THE LOCATION
Ubud, Bali
THE VENUE
Samyama
Our Teacher Training Courses in Bali are hosted by a small family style Italian-run retreat centre at the southern edge of Ubud. The venue is located in a quiet neighbourhood and enclosed by two small rivers, palm trees and the typical Balinese rice paddies. The venue, nestled in a lush tropical setting, provides a peaceful escape, while still being within reach of the bustling town.
THE YOGA SHALA
Our shala for the duration of the course, 85 square meters of natural hardwood floor with capacity for 35 yoga mats overlooking rice fields and the jungle.
This hall is the deal space for meditation, yoga asana, lectures and bhajans. It has an additional balcony space where students can take a break, socialize and enjoy the views.
ACCOMMODATION
We offer the choice between budget accommodation in simple single rooms or dormitory with shared bathrooms, and a more luxurious stay in the next door villa in deluxe single size studios or shared twin space with a private bathroom. Your stay comes with regular room-cleaning service, free Wi-Fi and drinking water.
We encourage you to check out the pictures & details in our venue brochure.
FOOD
The course tuition already includes a vegetarian breakfast buffet Monday to Saturday. The food is fresh and healthy – everything is prepared with seasonal ingredients: the daily tropical fruit variety, muesli, whole grain bread, pancake, or local breakfast snacks.
Our venue offers the convenient option of a meal plan for lunch that covers the entire course at a very fair price.
The lunch is a vegetarian buffet consisting of a variety of vegetable stews, curries, legumes and grains, and a choice of salads. Available on all course days Monday - Saturday.
You are free to make your own dinner plans. The options extend to a variety of restaurants facilitating different budgets and tastes in town.
Sundays are an invitation to explore the island and enjoy eating out in local restaurants.
COMMUNITY
Our venue is a place to reconnect; first with yourself and, through that, with others. It is more than just a retreat centre. It’s a community, a place to form and meet with your tribe, a place to call home. The beautiful surroundings of nature and the tranquil energy evoke a meditative state of mind.
Our philosophy is to come back into intimacy with our heart and our most natural, unconditioned self. Ultimately, this intimacy and deep trust in life leads to falling in love with our Self and all of life. With more awareness of the heart and the body, we naturally act in the world with kindness and compassion towards ourselves, other beings, and the planet.
BALI
Island of the Gods
INTRODUCTION
The paradise island of Bali is a vibrant gem in the Indian Ocean: a diverse tropical landscape with both black and white sand beaches, fertile volcanic mountains, and a rich cultural life that make the island powerfully vibrant. The international Yoga community is well integrated and respected in the local society of warm-hearted Balinese people.
Bali is a place, steeped in culture, wonderful woodworks, textiles, dance, spirituality and yoga. It is not spoken lightly when people say there is an indescribable energy that permeates the air. That connects the rice field to beach, temple to sunset, and waterfall to mountain.
LOCAL LIFE
The Balinese culture and Hinduism affects almost every aspect of life on the island. The unique mix between sacred Hindu-Dharma and sophisticated local customs has made Bali a special and almost magical space. Art masterpieces can easily be found in every corner of Bali. Bali's traditional culture is still felt everywhere; from museums, to hotel lobbies, to sacred temples. The Balinese honor their ancestors and the spirit world, and perform religious rituals based on the ancient Balinese calendar. People wearing their ceremonial attires is a common sight as is the local custom of blessing with flowers and sacred water.
VOLCANOES
Bali has two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur.
Mount Agung or Gunung Agung is an active volcano in Bali. This stratovolcano is the highest point on the island. It dominates the surrounding area influencing the climate, and on clear days can be seen even from distant beaches. The clouds come from the west and Agung takes their water so that the west is lush and green and the east dry and barren.
As they are active volcanoes, nature can interrupt tourism and life here, but so far nothing has devastated it outright. People still visit Bali in droves and the island is prepared for the worst.
Just be aware of the current geologic activity and what to do in case of an emergency.
UBUD
The Cultural Capital of Bali
INTRODUCTION
Ubud, Bali has become one of the top destinations for yoga and spirituality. The local Balinese Hindu’s live their practice through a strong belief in karma and acts of devotion – offering to the gods on a daily basis.
Ubud translates into ‘medicine’ and has always been a holy center for healing and purifying. It is hard not to feel the strong, yet nourishing energy – like a warm embrace – from mama Bali.
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING AND MARKETS
Ubud is a haven for arts and crafts and you can find some of the island’s major art markets in and around this region. As you discover a wealth of paintings, carvings, traditional garments and unique knick-knacks on your shopping adventures in Ubud, you’ll find some bearing price tags, but most without – meaning you can always put your haggling skills to the test.
SPAS
When you are in Bali, it is highly recommended to try out traditional Balinese massage. This therapeutic healing method has existed in Bali for many centuries and is influenced by Thai yoga massage and Chinese acupressure.
The relaxing oil massage relieves muscular tension and rejuvenates the entire body system. Other favorites include facials, flower baths, and beauty treatments with organic products from the nearby jungle.
RESTAURANTS
Ubud is a very well known for it’s healthy, organic, raw, vegan, vegetarian restaurants and cafes, as well as Indonesian cuisine. There is an abundance of choice for you to explore and discover.
