Bali Bhakti Bliss
Yoga Retreat in Bali!
with Laura Christensen,

July 8-20, 2012

Desa Seni. Sidemen. Ubud.

 

This retreat to Bali will be a magical combination that will engage all of your senses in a celebration of the sweetness of life. Together we will explore three different areas in Bali – we will begin in the South, travel East and then dive deep into the cultural and artistic heart of the island (Ubud).  Throughout, you will experience a carefully-crafted balance of Anusara yoga classes, fresh organic and healthful meals, optional community excursions to explore the many amazing offerings on the island, and unscheduled time for your own explorations or to simply relax and rejuvenate while enjoying the gardens, pool, river or spa at any of the sanctuaries we will call home.


DESA SENI

Our experience together begins with 3 nights at Desa Seni, an eco-friendly village-style resort.  This is the perfect location to begin our journey, not far from where we land and yet seemingly miles away, an absolutely beautiful spot where every detail has been considered, from the furnishings in the rooms, to the organic vegetable gardens, to the open-air yoga studio.  

Here we will decompress from our flights and enjoy this highly rated village resort, a Tablet Hotels Top Ten for Best Beach, Best Hotels in Asia, Best Escape, Best Value and Best Service, and member of “Best Eco Lodges” and “It’s a Green World”.  There is so much to explore at Desa Seni – each of the authentic Indonesian houses on the property is filled with antiques and curiosities collected from Indonesia and other parts of the world, and many include common areas and porches that invite hanging out and getting to know each other.  There are many options for excursions from this point, whether it’s simply to borrow a bike and ride to the beach, schedule a surf lesson at the famous breaks at Canggu or visit nearby Tanah Lot Temple, for example.  But you might want to just stay put, have a spa treatment and enjoy the saltwater pool and delicious food.  


SIDEMEN

From Desa Seni, we travel 75 minutes east to Sidemen, to experience the lush green of the Balinese unspoiled countryside.  Tucked in among terraced rice fields and emerald-green hills, The Nirarta Centre, our home for 3 nights, is set in lush gardens overlooking the Unda River.  Here we will enjoy a peaceful Balinese retreat, with many opportunities to walk through rice fields, trek in the nearby hills or swim in the river.

Nirarta specializes in creating retreats and workshops for personal renewal and transformation.  We will occupy all 11 bungalows, enjoy our meals in the open-air bale overlooking the gardens, river and rice fields, practice in the beautiful 8-sided yoga space which sits in the middle of the fields, and engage fully in the natural setting.  Nirarta has many lounging areas scattered throughout the property, allowing for meditation, journal writing or just soaking in the beauty of the area.  There are bathing spots at the river, including a natural Jacuzzi, and many opportunities to walk and experience country life.  There are options, as well, for excursions, for example to the nearby Bali-Aga (prehistoric Hindu) village of Tenganan, known as one the oldest traditional Balinese Hindu villages, or the majestic water temple, Tirta Gangga.  It is also possible from here to access some of the world’s best snorkel and dive spots and take in the underwater splendor of Bali.

UBUD

Finally, for 6 nights, we will dive into the cultural heart of the island, Ubud.  Our home base will be Alam Shanti, located behind the Monkey Forest on a quiet and beautiful street, allowing us the best of both worlds: access to the bustle of Ubud – the performances, the shops, the cafes and restaurants – with a serene place to call home.   

Alam Shanti offers much to delight: the rooms are spacious and bright, filled with carvings, linens and other Balinese details that create a comfortable and beautiful atmosphere.  And the serene property, with two swimming pools, exquisite gardens, large patios with outdoor lounging beds and an excellent spa, offers many relaxing opportunities for those who prefer to stay on site.  

