Bali: Mirror of Soul Retreat

“Bali belongs to the gods.”

An unforgettable 10-day journey into the sensuous and spiritual heart of Bali that few tourists ever experience.

Bali, with its splendid mysteries and opulent colors, awaits to project you straight into the empire of dreams.

Immerse yourself in the exquisite beauty of a culture devoted to harmony and the sacred in everyday life.

This retreat is designed for the traveler seeking an authentic and extraordinary experience of refined, old-world Bali, as well as its sumptuous island delights. The slow-travel pace will transport you into the center of your being, and into the embrace of the rich Balinese culture.

Our gifted local Balinese team includes artists, musicians, village leaders, spiritual guides, healers, and historians who share their knowledge in a practical way that can deeply inspire and uplift our own lives.

Imagine a place on earth where the unseen realm is experienced with all the vivid richness of reality…

We will delve under the surface into the powerful and elaborate culture that is unique to Bali, which offers a window into an entirely different paradigm of being.

We’ll experience two special areas of Bali.

Our retreat begins on the authentic and unspoiled North Coast of Bali

North Bali is still unspoiled and remote with its natural black volcanic beaches, the calm, clear waters of the Bali Sea, beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and exotic temples.

Immerse in the beauty of simple, natural Balinese village life, without glitz or shopping malls, while staying right by the sea in a beautiful, eco-luxury resort reserved exclusively for us. Stylish comfort, a charming local staff, and everything your heart could desire of tropical paradise close to nature.

North Bali is a place for restoration and spirituality; a place to let the soul renew itself, and regain power and inspiration.

Our retreat continues in vibrant Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.

Next, we’ll base right beside lively Ubud’s fascinating, cultural heart, surrounded by the exotic and sacred Monkey Forest in the tranquil little village of Nyuh Kunning.

There will be opportunity to explore Ubud with its fantastic shopping, arts and crafts, markets, great restaurants and traditional dance performances, and retreat back to our peaceful sanctuary for practice and rest.
We will also take some fascinating excursions into Bali’s authentic heartland from here.

Over the course of our retreat we’ll stay in two gorgeous, hidden-gem resorts that are locally owned, and devoted to preserving the heritage of Bali. Each with its own spa and open-air pavilion for yoga practice.

Creative, natural gourmet cuisine is a highlight in Bali—we will eat fabulously! Foodies will be tantalized and nourished with the superb quality, freshness and exotic variety, both at our resort and in the excellent restaurants we’ll enjoy in Ubud.

Enjoy:

• Daily yoga with Julia in an open-air pavilion, and traditional meditation with Balinese teachers.

• Specially-guided visits to sacred temples including Bali’s ancient Mother Temple high on the volcano, and rarely-visited temples and monuments

• Learning about the unique Balinese way of life that places cooperation above competition and integrates spirituality, creativity, and gratitude as a natural rhythm

• Culture talks and living history tracing the evolution of this amazing culture, with our insightful Balinese guides and hosts

• hikes/walks to incredible waterfalls and other natural wonders

• swimming and snorkeling in the warm, tropical sea

• dolphin-watching from a traditional fishermen’s boat

• Balinese ceremonies, processions, and beautiful rituals

• exquisite traditional dance and music performances, an essential part of Balinese life.

• healing bodywork (a must in Bali) and spa time

This is your retreat.

Feel free to participate as much or as little as you wish in all of the offerings, or take time for relaxation.

The retreat is structured so you will have a wonderful experience with great ease.

The retreat fee includes:

• 10 nights accommodation in two unique, eco-luxe, boutique resorts. On the North Bali coast seaside, and in Ubud

• All bountiful delicious meals for the retreat (except for a couple of meals out on your own in Ubud, to explore)

• Daily yoga and meditation.

• All daily excursions including transportation, entrance fees and exceptional guides

• Authentic traditional ceremonies including purification and Agni Hotra fire ceremony, and an offerings-making class

• Evening dance and music performances including private performances

• Visits with very special local artists, healers and other leaders of the Balinese community

• Thorough pre-departure materials to prepare and inspire your immersion in Bali and travel-consulting for your before/after retreat time in Bali.

