Thanks to its deeply spiritual culture, sublime natural scenery and plethora of top-notch yoga studios, Bali has become a leading hub for yogis from around the world. In addition to the wealth of yoga retreats available for more serious practitioners, there’s also a selection of unique yoga classes in Bali for newbies to try out, too. Bali’s yoga studios are spread right across the island, occupying hilltop vantage points overlooking the sea to secluded hideaways buried deep within the jungle. Some of the most stunning, unusual yoga spots in Bali enjoy glorious ocean-view positions or look out across shimmering emerald paddy terraces. Plus, there’s also plenty of unique yoga classes in Bali, from SUP (stand up paddle board) yoga to anti-gravity variations. We take a closer look at some of the most unusual yoga spots and best yoga classes in Bali.
Immerse yourself in nature
If you’re on the lookout for the best yoga classes in Bali, then what could be better than practicing in a studio amongst a glowing buzz of fireflies? Post-sunset practices at the Ubud Yoga House offer exactly that, thanks to the studio’s spectacular position nestled amongst the emerald rice paddies of Bali. This establishment is also truly cut off from the hustle and bustle of Ubud’s tourist trail – another key highlight. The studio boasts a quaint, intimate vibe, which is perfect if you’re keen to make friends with fellow yogis around the world, too. In addition to the beauty of the authentic Balinese setting, the studio is a particularly good shout for beginners. This is because classes are student-centred, so practitioners can go at their own pace, with their own breath.
Essential info:
Web: www.ubudyogahouse.com
Tel: +62 0821 4418 1058
Address: 80571 Ubud (overlooking the rice terraces on the path to Sari organic restaurant)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UbudYogaHouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubudyogahouse/
Turn your world upside down
Unique yoga class in Bali are not hard to find – if you know where to look. However, while Bali’s yoga studios offer an array of different styles for practitioners to try out, not all of them offer the excellent entertainment that is anti-gravity yoga. Also known as flying yoga, this ground-breaking practice offers an exhilarating alternative to regular yoga. Participants who attend an anti-gravity class at the spa at the Four Seasons resort in Sayan can enjoy the exquisite freedom of acro yoga, as they progress through a sequence of postures in a ceiling-hung hammock specially designed for the purpose. The practice combines the fluid motions of dance with a strong, athletic practice. The best part is that it allows practitioners to have a go at inversions they wouldn’t necessarily be capable of without the hammock. All of this takes place within the spa’s Dharma Shanti Yoga Bale – a striking studio, the architecture of which is inspired by a lotus petal.
Essential info:
Web: https://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/spa/antigravity_yoga/
Tel: +62 361 977 577
Address: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Sayan, Ubud, Bali 8057
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsResortsBali/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsbali/
Make a splash
If you’re keen to try out one of the most unusual yoga classes in Bali, what could be more out of the ordinary than taking part in a session that’s not even on dry land? SUP yoga (stand up paddleboard yoga) comprises all the same asanas as a regular yoga practice – except you’re doing it whilst balancing on a paddle board in the ocean. Situated on sublime Sanur Beach, SUP Yoga Bali offers this unique experience to visitors. For those on the lookout for the best yoga classes in Bali, this unique form of yoga undoubtedly makes a session at SUP come close – not to mention the fact that balancing becomes that much more challenging when you’re bobbing on the water.
The centre was set up by a group of yogis who wanted to combine their love for the water with their dedication to asana practice – SUP yoga is the result. There is a selection of programmes for visitors to choose from. In the first, the boards will already be set up on an anchor line close to the shore. In Programme B, participants will paddle out a bit further into the ocean and in Program C there will be the chance to do SUP yoga in a secluded lagoon.
Essential info:
Web: http://supyogabali.com/
Tel: 0845 777 000 501
Address: SUP Yoga Bali, Villa Puri Ayu, Jl. Cemara, Sanur 80280, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supyogabali/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supyogabali/
Follow your intuition
For many people, the practice of yoga is as much an emotional and spiritual pursuit as it is physical. If you’re looking to re-connect with your inner self, then the Intuitive Flow yoga studio in Ubud is one of the most authentic establishments Bali has to offer. Many of the classes here are led by yoga teacher Linda Madani, the founder of the studio. Linda’s classes are great for practitioners on the lookout for something a bit more alternative, and begin with a practice of mudra pranala – Balinese qi gong and energy work.
Another highlight of Intuitive Flow is the sheer number of languages classes are offered in, including English, French, Indonesian or Mandarin.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.intuitiveflow.com/
Tel: +62 361 977824
Address: Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Penestanan Kaja, Ubud
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuitiveflowstudio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda_madani/
Best of both worlds
Unique yoga classes in Bali come in an array of different forms – but the Apneista Freediving and Yoga School stands out from the rest. A selection of Bali’s yoga studios offer specialised packages that combine yoga classes with surfing, cycling or paddle boarding. However, attendees at Apneista can combine yoga classes with unforgettable freediving courses.
