Is this Retreat right for me?

+ Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is for women and seekers of all ages and levels of experience. Women from age 21-80 have signed up for our retreats.

Our commonality does not lie in our age or race or even our background - it is a connection from the heart at the level of soul. We welcome diversity in age, race and religion, because we honor each womans' life experience and know that every one of us carries unique wisdom that contributes to the group dynamic.

The sacred container of the retreat space, allows us to transcend the physical realm - and things like age, body shape and appearance do not matter. This is a safe and loving and non-judgemetnal group where you will feel honored, validated and accepted with unconditional love no matter what.

+ What if I have not practiced yoga before?

No prior yoga experience is required. If you are an advanced yogini, our expert 500 Hour certified teacher will make adjustments so that you can practice at your current level. If you are just beginning (or have not practiced in some time) plase do not worry! The classes will be accessible and fun for students of every level.

Location

+ Ubud & Sanur, Bali

Bali is one of the most famous islands in the Indonesian archipelago. The island is home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality, spirituality and beauty.

Over the years, the grace and charm of Bali and its people have earned this tiny Indonesian island numerous sobriquets of praise and homage including Island of the Gods, The Last Paradise, Land of a Thousand Temples, and Morning of the World.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart situated among green rice fields and gorgeous scenery. It's also home to a variety of great restaurants, cafes and rows of artisan shops. Lodging reflects the local Zeitgeist: artful, creative and serene.

Ubud is located in the cool mountains, just a one hour drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family and a flourishing arts centre. Most of Bali's museums and galleries are centered in Ubud. It is also home to the famed Yoga Festival BaliSpirit.

Sanur

Sanur is the oldest, original beach resort destination in Bali and yet, it has never lost its tranquillity, unique personality nor the traditional Balinese feel.

Located just a 30-minute drive from Bali’s international airport, Sanur is easy to reach and it makes a great base from where you can explore other tourist hot spots. Sanur has all of the modern conveniences you could wish for including shops, beach clubs, trendy coffee bars, ice cream salons, supermarkets, restaurants and bars but the ambience is very relaxed, mellow and peaceful.

Away from hordes of tourists and traffic jams; in Sanur people like to ride their bicycles (even the locals!) or stroll around on flip flops, walking from the villa to the beach.

The golden beaches in Sanur are beautiful with awe-inspiring views of nearby Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. The beaches have clear and calm waters most of the time, and there are plenty of water sports activities available.

Sanur Beach has plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars – you can chill out here all day and never get bored!

Travel Planning - Getting to Bali

+ Is airfare included?

Airfare and travel insurance are not included. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing both airline flight insurance and a trip insurance policy from a third party provider like Allianz or insuremytrip.com.

+ What airport do I fly into in Bali?

Your final destination is Denpasar, Bali (DPS)

+ What is the best route to take to Denpasar?

When departing from the USA, we suggest (ideally) flying through Singapore or Hong Kong and then on to Denpasar. This is one of the easisest flight paths because the trip from Singapore to DPS is only 3 hours. However, there are numerous other connecting airports all over the world.

If you are able to fly out of a major West Coast hub like SFO or LAX it tends to increase the possibility of getting a direct flight to either Singapore or Hong Kong. Other major hubs like JFK also have direct flights to the Far East.

+ Which airline(s) do you recommend?

When booking in advance, we suggest Singapore Airlines for both price and convenience; as well as quality. Thai Air, Cathay Pacific, United, China Air, Emirates and Jet Blue also offer flights to Bali.

We also recommend flight comparison websites, such as Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights, which can be incredibly useful in your search for cheap flights to Bali. These platforms compile and compare prices from various airlines, allowing you to easily compare fares and choose the most affordable option.

Flying from the Eastern half of the USA, you may find flights from $1500 to $1850 round trip. The flights typically fly from Newark or JFK, connecting through Hong Kong, Dohar or Taipei and then on to DPS.

Flying from the Western half of the USA (SFO OR LAX) is usually cheaper. Flights from LAX or SFO can be found for $1200 roundtrip to Singapore (more if you’re flying from Phoenix or Albuquerque). However, the closer to the retreat date that you purchase your ticket, the higher the prices will tend to be. Though different airlines will run daily or weekly specials at particular times, so keep an eye on the changing rates.

Don't shy away from exploring budget airlines. They often provide lower-cost flights to popular destinations like Bali. Although they may offer fewer amenities, you can save a significant amount of money by opting for budget carriers.

