7-Day Bali Wellness Escape: Yoga, Self-Care and Adventure

The retreat is based in three locations across Bali, which gives you a real sense of the island's variety rather than a single resort week. You spend the first part in Ubud, staying at Hotel Dinara, a four-star spot with a pool, restaurant and garden. Days include yoga and meditation sessions at well-known shalas like Yoga Barn and Alchemy Yoga, plus workshops like kirtans, drum circles, restorative sessions and sound healing. Breakfast is included daily, with plant-based options, and there are welcome and farewell plant-based dinners.

From Ubud, the group moves to Sidemen for two days. It's a far quieter, more traditional Balinese village with rice terraces and mountain scenery. Then it's on to Uluwatu, on the southern coast, where the itinerary includes a visit to the Uluwatu Meditation Center with its spa, steam sauna, cold plunge and infinity pool, plus time to see the cliff-top temples and famous sunsets. The travel between these places is part of the retreat — you're moving through Bali together, not just staying in one spot.

Katya, the host, is an experienced teacher. She grew up in Siberia, has practiced yoga for over 15 years, and trained in Hatha in Thailand before studying Ashtanga with Ade Adinata in Bali and later with Eddie Stern, Kino McGregor and Tim Feldman. She completed a 500-hour training under Sri Dharma Mittra and now teaches Ashtanga and Dharma Yoga at her own studio, Sound of Om, in Jersey City. Her style is firm but gentle — guests consistently mention feeling supported and never pressured.

The group is capped at a small size, and the dynamic tends to be warm and close-knit. Many guests come solo, and solo travelers often mention how welcome they felt. There are optional extras like a surf lesson (about $60 for two hours) and acupuncture with a trusted Balinese healer, which several guests have praised. Otherwise, the week is a mix of structured sessions, group meals and free time to explore, journal, get a massage or simply rest.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation (shared or private room) - Daily breakfast (plant-based and other options) - Welcome and farewell plant-based dinners - Daily yoga and meditation sessions in various shalas - Workshops: kirtans, drum circles, restorative sessions, sound healing - Community music and cultural events - Welcome massage (1 hour) - Day trip to Uluwatu (surf town, cliffs, beaches) - Visit to Uluwatu Meditation Center (spa, steam sauna, cold plunge, infinity pool) - Daily live music or kirtans at local restaurants (food at own expense) - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Airport pickup and drop-off from DPS - WiFi connection - Professional event photos

What's not included

- Flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Surf lesson (optional, ~$60 for 2-hour class) - Additional treatments (e.g., acupuncture) - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Meals other than breakfast and the two included dinners