collaborate. Think less retreat… more mastermind space for humanity. A space for unique humans optimizing health, deepening relationships, and gathering around conversations with real gravitas—work that can actually ripple outward.
And as I visit and support these projects around the world, I’m seeing a bigger pattern emerge: a network of intentional places—acupuncture points around the world—forming a richer tapestry than any one property could create on its own.
Someone recently told me, “You should connect them all.”
And… yeah. That may happen in due time but…
This isn’t about building a hotel collection or running a regenerative business scheme networking hospitality and real estate around the world. It’s about responsible land stewardship—and using spaces to convene the right people for the right reasons. Because honestly, it’s not a time to mess around given what’s happening in the world. We are at a tipping point…
Lessons and Ideas that emerged from this travel:
Greenfield projects from scratch vs. working with an existing place to remodel. Starting from scratch is time consuming and riskier.
Taking care of all of the stakeholders - from the land to it’s people.
Rethinking the relationship between living and hospitality. When the lines blur. As people are looking to retreat less, and connect more.
The rising desire for a connected, semi-nomadic life—and what that means for land projects worldwide.
We are in a critical time for humanity - a tipping point. If and when we gather, it should be for a damn good reason. Don’t you think?
If you want to see more of where I’m putting my energy, check out the Future Human Institute—this is where I invest about 80% of my time. The “for-profit game” of earning as much as possible and winning the capitalism-of-the-year award is getting old. There are so many ways to be of service.
Recent Podcast: Lead with Heart with Dr Jesse Hanson
From Hustle to Heart: Redefining Leadership Through Purpose and Presence w/ Ed Zaydelman
In this episode of Lead With Heart, host Dr. Jesse Hanson sits down with Edward Zaydelman to explore the deeper journey behind authentic leadership — the one that begins long before titles, success, or recognition. Edward shares his path from Brooklyn nightlife promoter to advisor and guide in regenerative communities, retreat centers, and land-based projects focused on human and planetary wellbeing. The conversation dives into how early family expectations, emotional intelligence, and the search for belonging shaped Edward’s drive — and how burnout, health crises, and failed ventures became catalysts for transformation. Together, they reflect on the tension between achievement and meaning, and why true leadership isn’t about proving worth, but about presence, integrity, and self-awareness.
Recent Interviews for the Land Steward Alliance:
Resource Section: Dear Future Human
In many newsletters and emails, I’ve share a lot of valuable insights and lessons from Leap Forward and it’s founder Ronit Herzfeld. Dear Future Human is nothing short of a compass for life. These letters ring an alarm bell of sorts in the soul, and provide a variety of practical tools for anyone to benefit from. I dedicate most of time to this initiative and the Future Human Institute. Anyway, what else would I be doing in such a critical time in humanity’s evolution?
Pura Vida,
Edward Zaydelman
Live the Possibility
@edwardzaydelman / Pinterest / YouTube
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My mission is helping visionaries like you bring sustainable land projects to life. After 18+ years developing properties and communities here, I’ve learned that success comes from balancing bold vision with practical execution. I support clients in creating projects that honor both their dreams and the land itself. Every decision should consider impact on the local community, environment, and future generations. This means taking time to listen to the land, build trust with neighbors, and develop clear strategies that work for all stakeholders.
Oh I love this: “mastermind space for humanity.” Fantastic piece Ed. I love what you write about - your message is powerful 🙏
I have heard that Indonesia is heavily involved in Pedophilia and Child Trafficking. Now this horrendous reality is being exposed isn’t that a more important subject than the harmony with the beauty and environment?
Jill