7 Days H20 Yoga Island Dreaming and Mindfulness Retreat in Bali

The principles of Vastu have been a guiding concept in the design of the bungalows at H2O Yoga and Meditation Center. 'Vastu' is India's ancient Vedic tradition of design, architecture, and sacred space, often called 'the yoga of design'. It is believed to create harmony and health in one's living space. The bungalows are built from local natural materials and have beautiful thatched roofing. The bungalows are simple yet comfortable and offer a peaceful retiring space. We provide the retreat participants with a shared bungalow (6 beds) with shared bathroom available. All rooms are equipped with fans, and both clean sheets and towels are provided.

A retreat is when you leave the bubble you live in, recharge, renew self-worth and gain clarity on fresh positive approaches you can introduce to your life when returning home. It's like arranging flowers - you need to take a couple of steps back to get a true perspective of how the flowers look in the vase and see what needs to be adjusted or changed.

This Island Dreaming retreat has emerged from hosting many retreats at H2O Yoga & Meditation Center's beautiful island center and seeing many people struggling with sitting meditation and concentration exercises - which is in many ways unnatural for our minds.

Where most meditation techniques require you to sit still and silence the mind, the island dreaming works differently, as we incorporate sunrise and sunset walking meditations on the shoreline of Gili Air. When we spend time meandering in this magical place where earth meets water, things from the subconscious begin surface in their own time. We gain new insights and new peaceful ways of approaching different issues, leading to inner harmony and tranquility.

On the magical island of Gili Air, this eight-day island dreaming meditation and yoga retreat provides the ideal space for walking meditations along the shoreline at sunrise and sunset and gives a water-inspired approach to the gentle and slow flow Vinyasa yoga. With daily massages and a healthy diet, you will rejuvenate, replenish and revitalize every cell of your mind and body.

Combined with yoga asana classes, stretching classes, healthy food, spiritual movies and massage, a day trip to Lombok for a forest adventure in nature, snorkeling with the peaceful turtles, and a visit to Gili Meno, this retreat will mark a new moment in your path of self-improvement and personal growth.

Daily schedule

• 06:00 Sunrise meditation
• 07:00 Morning yoga asana class
• 08:30 Island breakfast
• 09:45 Connecting with the elements ( includes snorkeling)
• 11:45 - 16:00 Free time
• 15:00 - 16:00 Discussion on Earth , Water, Fire, Air
• 16:00 - 16:45 Afternoon exercise class
• 17:15 Sunset meditation (contemplation/reflection/gratitude/chanting)
• 19:30 Vegetarian dinner
• 20:45 Evening meditation/sound meditation with Tibetan singing bowls
• 21:15 Bed time

H2O Yoga and Meditation Center is located on the tranquil island of Gili Air, just two hours from Bali. Its the ultimate island escape. Located only 300 meters from the beach front, its abundant with nature and nestled amongst timeless local lifestyle. It is a wonderfully unique resting place and sanctuary for travelers and yogis alike. Gili Air's exquisite coastline also offers beautiful white sandy beaches and numerous sea view restaurants serving fresh fish. The tranquil waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming with turtles. H2O provides the opportunity to seek balance in body and mind in a superb natural, outdoor setting.

The island's most favored activity is to simply rest back and delight in the sheer pleasure of being here. Most visitors swiftly slip into the slower pace of island life and find Gili Air a perfect setting in which to unwind and just be. Whether at a beach side restaurant on a sun lounger, or a secluded spot on the sandy shores, visitors frequently find themselves drinking up the stunning views, getting lost in a book, or even writing their own.

There are, however plenty of activities to keep you busy if you so desire. One of Gili Air's main attractions is its coral reef and wonderfully diverse ocean life.

Day trips

Visit local pearl farms, waterfalls, the resort town of Senggigi, or take a drive along forested road with amazing coastal views and monkeys abound. Relish the epic, untamed coastline of Kuta-Lombok, which offers great surfing and exciting diving options. With the new international airport in Kuta, Lombok this stunningly wild landscape is expected to develop quickly so go see it now to enjoy its full natural spectacle.

Diving

Diving is inexpensive in Indonesia and a great way to appreciate the magnificent underwater world. Gili Air boasts 9 dive centers, where many tourists come to the island specifically to make use of them. The schools offer a quick course and dive in one day.

For those wishing to further their training - advanced and instructor level courses are also offered. There are approximately 18 unique dive sites around the island, featuring coral seascapes, wrecks, sharks and a plentitude of brilliantly colored fish. Oceans 5 dive center, has professional staff, modern / up to date equipment, and top class service.

Entertainment

There are a number of regular and impromptu music events and parties that take place on Gili Air. These are typically advertised on flyers circulated around the island. Many of the locals have remarkable musical talent. Live singing and guitar playing can often be enjoyed when walking past the many restaurants in the evening. There are several bars that regularly host live bands and DJ's, whose audiences dance the night away on the beaches, beneath the stars. There is also the occasional bonfire on the beach as part of spontaneous gatherings of guitarists, singers, percussionists and whatever musical talent may be present on the island - a magical way to spend the evening.

