Enjoy an 8-day retreat stay in the heart of Bali. Some highlights include a chance to enjoy spa treatments, private yoga, Balinese dance class, and watching the sunrise over Mt. Batur. No visit to the Island of Thousand Temples would be complete without a visit to Ubud and it's Royal Palace, followed by a traditional “melukat” cleansing ceremony at one of the nearby temples. Come prepared to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the island, pamper yourself at the spa and enjoy take in the number of wellness activities available to you.
Hotel:
- Sankara Resort - Deluxe Room
Included:
Meals (one drink included at dinner):
- 7 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
Activities:
- Experience a Temple Blessing
- Enjoy Multiple Spa Treatments
- Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
- Bike Tour through Central Bali
- Take part in Canang Making
- Enjoy a Guided Waterfall Hike
- Partake in a Balinese Dance Class
- Local Balinese Community Experience
- Balinese Cooking Class
- Yoga, Meditation, Wellness and Stretching
Other Services:
- One airport transfer privately in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Transportation privately in an air-conditioned vehicle during the tours mentioned on the program
- Official English-Speaking guide service during the mentioned program
- Entrance fees, Road tolls, Taxes, VAT
- Porterage service at the hotels (1 bag per person)
Not Included:
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Tips for porters, guide and driver- the value of the tip is up to the client
- All other services not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses
- International and domestic airfare throughout the program
- Domestic and International airport taxes, airport porter and extra baggage
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
- Indonesian Visa fee
Notes:
- International flights should arrive and depart out of Ngurah Rai International Airport
- All tour, excursions and classes are on a private basis for retreat group participants
- Times given are for reference and can be altered according to your personal requirements. While we make every effort to personalize itineraries, departure and pick up times are subject to change due to external factors
1007962
Day
1
Arrive Bali – Welcome Dinner
Upon landing at Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and clearing arrival formalities, you will be greeted by our Airport Representative and transferred to your resort at Ubud area by private air-conditioned vehicle. After check-in at your hotel, you will have time to rest and freshen up before your welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
2
Morning Yoga – Balinese Cooking Class – Spa Treatment
Before you start your day, you will perform an hour-long private yoga session at the hotel’s yoga pavilion. For intermediate to advanced yogis, the schedule is at 7AM and for beginner yogis, the schedule is at 8:30AM.
Following your yoga class, enjoy a cookery class that offers an insightful introduction to the unique culinary heritage of Bali and the exotic ingredients it uses. The class starts with a visit to the local market in order to select the freshest ingredients for your menu.
It will then be time to enter the kitchen to begin your masterclass, in which you will be guided through the techniques and flavors required to produce a range of mouth-watering dishes. After learning about Balinese ingredients and building your creation, there is only one task left—to sit down and enjoy the sumptuous feast you have prepared.
Following the activity, you will enjoy an hour spa journey at the hotel to soothe your body before having the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
3
Morning Yoga – The Beauty of Central Bali on Bike and Foot
Begin your day with morning yoga and breakfast, followed by a transfer to Kintamani. This is a stunning starting point, with views over the active volcano Mount Batur, which sits alongside Lake Batur, and the surrounding landscape of Central Bali.
A short drive will bring you to the cycling starting point in Abuan village, from where you will wind your way downhill through the colorful tapestry that is the Balinese countryside. You will do several stops en route, taking in villages, housing compounds, and local temples.
After your bike ride, you will continue by car to the amazing rice terraces of Tegalalang, where you will visit the local village market. This colorful marketplace has a wide range of items on display including clothing, textiles, leather goods, and locally crafted souvenirs. Have fun wandering around and making the odd purchase, but keep in mind prices are negotiable, so remember to bargain for a fair one.
On your way back to Ubud, stop at the amazing art and cultural center of Arma Kafe for lunch. Here you will savor either a crispy duck menu with Balinese side dishes or a 3-course Indonesian meal, whichever you prefer.
After lunch, you will begin your exploration of the scenery of Ubud by foot. Your trek will pass over the lush river valley of Tukad Wos, commonly known as the Campuhan Ridge, offering views of Gunung Agung and glimpses of small village communities and rice fields. This is a light trek, lasting around 2 hours.
You will have an orientation as you begin at the beautiful Gunung Lebah Temple, which means “small hill” in the Indonesian language. This temple was built in the 8th century and has become synonymous with Ubud and Balinese history.
In the afternoon, you will return to your hotel for a restorative yoga session.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
4
Jungle Rice Field and Waterfall Hike – Balinese Dance Class
Start your day with a drive to the nearby Kemenuh Village, where you will begin on a moderate hike. Step out from the artisan town of Ubud and take a step into the lush jungle. Trek through this tropical greenery while passing along rice paddies and village farms.
