BALI’S SPA

Home > Bali Massage and Spa <!– print_date(); –> Tuesday, March 22, 2005 Bali Massages & Spa by BaliSpirit.com Bali’s luxurious Spas & Resorts offer relaxing traditional massages & therapies Bali’s legendary tropical spas bring together exotic ambience, a wide range of alternative therapies and natural spa products. Balinese traditional massage and holistic healing techniques, equally appropriate for both men and women, heal your physical body while calming and centering your mind. The Indonesian spas listed below have been carefully chosen for their balance of well-presented traditional remedies and experienced holistic practitioners. Whether you choose the intimate luxury of an internationally famous resort or the more modest delights of a traditional Balinese day spa, your experience will be sublimely nurturing, healthful, relaxing and entirely holistic. If you are interested in massage or yoga therapy courses, see our Bali Retreats Calendar. For special offers, discounts or inquiries, email us. Bali Day Spas & Massage Centers Pamper yourself with luxurious spa treatments and an international menu of Balinese massage therapies. Bali Resort Spa Packages Unforgettably indulgent experiences in some of the world’s most exquisite hotels and resorts in Bali.

Your connection to holisti

BALI TRAVEL

Useful information on immigration procedures & practical tips for visitors & Bali expats The rains are considering stopping as they have crossed the line into the dry season weeks ago. But the weather gods don’t seem to be in complete control these days.The entire island is awash in green; Earth Day was just celebrated in the Ubud hills and people are getting ready for the Bali Arts Festival (mid-June to mid-July); Galungan and Kuningan holy days (June 27-July 7, 2007) and the Kuta Karnival in early September. Galungan is a holy day celebrating the victory of dharma or justice/truth/right living over adharma or injustice/deception/the wrong path. It always falls on the Wednesday in the week of Dungulan in the Balinese calendar and Kuningan falls on the Saturday ten days later. On the Monday prior to Galungan, the women are frying up the ricecakes that are used in the offerings. Tuesday before Galungan, penjor or tall bamboo poles with offerings and sometimes rice plants hanging off of them, are placed outside of every family shrine on the road outside the house. The men of the household are making lawar a traditional dish consisting of finely minced pork, coconut, spices and at times the raw blood from the pig. Lawar is a must in the offerings. Wednesday itself sees everyone dressed in their finest temple attire, taking offerings to temple, gathering with their family and of course, feasting and praying together. On Galungan, the ancestral deities are invited into the house temple to be feted and on Kuningan in the morning they are ceremonially bid farewell again. This occurs every 210 days, one Balinese year. Galungan will occur on January 23, 2008 and Kuningan on February 2, 2008. To learn more about when Balinese holidays take place, see our Events Calendar. About Bali The more you learn about Bali, the richer your visit will be. Bali Stories Ibu Cat, a Bali-based writer, explores the essence of her beloved island from a grass-roots perspective Bali Visa & Immigration Before you come check out Indonesia’s new Visa-on-arrival policy. These are essential facts for the visitor to Bali. Maps of Bali and Indonesia Find where its at on these maps of Bali and Indonesia. Bali Events Calendar This Calendar groups together Balinese ceremonies, performances and other international events that take place in Bali. International Childrens’ Schools If you have children and plan to visit or move to Bali, see here for up to date information on the different Bali Schools. Bali Travel Facts – FAQs Your usual questions on how and why and what in travelling to Bali. These are essential facts for the visitor to Bali.

Your connection to holistic Bali © 2008 – Balispirit.com – All Rights Reserved

BALI ART SCENE

Dance of the Witches, 1989 (acrylic on canvas, 56 x 84 cm ) by I Ketut Budiana, born Padangtegal, Ubud 1950 Bali is home to such a beautiful landscape and vivid culture, it is not surprising the island is filled with inspired artists and performers. Bali’s galleries offer a collection of incredible Balinese paintings in both traditional and contemporary styles as well as artworks created by island’s most outstanding international artists. Bali’s art and culture museums house the finest examples of its renowned history, painters and carvers. If you are interested in taking art classes, please see our pages dedicated to Bali’s creative courses Balispirit’s listings of both traditional and modern art galleries is growing. Have a look below and please consider visiting when you are in town! Bali’s Cultural Legacy Bali is a rich tapestry of artistic expertise woven of both traditional and contemporary music, dance, painting, puppetry and carving – all inspired by Bali’s unique culture and religion. Bali’s Museums Bali’s art and culture museums house the finest examples of its renowned history, painters and carvers. Bali’s Artists Bali’s galleries offer a collection of incredible Balinese paintings in both traditional and contemporary styles as well as artworks created by island’s most outstanding international artists. See here to visit their Bali art galleries and purchase their work. A History of Indonesian Art under construction Bali’s Art Galleries A wide, endlessly changing variety of classes and courses in led by international experts throughout Bali. Bali Art Classes BaliSpirit lists classes, workshops and courses with many international teachers

