I've just returned from a beautiful 'personal retreat' in Ubud and wanted to share some of my experiences with those Bali travellers who may be looking for this kind of holiday - I call it the REAL BALI FEELING!
Apparently the word 'UBUD' means 'medicine' and that's what is really was for me, after a huge year so far I needed some healing. Here's some of the ways I did my 'retreat' - when I say 'personal' I mean not part of an organised program, just enjoying whatever I felt like each day.
Bali Spirit yoga, 44 Hanoman Street, (yes, they do have a .com address) offers lots of yoga classes for different levels and you can buy a Card for several classes at a reduced rate - a bit of an incentive to keep showing up and reaping the benefits. I especially enjoyed classes with Ann and the restorative/relaxing yoga with James. At Bali Spirit - which has a great organic cafe by the way - you can also find out about other 'alternative' things going on in the community. (There is also a lovely hotel called Bali Spirit in Ubud - I've stayed there before, so don't let your driver get confused!)
Talking of drivers - we used Made Suarnaya for the whole of our stay - he's great, speaks fantastic English, as well as German, Japanese, a bit of French and is learning Greek! He made life really easy for us and at very reasonable cost - he says he will beat any price! But most of all he's fun to have around and knows all the best places to eat, stay and more... You can contact Made on 08123940516 or email suarnaya2002@yahoo.com and he will pick you up from the airport.
For Massage or Mandi Lurlur I always enjoy 'Bodyworks' also in Hanoman Street, and Ubud Sari is great on Jl. Kajeng too has a raw food cafe and if you really want to 'detox' also offer colonics!
For a great 'foot treatment' especially after shopping - try Kenko opposite the market.
There are so many wonderful restaurants in Ubud - Nomad, Lotus Cafe, Casa Luna and Indus (a bit further out but worth the drive) And for great organic take away try Bali Buddha.
Most of all take time to breathe in the beauty of the culture, the irridescent green of the rice fields and enjoy the Balinese people. Have a wonderful healing holiday.