Continue the journey further down until you hear water running down the hill; your trek will end at the scenic Uma Anyar Waterfall. Enjoy the combination of greens in the surroundings and the refreshing water splashing from atop the rocks. Take your time to enjoy the ambiance surrounding the waterfall or take a dip in the refreshing water before returning to the hotel.
In the afternoon, experience a Balinese dance class. Balinese Dance is an expression of the human soul which is realized through movement of all the body in a beautiful way, accompanied by music and rhythm based on the character and theme of the dance. Balinese dance is unique, dynamic, and highly stylized. A dancer must be able to move every part of their body in a dance, from head to toe.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
5
Morning Yoga – Traditional Bali & Natural Wonders – Spa Treatment
Before you start your day, you will have an hour morning private yoga session at the hotel’s yoga pavilion. The class for intermediate to advanced yogis is at 7AM and the class for beginner yogis is at 8:30AM.
After finishing your yoga session, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Balinese people and experience how families live and work together in their natural daily environment. Begin your local encounter by preparing breakfast in the Balinese compound. Seasonal tropical fruits will be served as well as soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea and Balinese cookies. Invigorated by your fresh breakfast, the rest of your time here will be dedicated to exploring the local vicinity where you will have time to take a stroll through local farms, witness the rural life of the Balinese people, or learn more about the complexities of rice growing.
Lunch will be served right in the middle of the rice field with the soft background of traditional Rindik music played on bamboo instruments. After your meal, we will proceed to Penglipuran, a well-ordered village surrounded by plantations and bamboo forests.
Following your visit, return to your hotel in time for another soothing spa treatment before you wrap up your day.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
6
Morning Yoga – Ubud Tour – Temple Blessing
Before you start your day, you will have an hour long private yoga session at the hotel’s yoga pavilion. The class for intermediate to advanced yogis is at 7AM and the class for beginner yogis is at 8:30AM.
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest—a lush nature reserve and temple complex on the outskirts of Ubud. The forest is home to over one hundred species of trees, several interesting temples, and hundreds of crab-eating macaque monkeys*. Spend awhile observing their characteristics and mannerisms before continuing with a tour through Ubud.
You will pass through the local market, which is always bustling with activity, and eventually stop at Ubud Palace. The local royal family still reside in the palace, but you are free to wander around most of the compound, discovering the ornate architecture and learning about the Asta Kosala Kosali tradition of house building, a method not dissimilar to the ancient art of Feng Shui. This will be followed by free time to explore the many shops and boutiques that are plentiful in the center of town.
Afterwards, we will transfer to Pura Sebatu Temple for a traditional “melukat” cleansing ceremony. A Balinese priest will lead the purification ceremony in a resplendent location at a confluence of rivers, waterfalls, or fountains where participants will undergo a series of rituals, prayers, bathing, and soaking themselves in a holy stream.
This ritual is aimed at cleansing the body, mind, and soul from any kind of bad influences and relieving stress. The ritual ends with blessing prayers to invite all the good spirits, wisdom, and knowledge**.
(*) The macaque monkeys here can be a considerable annoyance. Please heed the advice from your guide on the precautions you should take when visiting temples or forests inhabited by monkeys.
(**) Please understand that—according to Balinese Hindu beliefs—this “melukat” ritual cannot be arranged for women during their menstrual cycle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
7
Morning Yoga – Canang Making – Spa Treatment – Dinner
Start your morning off with a private morning yoga session and then in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to do a cultural activity at your resort. Canang is an offering made of braided coconut leaves and different colors of flowers that have a unique philosophy. This offering is made daily by Balinese Hindus to thank the god (Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) in praise and prayer. Offering is seen in the Balinese temple (Pura) and on small shrines in houses.
Following the activity, enjoy a sixty-minute spa treatment at the hotel. After a day of relaxation and pampering, freshen up and enjoy a few hours of leisure before enjoying your farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
8
Yoga – Departure
Today is your last day in Bali. Start this right by performing a one-hour morning yoga session that will restore positive energy in your body.
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye and we will arrange your transfer to Denpasar Airport to catch your flight to the next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Light - Nothing too challenging. Light walking, uneven surfaces, snorkeling and hiking suitable for most fitness levels.
