Bali

Bali Bliss Retreat with Michele Labelle

A Transformational Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Magical Bali November 2 - 11, 2013

Join Michele Labelle on a transformational yoga & meditation retreat, offering a unique and enchanting experience of the magical island of Bali, from vibrant Ubud to the tranquil north.

If you are feeling tired, stressed, or simply in search of a different holiday experience, this 10-day Bali wellness travel program is for you. Enjoy daily yoga & meditation practices to restore your body and mind, visit temples and sacred shrines to learn more about the high levels of spiritual devotion throughout Bali. On this journey, we will also relish walks on warm sandy beaches, a Legong Dance Show at the Ubud Palace, cycle rides through lush rice paddy fields, snorkelling at Menjangan Island, a refreshing swim at Les Waterfalls, and much more. READ MORE

Tour Leader Michele Labelle

Michele Labelle has enjoyed teaching Hatha, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga since 2003. She has facilitated local and global yoga retreats and loves to share her passion for India  and Tahiti with her fellow travellers.

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Bali Bliss was the experience of a lifetime! The magical energy of the country and the graciousness of the Balinese people can teach us all how to live in harmony and peace. Tracey Baker, Vancouver, BC

TESTIMONIALS

The trip was amazing!! Beautiful Bali with its warm tropical climate...I can’t say enough wonderful things about the whole experience. I am so happy I was there and a part of it all.Adrian Doherty, Vancouver, BC

TESTIMONIALS

Retreat Description

Join Michele Labelle on a 10-day transformational Bali yoga & meditation retreat, offering a unique and enchanting experience of Bali. A yoga tour designed to impart a true sense of this magical island, from the beaches of the south to Ubud – the hub of art and culture and home to beautiful rice fields – to the quiet northern part of the Island and its intricate temples.

michele labelle in bali
Our tour leader Michelle Labelle

We will visit the rejuvenating Les Waterfall and experience the tranquil underwater coral reefs of Menjangan Island with its vibrant, colourful sea life. Each day we bring new and exciting insights on traditional Bali as we take you on this rewarding yoga journey. Experience a gentle and fun Hatha Yoga practice to expand body and mind, surrounded by the most spectacular natural vistas. Leave your stress behind as you join us on an amazing Bali experience.

If you are feeling tired, stressed or simply in search of a different holiday experience, this Bali wellness travel program is for you.

yoga on beach in bali
Our group enjoying yoga on the beach

Through Michele’s expert guidance and energy, complemented by the inspiring natural backdrop of Bali, you will return home feeling relaxed with a renewed clarity of mind and absolutely inspired, brimming with passion and confidence for life.

Om Swasti Astu is the traditional Balinese greeting that is shared upon arriving in someone’s home. It’s an honouring of the heart and spirit. The Balinese culture is an expression of devotion as 92% of the population practices Balinese Hinduism.

yoga in bali
Michele Labelle and our participant

You will experience daily devotional offerings everywhere and special prayers are said several times a day. Every home and workplace has a dedicated devotional altar or statue where incense, rice and flowers are offered as gifts to the gods. Every action that is taken by the Balinese is an offering to Sprit. Music, art, theatre, work and religious practices are considered all the same.

Exploring and understanding this degree of devotion throughout an entire culture is an unparalleled experience, and we will be honoured to share our hatha yoga practices and our own spiritual work in this sacred place in exotic Bali. 

relaxing in bali
Enjoying the lush views

Most days will commence with morning yoga and meditation designed to bring presence, peace and flexibility to the mind, body and spirit, followed by a delicious healthy breakfast. Strengthened and nourished by our morning practice and meal, the remainder of our days will be filled with group excursions and independent leisure activities. Optional activities include a luxurious spa treatment, a dolphin swim or a visit to a green turtle sanctuary. During our stay we will also participate in Bali sacred ceremonies, meditations, and visualizations to support our work in preparing us for a connection to the year of the water snake. As the snake sheds its skin we will look at what no longer serves us, release it, then connect and replenish our bodies and minds to the water element of Bali that will surround us. 

