Spirit of Bali
Ladies: join other like-minded women on this exclusive tour! It's all the benefits of traveling solo with all the peace of mind of a group! (Men and couples are of course welcome, but this is mostly a chick thing :-)
Sept 25st to October 1, 2010
Arrange your own flights to Denpasar, Bali, or have Spirit Quest Tours make all arrangements. PRIVATE ARRIVAL TRANSFER BY AIR-CONDITIONED MOTORCOACH WITH ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE.
LAND ITINERARY
Day 1
In addition to a full-time local guide on all tours and transfers, Spirit Quest Tours’ own “Julie the Cruise Director,” Halle Eavelyn, will accompany you full-time on this trip.
ARRIVE AT THE ROYAL PITA MAHA RESORT IN UBUD. Freshen up in your own private POOL VILLA overlooking the rice paddies. Take a plunge into the disappearing line pool just steps the wall of windows off of your bedroom. Your villa is a stunning 300 square meters, with an enormous oversized bath, butler service on-call, a large living room, and a beautiful private sun deck. You will never want to leave!
Dinner is a quick taxi ride into the heart of Ubud, or else dine in the elegant restaurant which features fresh, local cuisine with a Balinese theme.
http://www.royalpitamaha-bali.com
6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT THE ROYAL PITA MAHA. This hotel, a former palace which still belongs to the royal family, is literally one of the most exquisite places on earth. Completely Balinese in style and design, the fabulous locale just a few minutes from downtown Ubud puts you in the middle of nature and at the heart center of Bali. From hand-carved marble statuary walls to landscaped grounds that cascade down to the Ayung River at the edge of the property, the Royal Pita Maha is not to be missed. Your every need will be attended to, and you will live like pampered royalty.
BREAKFAST DAILY is included.
Day 2 (B/D)
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful Royal Pita Maha Restaurant, dining from the very freshest ingredients, as you drink in the sights and sounds of the rain forest and rice paddies which surround you.
MORNING ORIENTATION MEETING – get to know your fellow Liz Gilbert fans and tell us what about the book inspired you to come for your very own Eat Pray Love* experience in Bali!
We will offer daily themes from the Eat Pray Love* book that will enliven and deepen your experiences on the trip.
You will also learn how the Balinese pray, and be given a chance to purchase the appropriate costume if you would like to pray with us inside the temples, where the locals do. (No obligation – the temples are lovely just to see, too)
AFTERNOON SPA TREATMENT AT UBUD BODYWORKS - This is where the film crew got their massages on Bali, and it's an incredible locale - very Balinese, and extremely enjoyable! Pamper yourself: choose from a facial, Balinese massage or reflexology treatment and relax as the lovely, kind Balinese women float you off into a world of comfort. Choose your own locally blended aromatherapy oil for your massage, then experience bliss.
DINNER IN ITALY - For our first night in Bali, start the EAT part of our trip, at where else… THE ITALIAN RESTAURANT at the Amanusa Resort in Nusa Dua. This magnificent five-star restaurant serves authentic Italian food. On the way, enhance your evening with a reading about Liz's first meal in Italy. Save room for Tirami Su!
Day 3 (B)
OPTIONAL EARLY MORNING MEDITATION – Each morning, we will have the PRAY part of the tour, led by Halle of Spirit Quest Tours. Today, learn to meditate or just participate. Don’t feel like getting up this early… enjoy a later morning and breakfast any time you like!
OPTIONAL MORNING READINGS WITH KETUT LIYER
By special arrangement, Spirit Quest has set up readings with the world-famous Ketut Liyer, the Balian featured in Eat, Pray, Love. Ketut will give private readings outside in his family compound, and you can also buy art drawn by Ketut or his granddaughter, or carved by one of his sons. As Ketut is 87 (we think ;-) this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your palm read, or ask questions of this charming, quirky wise one. You can also pose for a picture with Ketut at no charge, but he will ask to see the picture, and then is sure to tell you he is very ugly! Don’t forget to bring your copy of Eat Pray Love for him to autograph! Enjoy this glimpse into Liz's world - she sat on Ketut's porch for many many afternoons. ($40US incl. transportation)
OPTIONAL LUNCH AT WAYAN THE HEALER'S – enjoy a Vitamin Lunch, “still the best meal in Ubud” and meet Wayan - and maybe her sweet daughter Tutti, too! Wayan will also give healings and readings - this is a chance to see a real Balinese shaman at work - her energy alone will amaze you! (prices vary depending on choice)
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON VISIT TO THE UBUD MONKEY FOREST & THE UBUD MARKET - Cuddle up with these amazing local monkeys at the Monkey Forest sanctuary. See Mamas and their newborns, up close and personal, take as many pcitures as you like, even feed the monkeys bananas! Enjoy shopping afterwards on Monkey Forest Road, a favorite with our groups!
