inner light
YOGA, NATURE & BALINESE CULTURE RETREAT
2024 | 15 - 19 July
Balian Beach
Join Nicky Sudianta in his home village of Balian in the beautiful and remote West Bali over 5 days for a journey into traditional yoga and Balinese culture, at the tropical hideaway that is Desa Cabins. With 20+ years of yoga experience in Bali, Balian local Nicky is your guide for this truly immersive experience that includes traditional rituals and water ceremonies, hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra, singing bowl, and yoga nidra practice. This offering is suitable for those both new to yoga or experienced.
SOLD OUT - JOIN THE WAITLIST
Allow yourself the space to nurture your inner being, touch your heart, and connect with the wisdom that Bali offers.
LOCATION - Desa Cabins, Balian
Are you ready for desert island vibes, clean beaches for miles with the sun setting behind Java? Natures playground awaits you at this unique location just 2 kilometres west of Balian Beach. Overlooking an infinity pool to the ricefields, coconut grove and ocean, this restorative 5 day / 4 night journey into nature, and the nature of yoga and Balinese culture is set to be the perfect sojourn for those seeking to nourish their bodies and spirit. See the Desa Cabins space here.
Immersing in nature, we may practice yoga in the joglo, the Balian Spirit Yoga shala, on the grass, in the coconut grove or on the beach! Wherever we practice, we will hear and feel nature all around us - the natural ocean breezes and the gentle sound of the waves in the distance is the perfect setting to relax and let go. This is an opportunity to re-set and invite positive energy into your life and embrace traditional Balinese rituals, such as the Melukat purification ceremony at the local water temple to cleanse your body, soul and spirit. The candle release ritual on the banks of the Balian River is a unique experience you will cherish in readiness to shine your light to the world. These beautiful images tell it all, visit: April 2023 Retreat Gallery.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated areas of Bali, Balian Beach is your haven. Balian (which means 'healer') is reminiscent of the old Bali, and a place where you can delve into the sacred and spiritual. No hectic traffic, one main street, the beautiful Balian River, and a surf beach full of rugged beauty known for its great waves and laid-back hospitality awaits. There is a small mini mart and night market. Small warungs dot the main street and many overlook the Indian ocean where you’ll find it easy to sink in and become mesmerised by the rolling surf, lulled by natures rhythm. You’ve found the right place if you want to step off the tourist traps. Note, this retreat is 2km from the Balian Beach main street, you can access it by a 45 min walk along the beach however be prepared to immerse yourself in nature at the venue, switch off an unwind unless you can drive a scooter, or secure transport to the village. We intend to be in the village once for retreat activities.
Embrace the slow life in Balian. Shine your light.
PROGRAM – what to expect
The 5-day/4-night program starts 4pm Monday 15 July, concluding 11am Friday 19 July. Here is a taster:
-
Welcome gift
-
Meals and accommodation
-
Daily yoga - mostly twice a day (asana, pranayama, meditation)
-
Opening circle and Balinese blessing
-
Mandala creation
-
Making Balinese offerings with the local village ladies
-
Balinese purification ceremony in local temple
-
Intention setting, and letting go (fire + candle) ceremony
-
Exploring the village of Balian +/or night markets with Nicky
-
Healing singing bowl meditations and yoga nidra
-
Introduction to mantra practice
-
Use of yoga mats
-
Free time to relax, get a massage etc
-
And some other unique inclusions
Sample Full Day Timetable...
7.30am: Quiet meditation in shala / morning drink + light snack
8.00am: Morning yoga
10.30am: Brunch / break
12.00pm: Activity (from above) and / or free time
3.00pm: Afternoon tea
4.00pm: Afternoon yoga and / or meditation, singing bowls, yoga nidra
6.30pm: Dinner
The program is an example, and will be subject to some minor refinements.
CATERING - caring for your body through food
Food is a vital part of any yoga retreat and we aim to provide the highest quality to nourish your body. It is our intention to bring the experience of real nourishment through healthy and energising organic vegetarian 'Indovedic' food, curated by Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Sujatha and her team at Amrtasiddhi and Dapur Usada, both in Ubud. The morning starts off light as not to weigh down asana practice - a nourishing brunch and dinner is provided daily, as well as morning and afternoon snacks/drinks. Dietary needs will be catered for. The food is truly amazing and will get your tastebuds and cells humming!
