- What is a retreat?
A retreat is your opportunity to take a break from the stresses and strains of everyday life to find a different type of both solitude and connection within an environment of natural beauty. This is a gift to yourself where you have the time and space to slow down and look deep within your being, clarify what is important to you and get in touch with your own personal power. - Are these retreats only for women?
No, we have retreat programs that are for women only but we also cater for both sexes with our Tailor-Made program, offer mixed retreats and we will launch men only program in 2017. We offer our men only and women only packages because the different sexes often face their own particular challenges in the world and we know from experience that people usually progress faster when they are supported by their own gender. - Can I treat medical conditions at your retreat?
Firstly, we recommend that you DO NOT stop taking any medication or cease any medical treatment during the retreat and any decisions you make should be discussed with your doctor before you come. We can’t promise you any miracle cures but we are fully committed to teaching you a variety of ways to boost your general well-being and different techniques to help to heal yourself. - What should I do in my free time in Bali and Ubud?
Bali really offers something for everyone. Around Ubud the vibe is very cultural and holistic, the area is famed for its full moon ceremonies, traditional dances and healing properties as well as its delightful spas, yoga and vegetarian and vegan fayer. Or if you feel like a more daredevil adventure there are some fantastic white water rafting trips down the nearby River Agung. Across the island there are numerous stunning temples to visit and many locals are willing to share their very Balinese brand of spirituality. If your prefer a bit more life then head down to the Kuta and Seminyak areas for some serious shopping and beach time. Here you can also frequent some of the famous bars and beach clubs and eat up a storm in some of the high end restaurants. If you don’t have enough money you can take online loan at loan24.com.ua. All over the island are fabulous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horse-riding. Alternatively, seek out a waterfall, climb a volcano or visit the famous rice terraces, the choices are simply mind boggling! If you have a few free days, this is may be a great opportunity to explore the peace and tranquility of one the other nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan, Gili Air or Lombok. Whatever your taste, Transform Retreats can personally advise you on where to go and what to see in your free time. - Recommended restaurants and spas in Ubud:
These are a few of the best healthy eateries in town:
– KAFE on Jl. Hanoman
– Soma on Jl. Goutama
– Sopa on Jl. Sugriwa
– Down To Earth on Jl .Goutama Selatan
– Clear Café on Raya Ubud, next to the brigde to Penestanan
– Kebun (French bistro) – on Jl. Hanoman
– Alchemy on Jl. Penstanan Kaja
– Locavore on Jl. Dewi Sita
– Pica on Jl. Dewi Sita
Find a good selection at: http://www.thebalibible.com/bali/20-of-the-best-restaurants-in-ubud
Trip Advisor recommends: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g297701-Ubud_Bali.html
And a few of the best pampering places:
– Maya Ubud Spa: Maya Ubud Resort, Jl. Gunung Sari, Peliatan, Ubud
– Karsa Spa: Jl. Bangkiang Sidem, Keliki, Ubud
– Fresh Spa: Jl. Dewi Sita, Ubud
– Kush Ayurvedic Spa at Yoga Barn: Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud
– Cantika Zest Spa: Jl. Penesatan Kaja, Ubud
– Taksu Spa: Jl. Goutama Selatan, Ubud
– Bali Botanica Spa: Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Ubud - Getting Around Bali
MOTORBIKE OR SCOOTER
One of the best ways to experience the island is on two wheels. Motorbike rental in Bali is pretty inexpensive but please make sure that you have an international licence that specifically covers motorbikes and are skilled at riding. The roads here are not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. If you don’t have a licence, you can spend the morning at the Denpasar Police Office to get a temporary motorbike permit. The procedure involves a written test and the temporary permit is valid for three months after issue.Wearing a helmet is compulsory and you should inquire with the rental agency about insurance and their damage policy at the time you are renting the bike. Please also make sure you are covered by your travel insurance.Motorbike rental costs varybut are usually between 40,000–60,000 Rpper day and are often negotiable, depending on how long you want to rent the scooter for, the condition of the bikeand the engine size. Motorbikes tend to come with 100cc or 125cc engines and you really don’t need more than 200cc. The traffic and the condition of the roads prevent really fast riding.
