Warriors & Waves Bali: A Yoga & Surf S urf Escape with Mercedes Ngoh August 24th – 31 st, 2012 Gajah Gajah Mina Beach Resort Bali, Indonesia COST: 1050pp COST: £1050 1050pp
Yoga and surfing were made for each other. With a board instead of a mat and the ocean as our studio, when we surf we move through what is essentially a vinyasa on water. That sequence of cobra, plank into warrior pose to catch the wave, combined with the meditative bliss of sitting “out the back” waiting for the next wave to come and take us into what could be called surfer’s “samadhi” (ecstasy). On the mat or on the wave there’s no feeling quite like it. It’s hard to imagine many places more beautiful than Bali but the fact that you can have such a beautiful retreat space, amazing beaches AND some of the best surf breaks in the world is all just too much for a travelling yogi! Bali has been called the green jewel of Indonesia. For many years this tropical island has attracted people from all over the world with its idyllic tropical beaches, lush green forests, great volcanoes soaring up through the clouds and rice fields tripping down hillsides like giant steps. On top of this, the Balinese people with their humble Hindu culture and truly friendly attitude make perfect hosts for a retreat of this nature. Come join one of the UK’s leading Vinyasa Flow Yoga Instructors Mercedes Ngoh (www.mercedesyoga.com) at the beautiful Gajah Mina Beach Resort. Warriors & Waves Bali will be 8 days/7 nights of fabulous yoga, surfing, yummy food and Indonesian fun with an amazing group of people!
ABOUT GAJAH MINA RESORT Gajah Mina is an exclusive Bali holiday destination on the picturesque South West coast, not far from the renowned Tanah Lot temple in Tabanan. An intimate boutique hotel of eleven independent vacation villas nestled among tropical gardens and scenic rice paddies. Gajah Mina overlooks its own private beach carved into the volcanic rock. The setting is spectacular, natural caves and ancient stone carvings offering beautiful walks across adjacent cliff top, headlands, rice paddies, coconut groves and deserted beaches. ACCOMMODATION
Gajah Mina was designed by its French Owner to combine the ethnic characteristics of the Balinese cultural environment with a high level of comfort and sophistication. Furnished with a wide variety of antiques source from throughout the Indonesia archipelago, the villas are fashioned from natural materials such as volcanic stone, teak, coconut wood and unpolished marble. Stained glass bedroom windows add a touch of romance. Private verandahs with loungers are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze and bask in the perfume of tropical flowers. A luxuriously appointed bathroom with outside garden shower complements each villa. YOGA PAVILLION
Our daily Vinyasa Flow Yoga, chanting and meditation sessions will take place in Gajah Mina’s beautiful “Wantilan”; a roofed yet open Balinese structure perched on
a cliff top overlooking the private beach and ocean behind it. The name of this site is Balian and translates to meaning healer or shaman. This is a truly great opportunity to absorb the healing and rejuvenating power of nature in spectacular surroundings while immersing yourself deeper in your yoga practice and spiritual path. In daily yoga sessions, we will flow through various dynamic, creative and restorative practices depending on our day’s schedule. We’ll explore some fun, challenging postures that aren’t normally explored in regular group classes in addition to mantra and meditation. SURF BALIAN STYLE
Two surfing lessons will be included in your retreat and unlimited use of a board will be at your disposal should you wish to surf more. Surfing is optional and there are many other activities you can enjoy should you wish to explore the island instead. The surf breaks are known as some of the best in the world and it is high season during the time of our retreat. If you’ve always wanted to try surfing then this is the perfect place to start as there are an array of breaks suitable for both beginners and the more experienced surfer.
RELAX AND INDULGE
The Spa and Massage room is on the unspoilt west coast of Bali. On a headland over looking a beautiful surf spot of Bali on one side, and on the other: the deserted Mejan beach. In keeping with nature, there are always cooling breezes and the ever present sound of the surf. A wide selection of treatments, ranging from Balinese massages to body scrubs to wraps, facials and more are available during your Warriors & Waves escape.
EAT, DRINK (Healthy Fresh Juices!!) AND BE MERRY!
The Naga Restaurant at Gajah Mina features French cuisine, Indonesian favorites, Thai specialities, organic vegetables, home made pastas and bread, fresh juices, grilled sea foods, world music and a wonderful view of the rice fields. A book case with games, magazines and books are at your disposal. Wi-Fi internet is provided free of charge to keep in touch with loved ones.
BOOKING YOUR SPACE
If you'd like to join us for our Warriors & Waves Bali Escape you can book your place by sending an e-mail to: yoga@mercedesyoga.com. We will then forward you a registration form.
RETREAT DETAILS WHEN: August 24th – August 31st, 2012 WHERE: Gajah Mina Beach Resort, Bali, Indonesia COST: £1050 per person single bedroom shared villa £1900 per couple shared king size bedroom single villa Prices include: *8 days/7 nights accommodation *Daily yoga/meditation sessions *Daily Brunch *Includes two surfing lessons and unlimited use of surf board daily *Temple Excursion *Shopping Excursion Price does not include flights, transfers to/from retreat and travel insurance. Optional excursions (ie: Day trip to Ubud) can be arranged at request on arrival. VISAS: 30 day visa available on arrival for citizens of most countries (British, American, Canadian etc) however please double check ahead of time to insure you don’t need to apply to a visa from your selected country. WHAT TO BRING: Yoga clothes, swimsuits, shorts, sunblock, sunhat & sunglasses, bug repellent, trainers or comfortable shoes and clothing for excursions. Cameras, laptops, ipads etc if you desire. Wireless is available in the restaurant. Currency is Indonesian Rupiahs.