Eat, Pray, Love | 10 Days in Bali

Every once in a while, we assess our lives. Do we know our purpose? Are we still searching for it? Maybe life pushes you down so hard that you lose that sense of purpose or direction. The Japanese call it an "ikigai" - our reason for living; the lucky ones discover it pretty quickly, while for others, soul searching may take many seasons.

My life has been an eclectic rollercoaster for the last few years. From the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows including all the thrilling bends and curves; there is no denying that my light was dimmed and I need an escape to recharge my batteries and to reconnect with my purpose.

I went on my first yoga retreat two years ago in Crete and while it was a lovely experience, I cannot say that I experienced real transformation, growth or even true reflection. Two years later, life knocked me down even harder and after seeing an advertisement on Instagram for a holistic yoga retreat in Bali - I felt a strong pull.

It took several months of planning and coordinating and before I knew it, I was on my way to experience 10 days of zen. I promise, this post isn't purely about the retreat but more the adventures and experiences that came with it; making it one of my favourite trips.

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SPIRITUAL BALI

He who knows the secret of sound, knows the mystery of the whole universe - Hazrat Inayat Khan

Everyday we started with an energising yoga practice (for all levels), followed by breakfast, a healing session and ending with adventure! I loved learning about Balinese Hinduism and was truly humbled to be "cleansed" by a variety of spiritual healers. When everyone said that Ubud was the capital of healing, they did not exaggerate; the combination of healing and positive energy, is inescapable.

If you watched "Eat, Pray, Love", you will remember the kindness and humbleness of local residents. No matter where in Ubud I went, what interaction I had; whether taxi drivers, street vendors, housekeepers, or spiritual healers - each and every one of them seemed to have a calm and cheerful aura. It was almost as if nothing could trigger or ignite them to "rage" despite Ubud being a chaotic city - never in my life have I encountered more motorbikes or streets!

I learned very quickly that practicing mindfulness and slowing down, savouring each moment really does supports a relaxed approach to life. The other, probably larger and more important component, is practicing gratitude.

Wherever you go in Ubud, you will see little trays of flowers and incense; the Balinese call this "Canang Sari" and it is an offering to the Hindu gods. In Bali, gratitude is not a consideration, it is the foundation and essence of everything. Every interaction is paired with an offering, a prayer for blessings, a prayer of gratitude and I believe that this may be the key to fulfilment and inner peace.

The final component is nature. Ubud is enveloped in lush bountiful forests; with abundant wildlife roaming freely as it should be. It is unescapable, naturally forcing your brain to generate more serotonin and automatically alleviating anxiety and tension.

My favourite experiences were the healing ceremonies and probably the most eye opening. While I'm a firm believer in Christ, it was extremely humbling and exciting to be truly connected with the power of nature. Each practice involved a different format and natural element yet they all contributed to the same end result: a sense of tranquillity and weightlessness.

Water

Balinese people believe that water holds a sacred power and is essential in cleansing negative energy and restoring balance.

The first ceremony we did was a water purification called Melukat at the Sebatu Holy Water Springs. I will admit I was totally unprepared as I wanted to let my guard down and take in every experience as it was intended.

The springs are located in a tiny village, nestled among lush greenery and hidden in the hills. We were given sarongs to wear as a sign of respect, but also - I later discovered, we would get extremely wet (this was the lack of preparation part).

We were greeting by our guide and healer, Ketut who explained to us the importance of the springs and how nature restores all balance. The details of a Melukat ceremony can be found in this link; otherwise this blogpost will go on forever😊 I will just say, there was never a moment in my life where I felt more connected to the power of nature, than after the purification.

The sheer force of the water paired with the ice cold temperature jump start the system and once you re-emerge from the waterfall, a rush of energy flows throughout the body; it was absolutely insatiable; have a look here in my Instagram highlight.

More information here: https://melukatsebatu.com/

The second water purification was conducted by High Priestess Ida Resi Ali at her residence. After we received our sarongs, we were taken to her temple to meditate for about 20 minutes, while she chanted and offered blessings. 20 minutes feels like a long time to sit in silence, however it really prepares you for the experience. Ida's temple was intriguing to admire, filled with sculptures, ancient symbols and enveloped in greenery.

We were paired in twos as we approached her, closed our eyes and were drenched in cold water almost continuously for 5-7 minutes (which feltlike a lifetime) while she continued to chant and pray. The experience was different to Sebatu as we were not submerged, however the after feeling was the same; the mind was totally silent and I felt weightless, almost floating.

The power of water, chanting, rhythm and meditation truly are a powerful combination for inner peace. Enjoy this clip here.

Fire

We all know the soothing power of sitting beside a fireplace, relishing in the sound of cracking firewood. I was excited to experience the Agni Hotra (meaning fire healing) ceremony at the stunning Five Elements Resort, which is considered one of the highest Vedic rituals.