Optional Tour: Sunrise Over Mt. Batur
A 2am departure is essential this morning as you drive then hike up to the summit of Mount Batur, where you will arrive in time for sunrise. Starting your ascent at 1200m above sea level, the trek to the summit (1717m) will take between 1½ and 2 hours. The reward for the early wakeup call is a stunning vista of the surrounding countryside as well as views of the crater itself. After a simple breakfast it is time to make the descent, allowing time to visit en route the three younger craters and any recent lava flow.
Toya Bungkah Hot Springs is the next stop on today’s itinerary. Located in the village of Penelokan, there are two natural pools at these hot springs and legend has it that the heated mineral water inside them is said to cure all sorts of ailments. Enjoy a soothing dip in the pools before having lunch en-route returning to your island accommodation.
Note: The sunrise trekking is recommended for anyone with minimum age of 12 years old.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrive Bali – Welcome Dinner
Upon landing at Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and clearing arrival formalities, you will be greeted by our Airport Representative and transferred to your resort at Ubud area by private air-conditioned vehicle. After check-in at your hotel, you will have time to rest and freshen up before your welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
2
Morning Yoga – Balinese Cooking Class – Spa Treatment
Before you start your day, you will perform an hour-long private yoga session at the hotel’s yoga pavilion. For intermediate to advanced yogis, the schedule is at 7AM and for beginner yogis, the schedule is at 8:30AM.
Following your yoga class, enjoy a cookery class that offers an insightful introduction to the unique culinary heritage of Bali and the exotic ingredients it uses. The class starts with a visit to the local market in order to select the freshest ingredients for your menu.
It will then be time to enter the kitchen to begin your masterclass, in which you will be guided through the techniques and flavors required to produce a range of mouth-watering dishes. After learning about Balinese ingredients and building your creation, there is only one task left—to sit down and enjoy the sumptuous feast you have prepared.
Following the activity, you will enjoy an hour spa journey at the hotel to soothe your body before having the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
3
Morning Yoga – The Beauty of Central Bali on Bike and Foot
Begin your day with morning yoga and breakfast, followed by a transfer to Kintamani. This is a stunning starting point, with views over the active volcano Mount Batur, which sits alongside Lake Batur, and the surrounding landscape of Central Bali.
A short drive will bring you to the cycling starting point in Abuan village, from where you will wind your way downhill through the colorful tapestry that is the Balinese countryside. You will do several stops en route, taking in villages, housing compounds, and local temples.
After your bike ride, you will continue by car to the amazing rice terraces of Tegalalang, where you will visit the local village market. This colorful marketplace has a wide range of items on display including clothing, textiles, leather goods, and locally crafted souvenirs. Have fun wandering around and making the odd purchase, but keep in mind prices are negotiable, so remember to bargain for a fair one.
On your way back to Ubud, stop at the amazing art and cultural center of Arma Kafe for lunch. Here you will savor either a crispy duck menu with Balinese side dishes or a 3-course Indonesian meal, whichever you prefer.
After lunch, you will begin your exploration of the scenery of Ubud by foot. Your trek will pass over the lush river valley of Tukad Wos, commonly known as the Campuhan Ridge, offering views of Gunung Agung and glimpses of small village communities and rice fields. This is a light trek, lasting around 2 hours.
You will have an orientation as you begin at the beautiful Gunung Lebah Temple, which means “small hill” in the Indonesian language. This temple was built in the 8th century and has become synonymous with Ubud and Balinese history.
In the afternoon, you will return to your hotel for a restorative yoga session.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
4
Jungle Rice Field and Waterfall Hike – Balinese Dance Class
Start your day with a drive to the nearby Kemenuh Village, where you will begin on a moderate hike. Step out from the artisan town of Ubud and take a step into the lush jungle. Trek through this tropical greenery while passing along rice paddies and village farms.
Continue the journey further down until you hear water running down the hill; your trek will end at the scenic Uma Anyar Waterfall. Enjoy the combination of greens in the surroundings and the refreshing water splashing from atop the rocks. Take your time to enjoy the ambiance surrounding the waterfall or take a dip in the refreshing water before returning to the hotel.
In the afternoon, experience a Balinese dance class. Balinese Dance is an expression of the human soul which is realized through movement of all the body in a beautiful way, accompanied by music and rhythm based on the character and theme of the dance. Balinese dance is unique, dynamic, and highly stylized. A dancer must be able to move every part of their body in a dance, from head to toe.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
5
Morning Yoga – Traditional Bali & Natural Wonders – Spa Treatment
Before you start your day, you will have an hour morning private yoga session at the hotel’s yoga pavilion. The class for intermediate to advanced yogis is at 7AM and the class for beginner yogis is at 8:30AM.