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Cooking Class in Bali

Warung Bambu Pemaron Cooking Classes – Lovina, North Bali Learn about the art of Balinese cooking in quiet Lovina, North Bali. Here in our clean kitchen you will find classes that teach you the secrets of real Balinese food, in a pleasant and relaxing environment. You will create a range of traditional Balinese culinary delights and gain insights into Balinese culture. People with many years of experience with Bali cuisine will teach you. We are pleased to offer the following: • Cooking Class Basics • Advanced Cooking Class • Vegetarian Cooking Class • Sweet Cooking Class These courses have a minimum of two students. For those with special interests, we offer: • Create your Own Cooking Class Secret Garden’s Bali Cooking School – Penestanan, Ubud, Bali

Take your trip to Bali to another dimension by entering the mysterious world of traditional Balinese cuisine. At The Secret Garden’s Bali Cooking School, you’ll become familiar with the Balinese foods that are part of ritual and everyday life on the magical island of Bali. Their one and two-day intensive Balinese cooking course will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique Indonesian cuisine. You will learn to identify, prepare and blend the exotic spices & ingredients that are the soul of Balinese cooking. The Balinese Cooking Classes are conducted in an outdoor restaurant balé, set amongst tranquil tropical gardens and ponds. Small, intimate Balinese cooking classes of no more than 6 people ensure plenty of personal attention and hands-on practice.

Healthy Eating in Bali

Offering a range healthy & organic cuisine, & workshops by visiting food gurus see large Bali is experiencing a new revolution in organic growing! Local farmers are increasingly aware of the impact & costs of using harmful chemicals and are choosing to return to traditional farming techniques. A wider choice of healthy organic foods is flowing into Indonesia’s markets, inspiring new restaurants and health food shops in Bali and Jakarta. The reasons for going organic are many, including health, compassion, preserving natural resources, and making better use of water and farm lands. Serious vegetarians won’t go hungry in Indonesia. Read up on Jakarta-based Indonesian Vegan Society (www.i-v-s.org). To help the preservation of Indonesia’s environment, see Bali’s list of non-profit organizations. And, for fun, read this interesting and comical article about Bali’s Cuisine Unseen by Bali based writer, Ibu Cat. The farms, shops and restaurants listed here are owned by environmentally aware entrepreneurs. By supporting them, you reinforce these values at a local level. Bali Healthy Restaurants & Shops Feast on the freshest organic and vegetarian selections throughout Bali in a growing number of cafés and restaurants. Bali Organic Farms & Markets A delicious range of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and herbs produced in Bali’s cool mountains by ethical farmers. Balinese Cooking Schools Enter the world of Bali’s unique cuisine, with its mouth-watering combinations of flavours and textures. 5-Star Organic Cuisine Day by Day more and more luxury resorts are joining the organic revolution by inviting extraordinanary international chefs into their kitchens to create luxurious yet healthy gourmet cuisine. Bali Night Life – NEW! Bali is known for its incredible nightlife, full of discos, jazz clubs and romantic spaces. In this section we offer referrals to clubs that have great musicians, good food and drink (not necessarily organic) but, more importantly, are a clean and safe space to have fun.