BY GO-JEK
GO-JEK is a new service of “motorbike taxi” accessed via a mobile app. The app calculates the price of the journey when you enter where you wish to be picked up and where you want to go and dispatches a driver to you. A single ride costs only 12,000Rp for distances of up to 10km and 15,000 Rpfor distance between 10km and 15km. This is a cheap, easy and convenient way to see the island and allows you the freedom of motorbike travel even if you don’t ride. The driver even brings you a helmet. To learn more download the app from www.go-jek.com
TAXIS IN BALI
Metered taxis are used in South Bali and Denpasar and are easily flagged down or can be booked by phone. They are not so readily available in Ubud. The usual rate for a taxi is 7,000Rp per kilometre, although the rate is higher in the evening and the minimum charge at any time of day is 30,000Rp. Any driver that claims meter problems or who won’t use it on request should be avoided. The most reputable taxi firm here is the Bluebird Group which you can contact on 0361-701111 or www.bluebirdgroup.com They have blue cars with banners over their windshield with the firm’s name, be careful, all the taxis in Bali are similar colours, so make sure you check it belongs to this firm before getting in.
It is also worth noting that airport taxis are fixed price depending on your destination. These are available 24 hours a day but if you arrive after 10pm the service is less reliable. We recommend that you employ Transform’s VIP airport transfer service as this saves a lot of headaches after a long flight.
BY PRIVATE CAR & DRIVER
Another great way to experience the stunning countryside around Bali is by hiring a car with a driver. This is pretty stress free and relatively cheap, costing around 450,000-750,000Rp a day.Transform can help you find a reputable agency with drivers that speak good English and have excellent local knowledge so you get the most out of your travels. Often once you leave the main tourist areas there is very little English spoken so having a reliable driver is a major advantage. Drivers can also be hired overnight and they will find their own accommodation but you will be expected to pay for this and their meals. Petrol and insurance should be included in the price. Always check the driver has all the relevant paperwork and make sure prices are agreed before you set off on your travels.
BY RENTAL CAR
In order to rent a car here on the island you are supposed to have both an international driving license and your own regular driving license. A temporary tourist driver’s license can be obtained from the police station in Denpasar within a day. However, most rental companies will rent you a car with just a copy of your home national driver’s license. Prices range from US$18 to US$45 a day for rental depending on the model of car you wish to hire, these prices should include insurance but always check before you sign up. Also check that the vehicle has a Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan Bermotor or STNK, which the vehicle registration certificate.
As mentioned before, driving in Bali can be challenging, often drivers do not stop for oncoming traffic, sometimes traffic lights are not observed and you should always expect the unexpected! The national speed limit is 70kph but there are not many place where you can even get close to this. - Can I get gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan food in Bali?
Yes, in Bali and especially in Ubud there is a really health conscious food scene and many of the restaurants can accommodate even very strict dietary requirements. The Maya resort also caters for any special regimes. Please let us know in advance so we can make provision for you at the resort and advise you on the best eateries in town for your requirements. - Can I bring my child to the retreat?
Retreats are children-free events with the exception of our Exclusive Mama & Child Retreats. Refer to OUR Retreats section to discover more. - Can I bring my pet?
No, it’s illegal to bring in animals to Bali because of a strict anti-rabies policy. - Safety and health in Bali
Bali is an awesome place but it is also a developing tropical country so there are certain precautions you must take. Make sure you get good travel insurance, always wear a helmet on a scooter, stay hydrated and use lots of sunscreen and bug spray. Make sure you lock valuables in the hotel room safe and if you are riding a scooter keep your purse in the seat, never in your shoulder bag because bags do get snatched. If you are in an area with monkey’s don’t tease them and never carry food or even a plastic bag which the animals often associate with food – they can get angry and bite. DON’T bring illegal drugs into the country and NEVER buy them here because Indonesia has strict narcotics laws and does employ the death penalty. We also advise that you are respectful of the local culture and exercise patience and tolerance where necessary. Having said all this, we are sure you will find, as we do, that the Balinese people are beautiful, friendly and accommodating and want you to enjoy your visit.
More questions? Contact us directly
