A wellness and Yoga retreat in Bali

Going to Bali for a Wellness and Yoga Retreat

Spa at Lodge Tugu Bali

Spa at Resort Tugu Bali

Spa at Lodge Tugu Bali

Although my vacation blog has generally been when compared to Try to eat, Pray, Really like, considering the fact that 2009 when it was introduced, I in no way visited Bali right until November 2023 when I went for about 16 times. My system was to pay a visit to Bali for a wellness and Yoga retreat. I didn’t sign up for an structured Bali wellness retreat or a Bali Yoga retreat, I designed my individual by being in two destinations: initial, a personal pool villa in Penestanan, in close proximity to Ubud, and then the amazing Lodge Tugu Bali in Canggu.
As I was going to Bali for the very first time, I held all my notes and developed a transient Bali for Newcomers Guideline, below, at the finish of this article.

Flower tub at Botanica Spa, Ubud

Flower bath at Botanica Spa, Ubud

Ubud: A wellness and Yoga retreat hub
The title Ubud comes from the Balinese phrase Ubad, which practically signifies medicine. The location has lengthy been identified as a centre for medicine and healing, partially mainly because of the abundance of medicinal crops and herbs that grow there.
Even today, with tourism in Bali booming, Ubud is even now quieter and a lot more peaceful than other regions, and attracts people who are drawn to the peaceful, therapeutic, vibes and the wellness, Yoga, wholesome eating, and spa options.
In Udud, there is a Yoga Studio, spa, health foods cafe or restaurant, and wellness vacation resort on just about each and every corner. The put is actually teeming with them, both of those in town and in the encompassing villages and countryside. Udub is surely the position to go if you want a wellness getaway. There are unlimited alternatives.

GuruMaa Savitri Devi
Ubud Yoga Centre, Ubud
Mariellen and Savitri in Ubud

Domestically owned, Ubud Yoga Centre is a heat and inviting centre that is also architecturally spectacular and has fantastic forest ravine sights. The expansive centre involves a shop complete of hand-designed and spiritually themed merchandise, an open-air cafe showcasing a fantastic menu of healthful and delicious foods, and various spacious, airy yoga studios.
I took most of my lessons at Ubud Yoga Centre, hardly ever lacking Kundalini Yoga with GuruMaa Savitri Devi. I realized her in Toronto numerous decades back just before she educated as a Yoga instructor and returned to her roots in Bali. GuruMaa Savitri Devi is a incredibly inspiring instructor who superbly bridges east and west. She understands the spirituality of the east (India, Bali) and can also talk to western pupils in a language they understand.
I also tried using out many spas these as Botanica Spa – wherever I had a massage, scrub and flower tub – Starchild Spa, and the spa at Jungle Fish, Chapung Sebali.

Pura Tirta Empul, Ubud, Bali

As I was only in Ubud for two weeks, I had a probability to attempt out just a couple of spots in every single classification (spa, cafe, Yoga studio), but rest assured there are numerous other worthwhile and encouraged sites to go.
You can also partake in community and conventional therapeutic ceremonies, as I did at Pura Tirta Empul. In this article you can partake in a drinking water purification ceremony at the temple, which dates from 926. The temple has several holy springs which are explained to have been designed by the god Indra and believed to be blessed water that could purify these who bathe there. Read more below about what you will need to know just before endeavor the ceremony.

Yoga Barn, Ubud
Yoga studio in Ubud
Jungle Fish and spa, Ubud

More reading through on Breathedreamgo about Bali and Indonesia

Villa Nirvana private pool villa, Ubud

Villa Nirvana non-public pool villa, Ubud

Villa Nirvana personal pool villa, Ubud

Personal pool villa in Ubud
I required to continue to be in Penestanan, a village on the edge of Ubud, mostly simply because my mate and Yoga instructor GuruMaa Savitiri Devi life there. I also knew I preferred to take care of myself to a personal pool villa, so that targeted my look for. I settled on Villa Nirvana and was particularly delighted with my alternative! It was perfectly found on a lane in Penestanan and every little thing was going for walks length – I could even stroll into Ubud in about 20 minutes. When it is genuine that cars are unable to use the lane, I was picked up by Villa Nirvana in a golfing cart, and was able to simply call Gojek or Seize bikes (scooters) suitable to the resort reception.