• A generous give-back contribution to our Bali foundation Young Cultural Leaders with Spiritual Insight is included in your fee LEARN MORE HERE

The retreat fee does not include:

• Airfare

• Personal extras

• Travel insurance

• Airport transfers – we are happy to coordinate it for you.

Your Retreat Gives Back

It's not just a vacation!

Your participation includes a generous donation to our thriving foundation, the groundbreaking program, Young Cultural-Leaders With Spiritual Insight.

Since 2013 we’ve been supporting the education of local youth so they can thrive and carry on the magnificent artistic and spiritual heritage that is the essence of Bali.

Learn more about our foundation.

Pricing

The retreat fee starts at $3550 per person for a shared double room.

All are invited and welcome.

All levels of yoga experience will be honored and provided for.

Bali offers the ultimate setting for deepening our yoga practice. Sessions are held with Julia in an open-air pavilion.

Note: The yoga program is an integral, but not required component, and you may choose to attend classes according to your body’s needs.

What to expect

Mornings begin with traditional Balinese meditations by sea, led by Suma.

Morning yoga sessions are invigorating, dynamic alignment-based yoga, and include mindful vinyasa with personalized instruction that calls on the intelligence of the body. The emphasis is on moving with awareness and depth, rather than performing poses.

Expect meaningful, traditional yoga infused with functional biomechanics and inspiration, that’s accessible and playfully challenging for all levels.

Late-afternoon restorative sessions and/or workshops are offered to help you deepen your practice and balance the nervous system. You’ll learn simple take-home practices, including meditation, that can reduce daily stress. 

Expect to have fun, build strength, focus and clarity, and enjoy the present moment in this spiritually inspiring environment.

Learn more about Julia’s yoga

We’ll stay in two idyllic, hidden-gem resorts: luxurious, eco-friendly, authentic and intimate.

By the Sea

Our magical place is a serene haven of simple luxury on the still-authentic North coast.

Set in a lush tropical garden is a new eco-luxe, adult-only resort, artfully decorated, with elegant wooden villas constructed in traditional Balinese style.

The resort features a stunning 19-meter swimming pool, a private beach club, and a rejuvenating wellness spa with excellent treatments. The lovely staff are all native of North Bali.

Ubud, in enchanted Nyuh Kunning Village

We will base the second half of our retreat in famous Ubud, but tucked away in peaceful nature, at an intimate, Balinese-owned resort beloved for its beauty, artful tradition and graceful hospitality.

This special hotel has many long-time returning guests, including me, who treasure its unique qualities. Set amidst lush gardens, our exquisite hideaway is surrounded by views over the sacred jungle of the Monkey Forest temple.

The secluded setting will feel like a haven, yet the bustling centre of Ubud is easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk away. (A complimentary shuttle car to and from the centre of Ubud is available upon request.)

See room options and amenities

Airport

• Bali’s airport is in Denpasar.

• Airport code is DPS, (airport name is Ngurah Rai International Airport.)

• Book your flight to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. We will arrange everything from there!

Dates to know

• The retreat begins at 3pm Wednesday, October 23, at our eco-luxe resort on the North Coast. (Note: it’s about 3 hours by car from the airport.)
  It is important to arrive in Bali at least one day before (ideally more), to rest, adjust to the time zone and the tropical environment. And enjoy more of Bali!
  I am happy to consult on wonderful places/things to do pre-retreat in Bali, and to coordinate your transfer to the retreat.

• The retreat ends Saturday, November 2, in Ubud. When planning your departure flight, know that we will be staying about 90 min drive from the airport.

• Flying to Bali, you cross the international dateline, “losing” a calendar-day, a rather cool phenomenon to experience, which is made up on your return.

Getting to the retreat

• We will arrange one of our favorite drivers to meet you at the airport or your previous hotel, and take you to our resort.

• Visa On Arrival: You will purchase your visa in the arrivals hall when you land in Bali, cost is 35 USD, or 50 AUD.