Bali Holistic Healing & Wellness Directory

Clare Island Yoga Reteat Centre
	Alternative holistic practioners and modalities offer a wide range of therapies & wellness programs Bali is famous for its long history of traditional healing therapies. The rich Balinese culture includes a wealth of information on herbal remedies, massage and energy healing, customs that continue to thrive today. The lush Indonesian landscape produces a wide range of herbal medicines known as ‘jamu’, and the Balinese still consult Balians – traditional Balinese healers who work with divine energy, see here for more on Traditional Healing in Bali… This respect for holistic modalities attracts an impressive number of leading international practitioners, resulting in a rich and aware source of alternative choices to heal, grow, and expand your consciousness. The Holistic health practitioners and Balian listed below have a proven track record on Bali and are committed to making a positive difference within their communities. Below is the Balispirit Wellness Directory for holistic health and healing in Bali. For more info on ‘what is’ Balinese Traditional Healing, click here. Bodywork Therapists Tibetan Bells Sound Healing Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Injury Massage, Polarity Therapy, Cranial Sacral, Myofacial Release, Watsu, Deep Water Toning, Psychosomatic Integration, Applied Kinesiology, Structured Bodywork, Raindrop Technique, Rolfing, Structural Intergration & Chiropractic Psychic & Spiritual Guidance Reiki, Spiritual Mentoring, Enery Clearing, Channeling & Psychic Readings, Intuitive Healing, Spiritual Healing & Yoga Therapy, Tarot Reading & Workshops, Chakra and Meridian Balancing, Life Coaching, Sacred Mystery School, Crystal Light Bed Treaments Alternative Bali Health Centres Holistic Healing Center, Skin Care, Naturopathy, Allergies, NAET, Iridology, Herbal Medicine, Supplements, Hypnotherapy, Bowen, Accupuncture, Flower Essences, Herbalism, Sclerology, Nutrition, Weight Loss Bali Counseling & Psychotherapy Matrix and Quantum-Touch, Calming Mind, Spiritual Psychology, Psychotherapy Bali Detox, Fasting & Cleansing Programs This page is a directory of holistic detox retreats, centers & programs in Bali Balinese Traditional Healing Traditional Balinese healers, or Balian, have been the focal point of healing in Bali for centuries. Traditional Balinese Massage, Balinese Herbal Remedies, Balinese Spiritual Guides (Balians) Bali Astrology Many well-tuned Astrologer make Bali their home. See here for individual readings with practitioners and events. Holistic & Yoga Products Click thru to our fair-trade eco-products section Traditional Healing in Bali: Bali has a long tradition of Bali Usada, also known as Balinese traditional healing. This practice uses natural herbs and spices, holistic therapies and ancient wisdom to cure physical and mental illness. The Balinese live equally in two worlds: the seen or conscious world called sekala, and the unseen or psychic world, called niskala. In traditional Balinese healing, both of these elements are addressed in order to truly heal an ill patient. The Balian: Some balian have learned their art from studying the ancient scriptures called lontar and apprenticing with a master. Others have received wahyu or divine inspiration and heal from the heart. Both have an esteemed place in Balinese society. The balian may go into a trance state to discover the root cause of the problem and either give the patient plant medicine, a massage or a list of offerings to be made. Natural Medicine In the home, many Balinese have what is called a “living apothecary” which are simply the basic healing herbs and trees. These are made into remedies such as an herbal drink (loloh – where leaves are crushed and mixed with water), poultice (boreh – ground up herbs and roots are smeared on the skin), or even a chewed up mixture which is spit on the patient (sepuk). Yet healing is not only plant medicine, but energy healing as well. Sekala & Niskala: The Balinese live equally in two worlds: the seen or conscious world called sekala and the unseen or psychic world called niskala. It is the balian’s job to help the patient restore balance in both worlds. Often the problem lies with the ancestors, who can cause mischief or indeed real harm if not treated regularly to their favorite treats and offerings. The balian may go into a trance state to discover the root cause of the problem and either give the patient plant medicine, a massage or a list of offerings to be made. Read about traditional remedies and Balians in Balians and Snake Oil.

FAQ ABOUT YOGA

A quick guide to yoga holidays and retreats

You’ve been to a few yoga classes and possibly also have done some non residential workshops, and now you want to get a little bit more serious about your yoga practice. The decision is made, for your next holiday, you are going away on a yoga course.
Here are some answers to a few questions you might ask yourself.

Yoga holiday or yoga retreat?

While the distinction between a yoga holiday and a yoga retreat is not always clear, (sometimes, even the organisers have not thought enough about how to accurately name their course), there is quite a difference in terms of focus and general feel or atmosphere.  Generally speaking, a yoga holiday is primarily an activity holiday. The time devoted daily to yoga usually won’t exceed four hours, in one, or possibly two daily classes, and you will have time for other activities or just to relax and chill out. The location should reflect this, with a beach or other notable attractions nearby. The atmosphere is often relaxed, and it is usually a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people. On a retreat, on the other hand, the yoga schedule is likely to be more intense, possibly including some meditation, times of silence, etc. The main focus is no longer to enjoy yourself on holiday, but to deepen your yoga practice. Again, the choice of location should reflect this, with a quiet, possibly remote location. Retreats should be fully residential, the food vegetarian, and meal times carefully thought out to fit smoothly within the daily yoga routine. You will find more ‘hard core’ yogis and yoginis on retreats, and the overall atmosphere can be quite serious, with much less ‘free’ time. Unless you are quite certain that yoga is your thing, and want to move your practice to the next level, a yoga holiday rather than a yoga retreat may be the best choice for your first time doing yoga away from home.

Go alone, or take a friend?

Going alone is not a problem. In fact, the vast majority of people going on yoga course go on their own. The downside to going on your own is that you might have to share a room with one or more complete strangers, but at least, you will know that, like you, they have a keen interest in yoga, and great friendships are formed on yoga courses. If you decide not to go on your own, choose your companion(s) carefully. A few yoga centres will welcome guests who don’t do yoga, but in most cases, and certainly in the case of a retreat, yoga should be a shared interest with your prospective travel companion, so if you don’t want to go alone, a yoga buddy is a far better choice than your new boyfriend (unless, of course, you met him on a yoga weekend!)

