In the heart of the World-Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, I discovered an unexpectedly unique spa treatment combined with an authentic Aboriginal eco-tourism experience.

At the start of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa’s guided rainforest walk our Aboriginal guide, Juan Walker, tells the story of how his grandmother escaped the plight of being part of Australia’s ‘Stolen Generation’.  With news of men on horseback traveling through the area looking to remove Aboriginal children from their families to be placed in state custody, Juan’s grandmother was hidden in a woven ‘dilly bag’ and hung from a tree as the officers passed by.

It’s just one of the fascinating stories that Juan shares about his ‘bama’ (people), country and tribe, the Kuku Yalanji, that have lived in this part of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest for thousands of years and are claimed to be one of the oldest intact surviving Indigenous communities in the world.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa’s site is important in local culture. The property was occupied by forefathers of the Kuku Yalanji tribe and used as a resting place as it provided spring water, an abundance of edible, medicinal plants and bathing holes, including a natural waterfall that to this day is still considered to be sacred to women. Read more …

This all-inclusive weekend includes accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, six yoga classes with Kris McIntyre, meditation and relaxation sessions, Golden Door Spa treatments, wholesome meals inspired by the Golden Door with the special touch of Peppers executive chef Reuben Radonich.

The Golden Door will also be hosting information workshops including a healthy cooking demonstration with Executive Chef at the Golden Door Health Retreat.

The weekend is designed to give you the option de-stress and unwind or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away with your partner or a group of friends. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

The weekend is open to beginners, but a basic level of fitness is required. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

Prices start at $474 per person (twin share). Non-residential packages are available from $340 per person. For bookings contact: Louise Anker, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Phone: (02) 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au

The Program:

Friday 18 June 2010
6.00-7.00pm Yoga
7.30pm            Dinner
9.00pm            Yoga nidra/ guided relaxation

Saturday 19 June
6.30am            Morning ‘joggle – not a run’
7.00-8.15am  Yoga & meditation
8.15-9.00am   Breakfast
9.00-11.00am  Free time & Golden Door treatments
11.00-12.00      Yoga
12.00-1.00pm  Health Cooking Demonstration – Presented by David Hunter, Executive Chef at The Golden Door
1.00-2.00pm     Lunch & healing foods talk with Kris
2.00-5.00pm     Free time and/or Golden Door treatments
5.00-6.00pm     Yoga
6.15-7.30pm      Dinner
7.45- 8.45pm     Relaxation and meditation with Kris or the Golden Door (Bring a pillow, shawl, sarong or blanket)

Sunday 20 June
6.30am            Morning ‘joggle – not a run’
7.00-8.15am  Yoga & meditation
8.15-9.00am   Breakfast
9.00am-noon  Free time & Golden Door treatments
11.00am            Check-out (NB. Luggage can be stored at Reception)
12.00-1.00pm  Yoga
1.00-2.00pm     Lunch
2.00pm            Departure or relax at leisure

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is when the water element in the body is most prominent. This energy system is linked to the structural integrity of our body and its shape, our sense of identity, our hormonal and nervous systems, our bones, sexual energy and reproductive functions. In nature, winter is the season for hibernation – a time for resting and restoring and the perfect time to focus inwards and build strength and stability in the body.  This is the ideal time of the year to deal with issues including lower back pain, stress and hormonal imbalances.

This all-inclusive weekend includes accommodation at Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens, five yoga classes with Kris McIntyre, meditation and relaxation sessions, healthy meals prepared with the special touch of Peppers executive chef Ludovic Poyer. Prices start at $460 per person (twin share) or $235 per person (non-residential package).

We’ll also be including winter activities to build strength, connect to the water element in nature and develop a meditation practice. You also have the option to indulge in massage and beauty treatments (at an additional cost).