About Our Resorts

Cendana Resort & Spa was opened in 1992. Built in a traditional Balinese architectural style, with balconies overlooking beautiful rice fields, it has lush gardens set with various plants and flowers.

cendana resort in bali
Cendana resort

Cendana is the Indonesian name for "Sandalwood", which in Bali is used for high quality carvings, ceremonial offerings (Banten), and traditional treatments. The resort is quiet, peaceful and perfectly situated for us to enjoy all that Ubud has to offer. 

Set on the shore of a lagoon-like bay in the north-western coast of Bali neighbouring the Bali Barat National Park and the famous diving site of Menjangan Island, the Mimpi Resort Menjangan is built to simulate a Balinese village with 30 terraced patio rooms and 24 walled courtyard villas.

mimpi resort in bali
Mimpi resort

All villas feature their own hot spring tub and six of them have private natural stone dip pools. Its location makes it an ideal setting for diving, snorkelling, canoeing, sea-biking, and an easy exploring distance from the flora and fauna of the Bali Barat National Park.

Retreat Itinerary

Most days will commence with morning yoga and meditation designed to bring presence, peace and flexibility to the mind, body and spirit, followed by a delicious healthy breakfast. Strengthened and nourished by our morning practice and meal, the remainder of our days will be filled with group excursions and independent leisure activities.

Day 1 Sat, Nov 2: Arrive in Bali

Arriving at Denpasar (Ngurah Rai) International Airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel, overlooking the stunning, un-crowded sandy crescent of Balangan Beach, yet only a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Later this afternoon we will meet with our retreat leader Michele Labelle and our fellow participants for introductions, and to create our intention for our personal journey. Our goal is to open and allow our spirits to awaken to the healing energy of Bali. We join Michele for a Gentle Hatha Yoga Class at sunset. Then we will stroll down the beach to feast on the delicious seafood from the local fisherman’s daily catch.
(Overnight in Balangan Beach at La Joya Resort or similar)

Day 2 Sun, Nov 3: Balangan Beach; Ubud (B, D)

Enjoy Morning Yoga on the Beach with Michele before a delicious breakfast. We will then have some free time to savour the tranquility of our surroundings before departing to visit Uluwatu, one of the most sacred traditional temples. Pura Luhur Uluwatu, as it is officially called, is spectacularly set at the top of a steep cliff with breathtaking views over the surf below.

Later we drive to the vibrant town of Ubud for our three-night stay at our resort close to the famous Monkey Forest Road and the beautiful rice fields.

legong dance show in bali
Legong show

This evening we enjoy our Welcome Dinner together at Lotus Café before a spectacular cultural Balinese Legong Dance Show at the impressive Ubud Palace. Music and dance are an important form of expression and healing for the Balinese and their beliefs. The musicians who train to be in the gamelan orchestra do so from a very young age, as do the dancers. It is a form of self-expression passed on through many generations.
(Overnight in Ubud at Cendana Resort & Spa or similar)

Day 3 Mon, Nov 4: Ubud (B)

After our Morning Yoga Class with Michele we relish our breakfast, readying ourselves for a bike ride through the magical rice paddy fields of Ubud. The lush-green beauty of the fields and the fresh air that surrounds us helps us connect with ourselves in this inspiring country, freeing our minds so that we can re-focus on our passions with clarity and creative space.

spa treatments in bali
A traditional spa treatment awaits you! 

After our bike ride we enjoy some free time in the inspiring town of Ubud. We can choose to take a stroll through the market, soaking up the exquisite arts and crafts on display and maybe choosing some souvenirs to take home. Or we can enhance the healing and clarifying that is taking place within us by choosing a luxurious massage or flower bath at one of the many spas near our hotel. One-on-one healings are also available with Michele in the pool during this time (extra cost). Free evening this evening to relax or further explore Ubud.
(Overnight in Ubud at Cendana Resort & Spa or similar)

Day 4 Tue, Nov 5: Ubud (B)

Morning Yoga Class with Michele. After a leisurely breakfast, we explore some of Ubud’s treasures. First we will visit the Tirta Empul Temple, famous for its holy water, it is where the Hindu Balinese go for purification.

tirta empul temple
Tirta Empul Temple

An inscription dates this temple to 926 A.D. and the waters are known to have curative properties. We will then make our way to the Antonio Blanco Museum, a place where we can savour Balinese life in motion, with a visit to the family temple or a stroll through the gardens. Blanco, arguably the most famous artist to ever live in Bali, built his magnificent studio on top of a mountain overlooking the Campuan River. The studio remains undisturbed, the unfinished painting still on the sunken easel. Women wander through the yard in traditional Balinese dress carrying offerings, and it is possible to see the delicate flower and palm leaf offerings being made in the courtyard.

