How to Immerse Yourself in Balinese Wellness
A mystical island filled with enchanting beauty, Bali offers many opportunities for wellness retreats that nurture the mind, body, and soul.
From lush rice terraces and majestic volcanoes to secluded yoga retreats and renowned spas, this magical island is the perfect destination for self-discovery and transformation.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Bali is a world away from the hectic pace of everyday life, with its serene natural environment and deeply nourishing culture.
Its rich heritage, ancient healing practices, wholesome cuisine, and mindful cultural immersion make it an ideal destination for a transformative wellness retreat.
Balinese culture greatly emphasizes preserving physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. This concept of Tri Hita Karana, or the three realms of existence, is the foundation for their philosophy of wellbeing.
It means that each individual is part of a larger whole and that it is their responsibility to keep themselves in balance with their family and community, with the divine, and with their departed ancestors.
Anyway, to further understand this holistic approach to wellbeing, it is important to immerse yourself in the culture. There are many ways to do this, from learning traditional dance and music to participating in a spiritual ceremony.
For example, a water purification ritual called Melukat is an integral part of Balinese Hinduism. During the ritual, participants bathe in holy water while praying and making offerings.
Participating in an artisan workshop is another way to engage with the local culture. Bali is known for its thriving arts and crafts scene, so taking the time to learn a new skill can be an enlightening experience.
For example, a popular activity is creating your own mala beads, which are used in meditation and mantra chanting.
Take a Yoga Class
With an emphasis on spirituality and a deep connection to nature, yoga is woven into the fabric of Bali life. World-class studios and expert teachers offer a range of classes to suit all abilities, from beginner to advanced, in the most idyllic settings.
You can also take part in healing shamanic rituals, workshops to expand your consciousness, and excursions to the most impressive cultural sites on the island.
One of the best places to take a yoga class in Bali is The Practice, a five-star retreat that offers a mindful experience. Their all-inclusive packages include daily breakfast, dinner, and drinks, a yoga class at sunrise, and guided meditation sessions.
The stunning open-air bamboo studio overlooks glistening rice terraces and the mountains of central Bali, making for postcard-perfect photos and moments of tranquility.
Samadi Bali is another renowned studio that provides top-notch instruction from Balinese and multinational yoga experts. Their team describes themselves as “people benders” and is dedicated to healing and community building.
Their classes are all levels and focus on yoga as a way to dance with the universe. After class, you can grab a thirst-quenching coconut and refuel at their wellness restaurant.
Get a Massage
In addition to yoga classes, many retreats also offer a variety of healing massage treatments. Balinese massage incorporates techniques from China, India, and Southeast Asia.
It includes stroking, skin rolling, and kneading to stimulate the muscles and blood flow. It also involves acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy.
A unique aspect of this massage is the use of percussion, which means beating and pounding the surface of the skin with alternate hands. It may sound painful, but it is quite soothing and does not cause any injuries.
The therapists also utilize effleurage, a combination of strokes that include sliding and gliding motions with the palms and fingers.
Another special element of this style of massage is the use of essential oils such as jojoba, which is moisturizing; coconut, which encourages circulation and ylang-ylang, which relieves stress. These oils help make the massage even more relaxing and pleasant for the client.
Moreover, many spas in Bali offer skilled traditional massage and can be found across the island. One great option is the Spa Spring in Canggu, which blends traditional healing practices with hospitality and has private rooms for a tranquil experience.
Another option is Golden Hands Therapeutic Massage, which offers hard-to-beat quality at a budget price and massage packages for couples.
Just be sure to tip your therapist, as this is not free help writing or online counseling you don’t have to pay for. A minimum of 20 percent is expected in Bali.
Eat Healthy
Many wellness retreats in Bali offer cooking classes, where guests learn how to prepare healthy dishes that support overall wellbeing.
The hands-on experience teaches participants how to use indigenous ingredients in Balinese cuisine and enables them to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that contributes to a fulfilling retreat experience.
During these classes, guests often visit local markets where they can see how various produce and spices are used in daily life. They also participate in a ritual of grinding spices and wrapping meats in banana leaves, both of which are considered sacred.
Many of these activities have religious and spiritual significance, providing a unique opportunity to gain insight into the beliefs and values that drive the culture of this beautiful island.
More facts
The underlying philosophy of Balinese wellness centers on a balance of the individual, the community, and the spirit world. As such, it is believed that we are not only responsible for ourselves but also connected to and obligated to our families, communities, and ancestors.
For those seeking a more personal connection to the spiritual realm, many Balinese wellness retreats also offer opportunities to meet with local priests and astrologers.
Known as Pedanda and Balians, these practitioners are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the island and believe that the universe is interconnected and that our thoughts and actions impact the surrounding environment.
