Do you ever feel tempted to run away from the world? To escape the numerous mundane duties which consume so much of our time, leaving us tired, depleted and yearning for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation? If we're totally honest, most of us feel like this from time to time. I certainly do, and it was for this reason that I decided to book a ticket to Bali in the middle of a cold Perth winter and discover for myself why so many people I know keep returning there, year after year.
The Yoga Barn at Ubud
While the crowds and commercialism of Kuta and its beachside precincts left me feeling rather unsatisfied, my reaction to Ubud in Bali's green hilly interior was an entirely different story. Widely promoted as the cultural heart of Bali, it's where travellers go to learn about traditional Balinese culture, the arts or perhaps to relax at a yoga or spa retreat, surrounded by emerald-green jungle and terraced rice paddies. Those desiring a more wholistic way of life almost invariably end up in Ubud, and visitors will discover a wide range of centres teaching various yogic disciplines, complementary healing modalities and miscellaneous other New Age phantasmagoria.
The peaceful tropical gardens of the Yoga Barn are very conducive to yoga and meditation.
Situated in the heart of Ubud, at the end of a narrow laneway, the Yoga Barn is undoubtedly the town's largest and most well-known yoga centre. Seven days a week, from the break of dawn to the early evening, classes in various styles of yoga are held by some of the world's foremost yoga teachers. These range from basic tuition for total beginners to advanced workshops for long-time practitioners, so wherever you're at on your yoga journey there's sure to be something for you. For those who aspire to teach, regular certified Yoga Teacher classes are also held on a regular basis. In addition, the centre also hosts several groups focusing on various other modalities of complementary healing, Ayurvedic consultations, musical performances and community events.
The Yoga Barn is a tranquil spiritual oasis after the chaos and commercialism of Kuta.
Situated in tranquil tropical gardens, the Yoga Barn is somewhere you could easily spend a week or more, relaxing and experimenting with the various classes offered. To cater for the ever-growing number of yoga-loving visitors that descend on Ubud there is now a very reasonably-priced guest house on the premises which provides simple, comfortable and affordable accommodation for those that want to stay close to the action or perhaps just enjoy their own personal retreat. Also part of the complex, there's a fabulous vegan restaurant which provides a sumptuous choice of delicious goodies from around the world.
Cafe with a view
In a nutshell, if you're feeling tired and run-down, and are craving a retreat that will rejuvenate you, body and soul, then an escape to the Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali, is just what you need. With affordable accommodation options, great vegan food and a dizzying variety of yoga classes, you'll return home healthier, happier and with heaps of cool tips on how to stay that way.
For more information, check out the
Yoga Barn website.
