“Pamper in Paradise”

A Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Holiday in Bali

With Sally Riddell (ruby 9 yoga) and Jacquie McLean (massage therapist)

June 3 – 8, 2024

Gaia Oasis

Abasan Mountain Retreat

Tejakula, Bali

$2450 single room

Early bird $1995 (to January 15, 2024)

Book now

This delightful holiday offers you time and space to immerse yourself in an extraordinary landscape, to connect with the elements, to explore nature, and to experience the calm and harmony of a supported personal journey through yoga, meditation, massage and ritual.

Join Sally and Jacquie for 6 days and 5 nights in beautiful Bali. Both are experienced practitioners, teachers, and mentors in their respective fields. They will be your guides for this opportunity to engage with your body and mind through yoga, and meditation, to enjoy the magic of massage, to delve into a little artistic creativity, to indulge in the gentle rhythms of a tropical paradise and expand your imagination.

(10 participants only).

Your booking is confirmed when we have received both your $500 deposit and your signed indemnity forms.

Final payment for this retreat is required by April 2nd, 2024.

A monthly payment schedule can be arranged.

Bookings: Book Now

“This retreat was a unique and wonderful experience weaving the magic of breath centred yoga by a teacher who expertly integrates ancient practices for our modern times, meditation that celebrates wisdom, extraordinary massage from a massage therapist of great skill. Added to this wisdom cocktail were beautiful stories told around the fire. Peppered in were spaciousness and stillness, and the spectacular stars. If you would like to experience this transformational journey you will receive a wonderful bounty. A chance to slow down, switch off and restore.”

Michelle Beck

Abasan Mountain Retreat nestled in the mountains, close to the sea on the north-east coast of Bali, will be our home – the inspiring base from which we will venture and to which we’ll return. On some days we will explore the surrounding region. On other days, we will base ourselves closer to ‘home’ connecting with features of the immediate environment.

Each day will start with a morning yoga practice with Sally followed by a sweet ritual designed to connect us with the elements and our glorious environment.

The afternoons will be devoted to massage and mandala-s.

Each afternoon Jacquie will massage two participants – her healing hands working magic and deep nurturing.

Whilst Jacquie massages, Sally will offer you a little creative indulgence. Mandala-s have been drawn, created, meditated upon, explored for thousands of years. They are a fabulous and fun way of leaning into your artistic and imaginative self. We will explore a different dimension of mandala magic.

In the evenings we have a range of delights. A story told, a puppetry or dance display, a time to share your own stories.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS, TEACHERS AND GUIDES:

Sally Riddell (Ruby 9 Yoga) a Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, teacher of Vedic Chant , and  Storyteller from Perth, Western Australia.

As a yoga specialist my training stems from the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, following the guidance of my personal teachers T.K.V. Desikachar, his family and the teachers from the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (Chennai, India). The inclusive practices I teach include āsana, prāṇāyāma, chant, meditation, reflection, visualisation, and mudra-s and have been refining themselves for 22 years. All practices I teach are individually appropriate for each student.

In particular my chant teachers, the late Radha Sundarajaran, and Debby Badger, and philosophy teacher Valerie Faneco, have guided and inspired me to explore my voice and the therapeutic value of yoga and chanting.

My personal style of teaching is inspired by the resonance of chant, the wonder of storytelling and the workings of metaphor in daily life. I am passionate about the power of yoga, Vedic chant, and meditation to guide and inform our lives and relationships and to align us with the rhythms of the natural world.

Throughout my training there have been stories – stories from mythology, from personal experience, from the meanings behind the stories (or chants). For me this has been a heart link, the link that brings depth and joy to my study, to the way I teach, and to the stories I tell.

This richness of yoga, chant, and philosophy, of story and self-reflection and enquiry filters into everything I do. All of these are fundamental to how I choose to be in this world.

With an early tertiary education in Fine Art I am also a creator from natural and found materials. I love to work with textiles, basketmaking, drawing and as a photographer.