The weekend is designed to give you the option de-stress and unwind or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away with your partner or a group of friends. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

The weekend is open to beginners, but a basic level of fitness is required. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

For bookings, contact Kristen Hammond on (02) 4984 2555 or email anchorage@peppers.com.au

The program:

Friday 14^th May 2010

2pm onwards:  Check-in
6pm:                    Yoga in Main Guest Lounge or Thurlow
7.30pm:              Light welcome dinner
9.00pm               Guided relaxation/ Yoga Nidra meditation (bring a shawl or blanket) 

 Saturday 15^th May 2010

6.00am:                Meet in Reception for bus to Tomaree Headland
6.15am:                 Morning hike up Tomaree Headland
7:30am:                 Yoga (1 hour) at base of Tomaree Headland
8.45am:                 Breakfast (on the Terrace outside Merretts)
9.30am:                 Free time & spa treatments
11.30am:               Cooking demonstration and food talk with chef and Kris
1pm:                       Lunch (as per cooking demonstration)
2pm – 5.30pm      Free time & spa treatments
5.30 – 6.30pm:    Yoga in Thurlow conference room
7pm:                       Dinner (light)
8.30pm – 9:00pm: Meditation session 

Sunday 16 May 2009

6.30am – 8am:         Paddle in the Outriggers off the beach next to the resort
8.00am – 8.30am:  Yoga on Glover Lawn (1/2 hour stretch class – wet weather contingency Thurlow Room)
8.30am:                      Breakfast (on the Terrace outside Merretts)
9.30am – 11.30am:  Free time & Spa treatments
11am:                           Guests check-out of rooms and leave luggage at Reception
11.30 – 12.30pm:       Winter food and yoga talk with Kris
12.30 – 1.30pm:         Lunchtime yoga wind-down on Glover Lawn (wet weather contingency Thurlow Room)
2pm:                             Late lunch & departure (plus spa treatments)

Yoga is a part of daily life in Byron Bay. This bustling coastal town on the Tweed Coast of Northern New South Wales is a hippie haven from way back. It’s also a Mecca for backpackers and holidaymakers seeking the sun, surf and the spiritual. The relaxed bohemian lifestyle that it is renowned for is a little more commercial these days, but all the things that make Byron special are still ripe for the picking – an amazing year-round climate, a lush rolling hinterland that ambles down to beautiful beaches, eccentric characters and wonderful healers including some of the best yoga teachers in Australia.

With names like Jessie Chapman, John Ogilvie, Louisa Sear, Dena Kinsburgh, Lance Schuler and Liz Costigan calling Byron Bay home, it is no wonder that visitors flock here in the hundreds year after year to hang out and learn yoga. Whether you are looking for a cheap holiday with a bit of yoga thrown in to a luxury health retreat or the chance to do a teacher training program whilst living in a community of like-minded people, Byron has something to offer. In fact with a smorgasbord of daily yoga classes, year-round retreats and highly regarded teacher training across a range of styles and traditions, yogis are spoilt for choice here. More …

Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens
Winter: Friday 14-Sunday 16 May 2010

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
Winter: Friday 18-Sunday 20 June 2010

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
Spring: Friday 10-Sunday 12 September 2010

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
Summer: Friday 19 -Sunday 21 November 2010

For bookings or further information phone Peppers Salt Resort & Spa on 02 6674 7777.

SOLD OUT: Winter and Spring Retreats coming up

Looking for a perfect excuse to kick start an autumn cleanse or just enjoy a relaxing weekend away in beautiful seaside surrounds? My autumn yoga retreat at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff NSW (just 15 mins drive from the Gold Coast Airport) will be on the weekend of 12-14 March 2010. The weekend retreat will include accommodation, all meals inspired by the Golden Door Cookbook and prepared by Peppers executive chef Reuben Radonich, yoga classes. talks and seminars by the Golden Door and treatments at the amazing The Golden Door Spa.

About the Weekend
In nature, Autumn is a time of letting go. Trees shed their leaves and drive their roots deeper into the earth, animals make preparations for hibernation and that which is useful is broken down and used for future life cycles; and that which is useless is discarded or eliminated. We are creatures of nature so in the same way, our physicality allows us to ‘grasp’ what we need and let go of what we don’t need. This applies to all aspects of our lives including food, digestion, relationships, concepts and ideas.

