A World of Sharing With Best of Both Surf and Yoga Retreat in Bali
The power and beauty of Bali lies deep within the lay of the land and the connection that the Balinese maintain with the earthy deity called Ibu Pertiwi (First Mother). They have a deeply ingrained sense of understanding and appreciation that all they have and love is birthed and given by mother earth. In this way everyone is bound to the collective principle, all brothers and sisters of the one mother.
Within this union a shared responsibility for the whole is felt by all. Most everything in this way falls into the category of "biasa", which simply means what is normal or ordinary. From this normalcy comes an extraordinary feeling of continuity. Observe closely the gamelan orchestra, hammers prancing along the brass bars at incredible speed with precise synchronicity. Or the Pendet dancers in the temple, brought together from old and young, unrehearsed, yet moving gracefully in unison, perfectly coordinated through submission to the "one".
Best of Both retreats wanted to get away from main towns of noisy Kuta and Seminyak. We picked the quiet coastal village of Saba, in an area collectively known as Ketewel, within Bali’s eastern Gianyar Regency. This eastern coastal region is an exceptionally wonderful part of the island – naturally beautiful, amazingly unspoilt and packed with cultural and scenic attractions. Perfectly suited for a Best of Both retreat. Saba is the quintessianal Balinese village, distinctive with its stretches of emerald rice fields and coconut groves, dotted with a harmonious mix of unobtrusive foreign residences and local dwellings insure a traditional experience.
Best of Both retreat rest on Saba Beach, with a reminder Bali is a volcanic island, as its sands are shimmering black. The deserted stretch of beach offers unobstructed panoramas with stunning views across the Badung Strait and Nusa Penida, opposite, one of Bali’s smaller sister islands. And on a clear day, the silhouette of towering volcano, Mount Agung, is visible in the distance. Sunrises are a spectacular treat here, especially over Nusa Penida’s limestone cliffs.
The surf breaks right out front of the villa making it the perfect location for our surf and yoga retreat, with excellent surfing to be had ten minutes in either direction of the villa: nearby Mascheti Beach has world-class surf breaks and hosts international surfing tournaments. Making our options limitless.
Saba is famous for its traditional Gamalan music, producing some of the finest Legong dancers on the island; For you to enjoy private performances at the villa by young traditional dancers.
Villas Overview
At our Best of Both's villa, the pursuit of relaxation is amply catered for with a gym and infrared sauna, a top-notch theatre room and a series of intimate, luxurious outdoor spaces, while epicurean pursuits are more than satisfied.
Best of Both villa hints of Versace and European sophistication: an elegant black and gold theme permeates throughout, while furnishings are fashioned from the finest imported fabrics. Food is served on gold plates, pool towels are by Chanel and several precious glass sculptures by the celebrated Japanese Artist Seiki ornament the villa. All discreetly served by the experienced yet charming Best of Both villa staff.
Best of Both Villa, however, is much, much more than a luxury beachside retreat . The villa is named after the fragrant Ylang Ylang flower, renowned for bringing harmony, peace, warmth and passion, and its mantra is ‘passionate serenity’, which is exactly what you will find here. Radiating a positive and rejuvenating energy, Villa Ylang Ylang’s wildly beautiful beachside setting is therapeutic in itself, but add the yoga and spa treatments, health-conscious food and calming chill-out zones and you have a magical retreat. Secluded and peaceful, you may not want to leave this destination.
The villas grand entrance features Balinese statues lining a stone-clad wall, and cascading water jugs filling a lily pond. An inner courtyard dominated by calming pools of water leads to the property’s main structure, an impressive two-storey living and dining pavilion. Similar to the rest of the property, architectural design here incorporates contemporary Asian elegantly fused with traditional Balinese touches and high-quality materials.
Predominately open-plan and open-sided, the main pavilion contains living and dining areas where we will going each day for Breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings, plus a well-equipped kitchen where our private Best of Both chef will amaze us with culinary delights . An upper gallery reveals rooftop meditation and yoga deck for our morning and evening yoga, spa treatment deck and further dining and lounging areas. The villa’s impressive theatre room is also housed in this pavilion to view each days surf sessions.
Landscaped gardens and an attractive 15-metre swimming pool and stone deck spread out towards the ocean from this central building, flanked by a pair of symmetrical, single-storey wings, incorporating six ensuite bedrooms. Revealed within the immaculate lawns are two balés (gazebos) for dining and relaxation and a gym with infrared sauna. Sun-lit and breezy during the daytime, the villa glows with sophistication after dark.
- One private swimming pool (15 m x 5 m)
- Satellite TV, DVD, stereo system with CD players.
