BALI BHAKTI: yoga + surf escape with amy + mike
desa seni • canggu, bali • july 24 - 30, 2016
photo cred: quicksilver
Let the magic of Bali change your life. Join Amy and Mike for a week in paradise at Desa Seni, one of the world’s most incredible yoga destinations. Learn how to ride the waves – both on and off your mat – with twice-daily yoga classes in a gorgeous open air studio and a surf lesson at beautiful Echo Beach. Experience the bliss of salt water pools, delicious meals fresh from the organic gardens of Desa Seni, new friends, personal development work, tons of yoga, meditation, time to explore and optional excursions like bike tours, volcano hikes and more. Treat yourself to a once in a lifetime adventure to Bali and get the magic vibes flowing this summer. #balibhakti
THE SPOT
Bali provides an extraordinary setting to all who are dedicated to the path of yoga and conscious living. We've chosen to host this retreat at Desa Seni, an eco village resort that provides an extraordinarily tranquil and natural setting in the middle of one of Bali's hippest neighborhoods, supporting a deeply healing and unforgettable travel experience. Nearby Echo Beach offers great waves to both beginner and advanced surfers, the beautiful coastline dotted with temples, shops and outdoor cafes, perfect for catching an island sunset.
DESA SENI
Desa Seni offers unique accommodations in a collection of fifteen original antique wood homes that have been imported from the many islands of Indonesia. Each house has its own individual history and has been completely and beautifully restored and refurbished. Desa Seni means art village and at Desa Seni, you will live amidst original artifacts and antiques reflecting true Indonesian culture and heritage. Desa Seni supports and strives for an eco-green, sustainable community. The resort is built with recycled, repurposed, or sustainable products from local sources. 40% of the land at Desa Seni is set aside for organic farming, enabling Desa Seni to produce about 80% of the fresh fruits and vegetables served at their restaurant. Read more about the Desa Seni food experience here. Desa Seni supports the local economy and only works with local farmers and businesses, upholding the true tenets of community.
SINGLE - $2100 (one person in a house) price includes all yoga, accommodations, airport pickup, surf lesson, 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
DOUBLE - $1700 per person (two people sharing a house) price includes all yoga, accommodations, airport pickup, surf lesson, 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners for each person.
TRIPLE - $1400 per person (three amigos sharing a house) price includes all yoga, accommodations, airport pickup, surf lesson, 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners for each amigo.
BALI BHAKTI retreat price includes:
6 nights accommodation at the incredible Desa Seni Village Resort
Twice daily yoga classes in stunning Balinese open-air yoga pavilion
Workshop style classes with pose breakdowns and one-on-one attention
Daily fresh and healthy breakfast with fresh juices
Five delicious group dinners made fresh from Desa Seni’s organic gardens
Half day trip to surfer’s paradise Echo Beach with optional surf lesson
Balinese chakra healing ceremony
Airport pick up
Plenty of time for you to soak up the Bali vibes
Options to add on excursions and sight seeing
New friends and amazing adventures!
Retreat rate does not include:
Airfare to/from Bali
Airport drop-off
Massages or additional excursions
Alcoholic drinks and café purchases
The retreat schedule includes some free time for you to explore Bali and soak up the local culture.Go on an adventure, take a day trip to the lush coastline in Uluwatu or spend an afternoon to explore Ubud's shops and rice fields. Stay local and catch a sunset cocktail at Old Man’s or dive into the hustle and bustle of Seminyak – it’s all totally up to you. If you wanted to skip yoga and get a massage instead - perfect. Or surf every morning, or try a cooking class or simply spend your day at the saltwater pool enjoying the quiet, restorative atmosphere of this healing retreat space. Do as little or as much as you please. Everything can be arranged through our hosts at Desa Seni.
After the retreat? Consider staying a few extra days to spend time in Bali's cultural hub Ubud or even take a fast boat out to Nusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands. Treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime.
If you're traveling with friends and would like to be placed with a roommate, please let us know and we'll do our absolute best to pair you up! Email amyyoga@me.com with roommate info.
Know you want to come but can't commit the full amount right now? Put a $500 deposit down (non-refundable) to secure your spot!
Q&A
Where is Bali?
Bali is an island and province in Indonesia, in Southeast Asia.
How do I get to Bali?
Book a flight into DPS (Denpasar Airport) Qatar offers flights from Miami to DPS that has one layover, but many other airlines can get you to Bali as well!
How do I get to Desa Seni?
We will organize airport pick-up, so a driver will meet you at DPS airport to whisk you away to our village resort – keep a look out for the sign with your name on it!
When should I fly in and fly out?
