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Yoga in Bali

There are no words except for “paradise” that can depict Bali accurately. As you wander through the countryside you will discover landscapes as beautiful as the masterpieces of impressionist painters; terraced rice fields, volcanoes towering above clouds and dense tropical forests. But Bali is so much more than a visual feast! Spirituality is also a major part of its inhabitants’ lives. Naturally gracious, their religious rites and traditional customs emphasize the beauty of Bali. Ceremonies, dances, processions to temples and other daily activities reinforce this unique culture.

More than simply another Yoga Retreat, this personalized group journey is designed to allow you to gain a range of insights into this enchanted island, which serves to relax, challenge and most of all invigorate each of its appreciated guests. This trip is a rare combination of activities which focus on appreciating the finer aspects of life - good food, fine art, traditional dance, daily outdoor activities, yoga and massage to promote a general sense of well-being.

ITINERARY
Day 1- Ubud
Floating gently into the Island Of The Gods as you are graciously welcomed by a tropical sunset over the majestic volcanic mountain, known as "Gunung Agung". You will be greeted and accompanied, at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, by an English-speaking expatriate with many years experience handling foreign guests from all over the world.

Travelling at dusk, we make a speedy journey to our new home in Bali's Central Highlands, along the way witnessing the ethereal feel of Bali by night, and the much-lauded Denpasar moon! Having been escorted to your lavish modern Balinese style bungalows in central Bali's most famous artist colony, the village of Ubud, once settled in, dive into the Bali Experience by having your jet lagged body rubbed with herbal concoctions in a lovely Balinese massage before being welcomed into our local partner’s home with a home-cooked meal and finally falling into dreamland. (D)

Day 2 - Ubud
Wake up to a yoga class, followed by an informal talk about Ubud and Balinese culture, made all the more real by a stroll around the town.  Lunch with the group.  In the late afternoon, more bodywork of your choice (herbal cream bath for hair, herbal facial, massage, pedicure or manicure). You are free to make your own arrangements for dinner this evening. (B, L)

Day 3 - Ubud
Throw on  your bathers for a relaxed rafting trip down the Ayung River. After a scrumptious lunch by the river, you are free to explore.  Late afternoon yoga session and group dinner, followed by a performance of classical Balinese dance and gamelan music. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Ubud
Begin the day with an early yoga class and then head down to the Casa Luna Cooking Class (where you’ll eat your lesson for lunch!)  We'll then head up the hill to the Neka Musuem to see the history of Balinese painting.  Time on your own to explore in Ubud and then a group dinner.  We’ll then change into temple clothes and go to see a temple festival, complete with offerings, dances and music! You may also have a chance to participate in the prayers; it depends on the situation at the time. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Candi Dasa
After today's yoga class, we'll re-located to a luxury resort on the beach.   We begin our journey by visiting a gong foundry, a weaving and traditional coin factory, the Hall of Justice and the most amazing textile market on the island.  Lunch will be in a tiny resort nestled in the valley beneath Mount Agung with an amazing view.  Then off to Tenganan, one of the Bali Aga villages.  Dinner at our hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Candi Dasa
Take an early yoga class before we step on a boat to go snorkeling off the eastern coast.   Lunch at the hotel followed by a spa treatment of your choice.  Dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Candi Dasa
A five-hour trek through forests and villages will invirgorate your body and spirit!   You will be accompanied by an experienced guide from the hotel.   Back home for a well-deserved lunch, a rest, then a yoga class and spa treatment. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Candi Dasa
Begin your day with a  yoga class.  Then we go to Ujung (recently refurbished royal ruins) and the water palace Tirta Gangga where we’ll have a picnic lunch.  Afternoon at leisure and farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Trip ends or extension
Today we'll bid a sad farewell to those who have come to the end of their visit...

EXTENSION
For those of you staying on…we will travel up to Tejakula in North Bali and stay at the Gaia Resort and Spa.  This is a time to really chill out and enjoy your surroundings.

We will begin the day with yoga and then go up the coast to Tulamben for some fantastic snorkeling/diving with lunch at a small hotel there.  Then on to our new home in North Bali.

Day 10 - Tejakula
Today we will visit the Buddhist Vihara and meditate there before plunging into the Banjar hot springs.   Back to the hotel for a scrumptious meal, yoga class, body treatment, another meal and then fall asleep with the sound of the waves in your ears. (B, L)

Day 11 - Tejakula
Start the day with yoga followed by a special blessing ceremony by a Balinese priest just for our group.  Lunch at the hotel followed by bodywork in the afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure until dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Extension Ends
One final yoga session for the enthusiasts, to greet just one more glorious Bali sunrise before enjoying a last group breakfast together before the 4 hour drive to the airport. (B)

THINGS TO KNOW
Cost per person:
Basic trip - From GBP 1250

Extension - From GBP 280

Cost includes:
Accommodation based on twin sharing accommodation

Meals and transport as described above

Activities and yoga/bodywork classes where indicated

Services of English speaking guide throughout

Cost excludes:
International flights to/from Bali and departure taxes

Personal expenses

Anything else not specifically mentioned above

DATES:
To be confirmed. If you have a particular date in mind, please do let us know and we may well be able to help!