FloYo Travels: Bali Retreat 2023
It’s happening. It’s really happening! Three years after our original Bali retreat dates, we are going to BALI! Be prepared — this Bali retreat is going to be beyond spectacular.
Between the tropical weather, exotic surroundings and a timeless culture that nourish spirituality and mindfulness; there is simply no better place to visit than the island of Bali. Plus, Bali and FloYo have a bit of a history…
Did you know that in 2010, FloYo Founder Jessie Benson visited Bali and the Gili Islands for the first time and discovered SUP for the first time? It was on Gili T. that Jessie first saw someone standup paddle boarding and this is also where she fell in love with the peace and serenity that come along with SUP. So, of course this Bali retreat will be extra special as we celebrate 13 years since the creation of FloYo!
What makes this retreat different than the hundreds of other yoga retreats that take place on Bali every year? For us, it is all about the people and the culture!
Balinese hospitality is at the core of the island’s charm, in fact, I’d go as far as saying that Bali’s people are the country’s heart and soul. On this Bali retreat, you’ll get to mingle with locals that are as friendly as they are spiritual and inspiring. We will visit my friend Nyoman’s home and cycle through his village stopping at a local school to visit with the kids and do a service project with them. We will spend a day on my friend Wayan’s farm learning about organic farming techniques and cooking fresh farm to table Balinese cuisine. These are just two of many first-hand experiences that you will have with the locals during our nine days together. Their way of life is coloured by daily rituals and festivities and getting to know the islanders on a more personal level is what makes this Bali retreat special.
More unique than its beaches, it’s natural beauty and even its temples is Bali’s culture! Culture marks the pace of life, sets the natural rhythm and inspires the way things are done. Everything revolves around ancient rituals, long-held beliefs and frequent festivities. With fruit offerings, decorated shrines and spiritual dances, you’ll fully get to submerge yourself in the island’s fascinating culture. To me, this is what travel is all about!
We look forward to guiding you on this unforgettable FloYo Travels adventure!
Cost:
$3,650 for shared accommodation*
$700 non-refundable deposit due to hold your spot on this retreat.
*Don’t want a roommate? We do have a few single rooms available, for an additional $750.
**ALL payments are non-refundable.
How to get there:
Fly into Denpasar International Airport (DPS)
When:
March 25-April 2, 2023
(We recommend arriving into Bali a few days early in case of required quarantine/to get acclimated to time zone, etc)
Where:
We will visit three different locations on this Bali retreat. We will start with three nights in the center of Bali, Ubud at the Gaia Retreat Center. Then we will take a ferry to Gili Trawangan- part of the chain of three “Gili Islands” — here we will stay at a luxury beach front villa. Next, we will end our time together with two nights at MU-Bali in the Bingin Beach area.
What the trip includes:
- 8 nights of shared accommodation
- all activities and excursions
- daily yoga and fitness classes
- most daily meals (a few lunches and/or dinners are not included so that you are able to experience some of Bali’s incredible restaurant scene!
- 2 SUP outings
- all transportation once the retreat begins (this does not include transport to and from the airport, although we will be helping you coordinate this!)
Does Not Include:
- flights to Bali
- tips
- drinks other than water
- meals not included on the itinerary
- additional activities/spa services
About our Accommodation:
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Gaia Bali Retreat Center is nestled in the heart of terraced rice fields located in the creative mecca of Ubud — the most desirable location in Bali and voted the friendliest town in Asia.
The view from the villa is quintessential Bali. Think swaying palm trees, therapeutic breeze, beautifully landscaped rice terraces and wind chimes singing away.
The grand entrance opens up to marble and teak wood that has eight bedrooms, on-site massage room, far infrared sauna, hot tub jacuzzi and semi open dining area overlooking the rice terraces of Bali.Our private beautiful chlorine-free pool and sun-loungers are positioned to view and soothe, the body and mind.
This Bali retreat center location is ideally located just outside of the town center, meaning you can take a leisurely 15 minute stroll to the town center of Ubud and discover a vast array of markets, plant-based restaurants, Balinese local warungs (kitchens) and a plethora of spas and yoga studios.
