Silent Zen Meditation & Yin Yoga Wellness Retreat in Bali

Each day follows a steady rhythm. Mornings start with a Yin Yoga class, which helps you open up and sit comfortably through the longer meditation periods. After breakfast, there are blocks of zazen—sitting meditation—alternated with slow walking meditation, called kinhin. After lunch and a rest, the group walks out into the hills, through eucalyptus trees to a clearing with boulders and a view of the ocean. In the afternoon, Hamid gives a dharma talk, followed by questions and answers, and in the evenings there's a gathering around a bonfire as the sun sets.

The retreat is led by Hamid, who has been practicing Zen for decades and was ordained as a monk in 2000. He studied philosophy under Jacques Derrida in Paris and trained as a psychotherapist. His approach is grounded and direct—he's more interested in helping you sit with what arises than in delivering lofty spiritual talk. The talks are practical, drawing on both his Eastern training and Western education.

What makes this particular retreat stand out is the timing. It's held during Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, when the entire island—including the international airport—shuts down for 24 hours. You'll be sitting in silence alongside the Balinese, who observe the day with fasting, meditation, and reflection. It's a powerful context for a silent retreat, and it's something you won't find at many other meditation centers.

The Yogi's Garden itself is part of the experience. It's a working farm, so the food is as fresh as it gets: vegetables from the garden, traditional Balinese dishes, and international favorites adapted to whatever dietary needs you have. The vegetarian meals are a highlight for many guests. The property is beautiful but not fancy—there are huts, wooden houses, and gardens, with the ocean visible from certain spots. After dinner, the group often sits by the bonfire under the stars before heading to bed.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation - 3 daily farm-fresh meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Snacks and fruit available between meals - Daily Yin Yoga classes - Daily dharma talks - Daily meditation classes (zazen and kinhin) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Free excursions to sites of interest - Welcome drink - Luggage storage - Parking

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Personal expenses - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Private alignment class - Visa fee - Flights cost - Travel insurance