Join your hosts, Mary Manin Morrissey, Reverend Howard Caesar, Joe Dickey, and Diane Caesar, as they bring you a spiritual tour to Bali that will uplift, shift, and enlighten you! See the Island of the Gods in all its magnificent splendor, learn to pray like the Balinese, and grow in an amazing group of like-minded people.
Itinerary
Feb 4-6 Fly to Bali from Houston, LA, etc. When you land, be greeted by our local guides who will offer you a cold drink and whisk you off to our incredible hotel. (A group flight is being arranged from Houston, or call us toll-free 877-406-5206 if you need help with your air).
Feb 6 Nusa Dua Beach – MELIA HOTEL AND SPA
Arrive in Bali. You will feel completely at home in this delightful Balinese resort, where all your needs are met. Enjoy wonderful local cuisine for breakfast. Relax at the private beach, swim in your one of the hotel pools, dine in the magnificent on-site restaurants, delight in the 5-star spa. Internet access, including WiFi, laundry, dry cleaning, and 24-hour room service is available. Your delightful deluxe room has the wonderful (and popular) mosquito netting that enhances the Balinese feel of the decor.
Feb 7 Enjoy daily breakfast at the hotel with a full breakfast buffet.
At 10AM, a morning orientation meeting will allow the group to get to know Mary & Joe and Howard & Diane, after which a private “sarong bazaar” ensures everyone is “temple-ready!” The afternoon is free to enjoy the Melia’s private beach.
Tonight, get ready for your incredible welcome dinner. Your air-conditioned coach will whisk you up the beaches to Uluwatu Temple where you will see the spectacular Balinese Kichak Dance cliffside, overlooking the Indian Ocean at sunset! Continue on to Bumbu Bali, considered to be one of the very best restaurants on the island. (B, D)
Feb 8 This morning, your private coach whisks you to Taneh Lot Temple, the most joyous, raucous, touristy, local, crazy, fun temple spot in all of Bali. Wade through acres of souvenir sellers, food merchants, and shops until you get to the cliffs at water’s edge. Take a blessing and holy water with hundreds of Balinese and visitors who travel miles for this experience; if you get lucky, the Pedanda (Balinese priests) will invite us up to the cliff-top temple for a private experience. The views are not to be missed, and the entire afternoon will give you a new perspective on temple worship. Our own guides will accompany you every step of the way.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch on your way back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to relax. (B, L)
Feb 9 After an early breakfast, meet Mary & Joe, Howard & Diane from 9AM-12PM for the second of four teaching sessions. In the afternoon, explore Nusa Dua village, with its fine shopping at the Bali Collection, it’s terrific spas and its Ubud-like souvenir sellers. Or enjoy a spa treatment at the hotel’s incredible spa. Late this afternoon, Mary & Howard will have a wonderful surprise for your evening! (B)
Feb 10 Have a leisurely breakfast, then at 10am transfer in a private air-conditioned coach. First stop: a special ceremony led by Mary and local Balinese healer Gede that will give you further insight into the spirituality of the Balinese, then enjoy lunch at a wonderful restaurant in the lovely rice paddies.
A private coach and our own guides will take you on the 2-hour drive across the bottom portion of Bali and into the delightful town of Ubud, Bali’s heart center. Here, just outside the hustle and bustle of Monkey Forest Road, you will find a retreat dedicated to the finer things in life: beauty, tranquility and excellent food—the fabulous 5-star Komaneka Hotel in Ubud! Lounge by the pool or take a walk into the rice paddies, or luxuriate for hours at the amazing spa. The restaurant, where you will enjoy a custom, locally-sourced breakfast each day, is delicious, and the on-site spa is delightful.
The Komaneka offers free WiFi, a stunning pool, a Balinese restaurant and a full spa, all on site. All rooms feature views of the rice paddies and rain forest, down to the Tjampuhan River below. Laundry, dry cleaning, and 24-hour room service are all available.
Late afternoon, trade your private coach for microbuses that take you for check-in. Your first evening in Ubud, relax and enjoy spa treatments and dinner on your own either at one of the wonderful local restaurants or the yummy Balinese cuisine at the hotel. (B, L)
Feb 11 After a freshly cooked breakfast, this morning Howard & Mary will offer their 3rd of 4 teaching sessions, this time at the Komaneka. This afternoon is free for lunch at the hotel or at one of the many charming restaurants in Ubud.