Villa Nirvana

I cherished Villa Nirvana for quite a few reasons. Villa Nirvana is generally a vacation resort designed up of private pool villas, every totally independent from the other so that you are mainly just about unaware of your neighbours.
There is a reception, a backyard garden, a spa and a compact cafe. Breakfast is provided and they will produce suitable to your pool villa. I ate a massive plate of fruit and refreshing juice each and every early morning by my pool!
I discovered that possessing a pool villa supported my wellness journey as I had home for Yoga, a small kitchen area, and of study course a pool to sink into various occasions for every working day! I commenced each early morning with a swim – and as my villa was non-public, there was no have to have for a bathing match so I swam bare. Heavenly!

Lane in Penestanan, Ubud

Penestanan
Destiny introduced me directly to Penestanan and I am so happy it did! I cherished this neighbourhood, which has an old village sensation. Significantly of it is criss-crossed with charming slender lanes, and you can wander a long way working with these shady lanes. The lanes are dotted with smaller resorts, villas, Yoga studios, charming cafes and of program properties, local businesses, temples, and shrines.
While there are many facilities for vacationers, it does not feel touristy. It has not shed its reliable flavour and I noticed lots of illustrations of the society of Bali such as rituals and processions.
There are too quite a few good locations in Penestanan to mention so I will one out a couple of favourites:

Yellow Flower Cafe, Ubud

Yellow Flower Cafe is on a narrow lane and has a charming decor, all built of bamboo and wooden, with a thatch roof, section fairy tale and section hobbit residence. The foodstuff is healthful and tasty, a fusion of Indonesian and western dishes and flavours, and the ambiance is relaxed.
Alchemy is a cafe, retail store, and (throughout the road) a Yoga shala. The cafe is also a co-operating house, and has a shiny, roomy inside with a pretty tantalizing exhibit of cakes, sweets, and ice creams – with loads of gluten-free possibilities.

Zest Cafe in Ubud, Bali

Zest is a little bit like a film established, remarkable and magnificent, with forest cover views and a pretty in depth menu that focuses on the nutritious and scrumptious.
Cafe Vespa is a everyday conference spot in the centre of Penestanan. They serve gluten-cost-free pizza, which tends to make it one of my favourites. While truth be instructed, I believe Ubud is the gluten-free centre of the universe.

Lala Lily, Ubud

Lala Lily. My to start with meal in Bali was at this smaller cafe in a lily pond! Loved ones operate, it serves delicious local specialties like Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado.
Intuitive Move Yoga. A wonderful Yoga shala with a heat and airy sensation, sweeping views and a neighborhood vibe.

4 Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Vacation resort Bali at Sayan

4 Seasons Vacation resort Bali at Sayan

Luxury wellness retreat in Ubud
Ubud has additional than its honest share of luxurious wellness retreats. Five Components, Maya Ubud, Amandari, and Como Shambala are just some of the top rated-high-quality solutions you will come across in the serene rural locations bordering Ubud. Listed here amongst tranquil rice fields, flowing rivers, and lush forests, lots of of the finer spas and resorts are positioned.
I chose to invest a day at the 4 Seasons Vacation resort Bali at Sayan, a stunning home on the edge of town. As constantly, the 4 Seasons hits the sweet spot involving exquisite, tasteful, tremendous high-class, and also culturally relevant. The resort resort sits on an expansive and meticulously properly-groomed assets, with a river flowing via it, surrounded by forest – so you usually come to feel you are in the lap of nature.
However 25 several years outdated, the 4 Seasons Sayan nonetheless feels fresh, primarily because of the encouraged architecture and structure – the use of heat woods and rounded styles give it a organic, natural model that flows by natural means with the surroundings. Every little thing is lovely – the pool, the spa, the soaking swimming pools, the villas, the open-air eating place. All of it invites you to enjoy and loosen up.