“Thank you for an amazing weekend of yoga and healing. The Metamorphosis Retreat was very enjoyable, nourishing my mind, body and soul. Sally is a fabulous yoga teacher and catered to all levels of experience. Walking the labyrinth and the amazing food were my highlights.”

Toni Limmer

“This was an awesome experience. A retreat created and presented with such love and professionalism”

Robyn Melican.

Jacquie McLean – Massage Therapist

I’ve always been fascinated by the body. The way it works, the way it moves, the ways in which it so miraculously functions.

We are such amazing creatures. We respond to touch – from a beautiful hug to deep tissue massage, we resonate to sound – from the softest birdsong to the throb of the drum, we renew with guided meditation and reflective stillness.

Coming to Australia presented me with an opportunity to explore subjects that have always intrigued me. This is when I delved deeper into my interest in the human body and I became a massage therapist. In my work I am constantly aware of a spiritual connection that binds the layers of who we are. Massage provides me with a cornerstone from which my practice also expands into intuitive healing as well as guided meditations.

I have been so fortunate with the teachers who have come into my life. My massage therapy training gave me a thorough and practical understanding of how the human body works and the techniques that ease pain, shift tension and restore wellbeing. My teachers taught me how to harness the incredible power of touch.  I spent many years with my beautiful spiritual teacher who guided me, helped me to understand myself in so many ways, and to harness my energies so that I can help others.

Each of us holds a truth and power within and it is my belief that each of us can learn to reach our personal potentials.

“Sally and Jacquie gave a retreat that refreshed body, mind & spirit. The rhythm of the daily yoga  & meditation, ritual & massage flowed beautifully. I would recommend this retreat to anyone  who values health, healing & wellbeing for themselves & for the world in which we live.”

Kathy Smith

ABOUT OUR ACCOMMODATION:

Abasan Mountain Retreat

“In Bali, mountains symbolize humanity’s relationship with Creation. Abasan represents Gaia’s spiritual core and is the place where our vision was born. Here, the earth elements of nature combine with the vitality of rural Bali, to create an environment where you can reconnect and rejuvenate.

Abasan Mountain Retreat has delightful bungalows dotted throughout the property and a guesthouse built into a slope with expansive views.

A salt-water pool is built on a mountain terrace, with uninterrupted views across the verdant orchards to where the distant ocean meets the sky. Play… exercise overlooking the resplendent valley… or simply relax on the wide stone terrace.  The pool is large enough for doing laps and there is a stone terrace alongside that is suitable for bodywork and yoga.

Abasan is criss-crossed with walking trails that range from gentle strolls to more strenuous full-day treks.

Located directly below the dining terrace, is the Mountain Lotus Room – our yoga room. One side of the room is totally open, looking out on a lotus-filled rainwater collection pool and lush green surroundings. In this beautiful setting, you can relax, meditate deeply and reconnect with Creation.”

ABOUT OUR FOOD:

All meals will be provided from the kitchens of Abasan Mountain Retreat. Wholesome, fresh and delicious; flavours of Indonesia

Each day will begin with a plentiful, delicious breakfast.

Lunches and dinners (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) will be served on the dining terrace, an open construction shaded by trees and bamboo that looks out on a verdant valley. If you look carefully, you will also catch glimpses of the blue sea yonder.

You are welcome to help yourself to mineral water, green and herbal teas, Balinese coffee and cocoa throughout the day. Fresh pressed fruit and vegetable juices, lassies, and specialist coffees are also available if you wish to purchase them.

“The food was excellent. My body felt totally healthy by the end of the week – with the yoga, & such a healthy diet. And there was plenty of food, I never felt hungry.”

Chris Beckingsale

ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES:

Activities are designed to rejuvenate and restore, to allow you time and place to connect with your spirit and stimulate your creativity.

Some practices will be indoors, others outside. The retreat framework offers you times for quiet reflection, occasions for nourishment and nurturing for body, mind, and spirit. The sacredness of our environment infuses every aspect of this experience.