Then we will visit UBUD MARKET, the renowned outdoor market – Everyone who visits Bali goes here – all at the same time… our experts will help you bargain with the vendors, but you’ll want an extra suitcase for the silk sarongs alone! ($40US including transportation, incl. the market and the Monkey Forest)
OPTIONAL DINNER AT THE LOTUS CAFE - Tonight we will enjoy excellent Balinese cuisine at a wonderful local establishment, the famed Lotus Cafe. Sit alongside a pond with a magnificent Lotus Garden, and enjoy local treats and tastes in the heart of Ubud. (prices start at $10US)
Day 4 (B/L)
OPTIONAL MORNING YOGA CLASS at THE YOGA BARN - One of the partners at Yoga Barn is friends with author Liz Gilbert, and he helped to raise some of the money for Wayan's home! The yoga studio truly reflects both the selflessness of service and the spirituality of Bali. Experience restorative yoga in an open air studio with a gifted teacher. Think of this as either of the "India" portion of the trip, and fully participate in the yoga classes, or like the "Italy" portion of the trip, and sleep in! It’s your choice. ($20US incl. transportation)
DAY TOUR TO VISIT BESAKIH TEMPLE - Called the Mother of all Balinese Temples (over 15,000 in all!) this temple creates a sacred Mandala of 5 temples, one dedicated to each direction, and the fifth at the center. All Balinese temples are active centers of worship, and we will have the opportunity to observe the Balinese culture and religion up close! A delicious lunch up in the mountains is included.
OPTIONAL COOKING CLASS AT CASA LUNA
Take a Balinese Cooking Class at the marvelous Casa Luna in Ubud. Local Balinese cuisine prepared by the chefs of Casa Luna... and you! ($45 including transportation)
OR DINNER on your own at our fabulous hotel or at one of the many restaurants in Ubud.
Day 5 (B/L)
EARLY MORNING MEDITATION – led by Spirit Quest Tours, this guided meditation will ground and relax you, even
if you’ve never tried meditating before.
Don’t feel like getting up this early… enjoy a late morning and
breakfast any time you like!
THE RURAL CHARM OF BALI AT GULINGAN VILLAGE
Lunch is a delicious buffet at a private, tranquil Balinese compound, which features the island’s signature dish, Babi Guling – Roast Suckling Pig. Of course, vegetarian dishes will be included for those who prefer them. Enjoy a fabulous afternoon relaxing among the rice paddies, listening to local musicians, and even getting a Balinese cooking lesson! This is native Bali…
AFTERNOON VISIT TO TANAH LOT TEMPLE - Considered one of the most beautiful temples in the world, Tanah Lot is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the grounds will give us a taste of the street vendors we will see in Bali. Tourist-y, but a must see! If we are lucky, we may get caught up in a local ceremony and participate in the heart of local Balinese life.
OPTIONAL EVENING BALINESE DANCE CLASS Take an evening class on local Balinese dancing, and learn to do some of these beautiful dances yourself. ($45 incl. transportation)
Day 6 (B/D)
OPTIONAL MORNING YOGA SESSION at the Yoga Barn, or sleep in! ($20 incl. transportation)
MORNING VISIT TO LOCAL CRAFTS STUDIOS
Today we will visit the AYU MAS PAINTING STUDIO, which features room after room of gorgeous paintings in the Balinese, local, and classic styles.
The Ayu Mas is a huge, privately owned, art gallery filled with hundreds of original paintings by dozens of local artists. There’s often a small group of artists working out front. The owner is a charming fellow who’s very knowledgeable in the various local “schools” of painting (i.e. Ubud style, traditional style, etc.) and the staff is friendly and efficient. Yes, we have negotiated a great discount for you here!
BALI BUDAYA WOOD CARVING STUDIO is a magnificent example of Balinese craftsmanship at its best, this enormous studio features works as small as the palm of your hand… up to 10 feet tall!
This studio offers stunning, original carvings in a variety of sizes and price-ranges. We have negotiated a very substantial discount for the group.
LUNCH AT PIZZA BAGUS in Ubud, as we continue to explore the Italian experiences from "Eat Pray Love" – have a Margarita pizza, along with a reading about Liz's pizza-eating experience in Naples, and enjoy handmade gelato for dessert! (prices vary based on selection $10 average)
Then we visit a couple of terrific local craft studios offering hand-made batik fashions and exquisite silver jewelry. We are very pleased with the quality of the work on offer and have negotiated a group discount at both establishments.
