Retreats
Bali Retreat
29 July – 4 August 2024 (9 yoga practices)
Our Bali Retreat group:
The second Yoga Gem retreat/holiday took place at Alam Shanti in Ubud, Bali.
The setting was everything I had hoped it to be – small, intimate, traditional, beautifully landscaped amid rice fields and a jungle escarpment with ponds around the premises full of blooming lotus flowers and hilarious sounding croaking toads!. The yoga shala was outstanding with lovely garden views and wonderful birdsong that just made each and every practice a joy and a gift…….so very tasteful, spacious and private. Over and above, the staff were truly delightful - professional but fun and by day 2 knew everyone by their Christian names - always going out of their way to make our week truly memorable.
With temperatures around 30 degrees we were on our mats by 6:30am until 9:00am after which we were all more than ready for a dip on our own very private infinity pool overlooking the jungle and wild monkeys so often at play or wreaking havoc with the locals at work. 9:30am was a full team breakfast that was always a wonderful relaxed social event with much laughter and friendly banter whilst enjoying all the wonderful fruits and foods on offer. Students had a decent amount of free time to explore Ubud and its surrounds when not in afternoon practice or at the Pyramids of Chi which we all went to experience – some doing the Ancient Sound Healing and others the Light, Sound and Vibrational Healing – tremendous experiences for all. A few of us also enjoyed a 2 hour 3rd Eye Meditation practice with a local healer.
Included in the retreat was a good 5 hours of partner work that did seem to resonate with everyone and I think was possibly the most popular of the practices. Yes, we can learn a lot working with others!. We chanted on occasion and it was powerful – some of us very emotional after the experience and we also included the Invocation to Patanjali (integral part of Iyengar Yoga) and on two occasions shared in Blessing and Divination cards – also very moving.
As the teacher and organiser of this retreat, I can honestly say I was truly humbled with the exceptional level of practice and effort that each and every participant put into the week. The energy was so powerful and with it came a delightful package of humour and openness. Students had time to really ‘’check in ‘’ with themselves and they dug deep. Thank you all.
Practice Gallery
Alam Shanti Accomodation and Celebration Gallery
Student Reviews
“A logistical triumph for Jolanta to organise 12 to get to Bali. But what a place, the ancient culture and warm temperatures set the shala up for a yoga retreat that went beyond the mat.
The group was one, whether you were there for the yoga or not. I liked the discipline of being on the mat at 0630 every morning for a 2.5hr class. Asanas were challenging, guided, supported. The Masterton students reflected being taught by an advanced and knowledgeable teacher. Our morning ritual was yoga, a dip in the emerald pool followed by a Balinese breakfast, where we all sat together at a long table for the next hour in the shade overlooking a rice paddy, frangipani trees and sacred sculptures.
The retreat reflected the union within us all.”Megan
“I would say the retreat in Ubud, Bali hosted by Jolanta was just awesome.
Safe in the hands of a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher, this was an authentic yoga retreat that really took you much deeper into the practices and asanas of yoga.
It wasn't easy but heck, you came away feeling invigorated and inspired.
Worthy of note was the collective chanting of some meaningful Sanskrit mantras at some sessions nothing too serious but this added that extra touch, a very meaningful experience”Greg and Lallit
“Well what can I say but ‘thank you!’ I have recently returned from an amazing week of The Yoga Gem's Yoga Retreat at Alam Shanti in Ubud, Bali. The accommodation was outstanding and so wonderful to practice Yoga each day in the open air Shala surrounded by vegetation and the occasional monkey spectator. Having Yoga for two and half hours either once or twice a day was amazing, I feel as if I have made progress and I got very excited to do things I didn't think I would be able to do, but Jolanta showed us and said "just give it a go" and I did Yah!! . We had such a fun time with partner work and the whole group we were with was loads of fun, lots of happy times together in the pool, over breakfast and a few dinners. I had a birthday in the middle of the week and everyone made me feel so special, it was the best birthday I have had in years. We also had the opportunity to do sound healing which for me was extra special and emotional, though some may think this is a bit "out there" try it, it is amazing where it can take you. All in all a real treat to go, I loved every minute and count me in Jolanta on any future retreats your organise!”
Susie
“The Yoga Gem yoga holiday was a perfect balance of yoga and relaxation time. Practicing each morning amongst the beautiful Balinese gardens in the open air Shala was a real treat that even the local wildlife enjoyed. Jolantas teaching is gentle but challenging, and being on the journey with a group of like minded people made the trip a wonderful experience. As a newcomer to the group I felt very welcome and included. After practice each morning the shared breakfasts were a highlight as were the shared afternoon teas by the pool. There was plenty of downtime to rest and enjoy exploring Ubud and to enjoy eating dinners out.
Thank you Jolanta for the opportunity to join you all - I feel stronger after the week of practice and ready to continue my yoga until next time 🤗”Donna
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Bali and spend a week concentrating on deepening my yoga practice. As always Jolanta worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the retreat was perfect. Our accommodation was peaceful and incredibly beautiful, the shared breakfasts were delicious and a fun chance to connect with others, and each of the yoga sessions took me deeper, physically and spiritually.
I’m very aware that this is possible only thanks to the thought and planning that Jolanta puts in before each and every yoga session. Thank you Jolanta. My mat is being put to good use as I continue my travels through Sri Lanka and Europe.”Lisa
“It’s been our first time in a yoga retreat, and we cannot be happier with the experience. It was evident the extreme care Jolanta took in choosing the venue, the location and the classes, which made possible to enhance our personal yoga journey. Deep practice, combined with the opportunity of sharing it with an amazing group of people made it perfect. Extremely worth it, we are looking forward for the next one!”
Sabina and Ruben