Recollections from my first yoga retreat
Five years ago I attended my first Bali Yoga Retreat at the beautiful Maya Resort & Spa, in Ubud. Words cannot adequately describe what a wonderfully special place Maya is. The quality of the accommodation, the lush tropical grounds and the amazing food are all of an exceptionally high quality. The resort oozes a restful, rejuvenative vibe. It is truly a place where you can go to chill-out and deeply relax.
Maya is nestled alongside the Petanu River, taking in valley views to one side and rice fields to the other. The buildings follow the natural contours of the land and diverge off a ‘ceremonial spine’ – a walkway which culminates in a large viewing platform taking in magnificent views. As Maya is built upon a ten hectare property, neighbours are a distant din away. Stepping into Maya is like stepping into another time and place. It is a place so special and deeply restorative that you may never want to leave!
I spent my first hour exploring my private villa (with garden and plunge pool) and the expansive, resort grounds. At almost every turn, I had to pause…. squeal with delight on the inside…. and then continue on way, remembering how fortunate I was to have been granted this ‘leave pass’ from my family.
Maya has a purpose built Yoga Pavilion. It is a large, open-aired space with magnificent views. Peace and tranquillity are everywhere. Each morning our group practiced yoga and meditation together. We shared breakfast and studied yoga philosophy. The afternoons were open – we could choose to indulge in spa treatments, sit poolside, rest in our delightful villas or head out into Ubud to visit the market and surrounds. Late in the afternoon we would meet again to experience deep yogic relaxation. We would sometimes meet for cocktails and share dinner; other times we were free to go out into town, order room-service, or dine at one of Maya’s restaurants’.
As I contemplate the winter months before me, I am thinking about how wonderful it would be to return to Maya. I’m starting to feel like it might be time to offer a week-long yoga retreat to Bali. Who’s interested?!