We were all ushered to sit around the firepit and encouraged to write our manifestations, prayers and wishes. As the fire lit up, the priest started chanting in Sanskrit and threw melted ghee and rice into the flames, symbolising the divine light. At a certain point, we were invited to throw rice into the fire as well, as we recited the same chants and then after about 15 - 20 minutes we sent or letters into the flames with hope and positivity.

For the final component of the ritual, we were given coconuts and asked to crack them. if the coconut is split evenly into two; the ego is balanced and if not, you have some work to do :) This was truly an immersive experience which ended with flowers. The combination of heat, water, chanting and group energy was truly purifying.

Check it out here.

Air

This experience was truly a journey of its own as we ventured to "Pura Besaki" (Besaki Temple) - the oldest and holiest temple for the Balinese Hindus. Located majestically against the backdrop of Mouth Agung (one of Bali's active volcanoes); getting to the temple is a sensory experience as you drive through lush rice paddies and traditional villages.

We scanned our tickets, hopped on to a mini bus that took us to the base of the holiest of temples, and thus began our 10 minute upward climb to the top. The architecture beautifully blends religion, art and history leaving visitors speechless. Vendors sold fresh fruits, local delicacies and souvenirs along the way; making this a truly immersive experience.

We were lucky to be at the temple during the full moon as thousands of worshippers filled the complex offering their prayers and gratitude and it was so humbling to feel all that energy in such a holy place.

Once at the top, we met Mangku Jati, the main priest, who guided us through meditation and prayer. There was something extremely mystical about being that high up, almost hidden away by the clouds. Following the group session, we all had individual sessions with him as he read our characters and potentials; reaffirming the strengths each of us posses.

More info here: https://bali.com/places/pura-besakih/

Sound

I first discovered sound healing back in 2016—and instantly fell in love. Since then, I’ve actively sought out every variation of the practice: from serene indoor sessions to open-air experiences, private appointments to immersive group journeys, and even a blissful floating version. Sound healing has become my number one go-to for deep, cellular-level relaxation. So, when I heard about the Pyramids of Chi in Bali, I was both intrigued and excited. What I didn’t expect was just how powerful the experience would be. I’m not exaggerating when I say that none of my previous sessions came close to what I felt at the Pyramids.

Built with astonishing precision, the sanctuary features three pyramids that are perfectly aligned—mirroring the coordinates and angles of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The structure incorporates sacred geometry and the Golden Ratio, which are believed to amplify both energy and sound. This isn’t just a sound healing venue, its fusion of ancient wisdom and modern sound technology, designed to support the healing of body, mind, and spirit.

For my first session, I booked the Ancient Sound Healing experience. From the moment I entered the pyramid, I felt transported. The space is thoughtfully equipped with a cozy mattress, a soft blanket, and a volcanic rock eye mask designed to enhance relaxation. Within five minutes, I drifted into a deep meditative state.

Because of the pyramids' sacred architecture and acoustic design, the sound is amplified exponentially. You don’t just hear the vibrations—you feel them ripple through your entire being, from your skin to your heart. Words honestly don’t do it justice. Out of the ten days I spent in Bali, I returned to the Pyramids five times. Each visit was more profound than the last. It became my sanctuary of zen—a place where time melted away and I could reconnect with myself on a soul-deep level. The complex also features a stunning café with incredible vegan food—fresh, nourishing, and beautifully presented.

Keep reading to discover more about Bali’s vegan food and trust me when I say, it blew my mind. I’d go back to Bali in a heartbeat just to experience the Pyramids of Chi again. If you're looking for something deeply restorative, soul-affirming, and otherworldly in Ubud, this is your sign.

If you’re interested to know more about the power of pyramids, check this link.

More information here: https://ubud.pyramidsofchi.com/

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SIGHTS SOUNDS & SPAS

Bali has a plethora of experiences for every traveller. From stunning rice terraces and beaches, to luxurious resorts, historical landmarks and cultural hotspots, sensational spas and spiritual sights. No matter where you go, touches of gratitude, blessings and harmony are scattered like little glimmers.

Below are places that I have personally enjoyed and highly recommend when visiting.

Historical, Cultural & Spiritual

• Ubud Art Market

• Ubud Palace

• Bali Dacha

• Pyramids of Chi

• Besaki Temple

• Five Elements

• Sebatu Springs

Ubud Centre, Ubud Art Market, Ubud Palace

Nature

• Sacred Monkey Forest

• Mount Batur Volcano

• Jatiluweh UNESCO Rice Terraces

• Cretya Alas Harum (Bali Swings)

• Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

• Beaches

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

Sacred Monkey Forest

Cretya Alas Harum with the famous Bali swings

Melasti Beach, Tropical Temptation Beach Club

Spa & Wellness

• Kaveri Spa at The Udaya Resort: https://www.instagram.com/theudaya/

• Putri Spa: https://www.instagram.com/putribali_spa/

The Udaya Resort, Kaveri Spa

Putri Spa

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FOOD

I completely underestimated the food scene in Bali. Sure, I was expecting lots of fresh fruits and seasonal delicacies, but I had no idea just how many cool foodie concepts there were.