Where and when to go?

The yoga holiday market  is now becoming increasingly competitive, and main stream travel agents are moving in, sometimes with disastrous results. Unlike yoga teachers and dedicated venues,  they do not always understand the particular requirements of what is still very much a niche market. Complaints about such new comers to the yoga holiday market, who often have operated successfully in other branches of the tourist trade such as the organisation of seminars or other types of package holidays, are their lack of understanding of the specificity of the yoga market, particularly in relation to diet (vegetarian and vegan options are not always available) and the unsuitability of the venues chosen, which are often large, soulless resorts, sometimes shared with a crowd of rowdy drunks (as happened to me in Goa a few years ago).
All this is not very conducive to peace of mind, so it is best to avoid large operators and stick with small, dedicated venues. There are a lot of them to choose from all over the world, and new ones are sprouting up every where so there’s a large choice of destinations at any time of the year! Sun destinations such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, and the south of France tend to be most popular in the European summer while in the winter; India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean tend to be favourites. There are also a number of other locations which don’t emphasise the ’sun’ part including Scotland, various parts of England, Ireland, Finland, Canada, Austria to name just a few.  See for example the Yoga Centres listing of the Yogaholidays.net site. Even thought they might not be right up on the beach, these  venues are chosen for their quietness and are far more suited to the practice of yoga than large tourist resorts.

What style, what teacher?

Perhaps more important than the location is the teacher and the style of yoga. Remember you will be stuck with your choice for the duration of the course, so a bit of  thinking may be in order. The best, of course, is to choose a teacher you have already studied with, perhaps in the context of weekly classes or a short workshop. Second best, is to get an opinion from someone who has been on a holiday/retreat with a particular teacher before. If this is not possible, you might find some useful information on the Internet, as most established teachers now have websites. This should at least give you an idea of who they are and of whether their style of teaching (and style of yoga) will suit you. If nothing else, don’t be afraid to ask  the teacher such questions as who they studied with, how long they have been practicing and how long they have been teaching yoga. Try to ring rather than email, as you’ll get a far better idea over the phone. Tell the teacher about your yoga experience, level of fitness and your expectation for the retreat so they can advise you properly on suitability. Usually they don’t want to be stuck with the wrong student any more that you want to be stuck with the wrong teacher, so they will advise you honestly. It is also recommended to try the style of yoga that will be taught as part of the holiday/retreat by taking a few classes in your area, just to be sure that it will suit you, before booking.

What to bring?

Check whether you’ll need a yoga mat (if you have your own, it best to bring it anyway). Bring some reading, yogic or not, and don’t forget your practice clothes!t

ASHTANGA YOGA

Caroline Klebl Ashtanga Yoga in Bali and Kenya

On the island of Bali, Indonesia Caroline holds a teacher training in paradise. 2009 soon up Catch her further scheduled retreats and teacher training around the world Her Teacher Training Program here

YOGA

Ashtanga Retreat in Bali
February 2nd to 16th, 2007

Come join us on beautiful Bali surrounded by serene tropical environment for an Ashtanga Yoga Retreat with Caroline Klebl.

The Yoga Course:

The retreat will begin with a series of Workshops, for further details click here.

Monday through Friday: regular classes will continue in the mornings. Both Mysore style(for those students who are familiar with the practice) and led classes(for those familiarizing themselves with the practice) will be held. In the afternoons additional classes will be taught focusing on technique, philosophy, the breath and meditation.

The Yoga Course is open to day students. For further details regarding the schedule of classes and rates
email: bali@sourceofyoga.com

Housing: The main housing at Bali Purnati consists of 10 spacious rooms with separate bathrooms. www.balipurnati.com

Additional housing is provided by Shanti Mandala.

Spa Treatments: an extensive selection of spa treatments are offered at Dirga Sauca Spa.
dirgasaucaspa.com

Excursions to exotic places on Bali are planned for each week.

The retreat includes accomodation at Bali Purnati, vegetarian meals, airport transfers, weekly excursions and the Ashtanga Yoga Course.

One week
Double occupancy: $950 US per person
Single occupancy: $1150 US per person

Two weeks
Double occupancy: $1750 US per person
Single occupancy: $2150 US per person

To register please contact:
bali@sourceofyoga.com

Payment can be transfered to:
Caroline Klebl
account#: 175009554006
swift code: HSBC IN BB
HSBC Bank
#1 Kalidasa Rd.
Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore 570 002 India