LIVING YOGA: DIGITAL DETOX RETREAT, BALI
8-11 August 2024 (Thu-Sun)
If, like me, you wish to spend less time on your mobile phone and more time being present, then this might just be the opportunity to put our electronics aside in favour of nature and community. Our environment plays a significant role when we grapple with the discomfort of being offline, and while I've toyed with the idea of hosting a digital detox retreat for a long time, I never quite found the right place. Until I stepped onto the grounds of this gorgeous coffee estate in Tabanan last fall. And if last year's digital detox retreat experience is anything to go by, we will be held in a truly magical oasis that is made to support digital-free presence.
Over Singapore's National Day long weekend, we will gently ease into a slower, more intentional rhythm of being — offline. We will practise Yoga and move our bodies, breathe fresh air, sing, write, get our hands dirty in earth and food (our plantation experts are all set to take us foraging!), and most of all, be fully present with ourselves and community.
Come with a friend, or solo! It's always fascinating how quickly like-minded travellers bond, so don't be surprised if you end up sharing laughter and long conversations with new friends!
How the digital detox works
In the spirit of digital detox, you are encouraged to leave your laptop at home, and to leave your mobile phone with me for safekeeping. I will give you the contact number of the retreat centre, which your family and close friends can reach you at in the event of an emergency. If you MUST have your phone with you, please use it sparingly at the end of the day and only within the vicinity of your bedroom. Do also be considerate with your usage if you have a roommate.
Please note
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All rooms have ensuite showers and toilets
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Rooms are unique and different in size and design (but all gorgeous!). You will choose upon sign-up on a first-come-first-served basis. Full accommodation details for selection will be disclosed after deposit is received.
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There is no A/C in the rooms; only ceiling fans. But don't worry! We are at a higher altitude so it's pretty cool, and night-time temperatures can drop to 19-20 degree Celsius.
Retreat fee
Twin-share: S$1,100
Single occupancy: S$1,500
(Enjoy $100 off if you attended last year's digital detox retreat)
Inclusions
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Accommodation
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All meals — breakfast, lunch, tea break and dinner (food is 100% vegetarian)
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Twice-daily Yoga (this may sometimes be a movement practice)
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Journalling and contemplative practices
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Guided rice paddy walk or trek to a nearby waterfall (dependent on weather)
Exclusions
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Flight tickets
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Visa fees (if your passport requires one)
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Airport transfers
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Bali tourism tax (150,000 IDR, which is about SGD15)
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Compulsory travel insurance
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Expenses incurred should you fall ill in Bali. Please make sure your travel insurance adequately covers this.
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Any necessary Covid tests, should regulations require them then
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Optional Balinese purification ceremony in a local temple (you will have to skip this if you're on your moon cycle)
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All personal expenses eg. laundry and extra F&B orders
Planning your flights
There are ample flights into Bali, so please go with your preferred airline. If you're arriving on Thursday (8 Aug) itself, please plan to land no later than noon, so you have ample time to travel to the retreat centre without stress. It is about a 2-to-3-hour drive from the airport, depending on traffic.
Our retreat begins at 4:30pm with an opening circle and practice on Thu (8 Aug), and ends at 11am on Sun (11 Aug) after morning practice and breakfast. If you're flying out immediately that Sunday, please opt for a flight that leaves Denpasar after 3pm.
Booking and cancellation policy
The retreat will go on so long as international travel regulations allow quarantine-free travel between Indonesia and Singapore. Please stay updated with the latest information on the ICA website here.
Please email Leigh to register. A non-refundable S$500 deposit will be required to secure your spot. Your space is not confirmed until I reply to let you know that I have received your deposit. The remaining fee is to be paid in full by Fri 24 May 2023.
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Cancellations communicated in writing by Wed 10 July 2024 will receive a 25% refund. No refunds will be made after that.
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To avoid paying the cancellation surcharge, you can get someone else to take your place on the retreat.
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The cancellation policy above will remain in place regardless of your reason for dropping out, including spikes in Covid cases and acts beyond our control. This is a risk you assume upon registration. Please purchase adequate travel insurance upon confirmation of your spot on the retreat.