We also have our ‘autumn’ period where the body naturally lets go of the old. This is the reason why autumn is a good time to ‘clean out’ and if we don’t do it consciously (through fasting or a safe cleanse) our bodies will step in and do it for us through a cold or flu.  This is the perfect time of the year to deal with digestive and respiratory problems, shoulder aches and pains and heaviness in the thighs and buttocks.

The weekend is designed to give you the option to kickstart and cleanse for Autumn or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away with your partner or a group of friends. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

The weekend is open to beginners through to advanced practitioners. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

About Ryoho Yoga
Ryoho (translated as ‘appropriate’) is a unique form of yoga therapy developed by renowned Australian practitioner, Andzrej Gospodarczyk. Ryoho is Andzrej’s interpretation of his studies with Indian yoga guru Iyengar, Japanese Oki-do sensei Masahiro Oki, Zen Shiatsu master Masunaga and founder of the Macrobiotic movement Mishio Kushi. Combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian-based healing arts of China and Japan, Ryoho uses specific postures and food advice appropriate to the time of the year and to address common health issues. The style also aims to be fun, playful and unconventional in its approach to the body. The classes on the retreat will be suitable for everyone from beginners through to advanced practitioners.

About the Golden Door Spa
The Golden Door Spa at Salt Village is a haven of relaxation and healing located at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff. Being one of the largest day spas in Australia, The Golden Door boasts 21 treatments areas and offering a large range of spa services including facials, body treatment, healing treatments, massages and hand and pedi spas.

Enjoy our spacious relaxation lounge before or after your treatments and take advantage of our complimentary steam room and spa bath. While you relax, sip our Golden Door signature herbal tea and refreshments on offer.

Included in your Yoga Retreat package is your choice of a 50-minute treatment at the Golden Door Spa: Aromatherapy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Kahuna Style Lomi Lomi Massage,  (Facial) Facial a la carte, (Body) Aromatic Salt Glow or  (Feet) Pedi-spa.

The Program:

Friday 12 March 2010
6.30-7.30pm    Yoga
8.00pm            Dinner

Saturday 13 March
6.30am              Morning ‘joggle – not a run’
7.00-8.00am   Yoga
8.00-9.00am    Breakfast
9.00-11.00am  Free time & Golden Door treatments
11.00-12.00     Yoga
12.00-1.00pm Health Cooking Demonstration – Presented by David Hunter, Executive Chef at The Golden Door
1.00-2.00pm    Lunch
2.00-3.30pm    Free time and/or Golden Door treatments
3.30-4.20pm   Women’s Health Workshop (& relaxation time for the boys!) – Hosted by Shirley Kalnins from The Golden Door Health Retreat
4.30-5.30pm    Free time and/or Golden Door treatments
5.30-6.30pm    Yoga
6.45-8.00pm    Dinner
8.00-8.45pm   Massage Workshop hosted by Amanda Varlow from The Golden Door Spa at Salt
8.45- 9.00pm   Relaxation/ Meditation with Kris

Sunday 14 March
6.15am               Morning ‘joggle – not a run
6.30-7.30am    Beach yoga class
8.00-9.00am    Breakfast
9.00am-noon   Free time & Golden Door treatments
12.00-1.00pm  Yoga
1.00-2.00pm    Lunch (Lagoon Poolside, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa
2.00pm            Departure or relax at leisure

Pricing #

# All-inclusive package price per person.
* Non-residential package excludes accommodation and breakfast.

Bookings:  phone Louise Anker on 02 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au

Photo by Emma Henderson.

Day 1
After an easy 50-minute flight from Sydney, we touch down at Moruya Airport. During the flight I discover that I’m in the company of newfound soul sisters when a flutter of giggles erupts as our Captain announces the name of his First Officer – Brock Hardcastle (seriously!)

