Chelsea's Yoga Retreats: Bali

Likely one of my most favorite places to pack for! We’re talking flip flops, rompers, swimsuits, sarongs, sunscreen, and my yoga mat… this is Bali. 

Flying from Seattle to Bali requires two flights and those GIANT planes that I used to only see in movies. The first is 12 hours and a redeye, so I packed up eye masks, a Turtl Neck Pillow, compression socks, and all the cozy clothes. I land in Taipei, Taiwan and groggily head for the lounge that has these amazing massage chairs and showers! These are glorious after loooong flights and lengthy layovers. Then, another 5-hour flight, and I step outside into Bali, Indonesia. The humidity, the lush palms, and the energy of this busy open-air airport…electric. At this point, it feels like coming home and I will forever say “yes” to Bali.

Day 1

We arrive on my birthday in Ubud, Bali. This sweet city is in the metropolis of Bali lifted high in the lush, thick, tropical, vine-filled forests. Cheeky monkeys greet you at every turn, temples pepper the city, and rice fields lay for as far as the eye can see. And Bali sunsets, well, nothing quite beats them. 

I often give students the first night off from yoga to rest, recover, and get settled into our new space. We’re checked into Bliss Spa Ubud Hotel and start our first morning with some yoga overlooking the rice fields. 20 women have joined me on this retreat. The warmth of the day creeps in the wide-open doors of our practice space. 

After breakfast, we head to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This place is just magical! Have you seen those epic photos of just about every IG Influencer in Balinese terraced rice fields with the sun bursting through the palms? It’s not photoshopped - this place is real and oh so special.

A coffee plantation tour is next up and a must in Bali. The coffee here is so yummy and the sampling of their coffees, teas, and extra special Luwak Coffee is always a treat. Mangosteen Tea was my favorite! The above photo was taken at the plantation!

Day 2

We head Ubud Yoga Center for our first workshop! Today is Rising Up Stronger and all things inversions! Two hours of getting upside down with all of the props, walls, and assists. There’s something so handy about the heat of these tropical countries that make us all feel a little willing and open for the practice. 

We head back to our hotel for pool hangs, massages, free time, smoothie bowls, and all the fresh juice. I love carving in lots of solo time so people have the freedom for self care, exploration, and rest and relaxation.

Later this afternoon we are invited into a Balinese family’s home for a Balinese Cooking Lesson (Paon Bali Cooking Class). It was such an honor to be welcomed into their home as we learned so many new ways to cook my favorite Balinese dishes! Satay, sambal, sate languan, sate lembat, and black rice pudding. It really was such highlight for us all!

Day 3

We woke early for massages! A Balinese massage is a must when visiting this island. Different than most massages, affordable, and so so relaxing!

We transferred today and headed to Uluwatu Temple and from afar caught some of the Kecak Fire Dance on the clifftop amphitheater next to the temple. The sunsets here are breathtaking!

We continued into Seminyak and checked into Lloyd’s Inn. This place has the cooooolest vibe (peep it above)! I could take pictures everywhere here! We were also walking distance to the beach so all the sunrise and sunset yoga practices happened here!

On retreats we have a nice balance between dinners as a group and dinners where you get to explore and choose with other travelers and Seminyak has so many options and ways to get around.

Day 4

As a group we all headed to a giant spa and have facials, massages, or treatments done. I tell ya, we had so many ways to relax here.

We headed back to our yoga studio for our next workshop. Today, was my Open Heart Warrior workshop. All things spine and shoulders to deepen our backbends. This studio also had the coolest restaurant too. The best menu and raw chocolates to indulge in after our lengthy practice. 

That evening we headed to Plancha Beach which is known for its colorful umbrellas and beanbags peppering the beach. Live music, drinks, and dinner were such a cool way to watch the sun lower over the Indian Ocean.

Day 5

We check into our final hotel in Uluwatu with giant pools and comfy beds. Uluwatu gets us right on the water where we all get to try our hand at surfing! The waves down here can get big but there are these perfect little pockets for beginners to catch some waves! I definitely felt my nerves turn on but said “yes” anyway and actually got up! A few times! I think that all who were willing to try did too! It was crazy fun working with the instructors and getting a little extra sun-kissed that day! I will forever remember my instructor say (after I felt too afraid to stand up on a wave as he pushed me on my board in its direction), “What happened? Why you didn’t go up?” “I was afraid !” I smiled! “No afraid, Chelsea. Just trust.” So I did. And I got up.

Day 6

We finished up our retreat with sunrise yoga, handstand play on the large decks poolside, and our farewell dinner on the beach! The sunset this night was amazing enough we all got up from the tables and ran to the water’s edge. Horses walked on the beach. Where even are we?! It’s too good! A retreat filled with yoga, handstands, sunshine, open hearts, many massages, cooking classes, beaches, smoothie bowls, and scooters. Always sad to say goodbye but such an amazing first retreat to this special Indonesian island. 

Bali will forever feel like a second home to me. At this point, I’ve collectively spent months there and have been five times. This will forever be a retreat destination for me and while “Eat, Pray, Love” really put this place on the map for many, the locals, the smiles, and the landscapes are nothing short of magic. For me, it’s the quiet moments here that speak the loudest… the scooter rides at sunset, the wind blowing through the rice fields, the chickens peeking out to cross your path, and the birds that decorate the sun-filled skies. Bali is so special and it changed my life all the way back in 2018 when I booked my first international trip. If Bali whispers to you, listen. 

My next retreat to Bali is April 2022 - click here to join me!