We will kick off the retreat at 4pm on Sunday, July 24th so ideally plan to arrive during on Saturday to give yourself a day to adjust, but if you get in Sunday that's great too. If you would like to arrive earlier, you can arrange an extra night (or two) at Desa Seni. We wrap up on the evening of the 29th with a group dinner so you can fly out on July 30th or after. There will be an optional class on the morning of July 30th for those staying after. You can also arrange to stay at Desa Seni for after the retreat is over or have yourself an adventure and plan to spend a few nights in Ubud, Seminyak or Ululwatu to get the whole Bali experience!
Is there wifi there?
Yes, there is free wifi throughout the Desa Seni property – and all over the rest of Bali.
Can I drink the water?
There is filtered water almost everywhere in the island so you are in the clear, and there is no shortage of fresh coconuts to drink out of too!
What if I’ve never surfed before?
Then you’re in good hands! We’ll show you the ropes of getting on the board and and our experienced guides will make you feel safe and secure the whole time. Old Man's is a great break for beginners so you’ll be riding the waves in no time.
What if I’ve never done yoga before?
You’re also in luck! Amy and Mike both teach a mixed level class, so there will be options for all sorts of practitioners. The beauty of retreat classes is that they offer more time to break down poses and explain things, so chances are that everyone will be learning something, no matter what level they are!
What kind of yoga is it?
Amy and Mike both teach a multi-level vinyasa flow style class, which is a breath-based movement system set to great music and woven together with a inspiring message.
What if I’m gluten-free/low-carb/celiac/raw vegan/sugar-free?
You’re in good company. Bali is on the cutting edge of cuisine and they have incredible food options that can fit your lifestyle. Feel free to email us with special needs and we will make sure you’re accommodated.
Do they have massages?
YES! Bali is known for their amazing (and inexpensive) massages. Desa Seni’s signature spa has a menu of divine treatments – and they have generously offered us 20% off spa treatments that are booked in advance. I can attest that this was one of the best massages of my life so we highly recommend contacting Desa Seni so you can pre-book to secure your spot and get the discount!
What should I bring?
Bring yoga clothes, a swimsuit or two, a rashguard or top if you’d like to surf, along with shorts, tank tops and a lightweight jacket or hoodie since the temperature can drop a few degrees at night (July is winter in Bali, evenings can hover around 70 degrees). Some other things we recommend bringing are a camera, hat, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray and anything you love from the states, since imported items can be more expensive in Bali.
What’s the weather like?
Bali is close to the equator, so the climate is relatively stable year round – warm and sunny with low humidity. Rainy season is from December to March so we will be there during one of the best months of the year.
Do I need to get a visa? What about shots?
You’ll get a visa upon arrival into DPS airport (at no cost to US citizens!) You don’t need any special shots or medications for a trip to Bali but it is nice to bring some anti-diarrheal medicine as well as motion sickness medicine just in case you get a touch of Bali belly.
Do I need to bring a yoga mat?
Desa Seni has mats and props available to use but if you love your personal mat, we say bring it! Amy brings her mat every time.
THE YOGA TEACHERS
AMY: A leader in the Miami yoga community, Amy teaches dynamic and creative classes set to great music and layered with spirituality - drawing inspiration from her personal practice and frequent travels. Outside of the classroom, she is known as a community activator, blogger and yoga event producer. Amy sits on the Green Monkey yoga teacher training faculty and leads innovative yoga workshops and events throughout South Florida.
MIKE: a yogi, surfer, tech entrepreneur and a Blissology-inspired yoga teacher, Mike teaches yoga classes that combine his love for movement and laughter with questions that push the boundaries of our conscious awareness, all threaded together with Mike's signature sense of humor. Mike has battled addiction, depression and suicide and shares vulnerably about this experiences and loves to connect with others who are seeking growth.
Amy and Mike travel to Bali annually and consider the island their second home - Desa Seni is one of our favorite destinations and we are STOKED to share a Bali adventure with you!
ABOUT BALI
Bali is magical. As probably the most famous island in Indonesia, Bali blends spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and breathtaking resorts.
Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, its arts and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting night life. For this exotic island has much to offer, from inspirational spirituality to fine dining and meeting experiences, from world class surfing and diving to exhilarating treks in the wild. And everywhere you will find intricately carved temples - the Balinese, who embrace the Hindu religion, are a most devout people where a large part of their lives is dedicated to rites and ceremonies aimed at maintaining harmony in this world. Indeed, this relatively small island holds many surprises. This is a miraculous island indeed, for after decades of popularity, Bali continues to amaze both local and international visitors alike. Here gather a variety of visitors from around the globe: from those who come to surf the waves of Kuta, Uluwatu and Dreamland to others who love the panoramic beauty of mountains and lakes at Mount Batur or Kintamani to those who merely love shopping or spend endless days on the beach.
