Optional Extras:
Boat trips for dolphin watching and snorkeling (these can be easily organised with Gaia staff)
More massage and spa treatments
Balinese cooking classes
Fresh juices, lassies, and speciality coffees can be ordered throughout the day.

Not included:
Travel costs – airfare, visa, and airport transfer (we will organise this for you, but you can pay your driver individually or as a small group if you share a car).

Daily Flow:
Every day will begin with a sweet, fluid vinyasa sequence, gentle pranayama and quiet sitting (some days outside on the grass, greeting the sun as it rises up out of the ocean). Afternoons will vary from day to day, and will include kirtan (devotional singing), restorative asana & nada (sound) yoga relaxation, themed yoga practices, moving meditation, mantra (chanting), puja (ritual), or lively Yoga philosophy discussions.

All of the practices will be suitable for all levels of experience and asana classes will have both a teacher and assistant, allowing for lots of personal attention.

Sample Program
6:30am – Tea and sunrise
7:00 – 9:00am -  Morning Yoga Practice
9:15am – Breakfast
Free Time – massage, swimming in pool or ocean, reading, chilling…
1:00pm – Buffet Lunch
Free time
4 or 4:30 – 6:30pm – Afternoon session – will vary from day to day
7:00pm – Dinner
* Waterfall outing may happen in place of one afternoon session.
* Example schedule only; subject to minor changes

What is Kirtan?
Kirtan (‘to repeat’) is the ancient yoga practice of call and response singing and chanting of the many Divine names. There are no beginners or experts in kirtan. It is an easy and joyous way to express our voice, release our emotions, connect with our hearts and with each other. Also known as bhajans (devotional songs) and mantra (sacred sound formulas), the practice of kirtan is universal and ultimately designed to help us attain the purpose of yoga, which is union with our eternal nature (call it Self, Spirit, Soul, Atman, God, Reality or any other name). Kirtan works on many levels, from relaxation of physical tensions in the body to promoting deeper states of awareness and connection with all. This sacred sound yoga is a universal practice that transcends any religious, cultural or racial differences and can be practiced and enjoyed by all.

Sound Yoga…
Does not require any previous experience, and is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Each session involves a long shavasana (lying-down meditation) accompanied by live music (harmonium, guitar, flute, tambura and voice), and repetitions of sacred sound formulas known as mantras. It is like being bathed in sound, with a warmth and love that feels nurturing and deeply moving.

About Tejakula and Gaia Oasis…
North Bali has quite a different vibe to the south coast or Ubud. There is much less tourism, traffic, and foreign influence. The locals are super chilled, simple, warm-hearted people. The sun rises from the sea, and sets behind the mountains. The beaches are black sand and pebble with coral banks ideal for snorkelling. The sea is mostly calm and very safe for swimming. The Gaia Oasis Resort has both a beach – ‘Pantai’, and mountain – ‘Abasan’ resort. Our accommodation, meals and sessions will be at the beach, but we are welcome to hang out at both. A shuttle runs throughout the day. Both resorts have gorgeous pools, a restaurant and day spa.

Gaia Oasis donate an enormous 50% of their profits to projects in support of the local community and environment. They work with local fishermen and villagers, conservation NGO’s, and government officials to restore the reef around Tejakula. They sponsor a local mountain school and provide scholarships for children in the other 8 primary schools in the area. They actively support Balinese sacred arts & culture, and have initiated local environmental projects to introduce organic farming, permaculture, and reforestation of surrounding hillsides.

Accommodation…
Is lovely, light, airy and spacious in freestanding Balinese style bungalows, each with 2 double or twin-share ensuite rooms with adjoining kitchen, hammocks and chill-out space on a big breezy veranda overlooking the sea.

Spa…
There’ll be plenty of free time for massage and spa treatments at Gaia’s wonderful healing centres. We’ve all sampled the treatments and they are totally lush – first class therapists and facilities at really reasonable prices. A big part of why we booked Gaia. Please take advantage!

Food…
Is fabulous at Gaia! Breakfasts are a spread of tropical fruits, yoghurt, muesli, homemade breads, jams and spreads, eggs, pancakes, juices etc. Lunch and dinner are buffet style, offering lots of fresh, delicious Balinese and Indonesian delicacies, as well as some Western faves. A variety of teas, coffee, and hot drinks are available throughout the day, and complimentary homemade cakes, cookies and sweets are prepared daily and served each afternoon.

Mountain School Trip…
Edo & Jo will lead an optional morning trip (after Yoga & breakfast) to a local mountain school, as they do often in both India and other parts of Bali, to play music and do yoga with the kids. We encourage everyone to please bring gifts for the kids, such as clothes, books, and toys (these can be second-hand).

Getting There…
Bali’s international airport is Denpasar. From there, or anywhere else on the island, transport will be arranged by car to Gaia. Once your travel plans are set, let us know and we’ll arrange a driver for you.
A great site for comparing all international flights www.skyscanner.com

Visas…
Are not required for most nationalities. Instead you will pay US$25 at the airport for a visa-on-arrival. Check the Indonesian Embassy website in your home country for rules as they apply to you.

To register…
Please email your interest to Edo and Jo info@edoandjo.com. You will then receive a registration form to complete and details regarding transfer of deposit. A non-refundable deposit of AUD$500 is required to secure your booking, with the balance payable 8 weeks prior to retreat start. Upon registration you will be sent more info about getting to and around Bali, taxi pick-up from airport, what to bring etc.

Om Namo Narayani