PUBLISHED September 29th, 2016 06:00 am | UPDATED July 28th, 2024 01:39 am
Paradisiacal Bali offers much to see and do for adventure-loving holidaymakers, be it eating or relaxing. But if you’re looking for a relaxed, restful, and maybe even restorative vacation, it’s just as easy to slow down and become mindful. The island certainly lives up to its reputation as a destination for zen yoga travellers – we have no less than nine retreats on this list where you’ll enjoy rolling out your yoga mat, settling into a meditative state and tucking into clean, healthy fare.
Ubud
Ubud Yoga House
City dwellers will find the scenic setting at Ubud Yoga House a refreshing change from the air conditioned interiors and drab, plain walls often found in commercial yoga studios back home. Stretching it out on the mat – in the breezy open air pavilion with views out to surrounding rice fields – is a real pleasure here. Yoga and meditation classes are available too, along with a variety of workshops and 200-hour teacher training programs.
Ubud Yoga House is located at Jl. Subak Sokwayah, Ubud, Bali. p. +62 821 44181058. Open 7am-7pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Taksu Yoga
The yoga pavilions at Taksu are scattered across its picturesque garden grounds. If you’re one who likes breezy, open air environments and an intimate setting, Taksu is your best bet.
Class sizes are kept relatively small, so you’ll get personalised attention from your instructor and won’t have to jostle for space. After an invigorating yoga session or two, refuel your body with fresh juices and wholesome veggie fare at the on-site raw vegan restaurant, Fresh, or the Taman Taksu Garden Cafe.
Taksu Yoga is located at Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud, Bali, p. +62 361 971490. Open 8am – 5pm daily.
Intuitive Flow
Tucked away in quiet Penestanan, Intuitive Flow offers a welcome change from the packed classes at popular studios like the Yoga Barn. Classes are capped at a smaller number here, and students practice in a clean and capacious studio with incredible views out to the rice fields and Mount Agung.
The wide variety of styles and classes – from gentle basic or yin yoga, to dynamic Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Vinyasa – ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi.
Intuitive Flow is located at Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Ubud, Bali, p. +62 361 977824. Open 12am-6pm and 8pm-12am daily.
Canggu
Desa Seni
The beautiful Desa Seni village resort, with its spacious wooden pavilions, lush gardens and serene ambience, just makes you want to practice yoga even if you haven’t started! Soak up the zen vibes while you strike a pose in the group yoga classes, where an array of yoga styles are taught; sweat it out in the Ashtanga classes, stimulate your senses in the Kundalini yoga class or sink into a deeper state of relaxation in the Yin Restorative session.
Group retreats, workshops and field trips are organised through the year too, so keep your eyes peeled for updates on Desa Seni’s retreat calendar.
Desa Seni is located at Jl. Subak Sari No.13, Canggu, Bali, p +62 361 8446392.
Serenity Eco Guesthouse and Yoga
You’ll feel right at home the moment you step into Serenity Eco Guesthouse. This cosy hideaway offers accommodation, a yoga shala, food and surf (it’s located just a skip away from the beach!); so you’ll have everything you need for a perfect yoga retreat.
Daily yoga classes, with different styles to suit practitioners of all levels, are conducted in two yoga halls. Fill up the rest of your day with meditation, dips in the pool or jacuzzi, and tucking into tasty meals at the in-house Alkaline Restaurant.
Serenity Eco Guesthouse and Yoga is located at Jl. Nelayan, Canggu, Bali, p +62 361 8469257.
The Pineapple House
The adorably named Pineapple House is a great bet for vacationers who want nothing more than the sun, sand, surf and yoga. You’ll find a selection of retreats, lasting between two to seven days, with accommodation, yoga classes, surf lessons, breakfast, in-house massage treatments and airport transfers included.
The Pineapple House is located at Jl Subak Sari, Denpasar, Bali.
Sanur
Power of Now Oasis
Being close to the ocean does wonders for the soul, and the Power of Now Oasis is the place to be if you’re seeking ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Kickstart your morning with an invigorating sunrise yoga and meditation session. And if your body is in need of holistic healing, give the traditional Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine or Ayurveda treatment a try. The Hammock Therapy session comes with our recommendation — enjoy!
Power of Now Oasis is located at Jl. Merta Sari, Denpasar Selatan, Bali, p +62 878 61534535. Open 8am – 8pm daily.
Tabanan
Prana Dewi Mountain Resort
Prana Dewi Mountain Resort checks all the right boxes when it comes to being an ideal yoga retreat: the tranquil setting, postcard-perfect greenery, fresh mountain air and organic food are elements that’ll put your mind, body and soul in a happy state. Iyengar yoga, chi gong, tai chi and meditation retreats are available here, along with excursions to nature and cultural sites around the region.
Prana Dewi Mountain Resort is located at Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali, p. +62 823 41745500.
Bali Silent Retreat
Get away from it all at Bali Silent Retreat, a hidden gem nestled away amidst the extensive rice fields of west Bali. Here is the place to engage in meditation, yoga, prayer and quiet contemplation.
The retreat program includes activities like silent and group meditation sessions, yoga classes, outdoor excursions and spiritual ceremonies. We like that the program is kept flexible — stay here for a weekend if if you can’t afford to carve more time out of your busy schedule, or check in for a couple of weeks if you wish to sink into a deeper state of zen.
Bali Silent Retreat is located at Br. Mongan, Desa Penatahan, Tabanan, Bali, p. +62 813 53486517.
Top Image: Desa Seni