April 27th to May 9th, 2014
Our 12-day and 12-night retreat combines the best of Bali in order to bring out the best in you! We have carefully hand-selected our locations around Bali to reflect the different facets of this island and its energy: a classic beachside resort, a mountain retreat in the clouds, a secluded seaside getaway, and a rice paddy refuge in the cultural heart of the island. You’ll experience more of the island than most tourists ever do, without ever feeling rushed or hurried.
Our Yoga Retreat Philosophy
We change the oil in our cars, dry clean our clothes, we even season our cast iron pans. We take the time to care for and maintain the integrity of our possessions, but so often we fail to nourish ourselves with the same dedication and regularity. You’ve heard flight attendants tell you to put on your own oxygen masks before helping others, right? Life’s like that. How can we approach our lives and loved ones with patience & compassion when our reserves are so low?
Our yoga & wellness retreats in Bali allow you the time and tools to re-energize your mind, body & spirit. Sometimes in our daily lives we find ourselves wearing blinders to the bigger picture, without realizing how narrow our field of vision actually is. Our storylines unfold (or tangle!) the same way every day, it seems. It is precisely then that taking the time to retreat is crucial for your wellbeing. Not only is a change of scenery and routine beneficial, but you also have access to professionals who can equip you with knowledge and skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Our retreats, however, are what you make of them.
If you want to take every single class offered, from yoga to nutrition to cooking, that’s an option. If you want to hike from sun up to sun down, we can make that happen! However, if you choose to linger by the beach and pool and take classes when you feel moved to, that is also an option. Our intent is not to take you from the frying pan to the fire in terms of how busy or obligated you feel. Although we have a hearty and engaging itinerary, you experience these retreats at your own pace.
All the information you need is below in these informational tabs. To navigate between the tabs, please click on the red titles on the left hand side of the box.
[wptabs mode=”vertical”] [wptabtitle] I Want to Go![/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Want to go with us? We want you to come with us, too! But we are only taking up to 12 guests, so you have to act fast. Here’s how you can make this happen:
1. Send Lauren an email at Lauren@InsightTravels.com and tell us that you’re interested! You can also leave a message at 941-363-1065; as we are most likely on Asia time, we will call you back as soon as we possibly can. We’ll also address any questions you may have about the trip. We will send you a contract that you will return with your deposit.
2. Fully reserve your spot by paying the deposit of $800 and returning the contract. We accept checks (made out to “Insight Travels, LLC”) and we’re now accepting credit card payments via PayPal. You can find the form below.
3. You’re in! Now you need a plane ticket to Bali; we’ll help you with details about flights to Denpasar International Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport).
[/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] About Randall Buskirk[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent] About Your Yoga Guide 
Randall Buskirk, RYT200, grew up in Kentucky, where he practiced enough magic tricks to learn the secret of making illusions real—it’s all about attention and where you place it. He put much of his attention on Karate and Tai Chi, playing the guitar, and learning about stories. Years later, he discovered yoga and its stories and realized the source of that creative desire was as palpable and simple as the breath. From the breath, all life’s magic flows.
Despite a degree in English, he still enjoys reading, and despite no trace of a southern accent, still hopes to write a great country song someday. Randall lives in Sarasota, FL and has been known to pull out his guitar during yoga classes from time to time.[/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] Yoga in Bali[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Your Daily Yoga Schedule in Bali
You’ll enjoy two yoga classes on every full day of the trip. Randall’s classes are designed to meet you where you are (and where you want to be!) using empowering alignment principles for safety, balance, and well-being. [/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] Daily Itinerary[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Your Daily Bali Yoga Retreat Itinerary
April 27 ~ We’ll pick you up at the airport in Denpasar (Ngurah Rai International Airport) when you arrive in the afternoon or evening. You’ll enjoy a restful night at a beachfront resort on the south shore of Bali in Sanur.
April 28 ~ [Sanur] Wake up to one of the most expansive and delicious breakfast buffets imaginable. We’ll have a brief orientation and introduction in order to fully maximize your time in Bali with us! Our yoga facility here is about 200 meters up the beach in a gorgeous, 2-story, all bamboo structure.
April 29 ~ [Sanur to Munduk] After morning yoga & breakfast, relax on the beach or poolside. After lunch, we’ll drive to our next destination, the mountain town of Munduk. Along the way we’ll visit a picturesque waterfall, as we drive through the hydrangea farms. You’re sure to love our next accommodation; a working coffee plantation, you can take a tour of the grounds and see all of the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and yes, coffee, growing on the mountain side.
April 30 ~ [Munduk] This place has relaxation written all over it. Not only will you have access to the most picturesque infinity pool imaginable, but the hot tub also looks out toward the west. On a clear day you can see the mountains on the island of Java!
May 1 ~ [Munduk] This is a great location to choose from many optional activities. Our lodging has horses available for riding, in addition to free usage of their tennis & badminton court. Trekking is popular in this area; you can walk to the rim of a dormant volcano, or even hike to the bottom to the beautful lake below.
May 2 ~ [Munduk to Tejakula] After breakfast we’ll make our way to the north coast of Bali, to the town of Tejakula. Our bungalows are directly on the Bali Sea, on a narrow strip of black sand beach. Enjoy healthy, fresh, local food from the buffet. There are plenty of optional activities that you can choose from, if you’re interested, including snorkeling, diving, and sunrise outrigger boat trips (where you may encounter some dolphins!)
