8-Day Balinese Massage, Yoga & Meditation Wellness Escape in Lovina, Bali

The core of this retreat is a 16-hour Balinese massage course spread over several days. Local therapists teach the traditional sequences that make Balinese massage distinctive — long flowing strokes, acupressure points, gentle stretching and the use of aromatic oils. The training is hands-on from early on, with supervised practice sessions so you build confidence in your technique. The course covers the main strokes, working with essential oils and herbal preparations, and the philosophy behind the healing tradition, which the instructors treat as central to doing the massage properly.

Each day also includes yoga and meditation, taught by a rotating team of instructors. Guru Made has over 20 years of experience and leads the Balinese Markandeya yoga sessions, which blend physical postures with spiritual rituals in a way that's specific to Bali. Other classes cover Hatha, restorative and Yin styles, so the movement side varies day to day. Meditation sessions are guided and accessible to beginners, and there's a shuttle between the guesthouse and the main retreat center where many of the yoga classes take place.

Beyond the training, the retreat includes several excursions that give you a break from the hands-on work. A morning dolphin-watching and snorkeling trip takes you out to where the dolphins feed off Lovina's coast. The Grand Lovina Tour is a full day visiting a local waterfall, the Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Beratan, botanical gardens and a fruit market, finishing with views over the twin lakes. Two spa treatments are also included, using Balinese techniques, so you can experience what you're learning.

The retreat is run by Santhika Retreat Center, founded by Guru Gede Arimbawa, a seventh-generation Balinese healer who trained the spa therapists and built the Dream Hill retreat center from scratch. Guests stay at Lovina Loca BnB, which is part of the same operation. Reviews consistently mention the welcoming staff and the mix of activities, with several guests noting how accommodating the kitchen is for plant-based diets.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off - 7 nights accommodation at Lovina Loca BnB - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Snacks - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - 16-hour Balinese Massage Course with certificate - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Balinese Markandeya) - Daily guided meditation sessions - 2 professional relaxation massage and spa treatments - Wild dolphin watching and snorkeling tour - Grand Lovina Tour (waterfall, Ulun Danu Temple, botanical gardens, markets) - Evening cultural activities - Shuttle between accommodation and yoga shala - Specialized workshops - Transport during the retreat - Course manual - Free wifi - 24/7 support from the retreat team

What's not included

- Visa fees - Travel insurance - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments (beyond the two included spa sessions) - Personal expenses - Additional nights or extended stays