Silent Zen Meditation & Mindful Wellness Escape in Bali's Tropical Mountains

This silent retreat is dedicated to the practice of zazen—the seated meditation at the heart of Zen Buddhism—combined with Yin Yoga and mindful immersion in tropical nature. Held at the stunning Yogi's Garden in Payangan, North Bali, the retreat offers a quiet, tucked-away sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong, rustling leaves, and the gentle rhythm of your own breath.

Each day is thoughtfully structured to support your journey inward. You'll participate in multiple blocks of zazen, with 25-minute sitting sessions alternated with 10-minute periods of slow walking meditation (kinhin). This alternating rhythm helps the body stay comfortable while maintaining deep meditative focus. For those who wish to sit more, optional self-practice periods are available throughout the day.

Mornings begin with a nourishing hour-long Yin Yoga class designed to open the body and prepare you for extended sitting. The gentle, sustained stretches of Yin Yoga complement the stillness of zazen perfectly, helping release physical tension and cultivate the relaxed alertness essential for deep meditation. After lunch and rest, you'll embark on a meditative walk through the surrounding hills, following trails through fragrant eucalyptus trees to scenic lookout points where you can contemplate expansive views of the ocean on the horizon.

Daily dharma talks provide philosophical and practical guidance for your practice. Led by ordained Zen teachers with decades of experience, these talks draw from both Eastern wisdom traditions and Western philosophy, offering insights that resonate deeply with contemporary seekers. A dedicated question-and-answer period follows each talk, allowing you to explore any aspect of the teachings or your personal experience.

The retreat culminates in a meaningful group sharing session on the penultimate day, where the silence is gently broken and participants can discuss the thoughts, feelings, and insights that arose during practice. This integration session helps you process your experience and prepare to carry the gifts of silence back into your daily life. The setting itself—with Mount Agung visible from the yoga shala, a sparkling pool, vegetable gardens, and countless secluded nooks for contemplation—provides the perfect backdrop for this profound inner journey.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in your choice of private or shared rooms - 3 daily delicious and nutritious farm-fresh meals - Daily Yin Yoga classes - Daily dharma talks by experienced Zen facilitators - Multiple daily meditation sessions (zazen and kinhin) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Welcome drink upon arrival - Group meditative nature walks - Use of swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi facilities - Access to gardens and contemplation spaces - Meditation cushions and yoga props

What's not included

- Airport transfers (can be arranged at additional cost) - Personal expenses - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Private alignment classes - Visa fees - International flights - Travel insurance - 60-minute massage treatments - Gratuities