May 3 ~ [Tejakula] Today you have the option to take a cultural tour around Tejakula. We also have the option to take a free shuttle to the mountain/jungle annex of this resort to explore their gardens and grounds.
May 4 ~ [Tejakula] In addition to yoga and wellness classes, you have many options today. Relax by the pool or in one of the shaded sea-side platforms, or take a walk along the coast and engage with the locals.
May 5 ~ [Tejakula to Ubud] After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Ubud. On the way we’ll stop at a delightful botanical garden (unlike any you’ve experienced before–the orchids are outside but the cactuses are protected inside!) We’ll also stop at a famous lake temple along the way. We’ll head to our accommodation in Ubud that boasts 3 beautiful swimming pools.
May 6 ~ [Ubud] Situated among postcard-perfect rice paddies, our last location has a stellar spot for your yoga practice. We are close to the main road in Ubud, great for shopping & restaurants. Optional day trips from Ubud include hiking to the top of the volcano Mt Batur for sunrise, or biking downhill from the mountains. You can also schedule a visit with a local Balinese healer. If you’re in the mood, Ubud has some great art museums, too!
May 7 ~ [Ubud] Lunch today will be a real treat; after a stunning 20 minute walk through rice paddies and countryside, we arrive at a restaurant that uses local, organic ingredients. We love this spot! Ubud is considered the spiritual and cultural center of Bali and we can see many dance & musical performances–we’ll catch one tonight!
May 8 ~ [Ubud] You’re not limited to Ubud for your optional trips. Many side trips are available, including flying to see Borobodur on Java. Shopping, relaxing or other day trips are possible. In fact, Ubud is a shopping mecca, for clothes and jewelry to furniture & artifacts. Feel like redecorating? You’re in the right place.
May 9 ~ [Ubud to home] Flights usually leave Bali in the afternoon, so that leaves the morning for final exploration or resting and bidding Bali farewell–for now![/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] Price[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]All-Inclusive makes it easy for you! Included in your yoga & wellness retreat package is the following: travel insurance; all lodging; all meals; all the water, tea, and coffee your heart desires; all transportation on Bali; one 90 minute massage; daily yoga & meditation classes; wellness consultations on nutrition & supplements with Lauren, board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine; and several cultural excursions, including performances, entrance fees to Bali Botanic Garden, Jatiluwih rice fields, and Pura Bratan lake temple. We also provide a dedicated guest phone for international calls home. If you’re interested in taking advantage of Bali’s world famous shopping, BJ can help you with his decade of experience as a wholesaler.
The all-inclusive price for this trip is $3250, based on double-occupancy rooms. If you wish to have your own private accommodation, there is an additional $650 single supplement in order to provide you with your own room. If you wish to join in a double-occupancy room but don’t have a roommate, please contact Lauren and we will do our best to match you with a suitable partner who is also looking for a roommate.
Guests are responsible for plane fare to and from Bali, $25 Indonesian visa-on-arrival, any additional beverages (alcohol, soft drinks, specialty beverages), souvenirs, and extra excursions/optional activities.[/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] Video Itinerary[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
[/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] Optional Activities[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Optional activities in Bali
We’ve included in the price activities we think everyone will enjoy. However, there is plenty more to make your time in Bali either more exhilarating or more relaxing! Here is an example list of extra activities by town; we’ve included prices when they are available. Please note that these amounts are approximate, based on 2013 prices.
TEJAKULA::
~Sunrise boat excursion on traditional outrigger fishing boat. Spotting dolphins is common as is a spectacular sunrise. $25 for 2 hours.
~Various beautiful diving sites along the north coast of Bali. Prices vary based on itinerary. Let us know if you’re interested in diving.
~Spend the day in the pool and grounds of the hotel’s jungle/mountain location. Free of charge.
MUNDUK::
~Horseback riding (from 45 minutes to a full day of rainforest exploration on horseback).
~Canoeing on Lake Tamblingan (2 hours to a full day).
~Downhill hike from rim of volcano to Lake Tamblingan.
UBUD::
~Downhill Cycling Tour (8-3 pm) $36 Breakfast overlooking volcanic lake and crater of Mt. Batur.
~Visit coffee, spice & fruit plantation and try Luwak coffee.
~Visit a temple and a family house/compound. Organic buffet lunch in the village.
~Climb Mt. Batur for sunrise. ~$100 Drive to start at 2am, back in Ubud by around 10:30am. Lonely Planet recently ranked it as the 2nd best sunrise in the world.
~Day-trip to Borobodur Buddhist site and Prabanan Temple (Hindu site) on the neighboring island of Java (by plane). This full day (4:30am – 11:30pm) excursion will cost $250 (price based on at least two participants.)
~Shopping trip for furniture/artifacts. $50 includes private transport and lunch. BJ will take you to places to look at furnishings for your home. Shipping & customs can be arranged (reasonable cost but takes ~2 months). You can furnish your whole house for the same cost as furnishing one room at a furniture store in the USA. (Note that the cost is only for transportation and lunch; BJ’s advice is complimentary!)
~Balinese/Indonesian cooking class. Includes trip to market. With an accomplished chef who speaks English very well, this is sure to be a good class as he may be one of the best traditional cooks on the island. Price/time to be announced. Please let us know if you’re interested.
~Visit a local Balinese healer/shaman.[/wptabcontent] [/wptabs]
Bali Yoga Retreat Photo Album
Click on a picture for the larger, higher resolution photo. Once inside the album, you can click through using your arrow keys! [fbalbum url=”https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.542987835773178.1073741838.283779085027389&type=1″]