Updated on 26/06/2018
There must be something special about Bali that draws numerous travellers here in search of spiritual retreats and activities. Is it the island’s paradisiacal beauty and tranquil serenity? Or the unexplainable and intangible “positive vibes” of this place and its people? Your guess is as good as ours. To get the best out of the meditation experience, we have asked around the office for some tips. And it turns out that there are more things we should consider before embarking on the meditation journey.
1. Meditation techniques
There are many different types of meditation, and understanding what they are can help in choosing the right retreat and activity. Check out Mindworks’ article to see which meditation techniques work the best for you.
2. Why do you want to meditate?
Meditation is a personal and unique experience for everyone. It is important to understand your why(s) before you commit to a meditation retreat. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to decide which retreat is right for you.
- Why do you want to sit in silence listening to your thoughts for an extended amount of time?
- How much time do you have?
- What type of retreat are you after?
- What are you expecting to take away?
Now that you are clear on what you want to achieve, we have a list of meditation retreats in Ubud that you should definitely check out!
Bali Silent Retreat
Too busy to take a break? Here’s when you need to draw the line – break off from your hectic lifestyle, and retreat to an environment that promotes serenity and relaxation. Bali Silent Retreat may just be your cup of tea; this hidden gem is nestled away amidst the expansive rice fields and dense jungles of west Bali.
They offer everything with meditation, yoga asanas, prayer and restful contemplation – in silence. The flexibility of the program will suit time-pressed individuals. Stay a handful of days if a short getaway is what you can afford for the moment. If a long break is what you seek, make time to stay for a couple of weeks or more. On top of yoga and meditation, activities listed in the program also include excursions and spiritual ceremonies like Agnihotra Healing Fire Ceremony. There are some activities not covered in the DayPass but are still interesting to check out.
Location: Br. Mongan, Desa Penatahan, Kec. Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud Yoga House
Tucked away in a secluded location, it takes a ten minutes’ walk from the main road to arrive at Ubud Yoga House. The walk is scenic and meditative, which will help to still busy minds before a yoga or meditation class.
The teacher and owner of Ubud Yoga House, Sheila Burch, has extensive experience in this field. She has trained directly with Jon Kabat-Zinn, who started Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Centre (MBSR). Sheila also thought through every detail of this retreat to ensure a great experience for everyone. They offer Sound Meditation on Monday from 6:00-7:00 and Mindfulness Meditation on Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 pm. Discount passes are available from Rp. 150,000 to Rp. 1,500,000.
Location: Jl. Subak Sokwayah, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Contact: +62 821-4418-1058
Jiwa Damai Bali
The pretty and picturesque setting at Jiwa Damai Bali sets the stage for a calming retreat. A total of six Balinese guest rooms and two traditional lumbungs provide accommodation for travellers keen on an immersive experience.
Visitors residing here will start and end off each day on the right note. A morning yoga session will give your body the invigorating workout it needs. Then, a heart meditation helps to round out the evening on a relaxing note. You’ll also have ample opportunities to participate in seminars and workshops conducted by local and international participants. When it comes to food, expect nothing less than tucking into plates filled with wholesome vegetarian fare.
Location: Jalan Melati 3, Banjar Bindu, Mambal, Ubud, Bali 80352, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 8988384
Bagus Jati
A yoga and meditation retreat at Bagus Jati comes with a touch of luxury. Apart from daily yoga sessions, retreat packages include perks such as private yoga classes, ayurvedic treatments, additional indoor and outdoor activities. You can also get full access to all facilities on-site, like the gym, pool, jacuzzi and herbal steam bath.
Two enviable pavilions – one accommodates a total of thirty, while the other has a maximum capacity of ten – overlook a luxuriant forest. Set yourself gently on the mat, palms placed lightly above the knee, and let the soft voice of the instructor guide your mind into a meditative state. The zen-like setting of this plush retreat makes sinking into relaxation an easy and breezy affair.
Location: Banjar Jati Desa Sebatu Kecamatan Tegallalang Ubud Gianyar Bali, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 901888
Anand Ashram
If what you seek is less of a holiday and more of an immersive retreat, a stay at Anand Ashram may be your cup of tea. Individuals residing here are to adhere to the ashram discipline – a set of guidelines on how pilgrims and spiritual travellers should conduct themselves during their stay. The daily schedule starts from 6:00 AM and ends at 10:00 PM. You will go through a variety of activities ranging from chanting, yoga and meditation sessions, to fire ceremonies, kirtan sessions and spiritual dialogues.
Location: Jalan Sriwedari (3 km from Ubud Main Street, 600 meters from Tegal Lantang Temple)
Contact: +62 822-3709-4865 | +62 818-350-712
Yoga Barn
If you’re in Ubud for a brief stay, and have no plans to venture beyond the central areas of the town, it may be worth making a stop by at Yoga Barn. This renowned retreat needs little introduction – all aspects of the centre, ranging from yoga classes and retreats, to the salubrious Garden Kafe and holistic healing centre, are coveted by many. If what you’re looking for is a highly-personalised meditation class with few other practitioners, Yoga Barn’s large class sizes will not appeal to you. However, its prime location in central Ubud makes it convenient to drop by for a session or two. If you want to discover more about the practice of meditation, here’s the place to be.
Location: Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 971236
Want to stay in Ubud? Check out our best villas in Ubud. If you want to have a private yoga session at the villa, check it out here.
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