We will enjoy a late lunch together before returning to the hotel to rest up before a wonderful Jegog Musical Performance. Jegog is a form of gamelan music indigenous to Bali and played on instruments made of bamboo, a visual and aural delight to experience!
(Overnight in Ubud at Cendana Resort & Spa or similar)

Day 5 Wed, Nov 6: Ubud; Bay of Banyuwedang (B, L)

After a Morning Yoga Class with Michele and breakfast, we depart for a drive through the famous rice field terraces outside of Ubud, to the scenic northern part of the island. We will travel through the mountains and take beautiful pictures of Bali’s two volcanoes, stopping for lunch en route

les waterfall in bali
Les Waterfall

Pack a day pack with your swim suit, towel and good walking shoes as this afternoon we will walk through an abundant forest of rambutans and visit the 30-metre-high Les Waterfall. We can stand under the waterfall to enjoy the sensation of a natural massage while becoming one with the surroundings and listening to the great voice of the waterfall.

Enjoy a spiritual bath in the magical pools. On the way down we can enjoy a fresh coconut water to quench our thirst. Later, we continue on to our resort where we will spend a fabulous four nights. Perched above a sacred hot spring, adjacent to Bali Barat National Park and the famous diving site of Menjangan Island, our resort is located on a secluded bay. It is the ideal location to continue our journey of blissful transformation.
(Overnight in Bay of Banyuwedang at Mimpi Resort Menjangan or similar)

Day 6 Thu, Nov 7: Bay of Banyuwedang (B)

Today is at leisure to enjoy the Spa, venture out to the nearby National Park, local villages, temples, or visit the Green Sea Turtle Project. Inspired by a dream to interpret the water’s healing effects into a well-being therapy centre, Mimpi Spring Spa is built to sit adjacent to the spring.

traditional food in bali
A traditional Balinese meal

Its conception and execution are sensitive to the local environment from its architectural design using local natural materials down to the exclusive bamboo linen it features. It is a perfect space to re-balance and rejuvenate. The Bali Barat National Park is an example of a coastal savannah terrain with a scorched yellow landscape in the dry season giving way to lush green in the monsoon rains. The park is teaming with exquisite flora, fauna and wildlife. For any bird lovers, there is a good chance to delight in a White-Bellied Sea Eagle or Black-Shouldered Kite.

Today we trade our usual morning yoga for a very special Sunset Yoga Class with Michele. This yoga class will focus and balance the five Elements – Earth, Fire, Wood, Water and Metal to have a better understanding of the Taoist theory of the Yin–Yang Philosophy. These elements represent an aspect of dynamic processes of change.  Through an interactive circle tonight we will gain greater awareness of these constant changes in life and how to find harmony in any transition.
(Overnight in Bay of Banyuwedang at Mimpi Resort Menjangan)

Day 7 Fri, Nov 8: Bay of Banyuwedang; Excursion to Menjangan Island (B, L)

Today we depart for an exciting Snorkelling Excursion to Menjangan Island, which offers some of Bali’s best snorkelling sites.

snorkeling in bali
Snorkelling excursion

The white sandy beaches offer easy entrance to the coral gardens which are home to some of Bali’s healthiest and most colourful coral reef. Our boat conveniently departs directly from the resort’s gazebo jetty and it is a refreshing 30-minute ride to reach the protected island. A delicious picnic lunch is included.
(Overnight in Bay of Banyuwedang at Mimpi Resort Menjangan)

Day 8 Sat, Nov 9: Bay of Banyuwedang (B)

