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BALI RETREAT W THE SACRED FIG + ANTON BRANDT


  • BLUE KARMA UBUD BALI (map)

For many of us, our day-to-day reality is a demanding job and endless social obligations.  New technologies that were designed to simplify our lives somehow have added more to our plates (and iCals).  We’re expected to be more available & more accessible, and as each day ends, we find ourselves with just a sliver of personal time left over.

Our culture tells us that being ‘busy’ is somehow a good thing.  We associate being busy with being in demand, sought after, and successful.  Whether we see this busy-ness as self-imposed or not, it’s harder than ever these days to align ourselves with the person we want to be.

When was the last time you felt fully recharged?  When was the last time you had the space to really dedicate yourself to the things that are truly important to you? The Sacred Fig retreats are specifically designed to realign & re-calibrate.  To step away from our day-to-day dramas, and get a greater perspective on ourselves, our goals, our desires, & our friendships.

At this special New Year’s retreat – celebrate with sunrise meditation, and afternoon naps by the pool.  Celebrate with lovingly prepared, nourishing meals every day, and world-class yoga asana, taught by qualified, experienced & inspirational teachers.  Celebrate with new friendships, with sweat, with surprising conversations & laughter… and still plenty of time for self-reflection.

ABOUT BALI

Bali has a certain magic to it. Somewhere between the stunning rice terraces and ridiculous surf… the daily offerings that mystically appear throughout the day, and the ever abundant tropical fruits & flowers.

For this luxurious New Year's retreat, we're getting the best that Bali has to offer. For the first 3 nights, we're staying among the rice terraces at Blue Karma Boutique Resort, one of Bali's most fabulous properties. Blue Karma is situated just outside the small artistic community of Ubud, on the slopes leading up to the volcano. Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, interwoven with temples, coconut palms and rice terraces in every direction. For the final 3 nights, we'll head to Uluwatu, where we'll stay in a private villa on the bluffs, with our own access to the beach & surf below.

Waking up with the sun, meditating, & practicing yoga seem to come naturally here. Bali is the only island in Indonesia (out of tens of thousands) that’s Hindu, and their culture has a uniqueness all of it’s own. From the temple offerings, to the sound of the gamelan, and that sweet smile that the Balinese so readily share, Bali tends to sweep most of their feet.

Bali is just south of the equator, so it’s reliably hot & sunny. It’s tropical and wet. The largest (and still active) volcano, is considered by Balinese to be the center of the universe.

THE RETREAT CENTER

For the first 3 nights, we'll be staying at Blue Karma Boutique Resort. This stunning property is about 10 minutes outside the town of Ubud. We've led past trainings at Blue Karma, and we're thrilled to come back. Surrounded by rice fields & fireflies, the lush property includes an infinity swimming pool tapering off into the rice terraces, and a gorgeous bamboo yoga shala build on the principles of sacred geometry. The shala is complete with all the props you'll need - no need to bring your mat. The property is interspersed with open-air 'bale' bungalows complete with day beds & pillows, ideal for an afternoon nap or quiet conversation. Expect lovely touches like turmeric tonic at sunrise, herb-infused waters by the pool in the afternoon, and turn-down service for your room each evening.

Each spacious villa accommodates two people very comfortably, and features two twin beds with fine linens, rain showers, air-conditioning, unique artwork, a small refrigerator, and all the amenities to brew coffee or herbal tea in the comfort of your own villa. Some villas feature a private deck or verandah, some have outdoor showers, while others are two-floors.

On a typical day, we'll have breakfast after morning asana, a light lunch, and lovingly-prepared vegetarian dinner. Purified spring water, french-press coffee, herbal teas, fresh almond & cashew milks, as well as various tonics & elixirs are prepared daily. The retreat property is thoughtful with accommodating dietary restrictions.

For the final 3 nights (where we'll celebrate the New Year!) we're heading to the beach! We're staying in a private villa situated high on the Uluwatu bluffs. We have a cliff-front pool with gorgeous sunset views, and direct access to the beach below. When we're staying in Uluwatu, we'll have two meals per day: a late breakfast feast and early dinner, so that those who want to adventure out have plenty of time to explore. If you're feeling adventurous, join Anton for an afternoon surf!

DAILY SCHEDULE

This retreat takes place from Dec 27, 2018 - Jan 2, 2019. Plan on arriving at Blue Karma in Ubud anytime after 2pm on Dec 27th (our first yoga class as a group is at 5pm in Dec 27th), and leaving after yoga & breakfast on January 2rd. (We'll help coordinate your transport to the airport). Each day is well-balanced with asana, healthy meals, and plenty of free time to spend as you wish. There are lots of optional activities, and you can get into as much or as little as you want. Below is a schedule just to give you a general idea. Whether you want to embrace your introvert, or hang out with new friends - there will be plenty of opportunity for both.

8am - 830am

Satsang.
Satsang is to gather in the company of those seeking a higher truth. So in the true spirit of retreat, we offer (optional) guided meditation + pranayama each morning.

830am - 10am

Sweat.
Intelligent + sweaty vinyasa yoga, led by The Sacred Fig faculty.

10am - 11:30am

Nourish.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast. Expect local fruits, yogurt, eggs, freshly baked breads, homemade jams, and freshly brewed coffee & teas.

11:30am - 4:30pm

Play.
Chill out by the pool, adventure down the cliffs to the beach, or wander through the rice fields. Come surfing with Anton, or finish your book on the hammock.

4:30pm - 6pm

Sweat.
The afternoon activity varies. Often times it's a yoga class (more workshop style in format), or a guest teacher, and some other days we'll go on an outdoor adventure. It varies depending on the direction of the group.

7pm - 9pm

Nourish.
A healthy, vegetarian meal.

10pm

Sleep, stargaze, or enjoy a glass of vino.

Earlier Event: December 18
Arm Balance Masterclass
Later Event: December 27
Hips Masterclass