Airlines that fly to Bali

• Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Thai, Eva, Emirates, Quatar and others.

• Singapore Airlines and China Airlines are both very good. If there is a good itinerary from your departure city, it’s a good choice.

• Whenever possible get an itinerary with only one intermediate stop.

• Please don’t hesitate to consult me regarding your travel plans.

Further preparations details will be sent after registration.

• We are happy to help you find the best route, and assist with planning.

• We’ll also send you both practical and inspirational materials as we get closer to the trip—to help you prepare for your wonderful adventure in Bali.

What travelers are saying

“The Bali retreat was extraordinary. We were truly treated to Bali behind the veil. Before traveling to Bali with Julia, I had done two of her week-long trips in Tuscany. That was all I needed to convince me I needed to see Bali through her eyes. Julia has an extraordinary skill at creating a sense of community both within the groups of travelers and between us and the many people in Bali with whom she has deep relationships.
We were treated to amazing experiences including ceremonies at village temples and sacred sites, welcomed as special guests into private homes and artists’ studios.
The hotels we stayed in were small, perfectly beautiful, with authentic architecture, well staffed and with delicious food. They went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.
I cannot recommend highly enough a trip with Julia, anywhere. She would make Walmart an intriguing destination.
Plus she is a fabulous yoga teacher, able to work with stiff beginners like me. I came home with the most incredible photos and stories from this trip: still have people asking if I’ll do my Bali slide show again.”

–Ada McIver, Virginia

“I will forever remember my experiences in Bali, for they have changed my life. I have not felt this way in years. I feel stronger, both physically and mentally thanks to your wonderful teachings of yoga. And I take home with me an overwhelming feeling of peace and acceptance, not only of myself, but for others as well. Thank you Julia, you are a beautiful person and your smile will stay with me forever.”

- Jeanette, DC

“We continue to bask in the cherished memories of an extraordinary shared experience as mother/daughter.  Thank you for facilitating such an incredible journey filled with amazing experiences, cultural enrichment and an authentic taste of Bali. I truly appreciate what it took to create the depth of experience we had in just 10 short days! You managed to capture the essence of the island, in spite of the tourists. No small feat. I do appreciate all of the energy and effort you put into the organization, planning and thoughtful experiences throughout the trip.  You truly possess a gift in breaking through the superficial and getting to the essence of all things intellectual, creative, spiritual and meaningful.  

–Mary, DC

“This trip was amazing! Every single detail was tended to by knowledgeable and loving staff who know Bali. From daily yoga with an incredible teacher to navigating the crazy Ubud markets to dinner with a prince. This trip exceeded my expectations. This trip was the perfect combination of cultural, physical and spiritual (soul food) activity.”

- Holly, NH

“I can’t express my elation and experience at Bali, everything – the wonderful retreat, my special Yogi teacher; If you can, treat yourself, your body, mind and soul to this trip to Bali. Thank you for having the insight to  know..upon arrival, after a long flight..a knock on the door.. Ida there with her smile, her miracle touch..and healing massage the most perfect welcome to Bali. All of those details, foresight, pre-arranged experiences and opportunities are so appreciated. I trust the others share the same appreciation for you.

I find myself tearing-up with joy thinking about Bali and all that I experienced. I am grateful beyond words. I am proud of what I have accomplished in this journey. You are a big part of the thrill of the ride!”

– Susan, CA

“Thank you for your beautiful yoga sessions each morning and for being true to yourself. I'm inspired by you! Your encouragement and guidance led us deeply into Bali’s heart. I was feeling all of the magnificent energy around me, it’s made an impact on me, and since coming home I’ve been able to identify positive energy moving. And I've already taken steps to realizing my dream job. 

– Nichole, CO

“We had such an incredible time in Bali! Thank you so much for your empathetic and intuitive teaching and for being so much fun! I just grin whenever I think of our time there. I have traveled all over the world, but this experience with you in Bali just stays with me like none other. We miss you and Bali!

- Amy, and daughter, Aurora (17 yrs), IL