12-Day Balinese Wellness and Cultural Immersion Retreat in Bali

This retreat is for anyone drawn to a genuine cultural exchange rather than a polished tourist experience. It's run entirely by local people in the traditional village of Sesandan, in Tabanan, on the slopes of Mount Watukaru in the middle of Bali. No particular fitness level or prior yoga experience is required, so whether you're a complete beginner or a long-time practitioner, you'll be supported throughout.

At the heart of the twelve days is Watukaru Yoga, a style that originated thousands of years ago when 13 Indian yogis merged their practices on the mountain above the village. The emphasis is on meditation, chanting and inner energy flow, with the physical postures serving as preparation for deeper stillness rather than being strenuous in themselves. You'll practise twice a day, guided by I Krishna and Dewi, two teachers who both grew up in the area and have deep roots in this tradition. On Mondays and Fridays, weather permitting, yoga is held on the beach.

The setting is a spiritual village surrounded by lush green rice fields on every side, quiet, peaceful and far from any tourist crowds. You'll stay in simple, clean, ensuite rooms spread around the village, a three-to-five-minute walk from the main lobby and dining area. Standard Rooms have a garden-facing terrace, a lounge area, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a shower and cosy beds with Balinese-style bedding, while Superior Rooms sit closer to the lobby among rice paddies and coconut trees, with Egyptian cotton bedding and village artwork on the walls. There's a newly built pool overlooking the rice fields, and the whole place feels like a family compound, where you'll hear roosters in the morning and see locals going about their day. Shared twin rooms suit solo travellers or friends, and private rooms are available if you want more space.

A typical day holds two yoga and meditation sessions and two Balinese cultural activities, which vary day to day and might include local waterfall purification, trash hero village cleanup, coconut oil making, visits to a local shaman, Balinese music classes, rice farming, Hindu offering making, a traditional ceremonial dance class or a Balinese language class. Three meals are served each day, all vegetarian and vegan, made with local and organic produce and served with tropical fruits such as dragon fruit, guava or snake fruit. The food is wholesome and abundant, with an emphasis on food as medicine, and the team will happily cater to allergies and special requests, from gluten-free and dairy-free to halal, kosher and paleo-friendly, if you get in touch beforehand.

Your stay covers 11 nights of accommodation, two daily Watukaru Yoga and meditation sessions, two cultural excursions each day, yoga on the beach with sunset watching, and a trip to a waterfall for cleansing and purification. Water, tea and coffee are served throughout the day, and three daily meals are included, along with two one-hour massage treatments, luggage storage and pre- and post-retreat support from the team. Airport transfers, flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, additional private-guide tours and extra spa treatments are not included.

What's included

- 12 days, 11 nights accommodation among stunning tropical beauty (away from busy tourist parts of Bali!) - 2 daily traditional Balinese Watukaru Yoga and meditation sessions - 2 Balinese cultural excursions/activities each day (rice farming, coconut oil making, etc.) - Yoga on the beach and sunset watching - Trip to a breathtaking waterfall for cleansing and purification - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Luggage storage - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - 2 x 1 hour massage treatment

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional cultural tours with a private guide - Additional spa treatments