Each Day

morning a yoga practice

Breakfast

A ritual – focusing on the five elements

Lunch

In the afternoon a massage and for those not having a massage a creative activity.

Meditation

Dinner

Evening activity – storytelling, wayang puppetry, Balinese dance

We will start each day with a yoga practice and sometime after breakfast we will celebrate the five elements with a tailor-made ritual.

The afternoons are devoted to massage, creative play exploring the wonders of mandalas, and before dinner a meditation practice.

The evenings are the times for sharing stories, some traditional myths told to you, Balinese dance or puppetry or sharing stories amongst ourselves.

Sally will guide you through yoga, meditation and chant practices and some art-making. She is an accomplished teacher able to lead students of different levels of ability and experience.

Jacquie is our specialised massage therapist and a meditation guide.

Together they will lead you through simple rituals celebrating the five elements.

It is possible to arrange extra massages or treatments at the Abasan spa at your own cost– approximately $30 per treatment

YOUR INVESTMENT INCLUDES:

5 nights and 6 days

• Yoga each morning
• A daily celebratory ritual
• Restorative yoga as preparation for Guided meditation and relaxation each afternoon
• A therapeutic massage
• Mandala magic – all materials provided
• Storytelling
• An evening of star gazing and stories
• Balinese puppetry and dance
• There will also be daily free time in which you can read, write, sleep, or do whatever you like!
• Transport for any activity away from Abasan Mountain retreat

Meals – breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, dinner (special dietary requirements accommodated, please let us know prior to retreat)

Refreshments.

NOT INCLUDED

• Personal Insurance – we ask that you take out insurance that covers the level of risk you are willing to take.
• Any air fares to and from Bali.
• Transport to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport. We can help you arrange this – $75 – $80  (a 3 hour trip)
• Food and drinks in transit between your starting airport and Abasan Mountain Retreat, Bali.
• Extra food and drinks not on the scheduled menu at Abasan Mountain retreat or on excursions.
• Alcohol
• Tips

CANCELLATION POLICY:

By paying your non-refundable deposit of $500, you have secured your place on this retreat.

• A reservation requires a deposit of $500.
• The deposit is non-refundable if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid in full by April 2nd, 2024 or within 2 weeks if you book after April 2nd.
• 40 days prior to travel cancellation – refund of monies paid minus $500 deposit
• After 40 days prior to travel strictly no refund.
• Covid diagnosis 7 days prior to travel – you can transfer your booking to another Ruby 9 yoga event
• You are welcome to find a friend to travel in your place if need be

PLEASE FIND TRAVEL INSURANCE THAT SUPPORTS THE LEVEL OF RISK YOU ARE WILLING TO TAKE

Should we (Sally Riddell and Jacquie Mclean) have to cancel for any reason, any monies paid by you bar the non-refundable deposit, will be returned.

BACKUP SUPPORT:

Sally holds a current Senior First Aid Certificate and will be carrying a GPS locator for emergencies.

In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, Abasan Mountain Retreat will help with all necessary medical needs, including ambulance to a hospital.

WHAT WE REQUIRE FROM YOU:

We require that you have a reasonable level of fitness, and that any medical issues have been discussed and cleared by your doctor. Sally is happy to discuss this element in more detail if you require.

Attached to our agreement is a medical indemnity form that you must fill in and return to us.

We also require that you sign an acknowledgement of expectations. We will send this to you at your time of booking.

We request that you have insurance and that you provide us with insurance details prior to travelling. Please ensure that your insurance covers the risk you are willing to take.

Your booking is confirmed when we have received both your $500 deposit and your signed indemnity forms. Final payment for this retreat is required by April 2nd, 2024.

On booking, we will provide you with a file detailing more information with respect to health, safety, clothing requirements and travel arrangements.

“Pamper in Paradise”

A Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Holiday

In Bali

June 3 – 8, 2024

$2450 single

$1995 early bird (15.1.24)

Book Now