Yoga, Nature & Balinese Culture Retreat

Spend five days in the remote beauty of West Bali with Nicky Sudianta, returning to his home village of Balian for an intimate immersion in traditional yoga and Balinese culture at the tropical hideaway of Desa Cabins. With more than 20 years of yoga experience in Bali, Nicky will guide you through a deeply restorative journey that weaves together traditional rituals and water ceremonies, hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra, singing bowl practice, and yoga nidra. This retreat is open to both complete beginners and experienced practitioners.

Create space to nourish your inner world, open your heart, and connect with the wisdom Bali has to offer.

Set in a truly unique location just 2 kilometres west of Balian Beach, this retreat evokes desert island calm, with long stretches of clean beach and sunsets over Java. Surrounded by ricefields, a coconut grove, and the ocean, it offers the ideal setting for a 5 day / 4 night escape devoted to nature, renewal, and the spirit of yoga.

Practice may take place in the joglo, the Balian Spirit Yoga shala, on the grass, in the coconut grove, or on the beach. Wherever the day leads, the sounds of the ocean and the gentle waves create a peaceful backdrop for rest and release. This is an invitation to reset and welcome positive energy, while taking part in meaningful Balinese traditions such as the Melukat purification ceremony at the local water temple. A candle release ritual on the banks of the Balian River adds another memorable moment as you set intentions and let go.

Balian Beach offers a quieter side of Bali, far from the busier tourist areas. Known as “healer,” Balian reflects the atmosphere of old Bali: simple, sacred, and spiritual. With no heavy traffic, one main street, the Balian River, a surf beach, small mini mart, night market, and local warungs overlooking the Indian Ocean, it is a place to slow down and sink into nature’s rhythm. Please note that the retreat venue is 2km from Balian Beach main street; it can be reached by a 45-minute beach walk, or by scooter or arranged transport. Retreat activities will take place in the village once during the stay.

The program begins at 4pm on Monday 15 July and ends at 11am on Friday 19 July. A glimpse of what is included:

• Welcome gift
• Meals and accommodation
• Daily yoga, mostly twice a day, including asana, pranayama, and meditation
• Opening circle and Balinese blessing
• Mandala creation
• Making Balinese offerings with local village women
• Balinese purification ceremony in a local temple
• Intention setting and letting go ceremony with fire and candle
• Village exploration in Balian and/or night market visit with Nicky
• Healing singing bowl meditations and yoga nidra
• Introduction to mantra practice
• Use of yoga mats
• Free time to rest, book a massage, and unwind
• Additional unique inclusions

CATERING - caring for your body through food
Food is an essential part of the retreat experience, and the menu is designed to provide high-quality nourishment throughout your stay. Expect healthy, energising organic vegetarian Indovedic meals curated by Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Sujatha and her team from Amrtasiddhi and Dapur Usada in Ubud. Mornings begin lightly so as not to weigh down practice, with a nourishing brunch and dinner served daily, plus morning and afternoon snacks and drinks. Dietary needs will be catered for.

ACCOMMODATION
Guests have private use of the six-room Desa Cabins facility, a collection of beautiful A-frame structures built in 2023. Because the property is boutique and small, accommodation also extends to Villa Miru, a 2-bedroom villa and a 1-bedroom tiny home studio located one minute away. Please note that all beds are king-size and cannot be split into singles. Shared bookings are welcome for friends comfortable sharing a bed. Villa Miru features super king-size beds.

DESA CABINS offers six carefully designed timber cabins overlooking tropical gardens, the pool, ricefields, coconut grove, and ocean. With air conditioning, a king-size bed, mosquito net, high-quality mattress and bedding, kitchenette, open-air ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, organic toiletries, yoga mats, private deck with seating, room safe, and fast wifi, it is barefoot luxury at its best.

VILLA MIRU
Villa Miru is beautifully designed, with two traditional teak Gladeks transformed into elegant bedrooms with super king-size beds and luxury linen, plus air-conditioned living and bedroom spaces. Created with Western tastes in mind, it also includes a private gym, outdoor spa, pool, kitchen, and two motorbikes for use. The open-plan living area includes a sofa space and a large teak dining table, while the fully equipped kitchen is available for meal preparation alongside the retreat chefs, mainly during yoga sessions or activities before meals.

Outside, you can enjoy the infinity pool with ocean views or relax on the sofas while taking in the scenery. The gardens feature rare plants and species, and outdoor showers and bathrooms are also available.

INCLUSIONS
Twice daily meals plus morning and afternoon snacks
4 nights accommodation
Daily yoga / meditation, usually twice daily, and mats
Retreat activities outlined in the program

EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Travel insurance, highly encouraged as an act of self-care
Transport to and from the airport
Additional food and beverages not included in the group catering

INVESTMENT
Pre-Public Release (closes Sunday 25 Feb)
$1,550 AUD per person - Shared Room with a Friend (king-size bed, not splittable)
$1,895 AUD per person - Private Room
Regular Rate
$1,650 AUD per person - Shared Room with a Friend (king-size bed, not splittable)
$1,995 AUD per person - Private Room
All bookings are secured with a $500 deposit, with the balance due within 21 days of booking.