- The Studio (cinema room)
- I-Pod docks in each room
- IDD, Local call, Land line telephone, fax available
- Mini safes in each bedroom
- Broadband internet connection
- DVD and CD library
- Book library
- Gazebo or balé (2)
- Gym
- Sauna
- BBQ facilities
Some rooms are furnished with a king-size, contemporary, four-poster bed, vanity area and silk upholstered couch. Their lavish bathrooms feature generous-sized sunken bathtubs, room-size walk-in rain shower,and, beyond, a small courtyard with modern glass sculptures contrasting with traditional-style Balinese water statue and pool. At the opposite end, a terraced area features comfy cushioned outdoor furniture (with encircling silk drapes for privacy) and a relaxing private plunge pool, looking out over the sea.
Master suites are additionally equipped with a satellite TV and DVD player.
Queen rooms
Are Queen Rooms featuring queen-size four-poster beds . Wood and glass sliding doors lead to chic ensuite bathrooms with mini-sunken baths that double as showers (massage and traditional Balinese style).
Junior rooms
Junior Rooms, each furnished with twin beds Ensuites with showers are attached to both Junior Rooms.
Interiors in all rooms follow the style of the master suites and all bathrooms are delightfully sunny, courtesy of a conservatory-style, sloping glass roof decorated with rattan. Outside, intimate patios are edged with white pebbles, black tiles and tropical foliage; ornamented by glass standing candle-holders and furnished with a single, black reclining lounger.
Theater Room and Gallery
At the opposite end of the living–dining area, black sliding doors reveal an air-conditioned theatre room– so called as satellite TV channels and DVDs are projected onto an extensive wall screen. Facing the screen, a black sofa is massive enough for the entire group to laze upon, enjoying the hundreds of DVDs available or top-of-the-range surround-sound music system. This cozy room also doubles as a study, with well-stocked library, computer with broadband internet and printer provided for Best of Both guest use.
Two black lacquered staircases at opposite ends of the living pavilion ground-floor lead up to a black timbered gallery. Mezzanine-style, this open-sided, space looks inwards over the living-dining area. Sunlit and airy, it contains two intimate dining tables and centrally-positioned balcony encased by folding glass doors. This intimate lounging area with gigantic daybed reveals fabulous ocean views and comes flanked on opposite ends by a rooftop deck scattered with floor cushions – perfect for yoga or nighttime star gazing – and rooftop massage deck with two massage beds provided for you're relaxing spa treatments.
From the main pavilion, the 15-metre pool is the central point of landscaped seaside gardens, bounded by swaying coconut palms. Adorned with ornamental water fountains, the salt water pool is surrounded by a stone deck, supplying multi-functional sun beds fashioned from weatherproof rattan and cushioned with black mattresses and silk cushions perfect after an adventurous day of surfing .
From here, manicured lawns stretch down to a tidal river, glistening black sands and crashing surf; at the gardens’ end beside the river is a timbered sundeck, complete with sun-loungers with fabulous unobstructed views across the beach.
Lawns are dotted with Indonesian modern art sculptures mounted on stone and sweet-scented, frangipani trees. At each side, overlooking the beach, is a black, contemporary-take on the traditional balé pavilion: one, designed for romantic dining and sun-filled lunches and the other, for relaxation and massage. These contrast with two miniscule Hindu shrines nearby. There’s also an oversized black sunbed with concertina-style cover and opposite, a small, glass-fronted gym containing a four-person, wooden infrared sauna.
Best of Both offers culinary delights made up of various spices and flavours created to wake up the senses our menu is peppered with classic delights. Indonesia for centuries was known as the “Spice Islands,Our food runs the scope from pure local to globally inspired cuisine. All our dishes are bursting with freshness and flavour. It is a culinary journey that is led with passion and fun as we present fresh new menus daily.
Included in your retreat package
- Breakfast or Brunches Buffets which are wholesome while wonderfully satisfying for an active day of surf and yoga
- Exquisite Lunches and Dinners that will take you on a Gourmet Culinary Journey
- A selection of savoury snacks and Fruit Infused Mineral Water
- Endless purified spring water, fresh coffee & a variety of teas are available at all times
Breakfast
- Tropical fruit Platter - selection of exotic local organic fruits
- Freshly made french toast brioche served with coconut cream, raspberry coulis
- Warm crepes filled with cottage and cream cheese, fresh fruit compote.
- Fresh bannana waffle, assorted marinated berries, crown of exotic fruit.