 The fact that the Moruya Airport tarmac runs parallel to the beach is telling of what is important on the Eurobodalla Coast. ‘Eurobodalla’ comes from an aboriginal word for ‘land of many waters’ and the lifestyle seems to hinge on water-based pleasures. Just 10-minutes drive from Moruya, Broulee is a tiny seaside village consisting of not much more than a couple of basic necessity shops (a newsagency, pharmacy, pizza restaurant, café, bottle shop, real estate agent, surf shop and a wellness clinic/ yoga school).

A couple of minutes drive outside Broulee is our accommodation at The Bower at Broulee.  We are treated to a luxury version of the surf retreat that normally includes townhouse accommodation across from the beach. The Bower consists of five private self-contained ‘bowers’ set amongst native Australian forest. As the owner, Sue Berry, tells us how the architect took inspiration from the design of the Bower bird nest it becomes evident this is the perfect setting for the kind of romantic courtships the bird is renowned for. With log fires, deep spa baths, kitchen facilities and a private balcony overlooking bushland it’s a struggle to find a reason to leave if it were not for the beckoning of the surf.

Enter, our host and owner of the Broulee Surf School, Belinda Wehner. Sporty girls can be intimidating, bossy and outright scary but Belinda has something about her that immediately engenders a sense of wanting her to be your ‘sporty friend’. A Cameron Diaz look-a-like, she’s textbook surf chick – blonde, fit, tanned with the classic blue-eyed squint of a surfer.

Tidal Dreamings Surf & Yoga Retreats were borne out of Belinda’s love of surfing, yoga and travel. Since catching her first wave at the age of 12 (she’s now in her early 30’s), Belinda has chased the perfect break from Australia to Central and South America, Europe, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With a degree in Eco Tourism she spent a season at the Delfin Amor Dolphin and Whale Marine Research Centre in Costa Rica before dedicating three years to her job as the Surf Program Director at the Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School. 

Returning to Broulee with experience at a Buddhist meditation retreat in Sri Lanka and yoga teacher training qualifications from Byron Bay Yoga Arts, Belinda had the perfect ingredients for the female-only yoga retreats she dreamed of running.

We meet Belinda and one of her assistants, Beth, at the yellow combi-van for our first surf lesson. Here we endure one of life’s most humiliating experiences – the wetsuit fitting. No matter how bad I think I look, I notice that my fellow Blue Crush wannabes have adopted a look that says ‘sporty spice’.  We are ready. Well, kind of. 

It’s cold and raining and the surf seems a little … BIG. Belinda points out a surf break on the headland that only appears when the surf is this big – on average six times a year. Gulp!  But she assures us that North Broulee is the perfect beach to learn to surf. It’s gentle and forgiving to us ‘white water warriors’. On land Belinda and Beth give us the ‘how to’ of paddling, lying on the board and jumping up before sending us out to try our luck in the mass of broken waves that are the playground for beginner surfers. To our delight there’s not a soul in sight to heckle as we are flung ungracefully from our embarrassingly big ‘foamies’ (super-safe surfboards that are more akin to submarines than the scarily tiny and dangerous fibreglass boards that the pros surf on). I manage to stand – momentarily – and despite the inelegance this is FUN.

Pleasantly exhausted by the pummelling of the surf we pack our foamies back into the yellow combi and dry off for our first yoga class. Our instructor is the gorgeous owner of the Broulee Beach Wellness Clinic, Elena Rabuda. Argentinean-born, Elena moved to Australia 35 years ago and found herself in Broulee after she wished for a ‘place in the bush by the sea’. Elena is combination of a girlish charm and effervescence that defies her 60 years with wisdom that befits her years. Elena introduces us to her special blend of ‘alchemic Tantric yoga’. No, there are no weird sexual positions involved but an interesting theory about how the gentle sequence of specific poses stimulates the hormones for a restorative effect on the body. 