Hiking

Also on Lombok is the picturesque Volcano Mount Rinjani. Though the 2 to 4 days hike to the summit is challenging; at 3010 meter, you are well rewarded with spectacular views of the nearby Crater Lake. Tours that include a guide and camping equipment usually range between 140 to 200 USD. The village at the base of Rinjani, Senaru, has a variety of accommodation options and offers several easier walks to local waterfalls also.

Island hopping

To visit Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan for the day take the 'Island Hopper' boat for around 2 USD each way. Explore the deserted beaches of Gili Meno, or the high vibe and many restaurants of Trawangan, before returning to our favorite island (Gili Air obviously) in the late afternoon. Or salute the sunset with a cocktail as you watch its golden rays slip behind the sacred volcano Agung on Bali - a perfect way to end another day in paradise.

Reading

H2O has a selection of wonderful books, which can be enjoyed whilst relaxing on the Zen veranda. With a wide range of titles on yoga, alternative healing, meditation, Buddhism and other spiritual topics you'll never be short of inspiration. There are also 'second hand' bookshops on the island where books (mainly fiction) can be both exchanged or purchased.

Snorkeling

All around the island and just a stone's throw from the shore an abundance of vibrant sea life awaits your exploration! Snorkel alongside the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, and encounter the colorful clown fish. Enjoy shoal upon shoal of tropical fish, and sea anemones, as they weave their way through the striking coral. Equipment is widely available to rent or can be purchased from most of the dive shops. For 3 USD you'll get a snorkel, mask and fins for the day. Take a day trip on a local 'glass-bottom' boat to snorkel some of the island's most highly regarded spots, and see Gili Air from a whole other perspective!

Surfing

On the south-west side of the island there is a reef break approximately 200 meters from the shore. This is a popular spot to catch great waves and attracts many surfers during the big swells. Surfboards can be rented from Seven Seas. The local surfers are generally very open in sharing their hot tips.

Swimming

In front of Scallywag's restaurant is a natural pool. These brilliantly blue waters with their flawless sandy floor make a perfect spot to bathe.

Walking or running

A gentle stroll or power walk around the island is a must, and a great way to experience Island life. A casual walk takes just short of 90 minutes. For those that like to get their energy zap, there is a track for running that offers spectacular views of the Island.

• 1 snorkeling trip with the peaceful turtles at Gili Meno
• 1 spiritual movie afternoon
• 1 optional day of silence/journaling
• 1 3-hour workshop (choose from either a beginners workshop or Yin workshop )
• 4 group discussions on elements earth, water, fire, and air
• 4 luxurious treatments at island spa (choose from traditional massage, reflexology, pedicure, manicure)
• 6 sunset and sunrise meditation sessions on the beach
• 6 evening Tibetan singing bowl meditations.
• 6 nights shared accommodation in a spacious poolside bungalow.
• 8 yoga classes
• Daily healthy island breakfast with seasonal fruit /muesli and vegetarian/vegan dinner
• Free H20 yoga shirt (women or men's vest and available in many colors)
• Hotel pick-up and fast boat transfer to Gili Air and return trip back to Bali
• Unlimited drinking water

Arrival by airplane

A flight from Denpasar to the new airport near Kuta, Lombok takes 30 minutes and will cost approximately 50 to 100 USD. On arrival in southern Lombok you will need to take a taxi to Bhangsal Harbour in the north (2 hours), costing around 30 USD. The 15 minutes boat journey from there across to Gili Air costs approximately 20 USD for a chartered boat.

Arrival by ferry

Fast boat

The fast boat is the most common option. All travel agents offer combined tickets, which include pick up from your accommodation at around 7:00 a.m. and the 1.5 hours mini bus journey to Padang Bai harbor. The sea crossing from there by fast boat is also 1.5 hours, and gets you to Gili Air at around 11:30 a.m. Be sure that you are being dropped off on Gili Air, as the final stop is often Gili Trawangan. The total cost of combined tickets is approximately 350 000 IDR one way or 600 000 IDR open return.

Slow boat

A slow boat combined ticket to Gili Air costs approximately 20 USD one way. This involves two minivan rides, the 5 hour ferry (slow boat) ride, and a final short public boat ride. In total this option takes 12 hours, and gets you to Gili Air at around 6:00 p.m. Although seemingly haphazard, the slow boat package is actually very well organized and is a good opportunity to meet other backpackers. You will be asked en-route to purchase an open return ticket. Although this is a cheaper option than buying your ticket back to Bali from Gili Air operators, most visitors do prefer to return via fast boat, deciding that one slow boat voyage is enough.

Getting to the center - You can take a horse cart for 50 000 IDR or otherwise it is a 10 minutes stroll down the center of the Island - just follow the H2O signs that can be seen all over the island!

Distances

• Bhangsal Harbor - 15 minutes
• Padang Bai Harbor - 90 minutes