As I immersed myself in yoga in the mid-2010s, I began to encounter ads for international yoga retreats. I’d had a handful of solo travels by then and wondered what a vacation would be like if there was some intended sesh aspect to it.
My one concern about booking a yoga retreat is not being able to wander: Would I be trapped in a rigid schedule, with no room to actually explore? I didn’t want to fly across the world only to miss out on the culture, food, and beauty of a place. Since this was going to be my last big trip before getting married, it had to be memorable.
After some solid Googling and crowd-sourced advice from friends and coworkers, one destination kept popping up: Bali, Indonesia. And Bali delivered. Here’s why I chose it—and why I think it’s the perfect place to blend yoga, adventure, and a little self-discovery.
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My First Impressions
The people are friendly and welcoming. This was the unanimous consensus from individuals whom I spoke with about this magical place.
The spiritual culture is fascinating. There’s something sacred in the air. Locals openly shared their beliefs and rituals with us, making the experience even more meaningful.
Nature is everywhere. From forests to waterfalls, beaches, and volcanoes—Bali has it. As someone who isn’t surrounded by nature often, this island was pure magic.
It’s a great place to travel solo or with friends. For me, this trip was a hybrid—a portion was spent with my sister and her high school friend, a couple of days were spent with my friend who also traveled from Lalaland, and the rest was completely solo. Every version of the trip worked beautifully.
Why Bali is unforgettable…
So, if you’re craving a trip where you can stretch both your body and your curiosity, here are some of the unforgettable spots in Bali where I managed to sneak in a sesh (or two):
Desa Seni – It’s an eco-friendly resort that offers daily yoga classes, a heated pool, and organic food. When I went in 2017, Desa Seni was in Canggu. Based on their socials and website, they moved locations, but they kept the same pristine, serene environment. This place pampered us for a few days. Meals made from freshly harvested fruits and veggies—literally picked from the garden right in front of us.
Desa Seni had a plethora of yoga classes to choose from. They also have yogis who are engaging and very knowledgeable. While reviewing my photos, I realized that one of the yogis who taught a vinyasa class we attended is now an influential yoga teacher, Yogi Diaz. He’s now known as a Creative Sequencing Wizard and the Dancing Warrior per his IG handle, and rightfully so. It’s exciting to see how many lives he’s touched with his practice.
Berawa Beach – This was a cab ride away from Desa Seni, where FINNS Beach Club is located. Since we just wanted to admire the beach, not to club by the beach, we walked a few feet away from the club and found a pretty quiet spot.
Sekumpul Waterfall – I had to deviate from TLC’s advice and did chase this waterfall, well… seven waterfalls. It was definitely a trek to get to, but seeing all seven waterfalls cascading down on you and being able to swim in its plunge pool was incredible. I didn’t know it was on my bucket list until I saw it.
Rock Bar – On the way to Ubud, don’t miss out on watching the sunset with cliffs in the foreground while sipping on your favorite cocktail at Ayana Hotel’s Rock Bar.
Mount Batur – Want to watch the sunrise from a volcano? You can! Want your breakfast cooked over volcanic steam while monkeys try to snatch it away? Also possible. Both experiences will forever be etched in my memory.
Tanjung Benoa – If you’re into water sports, this is your playground. I tried intro scuba diving here, and despite some nerves, the staff made me feel safe and confident.
Thank you, Bali!
Bali gave me space to stretch, breathe, wander, and connect—not just with the island, but with myself. It was more than a vacation; it was a soul refresh. If you’ve ever wondered why on my FAQs I listed Bali as one of the islands that made me cry, now you know why.
I hope this blurb inspires you to wander or keep wandering, friends!