When was the last time you took a whole week just for yourself?
Surrounded by bamboo forests and ricefields, I always thought that Bali is the prefect spot to 'find yourself' - the 'core' of your being. As a Pilates instructor I mean this literally (and you will feel it...), but as I've experienced myself over the years, we also need to reach for synergy between the mind and the body.
It is the Pilates that drives me, it is the Yoga that grounds me. It is the connection between the two that completes me.
Through daily Yoga and Pilates, through Ayurvedic knowledge and inspired by the people of Bali, Kishan and I hope to share this experience with you.
Welcome to Bali
Bali is one of these places that after you've been there once, you may just want to stay forever - or at least find a reason to come back, like a Pilates or Yoga retreat ;-). Maybe its Bali’s tropical beauty, maybe the friendly people, the laid-back lifestyle, or maybe even the influence of the gods and spirits that live in this place.
Bali goes under many names. Some call it the ‘island of the gods’, others Shangri-La. The ‘last paradise’, and the ‘center of the universe’ are more names attributed to this truly beautiful island paradise, inhabited by a remarkably artistic people who have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies.
Ubud
Set amidst jungle forests and deep river gorges Ubud is around two- to three hundred meters above sea level and surrounded by rice fields, which makes it noticeably cooler than then other tourist destinations in Bali. From the International Airport in Denpasar you will reach Ubud in around 1.5 hrs. In June the climate will be warm and pleasant and airconditioning might not necessarily be needed.
Ubud caters to an eclectic crowd of active open-minded people and has become somewhat of a center for those seeking spirituality and a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of dining options for vegans and vegetarians. Many pioneers of a truly sustainable 'green life', such as the Green School or the Bali Permaculture Centre are situated in or around Ubud and show us inspiring and better ways to live.
The Yoga Barn
The Yoga Barn is an indigenous, rustic, spiritual space dedicated entirely to Yoga, Movement and Healing, for the sole purpose of bringing together Community. In close collaboration with Balispirit (hosts to the fantastic Bali Spirit Festival), The Yoga Barn is a center for bringing together people from all over the world. I am extremely happy to call The Yoga Barn my hosting center for this retreat as its beautiful open-air studio and cheerful family atmosphere perfectly embodies the overall spirit of our retreat's motto to 'get to the core'.
