This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 19, 2015.

TUCKED away on the north eastern coast of Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali is a peaceful 31-room spa resort that offers tailor-made wellness programmes devoted to healing, rejuvenation, wellness and spirituality. Its latest programme, Return To Yourself: A Yoga & Wellness Retreat, available exclusively on the first Monday of every month, is crafted by a woman who has been travelling alone for years to provide solo female travellers or small groups with a safe and personalised experience in a nurturing environment. 

The recommended four-days/three-nights itinerary — which comes with an option to extend should guests wish to immerse deeper into the experience — combines regular and speciality yoga classes, guided meditation sessions, spa treatments, excursions and activities to discover Bali, its people, culture, food and natural wonders while meeting new like-minded friends in an environment that supports your overall wellbeing.

The recommended itinerary provides you with plenty of downtime to properly enjoy this tranquil sanctuary by experiencing a slower pace of life in a Balinese village and reconnecting with your true essence. The retreat programme flow includes Hatha yoga and speciality Kundalini yoga sessions, guided meditations, a cycling and picnic excursion to Les Waterfall, wellness playshops, a purification ceremony at Ponjok Batu Temple, indulgent spa treatments, organic and wholefood cuisine, and other specially crafted experiences.

The retreat is facilitated by the resort’s wellness director, Savitri Talahatu. Born and raised in Bali, she has been living in Canda for the past 25 years. As a teacher and practitioner of yoga and meditation, she weaves the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga with daily spiritual practice, making this ancient wisdom applicable for today's lifestyle. Her classes are poetic and uplifting, relaxing and energising, suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners. She is not just a yoga teacher, but is also a certified lifestyle coach, holistic wellness practitioner, doula and childbirth educator, and Usui Reiki master since 2003. 

Expect your stay at Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali to be a completely immersive experience that is sure to leave lasting memories. The gentle spirituality of Bali and its rich culture infuses every encounter, and Spa Village's philosophy of wellness extends beyond the traditional spa treatments available and encompasses every aspect from activities and lifestyle to architecture and cuisine. Accommodation combines the intricately carved timber and soft silken fabrics of traditional Balinese culture with modern comfort, and provides private verandahs or balconies that overlook lush gardens, a magnificent infinity pool or the Bali Sea.

A sample itinerary is available on www.spavillageresort.com/tembokbali, or you can contact Talahatu at +62 3623 2033 or [email protected] for more information.