Bali Bhakti Bliss – Yoga, Mantra & Music Retreat
8 – 14th September 2019
Luxury Boutique Retreat, Ubud Bali
Our beautiful Balinese yoga retreat took place at The Shala Bali. This tropical, peaceful, rice paddy paradise is set amongst magnificent natural beauty. It was founded on ancient Balinese and Indian philosophy, lovingly created as a sanctuary to reconnect with essence and realign with nature. The Shala is cocooned among the lush, green rice paddy fields of Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. Ubud is renowned for abundant natural beauty and a world class yoga destination.
The Shala Bali is built in harmony with its stunning natural and cultural surroundings. The traditional Balinese architecture is set amongst lush, tropical gardens and colourful flowers.
The serene salt water infinity pool is surrounded by nature, immersing you in the pure beauty of Maa Bali.
The Shala offers two styles of Balinese luxury boutique accommodation. The traditional Javanese hand-crafted, wooden bungalows are elegantly situated amongst gardens and wild flowers. The Villa Rooms are modern Balinese inspired beauty, created with Indonesian colours, wood and stone hand-carvings. The Villas overlook the rice paddies, some beautifully positioned to watch the golden sun set over the green fields of Ubud.
On waking up in this stunning location, we shared a blissful sunrise sadhana in the open air, Balinese Yoga Shala, overlooking the rice paddies and palm trees. Moving through beautiful sequencing and creative namaskars, we explored Devi inspired Elemental Vinyasa; weaving the mythology of the Hindu devis and devas into beautiful embodied dance. The vibrant green abundant nature of Maa Bali was a stunning setting for our embodied spiritual journey to unfold.
We shared a delicious diversity of colourful, cultural, flavourful, healthy food. The Shala believes in putting joy and taste into healthy, plant based food that nourishes your body and nurtures the earth. That which is good for the body, the environment and the animals is good for the soul.
In our free time, yogis relaxed by the beautiful pool, in the tropical gardens or walked in the rice paddy fields. We discovered the ancient palace, temples and market of Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali. It is also the artistic and cultural heart of Bali. We went to see a beautiful, colourful, cultural dance performance at Ubud Palace one evening. Yogis became friends and created Bali memories together at the Tampak Siring water temple, Tegallalang Rice Terrace and waterfall. Yogis also indulged in a little bliss, Bali massage and flower bath at The Darshana Spa; a sanctuary for total body relaxation and renewal.
In the late afternoons and evenings, we experienced live performance of Indian mantra, mudra and kirtan by Antarma and Aloka. This incredibly authentically talented couple shared ancient Sanskrit shlokas and original lyrics, accompanied by the guitar, harmonium and drums. We shared some magical evenings around a flower mandala with candles and fire flies, the chorus of nature; music, mantra, spiritual lyrics, reggae beats and dancing to the Brazilian dejembe drum.
Friendships were formed and we had a truly magical time together. We were blessed to retreat together in this unique Bali Bhakti Bliss!
Satisfied Yogis
We are having a fabulous time at The Shala Bali. We really enjoyed the dance and loving our room. It was a magical sitting on deck last night with the moon and the night creatures. Where ever you are in the world Heidi’s classes are energising and special, just makes it extra awesome when you’re in Bali.
Marie Shreeve and Michael Sant
Thank you for a truly wonderful experience. It was absolute joy for me to experience this retreat with you. Beautiful memories and I met such lovely people.
Laina Mannan
Thank you for a wonderful retreat ~ I had a blissful time!
Fernanda Huckle
This has been the best retreat ever and I’ll remember it always!
Sarah Stock
Thank you for your kindness and for organising such beautiful event. You are strong and inspiring woman and yogi. It was magical!
Bianca and Victor
Heidi has such inspirational vibe, knowledgeable, sensitive, strong and sweet teachings altogether, motivational and kind, leading an authentic practice of devotion and love. Bali added to another unforgettable retreat experience with lots of new friends and memories for keeps. Hari Om.
Fernanda Huckle