Disclosure: I received a yoga retreat package at Shanti Toya Ashram in exchange for this review and promotion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Are you looking for a yoga retreat in Bali but don’t want to pay the ridiculous prices that you’ve seen? Don’t worry, you’ve got an option and it’s probably even more affordable than you’d think.
I spent a week at the stunningly beautiful and welcoming Shanti Toya Ashram feeling like I was nestled in the jungle away from society. The experience was rejuvenating and one that I needed and want to share with others who, like me, may be on a budget or don’t want to spend a fortune doing yoga and focusing on their well being.
Enjoying yoga in Bali can be an entire trip in itself or a great addition to your Bali trip.
Where is Shanti Toya Ashram?
Escape the business of Ubud and the crowds in Canggu to the heart of Bali, halfway between both of these hot destinations and you’ll find yourself in the village of Penarungan where Shanti Toya Ashram is located. This quiet village is only 20 minutes from Ubud and 30 minutes from the beaches of Canggu. But once you step foot on the property I highly doubt that you will want to leave the tranquil setting.
The rooms, villas, yoga shala and pool are nestled into a tropical jungle setting where you truly relax, take in the surrounding sounds of nature and feel like you are away from all of the hustle and bustle without the sound of even a scooter being heard.
Its quiet location is one of the top highlights of this yoga retreat in Bali, making it the ideal place to get away and focus on yourself and well being. Even if you feel the urge to get off the property a stroll will take you to a charming local village and through rice fields.
What You Get
- 7 nights accommodation
- 2 yoga classes daily
- 3 vegan or vegetarian meals a day
- 1 coconut daily
- 1 60-minute Balinese massage
- 5 classes such as cooking, dancing and more
- 1 Balinese experience
The Yoga Classes
Each day you’ll start off your morning with a yoga class at 7AM and bring your afternoon to a close with a second yoga class at 5PM. These times are ideal as they leave you feeling refreshed and energized. There are a variety of classes taught but most classes are a vinyasa practice. Yin and hatha classes are also taught throughout the week but not as frequently. There are also a number of teachers to give you a variety of teaching styles, some of which are more intense than others but are always welcome to switch up your yoga routine.
I found the classes to be repetitive which is excellent for people looking to really focus, practice and learn to excel at postures. Though it is a downside for those looking to branch out and try new postures.
Each class caters to a number of yoga levels with postures that start with the basics and move towards more advanced postures such as shoulder and headstands.
I would recommend having some yoga experience before attending a yoga retreat here as you will be able to focus more on developing newer postures and mastering the postures that are already in your yoga practice.
Yoga Retreat Essentials
There are a few things that you will need while doing a yoga retreat.
Yoga Mat: This yoga mat is ideal for travelling, it’s extremely lightweight so if you practice a lot this is worth it (even though it’s not expensive!). And if you don’t like practicing on mats that others use this is a great option too.
READ MORE: 8 Best Yoga Mats for Travel
Adapter: Obvi. But seriously people always forget. I like to use a universal adapter so if you don’t have one already get one stat and never worry about it again!
Reusable Water Bottle: This is an essential for ANY trip but especialy so for a yoga retreat. Take care of the environment around yoga, yoga retreats will always have places for you to fill up a bottle so you can bring it around the property and to class.
Mosquito Repelling Bracelets: These are a thing? Totally! Mosquitoes can get nasty in Bali and unfortunately can carry diseases. This is the healthiest option because they don’t use deet! Plus the bracelet will keep you from having to put on a repellent that you make your hands and body slippery while practicing. A lot of yoga studios and retreats in Southeast are outdoors so you will need some way to prevent mosquitoes.
Reef Safe Sunscreen: If you’re somewhere that you can swim be sure to keep yourself and the water safe with reef safe sunscreen.
Travel Insurance: Many yoga retreats require you to have travel insurance.
READ MORE: Southeast Asia Packing List for Ladies
Bali Yoga Retreat Highlights
At Shanti Toya Ashram there were a few highlights that really made this yoga retreat stand out to me. The location was not only ideal but the property itself was almost magical with large leaves growing over you as walked through the property and kittens greeting you as you made your way to your yoga class.
The pool at the bottom of the property is not only Instagram worthy but its also the largest I’ve seen in Bali. The biggest bonus about the pool? It’s filled with beautiful natural water from the spring nearby.
The food at this retreat is worth visiting alone. You’ll be served vegetarian and vegan meals that are traditional Balinese dishes. Each dish is packed with flavour and is made using locals ingredients. For breakfast even the nut and chocolate spreads are made on-site by the talented staff.
Lastly, the classes offered were a bonus on top of the yoga and food. Most yoga retreats will charge you extra for classes or experiences but not at Shanti Toya Ashram. Here you’ll get a cooking class, a Balinese offering making class, a jamu making class (traditional Balinese drink) and a Balinese dance class. You’ll get to experience and learn how to make offerings, plus you’ll get to enjoy the Balinese experience which is a 4-hour long treat that includes food, Balinese dancing and learning about life in Bali.
Who Should Go to This Yoga Retreat?
What is so refreshing with Shanti Toya Ashram are the people who attend retreats here. All ages, backgrounds and people are welcome. This gives you the opportunity to meet people from around the world of all ages and it creates a unique atmosphere that will allow you to learn. The people that come to this ashram are all lovely and you really become a small community in the week that you practice, eat and play together.
It’s not just limited to those who have a higher budget as well, which is typically expected of yoga retreats. Since the price of this yoga retreat is so affordable younger yogis are able to join in as well.
So really you shouldn’t be asking if this yoga retreat is for you as it is for everyone.
Why Choose Shanti Toya Ashram?
The value of this yoga retreat is one of the best that I’ve seen. The amount that you are offered in this retreat is amazing for the price compared to yoga retreats around the world. Bali is known for yoga retreats but the majority of them are quite expensive, some reaching thousands of dollars for a week. The price of a yoga retreat at Shanti Toya Ashram is a fraction of the cost and offers 1-week long retreats where as other retreats close-by in Ubud offer only 3-5 day retreats for the same price or more.
For those one a budget there are budget rooms available and for those for want to keep their level of luxury there are rooms for you too.
If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, to perfect your yoga postures, get to know some fascinating people, eat delicious food and explore the Balinese culture then there is no other place that you should look other than Shanti Toya Ashram.
Feeling good about yourself, connecting with your body and focusing on your well being doesn’t have to unaffordable. Shanti Toya Ashram offers an amazing schedule, opportunity to deepen your yoga practice and to better understand the unique Balinese culture.
Ready to get your yoga on?