If you are able to take a domestic flight to one of the major airports (like SFO or LAX on the west cost – or JFK or EWR on the east coast) you will often find more direct, less time-consuming (and less expensive) flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei or Dohar where you can connect to DPS in Bali.

+ How long is the flight to Bali?

Plan for a long flight - 24 hours minimum with connections and layovers along the route. For instance, flights can be anywhere from 16-19 hours from JFK to Hong Kong or Singapore. From Hong Kong it is another 4 hours to Denpasar and from Singapore it is about another 3 hours. Plus, add in time for connections and unexpected delays.

Therefore, you should plan on a minimum of 24-36 hours travel time and be creative with your itinerary - you may need to book a hotel and spend the night in Hong Kong or Taipei along the way. Make it an adventure! Also, many airports offer in-airport accomodation (small rooms with showers) where you can rest and refresh during a long lay-over).

+ How much time should I allow for travel?

Because you are crossing so many time zones you will need to depart 2 days before you wish to arrive. So, to arrive on the 12th of August you will need to depart on the 10th. To arrive on the 10th, you will need to depart on the 8th. But you will make that time up on the return flight. On the way home you will usually arrive the same day you depart Bali.

+ Why do you offer 2 extra days at the start of the trip?

The jet lag in Bali is real! It is a 12 hour difference from EST and 15 hour difference from Pacific Time. We strongly recommend arriving a day or two early in order to rest and acclimate.

+ How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

Upon your arrival, a representative will greet you at the airport, whisk you through immigration with your pre-paid Visa on Demand - and escort you to a private car that will take you to your hotel.

Weather and Seasonal Information

+ Temperatures

The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October, when the weather is perfect for island-hopping, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.

Bridging the Equator, Indonesia is hot all year round, with the only change coming between November and March when the country sees widespread rain, particularly in the south.

August is high season with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees farenheit and little to no rain.

The sea in Bali is warm enough to swim in throughout the year: the water temperature ranges from 27 °C (81 °F) between July and September, to 29 °C (84 °F) between November and May. The western part of the Bukit peninsula, where waves are higher, is preferable for surfing.

Is this a Yoga Adventure or A Yoga Retreat?

+ Yoga Adventures vs. Yoga Retreats

Our journey to Bali is a hybrid of both types of trips. With the first week deeply focused on experiencing the sacred mysticism that is deeply engrained in Balinese life and history - while our beach trip (optional add-on) includes a snorkeling trip and a special Kecak Balinese dance performance, as well as free time to rent a bike, take a day tour or shop.

Our Yoga Adventures blend yoga, spirituality and wellness, but also include an array of cultural activities and outdoor expeditions; like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, boating trips, cycling etc. There will be options to add on some of these more physically adventurous activities in Bali (i.e. River Rafting or Waterfall Trek), so you can customize the trip to your individual taste and create just the right blend of adventure, spirituality, culture and yoga.

Payment Plans

+ Yes, We offer flexible payment plans

We offer flexible monthly payments with no interest. We realize this is an investment in yourself and in your wellbeing and want to do everything possible to support your in joining us.

When you register for the retreat, the booking form will automatically default to a pre-set monthly plan. If this does not work for you and you need more time to pay (over 3,6 or 9 months) or would prefer to schedule your automatic paymenets on a specific date, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@seekingsacredjourneys or schedule a Discovery Call so we can find the most accessible option for you. We are happy to work with you so that you feel at ease with your personalized payment plan.

Trip Preparation

+ What are the Covid-19 requirments for entry to Bali?

Vaccination

The vaccination requirement to enter Bali as been lifted. There is NO proof of vaccine to enter. No testing or masks are required either.

+ What are the visa requirements?

As part of your VIP Meet and Greet package, your Visa on Arrival has been arranged and prepaid. You can relax knowing that it is all taken care of! (We just need you to email us a clear copy of your passport with no finger showing).

+ What are the passport and health insurance requirements?

A current passport with a minimum of 6-months of validity and two blank pages, a return ticket or a ticket to another country,

+ Other requirements?

You will need to complete an immigration form onlinie within 72 hours of departure. We will send you the link and give you instructions on how to do this.

What Should I pack

Everyone has different preferred traveling items, but we recommend bringing the following: Sunscreen, Bathing Suit, Sarong or Cover Up Towel. (The hotel accommodations provide Bath and Hand towels). Electronic Chargers/Power Bank. Comfortable Clothing and Footwear and Yoga Attire.

You may want to bring an extra bag to carry home any treasures you pick up along the way - Bali is reknown for it's markets and shopping.

We will provide an extensive packing list after booking.