On the way to dinner, enjoy an exploration excursion in Ubud — visit a silversmith where you can see the pieces being made and choose jewelry from their “I Am Unique” line – a limited line of gorgeous jewelry! Then visit an incredible Balinese painting studio where local artists paint room after room of fabulous pieces. Afterwards, relax and dine on Balinese delights at one of the best restaurants in Bali, the delicious Cafe Wayan. (B, D)
Feb 12 This morning, journey by air-conditioned coach to Besakih Temple, the mother of all on this island of 10,000 temples! This trip includes our own English-speaking spiritual guides and a chance to worship with the Balinese as they do. Wearing your temple garb, including the sarong you picked out at your orientation, drive through the delightful Balinese countryside on your way to Mount Agung. Besakih is built into the very slopes of this sacred mountain, and you can experience one of the most important spots in Bali. Along the way, your guides will show your guests how to do the prayers, Balinese-style, and explain the meaning behind each step.
Inside the temple grounds, your guide will make a special offering of flowers and fruit to the temple, then show everyone how to pray with flowers, incense, and rice — you can follow along with your guide and the local Pedanda (Balinese priest). This is a beautiful way to honor the local traditions, and is very appreciated by the locals, especially since most tourists don’t bother to learn!
Afterwards, enjoy a buffet lunch at a mountainside restaurant with breathtaking views. On the way home, visit the Bali Budaya wood-carving studio and see local carvers whose pieces you can buy directly, and the Legong batik studio, where you can see every stage of the exacting art of batik, before heading back to the Komaneka for an evening off to explore Ubud or have some more spa time! (B, L)
Feb 13 Today experience the rural charm of Bali. We start by whisking you away from the bustle and crowds of the city, to escape into the heart of the Balinese countryside – Discover and explore beautiful rice fields, friendly locals and enjoy the tranquility of Tohpati village. Visit a traditional Balinese house compound to learn about the local’s daily routine, than take a short trek alongside verdant rice paddies until you reach a fabulous setting of tropical vegetation and ponds.
Enjoy the most beautiful surrounding views of unspoiled rural Bali while you relax in the traditional pavilions, Locals will show you how to make Balinese offering ornaments. Discover the spiced flavors of Bali’s unknown cuisine in a Balinese Cooking Demonstration, a fascinating introduction to the exotic ingredients and unique culinary heritage of Bali. Your lunch is locally prepared. Of course, vegetarian dishes will be included for those who prefer them. This is native Bali…
Tonight you’re off once again to enjoy the delights of Ubud. (B, L)
Feb 14 This morning, your private coach will transport you to one of the most sacred sites in Bali – Tirta Empul, or Holy Springs. Take in the holy waters at one of the most sacred spots on the island of Bali… Tirta Empul is a delightful and deep way to experience the spirituality of the locals, as you immerse yourself in the rituals of the Balinese people. After purifying yourself, wearing your temple dress, step fully clothed into the waters of Tirta Empul.
Ducking your head under each of the 13 holy springs, feel the significance of the waters as they cleanse your past and you emerge ready to create the future. You will be surrounded by locals who will support and appreciate you as you make this powerful shift. This is a trip very few tourists take.
Lunch after your immersion will allow you to unwind and talk about your experiences before heading back to the hotel for a little relaxation.
Tonight, celebrate Valentine’s Day with your group, enjoying a wonderful upscale French meal at the delightful Bridges Restaurant in Ubud. (B, L, D)
Feb 15 Relax this morning in Ubud: lounge at the hotel pool, shop, or explore this wonderful village. Perhaps you will want to walk down to the bottom of Monkey Forest Road, to see where this street gets its name. Along the way, enjoy the wealth of shops and restaurants, spas and museum-like galleries. This afternoon, out of the sun’s heat, you will meet with Mary & Joe, Howard & Diane and the other pilgrims for a final deepening experience from 2-5pm.
This evening, enjoy your farewell dinner at the absolutely unique Blanco Museum. Begin with cocktails and a stroll around the stunning grounds, where colorful tame Macaws and Cockatoos will happily pose for photos with you. Take a tour of this spectacular museum, designed and built by Antonio Blanco himself, the “Dali of Bali.” Then delight in an authentic Balinese meal overlooking the rice paddies of Ubud, with cocktails and wine included, too. The restaurant’s terrace makes you feel as if you are dining in the treetops, accompanied by the gamelon music of talented local musicians. (B, D)
Feb 16 Private transfers to Denpasar Airport with our cars, drivers, and guides, who will escort you through check-in and up to the visa desk to purchase your exit visas and begin your flight home. (B)
You will never forget this amazing tour to Bali! Sign up now as this trip WILL sell out!