Back at the Bower, we dine on an amazing vegetarian curry dished up by the infamous Muffin Shop and share girly stories. Belinda and her friend Angie play the guitar and sing for us and it strikes me that there is something beautifully ‘local’ about this retreat. It feels more like hanging out with a bunch of girls in their hometown than a commercial endeavour. And as Angie proclaims ‘I just love hanging out with girls’ I’m struck by the ease with which we are able to enjoy each other’s company. Belinda puts it down to the humbling nature of surfing as the great leveller and bonder between women on her retreats.

After Elena guides us through a meditation, I head back to my bower and snuggle into bed surrendering to physical exhaustion and the silent darkness around me.

Day 2
I’ve slept like the dead, but in that weird way that a really good night sleep makes you crave more I struggle to get out of bed for our early-morning yoga class. 

Elena takes us through our paces for 90 minutes of yoga before we hit the surf again. 

We’re still in the white wash but today it is less intimidating. To my horror my form seems to have gone backwards but Belinda generously assures me that sometimes we have to get worse before we get better.

After another Muffin Shop triumph (this time Sushi) we substitute our havaianas for closed-in shoes for a kayaking adventure along the Tomaga River with Fluid Adventures.  We pair up tentatively after our guide Heather warns us that the double kayaks are often referred to as ‘divorce kayaks’. The 90-minute paddle is a tough call on arms that are already screaming from our surfing efforts but worth it. As Heather tells us stories about sacred trees from local aboriginal folk lore we spot giant manta rays, coastal birds, mangrove swamps and local fishermen.

We head back to the Bower for a nana-nap and the chance to freshen up for dinner. Still on the luxury end of the experience we dine at The River Moruya. From this beautiful setting on the banks of the Moruya River talented chef trio Tim Saffrey, Peter Crompton and Tobie Patrick dish up a great menu with fresh regional produce the highlight. It’s a dining experience worthy of the status the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide has awarded it.

Day 3
It’s 6.30m and we are gathered at the yellow combi for our induction to surfer samadhi (bliss) – the dawn surf. Yes, the ‘common sense’ notion of steering clear of dawn and dusk for the best chance of avoiding a shark attack was front-of-mind. I had a tête-à-tête between me (the brave new surfer) and me (the chicken-livered scaredy-cat) about the relative merits of conquering ‘out the back’ versus skulking on the beach. Brave me wins and shadows beneath the surface aside I ride my first green (unbroken) wave. I’m hooked. Two hours pass before we reluctantly head back to shore for our final yoga class and a massage at the Wellness Clinic before our departure. 

I envy the simple lifestyle here. The locals seem to have a life and community unburdened by the competition of what you do, where you live and what you own that prevails in the city. I even contemplate the idea of moving to Broulee for a couple of months to write, dream and surf but instead board the afternoon flight back to Sydney. To our disappointment, there’s no mention of First Officer Brock Hardcastle but we feel energised and inspired by the past three days. 

Retreat dates & bookings
Belinda’s surf & yoga retreats run throughout the year at Broulee, South Stradbroke Island, Bali and Hawaii. Prices start at $750 for a three-day Broulee retreat including basic townhouse accommodation, five surf lessons, yoga classes and all meals. Visit http://www.brouleesurfschool.com.au/surfing-australia.html for more information. 

D.I.Y. Retreat
But if your stars aren’t in alignment for the scheduled dates, you can design your own D.I.Y. Broulee retreat: 

Broulee Surf School offers daily surf lessons from $45 per person. You can also hire surfboards and wetsuits. 7/77 Coronation Drive, Broulee. Ph: (02) 4471 7370.

Broulee Beach Wellness Centre offers daily yoga classes and massage treatments.
7/77 Coronation Drive, Broulee. Ph: (02) 4471 8599. 

The Bower at Broulee offers midweek accommodation from $350 per night and weekend packages from $690 for three nights. George Bass Drive, Broulee. Ph: (02) 4471 8666

For cheaper accommodation options in Broulee Visit NSW.

