Wellness and Healing Arts Retreat in Lovina, Bali

The retreat is built around the Balinese massage course, which runs for a total of 16 hours over several days. You'll learn traditional techniques that mix acupressure, reflexology, and the use of essential oils, moving from the theory of the strokes to practicing on fellow guests with guidance from the teachers. Even if you've never done anything like this before, the course is structured so you can build confidence step by step.

Yoga is woven into every day, with sessions in Hatha, restorative yoga, and a distinctly local practice called Balinese Markandeya yoga, which combines physical postures with spiritual rituals from the island's own traditions. The instructors have different backgrounds—some are Balinese and have been teaching for decades, others came to yoga from abroad and found their way here. Together they cover the range from steady foundational classes to gentler, more restorative sessions.

Besides the massage and yoga, the schedule includes two spa treatments, which let you experience the massage style on yourself, and a dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour in the mornings and a Grand Lovina tour that heads out for a full day. The latter takes you to a waterfall, the Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Beratan, and some of the local markets and gardens.

The retreat is based at Lovina Loca, a guesthouse in the middle of Lovina, about five minutes' walk from the beach. It's a social and colorful place, with a pool, a common lounge, and a mix of private and dorm rooms. The yoga shala is a short shuttle ride away at the main Santhika Retreat Center, which sits up on a hillside with views over the coast.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Specialized workshops (Balinese Massage Course - 16 hours) - Group excursions/activities: Dolphin tour & Grand Lovina Tour - Transportation during the retreat (shuttle between venues) - WiFi connection - Course Manual - Certificate upon successful completion - Evening cultural activities - Accommodation at Lovina Loca BnB - 2 complimentary SPA treatments - Daily yoga and meditation classes

What's not included

- Visa fee - Travel insurance - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Quarantine costs