Don Peers and Eileen Hall Lead Two Yoga Retreats this Spring in Bali

Uma Ubud in Bali will be hosting two major international yoga retreats this spring, welcoming Don Peers from Australia, and Ashtanga teacher Eileen Hall from Australia. The retreats are for practitioners of all levels; however, classes are structured to give meaningful depth to students with considerable yoga experience.

The five hours of daily practice are complemented by Uma Ubud’s substantial facilities in other area of holistic wellness. Guests can eat healthily from daily menus featuring organic COMO Shambhala cuisine. They can also partake in other physical activities, including guided walks and mountain biking in the island’s hinterland. Substantial time is available for relaxing around the pool, or for further wellness treatments, such as massage or Ayurvedic therapies, available at Uma Ubud’s COMO Shambhala Retreat.

The resort itself is inspirational – a quiet haven on the fringe of Ubud, which is the artist’s town that lies at Bali’s heart (an hour’s drive from the international airport at Denpasar). Accommodation is flooded with light, and includes significant garden areas for lounging in complete privacy. Retreat guests can come alone, share a room with a friend, or opt for more couple-orientated accommodation with a private pool. Importantly, the spirit of Uma Ubud is designed to support guests in their quest to get the most out of the five-day yoga retreats, which also evince a strong sense of camaraderie within the group.

Eight Limbs of Yoga with Don Peers: This is the first of the two spring retreats, taking place from 11th to 17th March. Prices start from US$1,540 per person.

It will be led by Don Peers, a familiar face to COMO Shambhala. Peers trained at Yogasynergy (Sydney, Australia) with Simon Borg-Oliver and Bianca Machliss. He has studied and practiced with Sri K Pattabhi Jois, Rodney Yee, Donna Farhi and Lino Miele, and lived in India.

Morning sessions will explore the Iyengar concept of correct and accurate alignment, working with an astute consciousness of how to build a stronger asana (posture). As each student’s facility develops, Peers adds the Ashtanga Vinyasa method to sessions, which coordinates breath and movement (Vinyasa), the three locks (Bandha) and gaze (Drushti), the combination bringing about an increased lightness and focus. Afternoons will be more restorative, exploring philosophy, breathing and meditation.

A Practice You Can Take Home: Ashtanga with Eileen Hall: Scheduled for 22nd to 28th April, this retreat costs from US$1,925 per person.

Eileen Hall has been a student of yoga since 1982. She trained with the founder of the Ashtanga method, Sri K Pattabhi Jois based in Mysore, India. This system involves synchronising the breath with a progressive series of postures. The process produces an intense internal heat and a powerful, purifying sweat. Not only is body and mind exercised fully, but the sweat detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation and a calmer mind.

During morning sessions, Eileen will focus on improving the basic techniques of Ashtanga yoga, each day building up on the synchronisation of breath and posture. Afternoons will be more reflective and rejuvenating, with instruction in supported yoga postures and breathing techniques that are ideally suited to the workshop format. Fundamental to Eileen’s approach is her belief in the importance of making yoga accessible so that it can be easily integrated into daily lives, encouraging consistent and sincere practice. In this respect, guests will leave with something that will last far beyond the length of stay.

What’s Included: Retreat prices (inclusive of 11% government tax and 10% service charge) are based on double occupancy in a Terrace Room including six nights accommodation, brunch daily (beverages not included), a welcome and farewell dinner, and private airport transfers. Different room types are available at a higher cost, and the packages can be extended with Uma Ubud’s nightly rack rates.

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