ACCOMMODATION
We have private use of the 6 roomed facility at Desa Cabins, the beautiful A-Framed structures built in 2023. As the facility is bespoke and therefore small, we are also accessing Villa Miru which is a 2 BR villa and a 1 BR tiny home studio a one minute walk right next door.
Please note, all beds are king-size and cannot be split into singles. You are welcome to book and share with a friend as long as you are happy to share the bed. Villa Miru's beds are super king-size beds.
DESA CABINS are 6 carefully designed stylish A-Frame timber cabins overlooking lush tropical gardens, pool, ricefields, coconut grove and ocean. This is barefoot luxury at it's best with air conditioning, a king size bed, mosquito net, high quality mattress and bedding, kitchenette, open air ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, organic toiletries, yoga mats, a private deck with seating, a room safe and fast wifi.
Villa Miru 2 BR villa is beautifully designed and features two cozy, traditional teak "Gladeks" converted and modernised into beautiful bedrooms with super king-size beds and luxury linen, as well as air-conditioned living and bedroom spaces. The villa ahas been designed with western tastes in mind and has additional facilities such as a private gym, outdoor spa, pool, kitchen, as well as 2 motorbikes for use. The central living space has open plan living with a sofa area as well as large teak dining table. The fully-equipped kitchen is perfect for cooking, and please note, our retreat chefs will be sharing the kitchen with you to prepare your amazing meals (but this will mainly be when you are in a pre-meal yoga session or activity).
Step outside to the beautiful infinity pool with views of the ocean, or relax on the comfortable sofas while admiring the scenery. The gardens are home to many rare plants and species, and there are outdoor showers and bathrooms for your convenience.
On the property there are 3 furry friends Max (the fat one), Blackie (the skinny one), Coal (the tough one), they are bali dogs and super friendly but also call the house their home. If you're not a dog person then we are afraid this property isn't for you and you are best to book Desa Cabins.
INCLUSIONS
-
Twice daily meals plus morning and afternoon snacks
-
4 nights accommodation
-
Daily yoga / meditation (usually twice daily) and mats
-
Retreat activities outlined in program
EXCLUSIONS
-
Flights
-
Travel insurance (highly encouraged as an act of self-care!)
-
Transport to/from airport (please reach out if you need suggestions)
-
Additional food/beverage that is not included in the group catering
INVESTMENT
Pre-Public Release (closes Sunday 25 Feb)
$1,550 AUD per person - Shared Room with a Friend (king-size bed, not splittable)
$1,895 AUD per person - Private Room
Regular Rate
$1,650 AUD per person - Shared Room with a Friend (king-size bed, not splittable)
$1,995 AUD per person - Private Room
*All bookings secured with $500 deposit, remainder to be paid within 21 days of booking.
-
A $500 deposit at point of booking secures your place or payment in full.
-
Price does not include any booking / bank / conversion fees that may apply.
-
Retreat capacity is limited to facilitate a small group.
-
Feel free to discuss a payment plan.
'The Balian Spirit Yoga Retreat is absolutely amazing. Pure indulgence as you relax and nurture your body and soul and immerse yourself in the perfectly balanced 5 day program of yoga practices and cultural and activities. The very wise, kind and generous Nicky Sudianta guides you through a beautiful spiritual journey of yoga, meditation and Balinese culture. I am forever changed and very grateful for this experience.'
- Henny, Nov 2024 Participant
'I needed to relax, I needed to reset, I needed to break down the boundaries I had encased myself in … thanks to this retreat I am leaving refreshed, I am leaving recharged and ready to face the lessons that life has for me next.'
- Lara, April 2023 Participant
A place for growth, restful awareness, ease and contentment awaits ... are you ready?
For any questions or more information, please reach out to:
Looking forward to welcoming you at the next Balian Spirit Yoga retreat!