It
started at Seminak, pick up was at 10am. I figured Bali Time we'd
see someone around lunch time. No, at 9.45 two really new clean
white cars turn up at the door of our accommodation bound for Villa
Boreh. So off we went on the 3 hour transfer over the mountains to
the north of the island. At one stage we had a toilet request, no
problems, we stopped in the next town at someones house, does
everyone know everyone in Bali, it often seems that way.
So
three hours later we were squirming in the car thinking “are we
there yet?” And yes, we roll into a traditional village.. no
tourists in sight. Down a dusty uninteresting driveway and pile out
of the van. What a surprise, the resort was breathtaking, much
better than even the photos on the website, not that they were bad. To see some of our photos click here : http://www.adoreyoga.com/retreats/yoga-retreats-gallery
Danielle
our hostess met us. She was just fantastic, she was as excited as we
were to be there and greeted us, full of enthusiasm. Danielle is
from Canada but lives in Bali now with her Balinese husband Kadek.
So best of both worlds, language was no problem and she knew all the
details of Balinese life. The time we spent at Villa Boreh was
enhanced with her stories and her ability to fix anything that may or
not be a problem. Every enquiry was taken seriously and solved on
the spot.
We
were greeted by the rest of the staff with coconut drinks straight
from the coconut, overlooking the sea, we really had arrived in
paradise.
Lunch
was served, the food throughout the week was sensational, lots of
vegetables and local foods infused with Balinese style. I dropped a
few kilos with ease, healthy food laid three times a day, a real
treat for me as I'm often preparing all those meals in my house. I
must say there were a few tempting carbohydrates and sweet desserts
were served that looked very yummy but I didn't need them.
The
highlight of the whole week and the very reason we were there was the
yoga. Four hours of yoga a day converted me, who tries to attend one
class per week, from thinking it was something that gave me a bit of
exercise into learning about the different layers of yoga. I came
out with a fitter body but also a real clear idea of how to think and
use yoga in all aspects of my life. It was as if the yoga mat was
where life was happening and the rest was just practise. Nikola
Ellis lead the classes, she was absolutely fantastic. In the room
there were many different skill levels ranging from yoga teachers to
people with various injured parts to people with very little yoga
experience however we all walked out thinking the yoga class was
perfectly suited for us. What a skill.! I loved Nikola's classes,
the exercise, the spirituality and the learnings. Lucy Proud was
there, as Nikola's assistant and she was great at adjusting the
exercises to suit everyone and of course the relaxation, that is
Lucy's passion.
The
days wizzed by, there was plenty of excursions to go on but I just
loved the relaxation by the pool. Not to forget the treatments. The
first Bali Massage was free, well that was just a tempter because
then there was body scrubs, facials and a hair creme bath to try,
great prices, great treatments. I felt like I left with a whole new
body.
What
made the retreat extra special were the little things....the flower
arrangement for Janelle's birthday, the bunch of flowers for Tracey's
anniversary, the caring staff, the nothing is too much trouble
attitude and the fun. They all loved fun, as do all of us and we
laughed at so many things, like when the girls tried to teach us to
Balinese dance. We even had a demo from the security guard. Everyone
was part of the party.
I
can't wait till next year. “The next Bali Paradise Retreat is on 30 July - 6 Aug 2013 and bookings are open now.” : http://www.adoreyoga.com/retreats/current-retreats
Thanks!
Thanks!