The word ‘Apneista’ translates to ‘breath holder’ – and if there’s one element that’s truly important when it comes to the practice of yoga, it’s the constancy of nourishing, balanced breaths. The teachings at Apneista combine the meditative aspects of yoga with the science of freediving, providing visitors with a truly unique experience. Supplementary techniques from yoga are applied to freediving, allowing visitors to explore the magic of Bali’s underwater world. If you’re a beginner in freediving, the basic course will show you the ropes of the psychological and physiological demands of the activity.
Essential info:
Web: http://apneista.com/
Tel: +62 81 338 301 158
Address: Jl. I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti, Amed Jemeluk, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apneista/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apneistafreedivingbali/
Yoga with a view
Of all the unusual yoga spots in Bali, the Power of Now Oasis has to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing. Nestled within peaceful Sanur, visitors can take part in drop-in classes or immerse themselves in one of the centre’s various retreat programmes. Situated just a pebble’s throw from the sandy white beach of Sanur, this studio boasts plenty of wow factor in terms of its location, and is one of the most breath-taking spots to practice yoga in Bali. In addition to the centre’s varied programme of yoga classes – including a session specifically for kids – visitors can pick and choose from an array of health and wellness activities to suit their own requirements. For example, the centre is home to its own herbal steam room, chi therapy zone and floatation tank. The adorable turtle-shaped studio is the icing on the cake, and you can gaze out at spectacular Balinese sunsets as you practice.
Essential info:
Web: www.powerofnowoasis.com
Tel: 0878 6153 4535
Address: Jl. Merta Sari, Sanur, Bali 80224
Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerOfNowOasis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerofnowoasis/
Wow factor studio
Thanks to their sublime coastal or jungle setting, Bali’s yoga studios often have a little something extra. Situated on the southern peninsular of Bukit, The Temple Lodge is no exception. The jaw-dropping cliffside location of the centre is enough to take visitors’ breath away, and practicing yoga in such close proximity to the magnificent ocean vistas proves to be an unforgettable experience for many. The centre offers a varied programme of yoga classes, including both Hatha and Vinyasa flow. Serving up delicious plates of locally-sourced, organic food, the restaurant at The Temple Lodge is well worth checking out, too.
Essential info:
Web: http://www.thetemplelodge.com/
Tel: +62 8573 901 1572
Address: Jalan Pantai Bingin, Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Temple-Lodge-Bali/211438548871930?ref=br_rs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetemplelodge/
Nature’s yoga studio
If you’re keen to discover the best yoga classes in Bali, you may be tempted to get off the beaten track and explore offshore destinations. Islands like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are popular with visitors, as are the Gili Isles just off the coast of Lombok. No cars or motorised vehicles are allowed on the tiny island of Gili Air, which is one of the key factors that makes H20 Yoga and Meditation Centre so special. Plus, if it’s unique yoga classes in Bali that you’re after, what could be more unusual than an aqua yoga class in the pool?
As if the entertainment of pool yoga wasn’t enough, the studio is situated just metres from the sandy white coast of Gili Air, providing the perfect spot for beach yoga. Some classes are even conducted right in the surf. The Hatha yoga with bamboo sticks classes also provide an unusual variation on a classic session, where bamboo tools are used to bring more awareness to the body as you strive towards perfect alignment.
Essential info:
Web: http://h2oyogaandmeditation.com/index.html
Tel: +62 8776 103 8836
Address: 108 Buddha Way, Gili Air, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/h2oyogaandmeditation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/h20yogaandmeditation/
Cultural immersion
There’s a multitude of unusual yoga spots in Bali for visitors keen to stretch out their muscles with a few sun salutations, and Desa Seni is one of our favourites. This centre offers some of the most unique yoga classes in Bali, thanks to the fact that the studio is set within an art village. In addition to the Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa and Tantra yoga classes, visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Balinese culture by exploring the art village. Exhibits here focus on the unique culture of the Indonesian archipelago, showcasing the works of local artists.
The yoga classes themselves are led by highly-experienced practitioners, and private workshops are available for serious yogis who have traveller to the Island of the Gods in search of guidance in deepening their practice. The schedule includes a dedicated yoga class for kids, too.
Essential info:
Web: https://www.facebook.com/desaseni/
Tel: +62 381 8446392
Address: Jl. Subak Sari 13, 80361 Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desaseni/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desaseni/
Hone your practice
If it’s authenticity you’re after, then The Practice Bali Studio in Canggu offers some of the best yoga classes in Bali. Typically, Bali’s yoga studios offer visitors an array of different styles, from Hatha to Vinyasa, and The Practice Bali Studio is no exception. What’s special about this yoga centre is that its classes focus on going right back to authentic yoga teachings – both on and off the mat. The gorgeous setting amongst glistening paddy fields, in a studio bathed with fresh ocean air, doesn’t hurt either. The Practice Bali Studio also runs its own online yoga tuition programme, which is especially handy for any days when you’re so busy exploring the delights of Bali that you haven’t had time to make it to the studio.
Essential info:
Web: https://www.thepracticebali.com/
Tel: Jalan Batu Bolong #94A, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Address: +62 8123 670 2160
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepracticebali/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepracticebaliyoga/
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