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Facing the magical Coral Beach that lies on the glorious west coast of Gili Trawangan, you will find Coral Flora Villa: an exclusive luxury beachfront villa complete with it’s own swimming pool and private beach where you can enjoy the best snorkeling point on the island and incredible sunsets. The beautiful villa sits in a garden surrounded by tall shady pine trees, this property is a true oasis of calm. Be ready for a true physical and mental detox on this magical island.
We have six rooms in this villa. On the ground floor are two bedrooms, each with a king size bed and a single bed. On the upper floor are two rooms with large open air bathrooms and a wide terrace with a beautiful view of the sea. All the rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
In the back of the house is a separate apartment with another private pool and two king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The open air floor plan allows for uninterrupted views of the sea!
Coral Flora was designed with respect to the eco system of the island, using natural materials wherever possible such as recycled teak wood, bamboo and natural stone. All the water in the house is filtered giving you fresh drinking water, fresh water for your shower and in the swimming pool. A peaceful spot that is only a few minutes away from the busy centre of the island, easily accessible by foot, by bicycle, or by local “jidomo”: the picturesque horse drawn carriages that are the traditional transportation of the island.
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Our final stop is the breathtaking MU Resort. This will provide the perfect setting for you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of Mu Boutique Resort’s exclusive & secluded cliff top location, soak in the spectacular views, experience the ocean’s soothing qualities and end your dream Bali holiday!
Each bungalow is uniquely designed and styled with the same attention to details using eco-friendly and natural organic recycled materials. All are equipped with AC or Evening Breeze Climate System, fans, hot water, mosquito net, and private bathroom. Some include a traditional “Bale” outside for lounging and enjoying the views and magical sunsets.
These bungalow’s are shared rooms with 1 queen bed in each.
Itinerary
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Arrive into Bali International Airport and transport to Gaia Retreat Center in Ubud (we will be able to help coordinate your transportation from airport to Gaia). Take the afternoon to settle in and explore our beautiful new home away from home. We will have an evening yoga class to help ease sore muscles from the long flight and then after yoga we will have a group welcome dinner.
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Today will begin with an energizing yoga practice and fresh breakfast. After breakfast we will visit the Tirta Empul for a Holy Water Spring Cleanse ritual. In the afternoon we will visit a local organic farm for a tour and Balinese cooking class. The evening is free to explore Ubud.
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Our day will begin with a morning meditation + yoga practice followed by breakfast. Then we will head off for a bike tour and community service project. One of the best ways to see the winding roads and endless rice fields of Bali is by bicycle. This private tour will include lunch and a visit to a local village. In the evening we will attend a Kecak fire and trance dance performance.
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Our last morning in Ubud will be spent with a sunrise yoga and meditation session followed by breakfast. After breakfast we will depart Gaia & take the ferry to Gili T. When we arrive we will settle in to our gorgeous beachfront villa and have the option for an afternoon bike ride around the island. Tonight we will have a welcome beach BBQ + fire pit at our villa.
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This morning we will split into two groups and do a sunrise FloYo session and beach yoga. After breakfast we head out to snorkel with turtles- right in front of our villa! The afternoon and evening is free to explore or relax.
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After our morning breakfast we head out on a paddle adventure- paddling to Gili Meno (the neighboring island!). You will have time to walk around Gili Meno and then paddle back to have the afternoon free. Explore the island, swim in the sea, SUP surf, or simply relax at our beautiful home! Tonight we will have another bonfire and group dinner on our beach!
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This morning will begin with a beach workout, breakfast and ocean swim. Then we will hop on the ferry back to mainland Bali where we will arrive at our final destination- MU Bungalows. The afternoon and evening is free to explore the beautiful property and Bingin Beach area.
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Our morning begins with yoga and meditation and breakfast at MU. Then we head out for a tour of Uluwatu Temple. There may be an option to take a surf lesson this afternoon (not included) or go for a sunset paddle. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner and closing circle at MU.
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Sunrise meditation & yoga followed by breakfast. We will then check out of MU and head to the airport!