Sacred nap with Fera Wati
Spa reception
Pool

I had a Muladhara Chakra ceremony / therapeutic massage and it was a excellent experience, deeper and more meaningful and relaxing than your typical therapeutic massage. It combines a cleansing Balinese smoke ceremony and deep sluggish therapeutic massage using regionally grown ginger and cinnamon, blended with vetivert, patchouli and jatamansi oils.
I also experimented with a incredibly exceptional working experience identified as Sacred Nap. A Buddhist nun, Fera Wati, served us loosen up in an aerial silk hammock suspended from the ceiling of the bamboo Dharma Shanti Bale. Though she quietly narrated tales from the everyday living of Buddha, I fell asleep listening to the sounds of nature, emotion cocooned, and carefully rocking.
At lunch time, I tried out the Sattvic Menu, which even though confined, contains meals that are light-weight, healthy, tasty and gluten cost-free. It is not usually straightforward to uncover gluten free of charge food in Asia, so I was extremely relieved. But Four Seasons Sayan also excels at cultural authenticity. In the night, I loved a common dance effectiveness with a gamelan orchestra, adopted by a outstanding buffet of Indonesian foodstuff.

Lobby of Lodge Tugu Bali

Foyer of Lodge Tugu Bali

Lobby of Resort Tugu Bali

Lodge Tugu Bali
After I left Ubud, I expended a couple of days at the incredible Lodge Tugu Bali in Canggu. What ever you think about Canggu you can toss out since none of it applies to the Hotel Tugu Bali. This 5-star lodge was built extensive right before Canggu turned a vacationer destination, when it was surrounded by jungle and there was practically nothing concerning it and the beach front.
As you enter along a extended, lined picket walkway overtop a pool of drinking water, you depart contemporary daily life guiding and enter another earth. The cavernous foyer is a treasure trove of Indonesian tradition. In reality, the entire resort preserves the artwork and culture of Indonesia and Bali. It’s actually a dwelling artwork museum, while also staying a pretty cozy and high-class lodge. I have never ever been anywhere remotely like the Hotel Tugu Bali. There is unquestionably nothing predictable or commonplace listed here.
To describe Hotel Tugu Bali, and give you a perception of what it’s like, it is pretty challenging to know where by to start off! The large picket foyer is constructed in a conventional Balinese design, and the numerous villas, suites, and bungalows are spread out all around the property, related by stone walkways, lush with plants and trees, giving it the experience of a conventional (but incredibly posh) village.

Entrance to Lodge Tugu Bali
Art selection at Lodge Tugu Bali
Lotus pond and villa at Lodge Tugu Bali

Every single villa, suite, or bungalow is very distinctive, and a couple of them are definitely astounding in dimensions, structure, and facilities. I was lucky to be able to tour most of them. The Puri Le Mayeur Villa and the Walter Spies Pavilion are performs of art. They have non-public pools, eating places, and romantic vistas … if you actually require a impressive keep a single day for a really special celebration, either of these will in shape the monthly bill.
I stayed in the Dedari Suite. Entering the suite as a result of an antique doorway, I observed a modest tropical backyard garden bordering a sunken bathtub powering wooden shutters. My massive suite showcased a canopy bed and a non-public pool, but I cherished that dreamy bathtub and my open-air rest room.

Spa at Lodge Tugu Bali

Spa at Hotel Tugu Bali

Spa at Resort Tugu Bali

There are many exclusive and inspiring eating encounters at Hotel Tugu Bali. IWA Cafe is a culinary journey by Indonesia, and Ji attributes standard Japanese foodstuff. My very first meal at Resort Tugu Bali was at the rooftop cafe observing the sunset about the ocean and eating new sushi.
Bale Sutra is housed in a 300-yr-previous Chinese temple. The temple, brought by Chinese immigrants to Bali a very long time back, was saved from near-demolition by the Tugu Resorts & Eating places owner, and was transported and reconstructed in its entirety at Resort Tugu Bali.
But my favourite Resort Tugu Bali knowledge was to have high tea in a setting up called Bale Puputan, a kind of museum filled with historic artefacts and antique treasures. Bale Puputan is a tribute to the Puputan War and the Balinese heroes who stood towards Dutch colonialist invaders in 1906 and 1908. I ate at a enormous marble desk that was employed by the Dutch general in Bali to host royal attendees. This experience aided me master about the tradition of Bali – and I was happy to see that the resort features tours to visitors that give them cultural context, and not just a 5-star luxurious encounter.

