Down Dog in Bali

Yoga is a booming business in Bali. Alongside the thrones of spa and wellness, yoga is the crown prince. Tragically hip, yoga in Bali has an ideal setting with the Hindu influences, the foreign based enthusiasm and lovely local weather to cleanse your chakras and chant your oms. Whether you’re enjoying private classes held in the shade of your villa or exploring classes held in the islands many yoga studios, there are choices abound.

Yoga Classes

You’ll find Bikram yoga at Jiwa, in Seminyak. Great for those who can still tolerate their reflections melting in a 40-degree hall of mirrors as all the classes there are in a constant 40 degrees with 70% humidity.

It is a 90-minute sweat fest that the celebrities swear by. Had they not realised that in Bali you can the same effect after 15 minutes outside without needing to look as though you’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.

The newly opened and beautifully presented Blue Karma Senses in Seminyak, has a lot going for it and quite the find; if you can locate it. There’s the small but carefully chosen vegetarian cafe, short and sweet yoga timetable, treatments and great secluded corners to make it a great haven from the busy streets of Seminyak to chill out.

The Yoga Barn in Ubud, is undoubtedly the king of all studios in this healing paradise of Bali. This sacred healing retreat is a dedicated centre for well-being and rejuvenation. Complete with a natural spa, an ayurvedic healing centre, an organic vegetarian restaurant, meditation rooms and an amazing ambience for practice sessions, the Yoga Barn has something for everyone. You’re sure to leave this heaven with enough nourishment for your mind, body and soul.

Another well-known centre for holistic healing that stands up to its name is Radiantly Alive in Ubud. This is an eco-friendly yoga studio in Central Ubud along with a raw food cafe, dedicated to all who wish to live a healthier, happier and fuller life. If you are a newbie to yoga or you wish to pursue teaching this divine form, then look no further. From daily workshops to weekend retreats and teacher training certifications, Radiantly Alive has something for everyone.

Yoga Retreats

In helping you in your bid for Yoga Olympic glory there are many Ubud retreats where the yoga is plentiful and the food divine in utterly beautiful locations around the island. Many will even leave with yoga teaching qualifications thrown in, as part of the deal. For those who can resist the lure of a value-added yoga holiday and feel qualified at the end of it.

One World Retreats offers life changing experiences through a combination of travel, yoga, meditation, spa and organic healing. Get off the beaten track through a discovery journey full of self-realisation, relaxation and rejuvenation.

For those of you who want to strengthen your core with the asanas and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, you can have it all. There are special villas like Fivelements and The Purist Villas in Ubud that offer customised retreats focused on relaxation and spiritual enlightenment along with plenty of time to explore the beauty of the island.

With so many to choose from, we can’t mention them all. Perform sun salutations on a cliff with the sound of lashing waves or lose yourself in meditation amidst tranquil rice paddies – the choice is yours! So get ready to down dog in Bali.