I hadn’t done a ‘proper’ travelling trip for a long while, one that involves an uncomfortably long haul flight and embracing a new way of living, even if only for a few weeks. I travelled a lot in my twenties but being younger at the time much of my trips were soaked in boozy buckets and beach parties. I was not after that this time, no thank you. I needed a break and I needed to completely disconnect my mind and reconnect with my spirit. At first I thought the answer would be a retreat, before realising I couldn’t afford one. That put an end to that pretty quickly. I also wanted to have the freedom to travel around as I pleased so I decided to create my own…a DIY yoga and wellness retreat.
Bali was not first on my list, in fact it had crossed my mind at some point early in the list making process and had been quickly discarded. But it just kept coming back up and after further research and a gut feeling I decided to book my flights. For me there were a few key things I needed to make this trip special, retreat worthy and enable me to reach those travel highs (in a more spiritual, sober and ladylike manner than before) and it turned out Bali offered them all.
Yoga
This is yoga heaven, in fact it’s spiritual weird and wackiness heaven. There are notice board full of class offerings not just for stretching the body but also the mind. From classes to week long immersions, you are spoilt for choice. A lot of people, especially in Ubud were just hanging out there, dipping their toe into all the offerings as and when they fancied. I found that the quality of teaching across Bali was of such a high standard that coupled with the energy of the Island, each class was a complete delight for my body and spirit. I honestly felt high after pretty much every session. You can find out more about my yoga experience in these posts for Ubud and Seminyak/Canggu.
Healthy, radiant food
They do this well. I think every food intolerance or requirement is catered for somewhere here, even those after a blue steak and chips. Ubud in particular offered high quality and great range of delights you will struggle to stop eating, I really had to put the reins on after the first few days of overindulgence. I was completely in my element, the pizza may be gluten and dairy free but that doesn’t mean you need a second Hayley! My food delights and recommendations can be found here.
Hot weather
We went mid March and it was just coming out of rainy season. I wasn’t too worried about this and although I would say the first half of the holiday had a rain shower every day, I just felt it was part of the experience. In the final half of the holiday we really felt the weather change, the rain showers stopped and the heat became pretty bloody intense, it felt like being in a sauna some days.
Cultural differences
I love watching how others go about their days with different values, routines, ceremonies both religious and personal. How others operate in their different environment fascinates me and Bali offered an insight into such a wonderful world. While Indonesia is majority Muslim, you’ll notice from the abundance of temples lining every street corner that Bali celebrates (mostly) the Hindu religion. Hinduism has a dedicated practice, it’s impossible not to trample on the offering baskets (Canang Sari’s) that colourfully line the streets to show gratitude and ask for help from the Gods. The Temples are incredibly welcoming, you’ll find yourself being drawn in as you explore places like Ubud. If you are going further afield to Uluwatu or Tanah Lot be prepared for even more of a spectacle, along with a number of cheeky monkeys to make the trip even more interesting.
Sights to tantalize the eyes
There is so much beauty to be seen in Bali, the variety at times can be quite astounding. From rocky coves to lush green tea plantations. To see it all, well to see as much as possible, you will need your own transport or to hire a driver. Bali might only be a small Island but relying on public transport to get around would simply be a waste of your holiday time. From Uluwatu in the South to the inland Tampak Siring you’ll find yourself immersed in the colours and joy of Bali from your first day.
Clear waters and beautiful beaches
Bali is an Island, who knew?! And as such has quite a few beaches on offer. There are of course many secret coves you can hunt out that may offer you both the white sands and blue seas, but overall it’s unfortunate to say this isn’t Bali’s strongest point. I didn’t head too far south but apparently around Kuta there are some whiter sands and clearer seas for snorkelling, diving or even surfing. There are of course wonderful beaches for relaxing, beach bar hopping or just exploring and indulging in the epic sunset that commands your attention nightly.