My suite at Lodge Tugu Bali
Lunch by the lotus pond at Lodge Tugu Bali
My suite at Resort Tugu Bali

Although it is a superb area, I discovered Hotel Tugu Bali to have a variety of enveloping environment which I identified to be comforting and therapeutic. The spa is wonderful and I had a superb massage, but even my very own bathtub was just as healing – as I luxuriated in daily flower baths. I viewed the sunset about the ocean from the top rated floor cafe, and briefly walked on the beach front, but normally remaining Canggu – with its loud bars, and Australian surfers, and souvenir outlets – exterior the house and almost wholly disregarded it.
A brief keep at Lodge Tugu Bali was a ideal way to value the regional tradition and finish a best 1st vacation to Bali. Thanks so much to the great team, who usually remembered my identify and favorite drink. I in no way required to go away. Resort Tugu Bali is a member of Mystery Retreats, a collection of extremely exclusive, unique hospitality ordeals in Asia which include resorts, hotels, dining establishments, yachts, and a great deal much more.

Indonesian lunch at Hotel Tugu Bali

Bali Rookies Guidebook
As I was going to Bali for the initial time, I did some research and kept track of the measures I took to get ready for my vacation. Seemingly I did a superior task for the reason that my driver, waiting for me at the airport in Bali, stated no one particular he experienced waited for had ever handed via the airport speedier than me. I hope my temporary Bali Rookies Manual will help you, far too.

Investigate places and your itinerary. Bali is pretty various from put to position and you must decide if you want an practical experience that is characterized by tranquil, busy, wellness, celebration, foodstuff, etcetera. There are places (mostly in the north) that are nonetheless really authentic and spots (mostly in the south) that are exceptionally crowded, professional, created and touristy. If you are looking for a wellness and Yoga retreat, Ubud – or the location bordering Ubud – is your finest bet.
Invest in Indonesia Visa on the internet. You can get your Visa in advance, which aids you get through the airport extra rapidly. This is the formal website link.
4 times just before your excursion, you can do your Indonesia Tailor made Declaration online, also supporting you to breeze via the airport. Use this backlink.
There are a good deal of ATM cons in Bali, so be careful. Use only ATMs at the airport and in financial institutions. Suggested: BMC financial institutions or Central Kuta Funds Exchange. I exchanged US bucks at the airport and also withdrew dollars at the ATM at the airport.
Set up Sensible with an Indonesia account and buy a debit card. I transferred money from my Canadian account into my Clever Indonesia account and applied my Intelligent debit card to withdraw Indonesia rupiah – preserving myself a great deal of income in bank fees and currency conversion rates. Use my Sensible affiliate hyperlink right here and get your to start with transfer no cost.
Down load Get and Gojek apps for arranging transportation. You can join these apps to your Clever account so you can pay back in Indonesia rupiah.
Buy an Airalo e-sim for Indonesia You can use my code MARIEL3816 to get $3 off.

Coconut smoothie bowls in Ubud
New fruit in Ubud
Indonesian food items

Language and food
Study about the language. Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia, and Balinese is the language of Bali.

Great early morning – selamat pagi
How are you – apa kabar
You should – tolong
Thanks – suksma (Balinese) or terimah kasi (Bahasa Indonesia)

Discover about the food items and some of the most frequent conventional dishes.

Fish – ikan
Rice – nasi
Duck – bebek
Seafood – sari laut
Ikan goreng – fried fish
Lawar kuwir – sluggish-cooked duck
Rujak – regular fruit salad
Nasi lalapan – rice, tofu, sambal, veggies
Burbur injin – black rice pudding

Lala Lily cafe, Ubud
Dessert buffet at 4 Seasons
Jungle Fish and spa, Ubud

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