By: Anan, Nutritionist and Certified Yoga instructor
Offerings placed at the entrance, balinese smile greetings, smell of incense; lushy green forests, turquoise waters, bamboo and wooden settings, healthy cafes. You are in Bali, and spiritual practices are significant and high-priority. The eminent energy of the island is by itself, a trip. But we know that a short trip is not enough. You want to go deeper; you want the complete journey.
Yoga is everywhere in Bali, and is rare to find a Yoga studio that is as simple as the definition of ‘yoga studio’. In Bali is more about Yoga Sanctuaries, Mind temples, soul refuges; places infused with mysticism and magic.
We have gathered some of our favorite places to practice in Bali to make your search a little bit easier. Get ready to explore paradise!
The practice
The team of The practice does not beat about the bush when it comes to delivering ‘real yoga’. Coming from a traditional tantric Hatha lineage, Octavio and the rest of the teachers are well aware that Yoga doesn’t translate to movement (actually quite the opposite).
They’re committed to share the real practices that evolve consciousness.
Their signature clases; Moon, Sun and Fire, are transformational sessions based on breath and awareness. Forget about cool vinyasa sequences based on movement, The practice goes beyond the asana.
Located in the most lively street in Canggu, Batu Bolong, this hiden oasis will make you forget you are in the middle of the city.
The daily offering goes to more than 6 classes to choose from, Sunday kirtan, masterclasses, free weekly presentations and many types of class passes. A couple of times a year the 50 Hour Tantric teacher training bridge takes place among their walls and is one of the most complete, mystic training you can ever attend.
Location: Batu Balong, Canggu
Single class price: 150k IDR
Bonus: The fuffliest choco chip cookies in Canggu
Power of Now Oasis
With an unbeatable location in the South of the island, this eco-friendly studio is built entirely with Bamboo.
Sanur is not very touristy and the beach remains calm during the day. The crystalline waters will be calling you for a jump before and after practice.
You will undoubtedly fall in love with Angelique, -the head meditator- a cow that lives just at the entrance and is blessing the zone with her peaceful vibes.
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Power of Now offers a juicy schedule every day with genuine teachers, that show up every day for the love of Yoga. Moreover, Chris, the owner of the studio is a free-spirited, humble and fun Australian devoted to Ramana Maharshi and his teachings.
The studio uses most of the money it makes to support children foundations such as Jodie O’Shea House or Sari Hati school.
Chris is also very concerned about protecting the oceans life and donates part of the studio’s earning to Sea Shepherds Conservation Society.
Location: Sanur Beach
Single class price: 120k IDR
Bonus: Beachside, Angelique
The Yoga Barn
While this classic has become a bit cliche, one cannot deny the great vibe of this ground zero for yogis. There are lots of things we like from this community, but probably the first one to mention is the presence of many experienced Balinese teachers.
Every day you will get classes with Wayan Marcus, Sugeng Madeira or Made Murni, who have been part of The Yoga Barn team for over 10 years. Their devotion, attitude, and strength are a model to follow and surely you will learn some movements you never did before.
Wake up early and put your yoga pants on because this yogic paradise is 100% complete; juice bar, healthy cafe, 6 different yoga shalas with gorgeous views, different types of accommodations, healing center, spa, and even a shop inside the facilities.
You need to go nowhere else for yoga when you live in the center of Ubud.
Location: Ubud center, close to Monkey Forest
Single class price: 130k IDR
Bonus: Everything you might need its available
Blooming Lotus Yoga
The studio amidst the forests of Bali is 100% spiritually oriented. All the mantras, the prayers, the signing, the energizing surroundings and the devoted teachers. You name it and Blooming has it. Once you reach this Yoga Sanctuary, you will feel instantly at peace.
Blooming Lotus doesn’t have drop in classes as it is more a meditation and yoga center to stay. Offering packages for 4 or 7 days yoga holidays, silent meditation retreats and yoga teacher trainings every now and then, you can guarantee an undisturbed stay.
The design of the residence is modern with a charming rustic touch.
Eight villas are available for guests -luxury at quite affordable prices.
Also featuring the Amrita restaurant, which has a totally vegan and seasonal menu, picking only the freshest ingredients sourced local as much as possible. The signature spa has a good number of treatments to choose from physical therapies to energetic healing.
Location: Ubud surroundings
Single class price: –
Bonus: Free silent meditation retreats
Samadi Bali @samadibali
The epicenter of Ashtanga in the island has so much more to offer than morning Mysore classes. The team leading Ashtanga are KPJAYI authorised teachers, and they really know how to strengthen those muscles needed to eventually get into the most challenging postures and hold space for each practitioner during the process. They offer a variety of traditional Ashtanga led sessions, for beginners or Mysore style.
On the schedule you will find other modalities such as Yin, Aerial, Tantric Yoga, meditation, etc. The center focuses on Ashtanga but is not limited to.
Craving for nutrients at the end of the class? Samadi also got your back on this. Their organic cafe located few steps from the main yoga shala has a yummy and healthy vegetarian menu for all tastes.
Samadi is a complete Yoga refuge from the crowd of Canggu, providing chic rooms for guests that wish to spend more than a day there.
Could not be left a finishing touch that takes the Samadi experience to another level: holistic treatments in their spa hub.
In summary, Samadi is what your body, mind and soul are searching for.
Every day of the week there are special events they host.
Mondays are for sound healing, Thursdays ecstatic dance, Sundays Organic market, movie nights, full moon kirtans… it’s quite an arduous task to get bored at Samadi.
Location: Canggu
Single class price: 140k IDR
Bonus: Organic sunday market
Serenity Yoga Lembongan
What about staying in a beautiful room, right on the beach of Nusa Lembongan island, with an unlimited pass for yoga, meditation and pranayama classes? Sounds really good to us! And this is what you will enjoy if you get a package at this dazzling Yoga resort.
Just 30 minutes away by boat from Bali, Serenity Yoga has a splendid shala set few meters from the seashore. Their affordable Yoga packages are available all over the year and you can join in anytime you want.
For more adventurous yogis, the Signature yoga holiday package also includes surf, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and even a massage available during your stay.
All their courses include hotel pick up and boat transfer from and to the hotel.
Location: Nusa Lembongan
Single class price: 120k IDR
Bonus: Advantageous packages
Gili Air H2o
Another Yoga Sanctuary, this time nestled in the beautiful island of Lombok. H2O Yoga focuses in bringing meditation on the table. With little more than 5 classes scheduled daily, their aim is to get you to SLOW DOWN.
Magical sunrises, a fleshy young coconut on the beach, reading a good book in a hammock or contemplating the stars. This place is all about being present, making Yoga a lifestyle, not a 1.5 hr practice.
The uplifting feminine energy of the space encourages anyone to do some inner work. You will feel the whole island is embracing you with its motherly warmth.
Besides the regular schedule, H2O offers 3 to 7 days retreats, meditation and Yin teacher trainings and a bunch of workshops.
If you have the time, come for a few days to disconnect from the fast paced world and social media (if you can avoid taking photos in paradise) and come back to the source: within you -surrounded by nature.
Location: Lombok
Single class price: 120k IDR
Bonus: Earth cafe (raw, vegan and gluten free options)
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