June 22-28, 2013 extension through July 2, 2013
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)
Eat, Pray, Love Bali
Arrange your own flights to Denpasar, Bali, or have Spirit Quest Tours make all arrangements. You will need to leave the US or Europe up to 2 days prior to arrive on the 22nd in Bali.
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 private transfers, Spirit Quest Tours’ own “Julie the Cruise Director,” Halle Eavelyn, will accompany you full-time on this trip.
ARRIVE AT THE PERTIWI HOTEL. Dinner is a short walk, as you are already in the heart of Ubud, or else dine in one of the charming restaurants which feature fresh, local, macrobiotic cuisine.
6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT THE PERTIWI RESORT. This hotel is in the very heart of the heart, right in the middle of the flavors and color of Ubud. Birds and flowers of all kinds surround you and you are only steps away from everything.
A private king villa at the Pertiwi Hotel
Your room is a standalone POOL VILLA which features a bathroom with an outdoor sunken tub and a separate rain shower. The beds are swathed in that most romantic of fabrics, mosquito netting, ensuring both a bug-free night’s sleep and a delight to your eye. The rooms are large, with a separate closet/dressing area, plenty of room for luggage and seating, and lots of counter or desk space. The whole hotel offers free WiFi, accessible in both your room and at the restaurant (just remember, it’s Bali WiFi, so it’s not the most reliable!) BREAKFAST DAILY. pertiwiresort.com
Day 2 (B/D)
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 Terrazo! The authentic Italian ambience and food will whisk you away for an evening in Italy. Save room for Tirami Su!
Day 3 (B)
EARLY MORNING MEDITATION – Each morning, we will have the PRAY part of the tour, led by Halle & Greg of Spirit Quest Tours. Today, learn to meditate or just participate. Don’t feel like getting up this early… enjoy a late morning and breakfast any time you like!
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 quite elderly, 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! Enjoy this glimpse into Liz’s world – she sat on Ketut’s porch for many many afternoons. (OPTIONAL)
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!
SHOPPING EXCURSION - This afternoon we will visit UBUD MARKET, the renowned outdoor market – Everyone who visits Bali goes here – all at the same time… sure we can help you bargain with the vendors, but you’ll want an extra suitcase for the silk sarongs alone! Then we hit a couple of terrific local craft studios offering hand-made batik fashions and silver and gold jewelry. We are very pleased with the quality of the crafts on offer and have negotiated a group discount at both establishments.
AFTERNOON VISIT TO THE UBUD MONKEY FOREST - Cuddle up with these amazing local monkeys at the Monkey Forest sanctuary. See Mamas and their newborns, up close and personal, take as many pictures as you like, even feed the monkeys bananas! Enjoy shopping afterwards on Monkey Forest Road, a favorite with our groups!
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. (Dinner is at your cost.)
Day 4 (B/L)
MORNING YOGA CLASS - Experience restorative yoga in an open air environment 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. (OPTIONAL)
Today we journey by air-conditioned coach to Besakih Temple, the mother of all on this island of 10,000 temples! This trip gives us the chance to worship with the Balinese as they do. Stop to pick up a temple outfit (bring your own white shirt from home) including sash and sarong, then 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.
Inside the temple grounds, our guide will make a special offering of flowers and fruit to the temple, then we will pray with flowers, incense, and rice — you can follow along with our 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 before heading back to the Pertiwi.
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…
First, 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.
Day 6 (B/L/D) MORNING YOGA SESSION, or sleep in!
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.
EVENING FAREWELL DINNER: Tonight we dine at what is arguably the best restaurant in Ubud, the fabulous Cafe Wayan. We will choose from their vast menu of local, authentic food and eat in a delightful garden setting. 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 Pertiwi offers spa treatments at a special price for us. 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 $20)
OR
JOIN US ON THE AMAZING EXTENSION AT THE BEACH!
4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT THE MELIA BALI RESORT (DELUXE ROOM)
Enjoy your gorgeously appointed room, with private patio or balcony, marble bathroom, and beautiful beds.
The fabulous Melia is a full-service hotel with a private beach, 4 restaurants, 2 bars, and a full spa.
Daily breakfast is included. As we arrive, begin with a welcome drink and room assignments; then enjoy 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 delicious restaurants.
Day 8 (B) 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.
Day 9 (B/D) After a day of soaking in the sun, let us take you to dinner at one of the best restaurants in Bali! Bumbu Bali features authentic cuisine and a terrific atmosphere – one of the best meals you will eat on the island is yours this evening. You might even want to take home the Bumbu Bali cookbook.
Day 10 (B/D) Perhaps you’ll shop today at the delightful Bali Collection, just down the street, or experience the Melia’s excellent spa or fitness center. Either way, tonight, it’s dinner on the beach as we experience an amazing French meal with a Balinese twist. Ma Joly restaurant is elegant and unique, and we will enjoy our farewell dinner outdoors, just a few feet from the Indian ocean. A fitting end to our delightful Bali journey!
Day 11 (B) Private transfer from our hotel to the airport for your flight home. Our service doesn’t end until you have your exit visa in hand and are personally walked through emigration, so don’t worry! We will take care of you!
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.
