9 Day Blissful Yoga and Massage Stay in Bali, Indonesia

This 9-day retreat is hosted at Puri Bagus Lovina, a beachfront resort on the quiet northern coast of Bali. The area is known for its black volcanic sand beaches, calm sea, and laid-back atmosphere, which makes it a good spot for a restorative stay. The days are structured around two daily yoga sessions in a shala that faces the ocean, led by Kadek, a 200-hour certified teacher who teaches a gentle Hatha style with a touch of Vinyasa.

The retreat packages a set of cultural and nature activities that give you a taste of local life. You'll take a sunrise cruise to watch dolphins, snorkel at Lovina Beach, visit a coffee plantation and the Munduk waterfalls, and take part in a Balinese cooking class with a visit to a traditional market. There's also a chance to make offerings (canang) with local staff, visit the Ananda Marga meditation center, and experience a purification ritual at the holy Sudhamala fountain, led by a priest.

Apart from the organized activities, there's plenty of free time to use the facilities. The resort has a pool, a spa (Jaya Spa), and two restaurants, and it's easy to walk into the nearby town of Singaraja or the smaller village around the hotel. Because this is a small retreat of around 30 people, you get to know the staff and the other guests quickly. The yoga classes are suitable for all abilities, and the teacher is happy to tailor them to whoever's in the room.

What sets this retreat apart from a basic resort holiday is the inclusion of the cultural activities and the two massages. It's not a luxury wellness center with lots of spa treatments; it's a comfortable hotel with a set program of inclusions that offer a sample of Balinese culture and relaxation. It's also a good option for solo travelers, especially women, as the retreat supplies a sense of community and the staff are highly accommodating.

What's included

- 8 nights accommodation - 2 daily meals (breakfast and lunch or dinner) - Daily mineral water and seasonal fruit basket - 2 daily yoga sessions (60 minutes each) - 1 Balinese traditional massage at Jaya Spa - 1 warm stone massage at Jaya Spa - Morning sunrise cruise with dolphin watching - Snorkeling at Lovina Beach - Nature walk at Mayong rice plantation, Munduk waterfall, and coffee plantation - Balinese cooking class with local chef - Jamu (traditional herbs drink) making and testing - Purification at Sudhamala holy fountain in Singaraja - Canang (offering) making activity - Spiritual-social visit to Ananda Seva Dharma meditation center - Welcome drink upon arrival - 21% government tax and service charge

What's not included

- Flights to and from Bali - Airport transfers (available at US$60 per way) - Travel insurance - Additional spa treatments - Personal expenses (minibar, phone calls, souvenirs) - Lunch or dinner beyond the included meals - Visas and visa processing fees