In addition to our yoga classes, our plans while in Ubud include participation in a traditional water purification ceremony at the sacred water temple, Tirta Empul.  We’ll take a short walk through the rice fields just outside the center of town to have lunch at Sari Organik, one of the most delicious and naturally beautiful restaurants you may ever experience. As we sit in the center of the rice fields with beautiful views everywhere we look, we’ll savor the delectable creations made from their organic garden.  We’ll also have dinner at the hip new and healthy Clear Café – a unique culinary, visual and auditory experience. Optional excursions include a trek to Gunung Batur, a sacred mountain and active volcano; visits to the Bird Park, Elephant Caves, or various craft villages to see the creation of stone and wood carvings, paintings, silver jewelry, batik or numerous textiles; cooking classes; temple touring; or enjoying the brilliant Balinese performing arts, and more.  Of course, a simple walk through the streets of Ubud offers plenty of experiences too – daily dance and gamelan performances, museums and galleries, the Market, boutique shops, and abundant crafts.


YOGA with LAURA

Certified Anusara® Yoga Teacher and Anusara Yoga Certification Committee member, Laura Christensen will guide the way to nourishing our souls, replenishing our bodies and minds and uplifting our hearts with Anusara yoga classes most days. Laura has been practicing and studying various forms of yoga for over 20 years. She apprenticed with John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga in 2005-2006 full-time and has studied with him directly for over 10 years and 2,500 hours. She teaches nationally and internationally and is well known for leading extraordinary yoga retreats in some of the most amazing places in the world. She continues to be an extremely dedicated student and teacher.

With large doses of radiant Shri and wonderfully articulated instruction, Laura inspires students to recognize and unveil the wellspring of unique potency inside and merge it with the ever-flowing gift of Grace. Through her clear and skilled instruction, and sweet, supportive spirit, students discover new depths within their hearts and new heights in their asana practices.  www.laurachristensen.com


AriAnanda Trelaun, also known as AriAnanda Kula-Gluela (AKG) for her amazing delightful attitude and superhero powers that keep the kula (community) sticking together, will be supporting all aspects of the journey.  As the co-tour leader, she will be assisting before and during the adventure to be sure everything goes smoothly and everyone experiences the ANANDA (Bliss) of Bali!

Register by August 1, 2011 and SAVE $200, plus take advantage of a simple payment plan!

or

Register by February 1, 2012 and SAVE $200.

See registration information and costs by clicking here.

Above photo by Jessy CE. www.flickr.com/photos/tropicaliving/

Alam Shanti, Ubud

The Daily Offerings

Nirarta Centre, Sidemen

Daily Offerings at Alam Shanti

Laura Trekking in Sidemen


Tirta Gangga


Weaving in Tenganan Village

Tanah Lot Temple


Tirta Empul.

Painting in the Ubud Ricefields

Ubud

Alam Shanti Patio.

Desa Seni

Desa Seni

Desa Seni

Desa Seni


Alam Shanti, Ubud

Nirarta Centre, Sidemen by the River





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To register, please click here.

email flowwithheart@yahoo.com

or call 415-310-9784

Terraced rice-paddy fields • live active volcanoes • spectacular waterfalls • natural hot springs • picturesque mountain trails • numerous rivers and streams • botanical gardens • ancient temples • museums • monkey forest • Indonesian art • galleries • craft shops •performing arts • Balinese, Kecak, Barong, and Legong dance performances • Gamelan music • some of the world’s best surfing • snorkeling • world-class diving • magnificent beaches • swimming • poolside relaxation/sun-bathing • spa treatments • alternative therapies • authentic Indonesian villages • the only remaining Hindu society in Southeast Asia • bicycle tours • bird walks • spiritual quests • cultural and ecological walking tours • elephant treks • sunrise mountain treks up volcanoes • traditional medicine walks • loads of shopping • Indonesian cooking classes • Balinese offering classes • craft classes • Balinese dancing classes • sessions with a traditional Balinese healer • read • journal • meditate • YOGA, YOGA, YOGA!

  Photos by Jessy CE. www.flickr.com/photos/tropicaliving/

To register, please click here.

or email flowwithheart@yahoo.com

or call 415-310-9784