May 4 to May 10, 2025
Overview
We’re returning to one of our favorite locales for our retreat in Bali with a beautifully crafted itinerary - a fully balanced week of daily yoga and meditation, plenty of self-care and pampering, and unique cultural activities which connect us to the elements:
Earth: enjoy a tour of a gourmet organic garden during a private cooking class with a head chef
Water: we’ll take a ride in a traditional jukung boat along the eastern coast to a secluded beach with luxury lunch
Fire: partake in a traditional fire ceremony led by a Balinese priest before a delicious tasting meal
Air: breathe deep in the misty morning air as we take a guided walk through the picturesque rice paddy fields
Ether: end the week with a special spa ritual dedicated to the full relaxation of our minds and bodies, as well as a traditional Balinese ‘melekut’ blessing. Read more below for all of the activities included.
Activities
Guests will not only enjoy the grounds of the villa, the outdoor areas, including a lovely pool, patio and lounges, but the retreat also includes some amazing day-trips to the surrounding sites. Various guided days in and around the East Bali and Ubud areas will lead guests through an introduction to this amazing country. We'll participate in a Balinese healing and fire ritual, learn Balinese cooking during our cuisine lesson at an organic garden, explore the coast on a boat ride to a secluded beach, and enjoy a guided walk through the ride paddies. There will be time in nature and on the beaches, and we’ll split our times between the sea and rainforest to really immerse in the unique differences of each location.
Give Back Retreat
This retreat is part of our initiative, where we will donate at least 10% of profits to a humanitarian partner in the community where each retreat is held. Our partner in Indonesia a "fair trade business that works with culture and conservation to alleviate poverty in rural Indonesia."
Wellness
Daily yoga and meditation classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle and restorative to more vigorous vinyasa flow styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space, and some also offer outdoor options for us to use if the weather is agreeable.
In this new itinerary in addition to a daily yoga class, we will also enjoy another activity in the line of mindfulness - either a second ‘asana’ (movement based) yoga class, a meditation class (or meditation walk), or a special Balinese ceremony or blessing. Each day will offer guests a way to enhance their physical health and bodies, but also a stimulating way to enrich also their mental and spiritual health as well.
* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!
We are for all levels of yogis. We've had many yoga beginners come to the retreats and many who found a new love (or renewed love) of the practice. One of the reasons we like to keep the number of guests so small is to better personalize the classes and yoga attention placed on each person. After seeing where each guest is in their yoga practice and level, the classes can be given on what best suits the group. Plus, there is a range of styles and levels taught throughout the week so you can choose the classes which best suit you. The most "advanced" yogi are those who are honest and true with where they are physically and mentally - which can mean holding back and taking it easy when you need rather than over pushing yourself to twist into that advanced pose.
Absolutely! Non-participants are always welcome. All classes are voluntary and there is always plenty of activities (or total relaxation) that can be enjoyed in place of one of the yoga classes.
Again, all classes (and activities) are completely voluntary. I always say to guests that the retreat weeks are for you...whatever you need. So if you need to take it easy one morning, then by all means, do what you need physically and mentally.
This is YOUR WEEK so you're encouraged to take the time you need, go at your own speed, and try and let go - whether that means diving in deep into the morning and evening classes for the week, or maybe it means needing to rest one day instead. There are usually a big variety of levels and we love that guests can attend and participate without feeling any pressure. That said, for a basic overview, we do a general vinyasa flow in the mornings about 60-75m and enjoy an evening class which is more restorative or themed (hips, heart-openers) for around 40m. There are various meditation times throughout the week with about 15m guidance of various methods and encouragement to take any free-time to explore further on your own if you wish. And this week is much more than just ASANAS (the physical movements of yoga). Hopefully it can be about finding something, letting something go, gaining balance in life, and enjoying many aspects of the holiday - from the cuisine, daytrips, a beautiful culture, and new friends!
Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile which has always worked out really well. All the rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms. Plus most guests find that they are mainly only in the rooms to sleep as most tend to relax in the common areas (salons, terraces, pool, etc) when we're not in class, on daytrips, or having meals. It's up to you if you prefer the single room, but it's not required if signing up alone as we will pair you with another guest. The locations and villas differ on policy as some have extra rooms to offer and we can accommodate a single supplement at a reasonable price upon request. A couple of our locations have very limited space with just enough rooms for the number of guests in the retreat, so supplements tend to be higher as it’s mainly covering the cost of another guest. All details can be given upon request.