Getting the most out of the retreat

A yoga retreat gives us the chance to experience yoga in a more depth, away from the impositions of daily life, and find a little space and quietness. It gives us the chance explore the poses we do regularly, and look at some that we don’t normally have time to practice.

But importantly, it is also a time to relax and enjoy.  The retreat schedule provides a balance between daily yoga sessions and time to yourself. 

If this is your first yoga retreat, you might be fearful that you will be expected to do yoga all day every day. This is far from the truth; in fact, most of the time during the retreat will be your own. During free time you can choose to book sessions in the spa, venture out for a range of different excursions, get a ride into Ubud to explore the town or simply hide away in the peace of your own room or a quiet corner of the resort

Of course the yoga sessions are not compulsory, but the schedule is created in a logical sequence and I recommend that you try to participate as much as possible to get the full benefit.

Similarly meals are generally taken communally in Amori’s open dining area, but if you choose to explore local restaurants that is entirely your choice.

I would recommend that you see the time at the retreat as an immersive experience, where you enjoy some quiet and detachment. Once the retreat is over, I'm sure a few participants will look forward to going to Seminyak and enjoying some busy, noisy restaurants with plenty of meat and wine!

The yoga

All of our sessions will be held in Amori’s open yoga shala, which is constructed of bamboo and timber with a traditional Alang Alang thatch. This magnificent yoga space is one of the reasons that I selected this venue, which overlooks the jungle ravine, with the sound of the waters of the sacred river rushing below.

All equipment will be provided, but you may wish to bring your own mat if you prefer.

If you attend my classes regularly, the yoga sessions will be very familiar and at a similar level.

The schedule

Sunday

  • Plan to arrive afternoon or evening

  • Dinner optional for those that arrive early evening or before

Monday (opening day)

  • 7:45 Breakfast

  • 10:30-11:45 Introductory yoga session (gentle)

  • 12:30 Light lunch

  • Afternoon guided village walk and free time

  • 16:30-17:30 Inversions and restorative

  • 18:30 Dinner

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

  • 6:00-6:30 Dawn pranayama (remember this won’t feel early because of the 2 hour time difference)

  • 7:00 Quiet time and light breakfast

  • 9:30-11:00 Asanas

  • 12:00 Lunch

  • Afternoon free time for excursions, exploring or spa time

  • 16:30-17:45 Inversions and restorative

  • 18:30 Dinner (on Thursday night we might all choose to book a restaurant in Ubud for a celebration)

Friday (closing day)

  • 6:00-6:30 Dawn Pranayama

  • 7:00-9:30 Quiet time and light breakfast

  • 9:30-11:00 Restorative

  • 12:30 Final lunch

  • Depending on your ongoing arrangements, you may choose to leave after lunch, stay and wait for your flight if it’s later in the day, stay on at Amori or arrange a transfer to other accommodation in Bali.