The Muffin Shop is a great spot for coffee, sandwiches and savoury muffins. Open Tuesdays-Sundays 8am-4pm (last food orders at 3pm). 31 Pacific Street, Mossy Point. Ph: (02) 4471 8599.

The River Restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays-Sundays and dinner Wednesdays-Saturdays. Bookings essential. 16B Church Street, Moruya. Ph: (02) 4474 5505.

Fluid Adventures offers kayaking and mountain biking adventures. 46 Grant Street, Broulee. Ph: (02) 4471 6969.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Broulee is located on the Eurobodalla Coast approximately four hours drive south of Sydney or a short 50-minute flight to Moruya with Rex Airlines. The Rex Airline crew will organise a taxi to meet you for the 10-minute drive to Broulee.

* All prices are in Australian dollars.

I travelled to Broulee on behalf of Holiday Goddess as a guest of Tourism New South Wales.

About the Weekend
As winter starts to draw to a close, this weekend is designed to prepare you for Spring. Spring is the season of new beginnings and renewal. It’s a time for Spring-cleaning inside and out and the perfect time of the year to detox, cleanse and address issues associated with flexibility, eyesight and joint problems.

 The weekend is designed to give you the option to kickstart and cleanse for Spring or just enjoy a relaxed weekend away. It’s not a ‘hard core’, boot-camp style yoga retreat, but you’ll have the opportunity to work hard if you wish to.

Can beginners come along?
Yes.  The weekend is open to beginners through to advanced practitioners. Non-residential and non-yogi packages (for accompanying companions) are also available.

What time does the retreat start and finish? 
The first yoga class will be at 6.30pm on Friday evening. The retreat will finish after lunch on Sunday. 

About Ryoho Yoga
Ryoho (translated as ‘appropriate’) is a unique form of yoga therapy developed by renowned Australian practitioner, Andzrej Gospodarczyk. Ryoho is Andzrej’s interpretation of his studies with Indian yoga guru Iyengar, Japanese Oki-do sensei Masahiro Oki, Zen Shiatsu master Masunaga and founder of the Macrobiotic movement Mishio Kushi. Combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian-based healing arts of China and Japan, Ryoho uses specific postures and food advice appropriate to the time of the year and to address common health issues. The style also aims to be fun, playful and unconventional in its approach to the body. The classes on the retreat will be suitable for everyone from beginners through to advanced practitioners. 

About Golden Door Spa
The Golden Door Spa at Salt Village is a haven of relaxation and healing located at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff. Being one of the largest day spas in Australia, The Golden Door boasts 21 treatments areas and offering a large range of spa services including facials, body treatment, healing treatments, massages and hand and pedi spas. Included in your Yoga Retreat package is your choice of a 50 minute massage (Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue or Kahuna-style Lomi Lomi)

What is included?

• 2 nights accommodation
• Six yoga classes
• 50-minute massage at The Golden Door Spa
• Full breakfast each morning
• Supper on Friday night
• Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
• Dinner on Saturday evening
• Yoga mat
• Unlimited in-room movies & broadband internet access
• Full use of resort leisure facilities

# All-inclusive package price per person.* Non-residential package includes yoga classes, Golden Door Spa treatment, dinner on Friday and Saturday, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, yoga mat.

The Welcome
I have never experienced anything quite like the COMO Shambhala welcome at Denpasar Airport. I’m barely off the gangplank and find myself greeted by a Balinese man wielding a big smile and a sign with my name on it. He guides me past the immigration queues, secures my visa, collects my baggage and escorts me to my driver for the one-hour trip past bustling traffic, peaceful temples, lush rice-paddies and a cremation ceremony to Ubud. This ‘rock star’ welcome turns out to be an apt introduction to a place that hinges its service around absolute care, consideration and being one step ahead of guest needs.  

