Yoga Philosophy Immersion in Ubud, Bali

The retreat unfolds in the rice fields around Ubud, where the YogaUnion shala and its partner homestays are clustered along a car-free path. Days follow a gentle rhythm: a grounded Hatha practice in the morning, a philosophy session before lunch, and an interactive workshop in the afternoon that brings the morning's theory to life through stories and contemplation. A short meditation closes the day.

What makes this different from a typical asana-based retreat is the depth of the philosophy curriculum. Over the seven days, you'll explore the Yoga Sutras, Sankhya philosophy, the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, the concept of the panch kosha (five sheaths), the gunas, Ayurveda fundamentals, and the core teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Each topic is unpacked in a clear, modern way, so you leave with a working understanding, not just a vague sense of having heard a famous name.

The course is led by Aakanksha, who trained as a lawyer before finding yoga. She brings a translator's skill to ancient texts, making them feel relevant to twenty-first-century life. Petra, one recent student, praised her as 'the best' philosophy teacher, with a calm way of teaching that makes you want to keep listening. That personal connection is a big part of the experience.

The food is a daily highlight: vegetarian buffets with local Balinese dishes, prepared by partner kitchens using mostly organic ingredients. Meals are eaten in a communal restaurant overlooking the fields, which becomes a natural place to debrief with new friends. The accommodation is spread across a dozen small homestays, all run by families who host yoga students, so you get a sense of local life rather than a generic hotel.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a shared twin or private room - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily Hatha yoga and pranayama classes - Daily philosophy lectures and workshops - Daily meditation sessions - 50-hour teacher training course and certification - Course manual - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day

What's not included

- Airport transfers - International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments and activities - Personal expenses