EVENING FAREWELL DINNER: BALI BEACH CLUB IN JIMBARAN BAY - This fabulous experience is not to be missed – a torch-lit dinner on the beach, at the water’s edge, featuring local dancing and musicians, while we dine on seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean – lobster, shrimp, and fish you’ve never even heard of! Vegetarian meals will be provided for those who do not eat seafood. Tonight we say farewell to Bali and bring home all our fabulous memories!
Day 7 (B)
Relax and pack, or else take time for one last spa treatment or a final shopping trip into Ubud today – you will receive a private airport transfer in plenty of time for your flight.
OPTIONAL If you would like an appointment for another spa treatment, the Alila Spa is a world-class facility with a real sense of the environment created by its magical indoor/outdoor rooms. Relaxation and pampering combine as you choose from Balinese massage, Balinese facial, or traditional reflexology with a Balinese twist – 1 hour treatment. (prices start at $65)
OR
OPTIONAL EXTENSION Oct 1-5, 2010
4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT NUSA DUA BEACH SPA & RESORT PALACE CLUB
Enjoy your gorgeously appointed, upgraded room, with private patio, marble bathroom, and sunken tub. Even the in-room privacy doors are ornate — hand-carved from exotic wood. Everything in Bali is a work of art!
The Nusa Dua is a stunning full-service hotel with a private beach, 6 restaurants, 4 bars, a cultural pavilion and a private Hindu temple. Our rooms are located in the exclusive Palace Club, with private check-in and check-out, a separate concierge, and fabulous daily amenities which include: a private dining room with breakfast made-to-order, complimentary full high tea, complimentary cocktails and appetizers each evening, and a private pool not open to the main hotel.
Welcome drink at the Nusa Dua; room assignments; dinner on your own, or relax and take a walk on the private beach, stroll the grounds, or take a swim in one of the hotel’s beautiful pools. Dinner on your own in one of the hotel's fabulous restaurants.
Days 8-10 (B/L)
BREAKFAST DAILY, in the delightful private dining room, which opens onto the hotel’s relaxing gardens and features views of the private bale and pond.
OPTIONAL TRIPS ON THE EXTENSION
VISIT TO THE KRIS MASTER iN UBUD - Wondering what to bring home for the man in your life?
Spirit Quest has arranged for a special trip to visit the greatest
living Kris Master, I Wayan Ritug, who lives outside Ubud. Museum quality
weapons mingle with the large collection of caged birds in his Balinese
compound, where you will get a glimpse into real Balinese life. If you want to
choose your own Kris, you can buy the handle and blade separately and have it
forged into your own special piece. A unique opportunity!
SPA TREATMENTS AT NUSA DUA BEACH SPA & HOTEL - Time for some pampering: choose from full spa services at the world-class Nusa Dua Spa, or arrange for a private car pick-up to take you to the Baliwis Spa around the corner..
Choose from a Balinese massage, Balinese facial, or traditional reflexology with a Balinese twist – 1 hour treatment at the world-class Nusa Dua Spa. Afterwards, take a dip in the spa’s lap pool, and enjoy the soothing spa music piped through the underwater speakers! Before or after your treatment, try the state-of-the-art gym, just across from the spa. Your visit to the health club is included!
WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON THE AYUNG RIVER
Enjoy this sometimes gentle, sometimes thrilling, always wet ride down the Ayung River - terrific fun! Includes pickup and drop-off at hotel, nearly two hours of river rafting with a trained, experienced guide, a delicious Balinese lunch by the riverside, and a hot shower! Please note: Must be in decent physical condition to participate in this adventure, as there are many steps to traverse!
VISIT TO TIRTA EMPUL - Take in the holy waters at one of the mast 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, and is a special gift from our Balinese guides (transportation cost will be shared).
Day 11 (B)
Private transfer from our hotel to the airport for your flight home.
We love and adore Bali and you will, too!
Itinerary & accommodations are subject to change without notice. Quality and class will remain the same.
* DISCLAIMER
This tour is not affiliated with or endorsed by Penguin Books or Sony Pictures. Elizabeth Gilbert will not be leading this trip. Julie Roberts has probably never even heard of Spirit Quest Tours. Javier Bardem will not marry you. Richard from Texas will not give you advice. James Franco will definitely not make out with you. Still, you should come on this trip.