My Personal Assistant
I’m greeted at The Estate by more big Balinese smiles and a lei of tuber-roses (a tell-tale sign of all new-comers) before being escorted on a tour of the nine acres of gardens and thoughtfully appointed public spaces sitting above the River Ayung that make up The Estate. I arrive at my room where my ‘personal assistant’, Widi, brings me a welcome drink, checks me in and explains my daily schedule. 

My Sanctuary
My room is a perfect sanctuary for the week that is about to unfold. It offers spacious, understated elegance with everything I could possibly need. A huge four-poster bed, comfortable furnishings in gentle natural tones, plasma TV, a balcony and outdoor setting to soak up the view of the lush gardens and terraced fields in the distance, an enormous bathroom that peeks into the world outside, a bowl of tropical fruit, an orchid plant and a big dose of serenity. 

Wining & Dining
The Estate offers a number of dining options including the contemporary, open-air Glow restaurant; traditional Indonesian cuisine in Kudus House set in a gorgeous 150-year old former Javanese residence; light snacks served around the poolside Ojas area and in-room dining. 

The COMO Shambhala food philosophy is a holistic approach to nurturing the body with food that tastes good but is good for you. There is no calorie-counting, but instead a balanced approach to food with a focus on fresh, local produce that suits the personal needs of the guest. Australian-born Executive Chef, Chris Miller, (formerly of Neil Perry’s, Wockpool) heads up the kitchen at Como Shambhala Estate and sister-property, Uma Ubud. In cahoots with the resident nutritionist, Miller dishes up healthy, but tasty fare with a full rein of influences ranging from Indian to Italian and of course, Indonesian. And alcohol? Yes, there is a bar and wine list!

Leisure Time
The Estate offers so many leisure options it’s almost hard to choose (I only left The Estate for a total of four hours in the week I was there). In addition to yoga and spa treatments, there is a host of onsite leisure activities including daily guided walks, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Pilates, mountain biking, hiking, white-water rafting, tennis, outdoor circuit training and cooking demonstrations. There’s also a rock climbing wall, indoor gym, swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a comprehensive library of books to borrow during your stay. The Estate also offers guided cultural activities including visits to local temples, ceremonies and markets; cultural workshops including Balinese dance, photography and writing; and one-on-one wellness consultations with the resident nutritionist, Ayurvedic doctor, psychologists and therapists. 

Leaving
I beg the General Manager for permission to stay or take Widi home. He declines on both fronts, so I reluctantly leave feeling relaxed, energised and inspired with the assurance that I’ll return again one day soon. I also recognise a new sense of inner peace and wisdom that I’m sure I didn’t have when I arrived at this ‘sacred place of bliss’. 

MUST DO’S …

• The Estate Walk. Take your swimmers and a book for a dip in the spring pools near the river and lounge on the gorgeous day beds.
• Breakfast in Kudus Restaurant. Set in a 150-year old former Javanese residence, this intimate space is the perfect spot to enjoy the morning mist rising up through the rainforest. The porridge is delicious.
• A Hot Stone Massage with The Estate’s star practitioner, ‘Oka’
• A visit to the local healer, ‘Tjorkoda’ (as your Personal Assistant to book your visit)
• A shopping trip to ‘Threads of Life’ – a shop/museum dedicated to keeping the traditional weaving arts of Indonesia alive (www.threadsoflife.com)

FAST FACTS:

• Rates start at USD$300 per person, per night including accommodation, breakfast, a wellness consultation, use of leisure facilities, participation in daily activities and your personal assistant. For information about upcoming Yoga Retreats or The Estate’s personalised Wellness Programs visit www.cse.como.bz.
• COMO Shambhala operates COMO Shambhala Retreats at Bali, Bhutan, the Cocoa Island and the Maldives, with Urban Escapes in Bangkok, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.comoshambhala.bz
• Visas can be purchased on arrival in Bali for USD$10 (7 days) or USD$25 (30 days). Make sure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least 6 months from arrival.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• Como Shambhala Estate is located 15 minutes drive from Ubud, and one-hour from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport.
• Airport transfers to COMO Shambhala Estate are USD$40 each way.