Ubud & Rural West Coast
Bali's sheer natural beauty with its looming volcanoes, terraced rice fields and lush rainforests is awe-inspiring. But what is most unique and inspiring about Bali is its spirituality. Known as "Island of the Gods," Bali's deep spiritual tradition blends Hinduism, Buddhism and nature. The island’s mountains, lakes, water springs and artwork all play an essential role in Bali's spiritual observances and festivities. Over 10,000 temples, pilgrimage sites and shrines are scattered across the island. The Balinese language has no word for art or artist; artists historically carried out their craft anonymously to serve the community and temple.
The depth of spirituality is palpable in the Balinese people who are among the warmest, kindest, gentlest, most humble and most pleasant people found anywhere in the world.
As a friend puts it, the Balinese people "live in spirit." Their deep spirituality focuses on being a good person and overcoming ego. They live by a philosophy called "Tri Hita Karana" which translates roughly to "the three causes of well-being" or "three reasons for prosperity."
Tri Hita Karana promotes harmony among fellow human beings through communal cooperation and promoting compassion; harmony in relation to one's spirituality; and harmony with the natural environment. The principle of Tri Hita Karana guides many aspects of Balinese life including the natural irrigation system known as "subak" which consists of cooperatively managed canals that draw from a single water source.
Join us to experience the wonder and beauty of this extraordinary and exotic island.
Highlights:
SEGMENT ONE
Ubud
During this first segment of the retreat, we'll spend four nights just outside Ubud, the spiritual and cultural capital of Bali, at a luxurious designer villa built for indoor-outdoor living around an incredible infinity pool, overlooking rice paddies. All four beautiful ensuite bedrooms have aircon and panoramic views. Two of the bedrooms open directly onto the pool. The villa includes a personal butler and daily housekeeping.
During our time in Ubud, in addition to our daily yoga and meditation practice, there will be time to explore the endless activity options in and around Ubud which include the Saraswati Temple, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Ubud Royal Palace, Agung Rai Museum of Art and other museums, traditional spas, river rafting, Monkey Forest, art and artisan markets, boutique shopping, Mas Village (wood carving), Batuan Village (traditional "craftsman" village), bird-watching excursions and much more. There will also be ample time to lounge by the pool, get a massage at the villa and enjoy living in this chic architectural masterpiece. Every evening we'll dine together at our villa or at a nearby restaurant.
In recent years Ubud has become a bit crowded with tourists, especially yoga practitioners! And traffic can get quite congested. So after our four nights in Ubud, we'll head off to explore less populated hidden gems of Bali that highlight Bali's incredible natural beauty and traditional culture.
Bali West Coast, District of Tabanan
After Ubud, our dear driver and cultural guide, Made Oka, will take us 90-minutes due west in his air-conditioned SUV to the rural west coast where we'll stay two nights at another gorgeous villa with infinity pool and ocean views, surrounded by terraced rice paddies. The villa is located on 1000 square meters and is a three-minute walk via a scenic trail through rice terraces and palm trees to a pristine and unspoiled beach where it's rare to come across anyone else. This architecturally designed two-storey modern tropical home faces West and is constructed entirely from recycled Ulin timber known by the locals as "Ironwood."
All five bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and views of the rice terraces, coconut groves, beach and/or mountains. Some bedrooms have aircon and some are designed to be open-air (with ocean breeze) so that it's possible to hear the waves and crickets at night. Please let Christy know your preference!
The District of Tabanan is known for its unique rice terraces, some of which are registered as Cultural World Heritage by UNESCO.
The property is surrounded by picturesque rice terraces, verdant green mountains, rivers, droves of coconuts groves and pristine beaches. The location is 2km from Balian Beach (a well-known but uncrowded spot for surfing and yoga) and about two hours from the international airport in Denpasar. Many people compare this area to the richness of Ubud, before it became crowded, and fringed by the sea.
"Nature lovers, serenity seekers, and explorers of ‘the real’ Bali, will love Tabanan. In this Indonesian regency, founded in the 14th century and covering almost 850sqm of south-west Bali, stretching from the sparkling black sands and craggy cliffs of the coast, to the soaring heights of Bali’s tropical hinterland, there is much to explore. From Bali’s most beautiful temples to a unique Balinese Hindu culture where small villages are bound by customs and colourful religious rituals. Early mornings see fishermen heading out to sea in their colourful wooden jukung (fishing boats), while farmers in bamboo hats plough their rice fields.
Tabanan is known as Bali’s rice bowl, and you don’t need to look far to find picturesque rice fields, whether sloping gently down to the sea or clinging to steep terraces as the land rises sharply toward the majestic volcanoes of central Bali. The famed rice fields of Jatiluwih are a protected UNESCO world heritage site located in Bali’s lush foothills." —Elite Havens Magazine
PER PERSON PRICING & REGISTRATION
Single: $535/night; Double: $375/night
Included: Accommodations, all meals, daily yoga/meditation/pranayama
Not included: Airport and other transfers, excursions, massage and spa treatments, laundry service, alcoholic beverages, tips
A non-refundable 50% deposit will hold your space. Subsequent payments are also non-refundable unless we're able to fill the space.
To sign up, or for questions, please email Christy at christybrownyoga@gmail.com.
PHOTOS FROM PAST RETREATS
See photos from some of Christy's past retreats here (scroll to bottom and click on "recent online newsletters here"): https://www.christybrownyoga.com/about