Starting first of all with the cute smoothie bowls; this must be where the trends started from!

Secondly, let's talk vegan food. Everything I tried tasted exactly like non-vegan food, minus the filler ingredients and bursting with flavour. I had one of the best burgers in my life in Ubud and it had zero meat surprisingly. With abundant fresh ingredients all around, this is a foodie's haven especially as a chef, it is virtually a culinary playground.

I would like to caveat however that the below spots don't offer traditional Indonesian / Ubudian cuisine. For that experience - keep reading about the amazing cooking class experience I had 😊

• The Sayan House: https://www.instagram.com/thesayan_house/

• Zest: https://www.instagram.com/zestubud/

• Mudra: https://www.instagram.com/mudracafe/

• Merlin's (theatrical dining): https://www.instagram.com/merlinsmagicbali/

• The Pyramid's of Chi Café: https://www.instagram.com/pyramidsofchi/

Cooking with Locals

Towards the last few days of the programme, the group woke up at 2am to hike on a volcano and while I'm sure it was a magical experience, it absolutely did not appeal to me in anyway. Instead, I yearned for a more wholesome experience.

I was also looking for a healer like in the movie"Eat, Pray, Love" - call it fate or a coincidence but it so happened that I was able to get a next day appointment due to a last minute cancellation otherwise the wait time would have been a week. To my delight, Made (pronounced mah-deh) was not 100 years old like in the movie, instead he appeared to be a very vital 60+ year old with 20+ years experience in the travel industry and found his calling as a healer when he retired. My session with him was also not quite like in the movie either, however it felt good to be connected to someone who reads energy and had an overall calm aura.

But this is where fate struck. While I was waiting for my turn, I noticed an insatiable aroma coming from an outdoor kitchen and discovered that Made's wife runs a cooking school. Once more, due to a last minute cancellation I was able to get a spot for the class the following day! This is truly a family business as the experience starts off with a visit to the local farmer's market with where Made's son Agus introduced us to Indonesian staples.

It was lovely to connect with the shopkeepers early in the morning, learn all about the local produce and try a few samples. An hour later and we were back in the compound, ready for action. There were two simultaneous groups, one taught by Made's wife and the second, by Agus's wife, Omang (I was in her class).

We made 9 traditional Indonesian dishes completely from scratch including famous Indonesian dishes like chicken satay with peanut sauce and gado gado but also discovered some new dishes like chicken and cayote (local version of a pumpkin). We did everything from pounding and chopping, to frying, grilling and finally eating! My words won't do this experience justice so please relive the moments through my photos below.

When I set out on this trip I wanted to be more connected to the local culture and meet people from all walks of life; this was a truly heartwarming experience which I would recommend to everyone visiting Bali. In today's fast paced world, it is so important to slow down and savour each moment.

Scroll for yumminess!

Website: ubadubudbali.com (advanced bookings are essential)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubadubudbali/

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THE ESSENTIALS

Getting There | Highly recommend everyone gets their e-visa issued in advance; however if you are short on time, there are several e-visa counters on arrivals. You will need to pay a tourist tax and always ensure you have travel + health insurance coverage. Below are some useful websites:

• e-visa: link here

• Bali Tourist Tax: link here

• Indonesia tourism: link here

Currency | Local currency is Indonesian Rupiah; at the time of publishing this post the exchange rate is 1 USD = 16,254 IDR. ATM's are available everywhere and card payments are primarily accepted; however I recommend you carry some cash as well.

Getting Around | Ubud traffic is CHAOTIC. Don't think about renting a car for a short trip because you won't know how to navigate. Instead, rent a motorcycle, walk or book a car / motorbike using Gojek.

Safety | I'm going to rate this as 8/10 because I personally didn't feel any concern. Most of the activities were organised with the whole tour group; I did wander off two days on my own during the day and everyone was very friendly. However, as always - practice mindfulness, don't parade posh jewellery or walk alone in dark alleys. Ubud is full of tourists however, go with your gut and pray for protection :)

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This truly was a trip of a lifetime and I am certain that every visit to Bali is magical. I came back feeling whole, challenged to live my life slower but fuller, savour every moment and practice gratitude for everything. In today's fast paced world, we all need a reminder to slow down, connect with ourselves and nature.

Thank you Olga from Bali Yoga Tour for the incredible experience, I cannot recommend it enough and hope to join you again!

For more information about the programme, please visit https://www.instagram.com/baliyoga.tour/

xo,

Marina

Disclaimer: All views are my own and all photographs are © My Sweet Escapes, unless otherwise stated.