- Eggs prepared a la carte
- Freshly Baked Breads and pastries
Lunch menu
- Sweet & sour javanese soup, prawns & coconut milk
- Indonesian archipelago cuisine satay lilit, sambal tuwung
- Minced seafood satays, balinese eggplant sambal lobster laksa madura - rice noodles, lobster & coconut
- Sup tahu dan papaya muda - Spicy green papaya & tofu suop balinese spices
- Ayam sambal matah dan jukut pakis 143 grilled shredded chicken, lemongrass, stir-fried fern tips
- Tum bebek dengan daun singkong - Roasted imported french duck
- Cassava leaves, balinese spices, cooked in banana leaf
- Tongkol lan remis panggang - seared tuna & scallops, balinese sambal
- Tumis kangkung - stir fried water spinach, red chili, onion & prawns
Dinner Menu
- Tom yam goong - Hot & sour tiger prawn soup
- Organic asian salad
- Tempe, fried shallots, pomegranate molasses served in a crispy spring roll bowl
- Hearts od Romaine, radicchio & grana padano shavings, 152 creamy garlic & anchovy dressing
- Poached lobster salad, kabocha squash confit, shellfish vinaigrette
- Sushi & sashimi - fish market selection, pickled ginger, wasabi & soy sauce
- Sushi vegetarian - Organic vegetables, classic rice & pickles 152 sushi - Balinese sushi
- Ocean scallop & saffron risotto, balinese seasoning & asparagus tips
- Warm asparagus, baby endive & pancetta salad
- Seeded mustard & mango blossom honey dressing
- Soto udang pesmol
Desserts Menu
- Valhrona chocolate chip mousse, poached tamarillo and chocolate wafer
- Jack fruit cheese cake, raspberry chili syrup
- Banana custard flan, cashew nut biscotti & strawberry bruschetta
- Pandanus tiramisu, passion fruit coulis and pandanus macaroon
- Platter of Balinese desserts, dadar gulung, kelepon, lapis legit and kolak bannana
- Tropical sliced fruits, papaya, pineapple, orange, water melon and honeydew melon with natural yoghurt
- Ice cream, vanilla bean, rich chocolate fudge, very berry strawberry and mango chunky
For us, the spa is a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation of the body and soul. Our programs are dedicated to embracing the best things in life, and what better way than to pamper yourself with a spa treatment after a wonderful day of surfing?
Our retreats include decadent spa treatments in the privacy of your villa with natural ingredients to balance and harmonize the body, such as:
- Sea salt foot scrub in rose petal bath
- Relaxing full body massage with aromatic oil
- Avocado body mask and scrub to hydrate and exfoliate
- Yogurt body polish to tone
- Cleansing facial to make you glow!
In Indonesia, individual beauty treatments and therapies have been used for centuries, handed down from generation to generation. The restorative properties of the treatments have been tuned to perfection; proven methods for improving quality of life. All products are indigenous to Indonesia and contain the most natural herbs and spices.
A wide variety of additional spa treatments can be enjoyed at the many spas that are located close by...indulge yourself
Conceived in perfect symbiosis with its natural surroundings, best of Both maintains a philosophy of living life with passion and serenity. Offering you yoga and spa treatments, fresh, wholesome food, infrared sauna and Balinese healing, this therapeutic spot unsurprisingly helps balance mind, body and soul.
Best of Both offers you local Indonesian treatments such as Balinese massage, mandi lulur and cream bath, plus facials, pedicures and manicures. Best of Both believes the spa is a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation of the body and soul. Our programs are dedicated to embracing the best things in life, and what better way than to pamper yourself with a spa treatment after a wonderful day of surfing? Guest can enjoyed their treatments on the rooftop massage deck on two massage beds, within guestrooms and beachfront gazebo, or any other suitable outdoor setting.
The powerful spiritual vibe and glorious setting are also conducive to yoga and meditation. Best of Both has years of expertise in this field, gathering a discerning list of renowned yoga instructors and visiting yoga masters for Best of Both retreats, We offer a delightful choice of peaceful places each day to practice, such as the river deck or rooftop yoga deck at dawn or sunset. in Addition, traditional Balinese healers will visit the retreat for personalised health and cleansing ceremonie.
Located within the gym and overlooking the sea, the infrared sauna is a rejuvenating marvel. Health-giving benefits are extraordinary: a twenty-minute infrared session helps eliminate toxins, increase circulation, boost the immune system and promote weight loss and well-being.
Even the volcanic black sands on the beach offer therapeutic qualities – rich in minerals, locals are known to bury themselves in the sand here to maximize their healing properties!
Plus your retreat leaders will be happy to help you organize any alternative therapies to address your specific needs in a holistic manner. With Bali renowned as the healing capital of Asia, there is an abundance of highly skilled and dedicated therapists practice their healing with total commitment, compassion and understanding to assist you on your path.
Alternative Therapies Include:
- Spiritual Healing Session
- Rolfing
- Osteopathy
- Energy Balancing
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
What better way to enjoy the colorful sunrises and sunsets in Bali than with a rejuvenating yoga class. On each retreat we offer our unique style of yoga which is designed to enhance your surfing and facilitate mind, body and spirit connection.
Our restorative yoga classes follow the yogic traditions of classical Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini and Tantra to weave a flowing and relaxing experience designed especially for women. The natural warmth of the tropics provides the perfect space to deepen stretches and help the body detoxify and come alive using ancient series of poses enjoyed in yoga classes around the world.
We provide all your equipment including, yoga mats, bolsters, straps, blocks and eye masks. Classes are suitable for all levels of students and your instructor will modify exercises to meet your individual needs and ability level. Sessions typically begin with relaxed stretching to warm up, progress through more vigorous and challenging yoga postures, and are completed with deeper stretches and further relaxation. Specific areas can be addressed upon request.