After finishing your yoga session, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Balinese people and experience how families live and work together in their natural daily environment. Begin your local encounter by preparing breakfast in the Balinese compound. Seasonal tropical fruits will be served as well as soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea and Balinese cookies. Invigorated by your fresh breakfast, the rest of your time here will be dedicated to exploring the local vicinity where you will have time to take a stroll through local farms, witness the rural life of the Balinese people, or learn more about the complexities of rice growing.
Lunch will be served right in the middle of the rice field with the soft background of traditional Rindik music played on bamboo instruments. After your meal, we will proceed to Penglipuran, a well-ordered village surrounded by plantations and bamboo forests.
Following your visit, return to your hotel in time for another soothing spa treatment before you wrap up your day.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
6
Morning Yoga – Ubud Tour – Temple Blessing
Before you start your day, you will have an hour long private yoga session at the hotel’s yoga pavilion. The class for intermediate to advanced yogis is at 7AM and the class for beginner yogis is at 8:30AM.
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest—a lush nature reserve and temple complex on the outskirts of Ubud. The forest is home to over one hundred species of trees, several interesting temples, and hundreds of crab-eating macaque monkeys*. Spend awhile observing their characteristics and mannerisms before continuing with a tour through Ubud.
You will pass through the local market, which is always bustling with activity, and eventually stop at Ubud Palace. The local royal family still reside in the palace, but you are free to wander around most of the compound, discovering the ornate architecture and learning about the Asta Kosala Kosali tradition of house building, a method not dissimilar to the ancient art of Feng Shui. This will be followed by free time to explore the many shops and boutiques that are plentiful in the center of town.
Afterwards, we will transfer to Pura Sebatu Temple for a traditional “melukat” cleansing ceremony. A Balinese priest will lead the purification ceremony in a resplendent location at a confluence of rivers, waterfalls, or fountains where participants will undergo a series of rituals, prayers, bathing, and soaking themselves in a holy stream.
This ritual is aimed at cleansing the body, mind, and soul from any kind of bad influences and relieving stress. The ritual ends with blessing prayers to invite all the good spirits, wisdom, and knowledge**.
(*) The macaque monkeys here can be a considerable annoyance. Please heed the advice from your guide on the precautions you should take when visiting temples or forests inhabited by monkeys.
(**) Please understand that—according to Balinese Hindu beliefs—this “melukat” ritual cannot be arranged for women during their menstrual cycle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
7
Morning Yoga – Canang Making – Spa Treatment – Dinner
Start your morning off with a private morning yoga session and then in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to do a cultural activity at your resort. Canang is an offering made of braided coconut leaves and different colors of flowers that have a unique philosophy. This offering is made daily by Balinese Hindus to thank the god (Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) in praise and prayer. Offering is seen in the Balinese temple (Pura) and on small shrines in houses.
Following the activity, enjoy a sixty-minute spa treatment at the hotel. After a day of relaxation and pampering, freshen up and enjoy a few hours of leisure before enjoying your farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Sankara Resort- Deluxe Room
Day
8
Yoga – Departure
Today is your last day in Bali. Start this right by performing a one-hour morning yoga session that will restore positive energy in your body.
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye and we will arrange your transfer to Denpasar Airport to catch your flight to the next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Light - Nothing too challenging. Light walking, uneven surfaces, snorkeling and hiking suitable for most fitness levels.
Supplemental Options:
Highlights of Bali featuring yoga and relaxation Optional Tour
Optional Tour: Sunrise Over Mt. Batur
A 2am departure is essential this morning as you drive then hike up to the summit of Mount Batur, where you will arrive in time for sunrise. Starting your ascent at 1200m above sea level, the trek to the summit (1717m) will take between 1½ and 2 hours. The reward for the early wakeup call is a stunning vista of the surrounding countryside as well as views of the crater itself. After a simple breakfast it is time to make the descent, allowing time to visit en route the three younger craters and any recent lava flow.
Toya Bungkah Hot Springs is the next stop on today’s itinerary. Located in the village of Penelokan, there are two natural pools at these hot springs and legend has it that the heated mineral water inside them is said to cure all sorts of ailments. Enjoy a soothing dip in the pools before having lunch en-route returning to your island accommodation.
Note: The sunrise trekking is recommended for anyone with minimum age of 12 years old.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at 754-457-9870
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Accommodation names are subject to availability. Should accommodation mentioned on specific itinerary not be available, a similar or higher rated accommodation will be substituted. Single room allotments are subject to availability and booked on a FCFS basis. Fit4Travel will work with each vendor or supplier to secure as many single rooms as possible to accommodate each traveler.