Today is at leisure to enjoy the Spa, venture out to the nearby National Park, local villages, temples, or visit the Green Sea Turtle Project. This is a volunteer project located in the village of Pemuteran approximately 10 minutes drive from our resort aiming to save the future of the green sea turtle. It all started in 1994 with the main focus on educating locals to care about the sea turtle as well as giving them an alternative, eco-friendly means of earning money.

buddhist temple in bali
Buddhist temple

Other options for today include an early morning dolphin boat ride or a visit to the Buddhist monastery. Or enjoy another day of a luxurious Balinese spa experience or hang out at the pool reading and doing absolutely nothing! After our day of pure rest or exploration we will gather this evening for Yin Yoga & Chanting under the stars with Michele.
(Overnight in Bay of Banyuwedang at Mimpi Resort Menjangan)

Day 9 Sun, Nov 10: Ulun Danu Temple on lake Beratan Bedugul (B, D)

Today we meet for our last Morning Yoga Class with Michele, feeling the space this retreat has created within our bodies and minds as our breath reaches further into our lungs, our hearts saluting the sun more openly, and our spirit refreshed and ready for new challenges.

ulun danu temple in bali
Ulun Danu temple

On our way back to Ubud we visit Ulun Danu Temple, an important Hindu and Buddhist water temple. Located approximately 800 metres above sea level, this architecturally impressive temple is surrounded by green hills, majestic scenery and clean fresh air.

We have some free time this afternoon for last minute shopping in Ubud or to simply stroll again around this artistically significant town soaking up the vibrancy and noticing what we are now drawn to after our yoga retreat. This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner together at the famous Café Wayan along the Monkey Forest Road. With its traditional Balinese design and details, and draped in green bamboo and foliage, we will be assured quiet and beauty as we share our retreat experiences with our new-found friends.
(Overnight in Ubud at Cendana Resort & Spa or similar)

Day 10 Mon, Nov 11: Ubud; Depart Bali (B)

At our final breakfast together this morning we will have a chance to listen to and share our stories of our time in Bali with Michele. We notice that the stresses we may have been feeling before this retreat have disappeared, almost magically, as we have unfolded our bodies to the Balinese sun during our yoga practices.

bali flowers
Exquisite flowers in Bali

Our minds may have been previously overwhelmed by the pace of our lives, the challenges and decisions we faced on a daily basis; now, our minds are calm, clear and we can more easily connect with our true values, understanding our passions and how we need to live our lives when we return home. Bali’s natural splendour, the powerful surf and clear calm seas, the lush green forests and abundant wildlife, has seeped into us, helping us re-connect with ourselves and the earth, and giving us the courage and freedom to honour our hearts and spirit. While we may feel sad to leave friends and this incredible country, we know our experience here has transformed us forever.

Transfer to the Denpasar (Ngurah Rai) International Airport (approx. 1 hour) for flights home.


Bali Bliss Retreat with Michele Labelle

Retreat Includes:

  • 9 nights accommodation in beautiful resorts
  • Breakfast Daily, 2 Lunches, and 2 Dinners
  • Arrival and Departure Transfers
  • Transportation for all excursions included in the itinerary
  • English speaking guide for all tours and excursions

Added Features:

  • 7 Yoga classes and Meditation Practice with Michele Labelle
  • Sharing Circles and Sacred Ceremonies
  • Visits to Uluwatu Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, Antonio Blanco Museum and Ulun Danu Temple
  • Balinese Legong Dance Show at Ubud Palace
  • Bike Ride through Rice Paddy Fields
  • Jegog Musical Performance
  • Special visit & ceremony at Les Waterfall
  • Snorkelling Excursion to Menjangan Island
  • Optional Excursions and Spa Treatments

 

Retreat Does Not Include:

  • Airfare to Bali
  • Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote)
  • Meals and drinks not specified
  • Cost to obtain valid passport
  • Cost of Indonesian Visitor Visa (obtained at airport, less than $50)
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel staff
  • Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary

Tour Price:

    • Double Room: USD $1,995 per person
    • Single Supplement: USD $650
Book this Journey
or call us on
1-877-874-7922 to help you make your reservation

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