December 7th 2024.
Sarah, a 56-year-old mum-of-two from Bristol, is living a life that many would only dream of. While most Brits hope for a white Christmas, Sarah has chosen to spend her December 25 in a completely different way. Instead of snuggling up by the fire with mulled wine and watching holiday movies, she has left behind her children, job, and home in the UK to bask in the sun on the paradise island of Lombok, Indonesia.
For Sarah, this decision was unexpected but one that she is grateful for. She had always been a keen traveler before starting a family, exploring bucket list destinations such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, Peru, Ghana, and Brazil. But after having her children, she put her backpack away and focused on building her business as an interior designer. However, after the passing of her beloved mother in 2023, Sarah took a step back and realized that it was time for a change.
In November 2023, Sarah packed her suitcase and embarked on an unforgettable trip to Lombok. She fell in love with the island and decided to return home for Christmas with a renewed sense of happiness and well-being. But even during the English winter, her thoughts kept drifting back to Lombok. Unable to resist the pull of the island, she returned with her sons in August 2024, and they could see how happy she was there.
Back in Bristol, Sarah had a small Christmas tree, but her stockings were filled with Indonesian spices and oils that she had bought during her trip. As the winter months went by, she couldn't get Lombok out of her head and eventually decided to make it her home. With the support of her sons, she made the move in October 2025, leaving behind her business and friends, and starting a new chapter in her life.
Sarah has settled into her new life on the island, making friends within the community and exploring all that Lombok has to offer. She regularly goes for swims in the morning, rides her motorbike to discover new areas, and attends yoga classes. She has also taken the time to visit neighboring islands and immerse herself in the local culture.
Living in Lombok costs a fraction of what she was spending in Bristol, and Sarah has been able to fully embrace self-care by indulging in daily massages, swimming in magnesium pools, and having saunas and ice baths. She has also discovered some of the best food she has ever tasted on the island.
Despite being far away from her loved ones during the holiday season, Sarah stays connected through regular WhatsApp calls and video chats with her sons, who are eight hours behind. As she looks forward to her first Christmas in Indonesia, she has no expectations and simply wants to spend the day on the beach, swimming and enjoying fresh juice.
Sarah's decision to become a digital nomad has allowed her to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. She is grateful for the opportunity to live in paradise and is looking forward to what the future holds. For more information about her life as a digital nomad, visit her blog. And if you have a story to share, don't hesitate to get in touch.
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