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Amidst the scenic landscapes of Bali, my quest for self-discovery unfolded at a serene yoga retreat.
As a yoga instructor who has trained for 200 hours, it has always been my dream to be a part of the vibrant yoga community in Bali. The island's lush landscapes, serene beaches, and tranquil atmosphere provide a perfect setting for deepening one's yoga practice. So, last October, I fulfilled that dream by attending a three-day yoga retreat at The Wakanda Resort in Ubud—the cultural heart of Bali. To say that it was a transformative experience would be an understatement; it was a profound journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. Upon my return, I eagerly recounted my experience to friends and family, who posed the question—"How did you prepare for the journey?" The question took me by surprise. I had anticipated discussing my stay at a luxurious eco-villa, newfound friendships, immersive yoga sessions, ice baths, soothing massages, and sattvic meals. Instead, I found myself talking about packing tips, the best time to visit, and most importantly, how I selected the perfect yoga retreat in Bali. Here is a personal guide to planning your Balinese yoga escape. Read on to discover how to create a truly enriching experience, from packing essentials to booking the retreat.
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Preparing for this yoga retreat proved to be no ordinary task. I began exploring the vast world of yoga retreats in Bali, taking note of each retreat that promised something unique from the rest. After a thorough search via websites, emails, phone calls, and guest reviews, I selected the three-day Soul Rebirth Yoga Retreat at The Wakanda Resort, near Ubud. The retreat offered a wide variety of experiences, ranging from yin yoga sessions, meditations, and healing massages to ice baths and wholesome meals, all within the tranquil embrace of eco-friendly accommodation. Beyond these offerings, I recognised the retreat's potential to foster connections with like-minded individuals from across the world. I secured my spot at the retreat for approximately Rs. 40,000. Later, I proceeded to book round-trip tickets to the retreat, which amounted to an additional Rs. 40,000. It is advisable to book your tickets at least three months in advance for optimal pricing. I learnt my lesson when I procured mine merely a week before departure!
Setting strong intentions before taking off on a yoga retreat, or any event, is something that is often overlooked. I recognised that this could be a potential stumbling block. So, I dedicated some time to reflecting on what I desired from this experience. This helped me to forge a deep connection with my inner strength and release stagnant emotions and energy. The power of intention manifested quickly when I noticed that my retreat's official description echoed the essence of connecting with our inner self and mastering emotional release. I took this as a sign from the universe that I had found my perfect retreat.
About a month before heading for the retreat, I focused my efforts towards elevating my yoga practice, both at home and in a local studio. I engaged in a sequence encompassing sitting and standing asanas (postures), followed by an hour-long practice of deep meditation. This routine helped me quieten my thoughts. In addition to this, it helped me align my intentions with the transformative journey I was about to undertake. Besides these practices, I embraced mindfulness in daily activities, such as eating meals without distractions and carefully chewing each morsel of food. This conscious approach allowed me to establish a stronger connection with the energy around me. As the date of my departure drew closer, I began to experience better flexibility, enhanced strength, and improved breath control. Now, I could finally say that I was ready for the trip.
Since I had opted to travel in October—when it is the dry season in Bali—I packed light, airy clothing. I ensured that my luggage contained the following essentials—five sets of co-ords and yoga wear, a yoga mat, a refillable water bottle, a book for leisure reading, my journal, three pairs of footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
A day before I departed for Bali, I checked all my travel documents, organised airport transfers, and confirmed my reservation with the staff at The Wakanda Resort. Further, I inquired about the estimated cost of airport transfer, which was around Rs. 3,000. Since I was travelling solo, I opted for their airport transfer service. However, if you are inclined towards local transportation, you can book one of the numerous taxis that wait outside the airport. Be sure to establish the fare with the taxi driver before embarking on your journey. On the day of my departure, I promptly booked my cab and reached the Mumbai Airport well ahead of time. While navigating through security, a mix of excitement and slight nervousness coursed through my veins. My travel logistics remained seamless, thanks to my diligent preparation beforehand. The flight departed for Hanoi, in Vietnam, at 11 pm. After a one-hour layover in Hanoi, I reached Denpasar Airport, in Bali, at around 7 am the following day. Overall, the entire journey took about 17 hours.
It took me around an hour to reach The Wakanda Resort, a stunning eco-resort nestled amidst swaying coconut palms and a patchwork of rice fields, near Ubud. The resort's enchanting private villas with thatched roofs—constructed using locally sourced materials—and earthy tones painted a dream-like scene. Before falling asleep that night, I consciously released all expectations and wholeheartedly welcomed the unknown. I understood that to truly experience the magic of this experience, I would need to completely surrender and set off on this journey with an open heart.
Throughout my stay at the Soul Rebirth Yoga Retreat, I wrote about every detail in my journal—from candlelight meditations, sharing circles, and breathwork to strolls through rice fields and walks to a nearby waterfall. This routine remained unaltered until I bid farewell to the yoga retreat and the resort. Perhaps the most profound impact that this experience had on me was the elevation of my consciousness. It was a shift within that I could tangibly perceive. To sum up my experience, I cannot emphasise enough on the importance of cultivating a prepared mindset before attending a yoga retreat. It will not only deepen your inner connection but also guide you towards making more deliberate life choices. I hope this insight will serve you well on your upcoming yoga retreat in Bali!
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