Been a little naughty over the holidays? Need some Spiritual restitution? Some leg lifts? Some nutritional feasting or fasting? Then, grab a duffle bag filled with swimsuit, yoga duds, good walking shoes and a lot of curiosity…oops and your passport…January is your month and Bali is our destination! Ubud, Bali, that is. The art center of Bali. Where artists, art collectors, and literati gather among the spiritual seekers in the midst of the Bali hills, the rice fields, the temples and the native people.
Ubud. Central Bali is green--emerald and jade-- and terracotta. It is a land filled with flowers, dance, incense and ceremony. And the perfect place for re-awakening our senses to peace, beauty and the intricacies of the human character. You do not need to venture far to find a completely different life here. Ubud, and particularly the world surrounding it, is enchanting.
Uma Ubud exudes peaceful positive energy which is reflected in the beautiful pool and landscaped gardens winding past the twenty-nine whitewashed Garden, Terrace and Uma suites. It is a natural oasis with the alang-alang thatched winged rooftops, stone walls with orchids and fern protruding, and touches of Balinese carving scattered in and among the property, evidence of the thoughtful use of local resources intermeshed with high tech facilities making it feel native, but with the conveniences of a 5 star boutique resort. Nestled into the green hills overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley, the rooms clinging to the perimeter of the property boast semi-private walled in tropical gardens and seemingly endless views over the coconut palms and banyan trees below, the perfect setting to watch the sun, the birds, and other wildlife that drift in and around before heading down to the river Oos. Sit on your private terrace and drink in the serenity of the natural beauty… Then, as the sun sets, light your candles and enter through the French doors to the lovely setting within…Walk through the next set of French doors to slip into the decadently inviting bathtub filled with sensuous Uma bath products or opt for washing away your cares in the open air shower, whichever, when you emerge from the large bathroom wrapped in the luscious thick towel or bathrobe it will be hard to not jump right between the satiny sheets of the four posted bed with light white netting gently swaying to the harmonious breeze of the overhead plantation fan.
Sink slowly into the Balinese way of life. From morning offerings burning right outside your doorway placating any evil spirits; to gourmet delicacies shaped, sculpted, flowered, colorful and somehow infused with spirituality for you to consume; to quiet…genuine quiet…sprinkled with the sounds of Balinese gamelan music...; to the beautiful scent of Frangipani drifting through the dense air…you will truly be amazed at how quickly the outside hustle and bustle dissipates and the oasis of Uma Ubud, steeped in elements of the COMO Shambhala way of life, so quickly allows you to relax.
What is COMO Shambhala? Shambhala is Sanskrit for ‘peace’ and the Uma Ubud concept embraces a holistic health philosophy featuring yoga and Asian-inspired therapies. Under the Bale (open pavilion) overlooking the tides of green, there are two yoga pavilions, a meditation bale, steam, sauna and treatment rooms. It seems completely isolated, ideal for letting loose while venturing closer to complete ‘soulful renewal’. Try it. And be sure to include beauty and massage treatments, basic to the daily rituals of the Balinese people--interwoven into the tapestry of their culture -- scented waters, oils – softening the skin, stretching and easing the muscles -- slowly releasing tension…this is the perfect place to try yoga or massage or any treatments for the first time. You will never feel judged…only accepted. The Balinese respect for their elders, for tradition and their religion is reflected in how they treat you as the visitor to their country and they will make every effort to see you enjoy it, learn about it, and are able to experience it.
Not content with only yoga & nutrition, sport & Ayurveda programs, bathing and gazing? Then head out the doorway, past the Ubud Monkey Forest and the wild Don Antonio Blanco Gallery (the artistic Liberace of Bali) and discover interesting temples and palaces, museums and galleries, and shop ‘til your fantasies are fulfilled…
Uma Ubud is the perfect place to unwind and re-energize anytime of the year, and a special way to jumpstart the New Year with hot sunny days and sometimes violently rainy nights making it so cozy and especially conducive to reflection and planning for the year ahead.
Tips:
1) Shipping containers are inexpensive and Bali offers unique and interesting paintings, weavings, sculpture, beautiful doors, furniture, accessories, et al at wonderful prices.
2) do not miss Uma walks with Bapak Anom through the rice paddies or hikes with Bapak Runita through the rice paddies and small villages past temples and palaces to Begawan Giri Estate the sister property. All unforgettable.
3) if you are really desiring an overhaul, Uma Ubud does offer week-long yoga retreats with Internationally recognized yoga teachers and week-long adventure challenge programs… go, go, go!
www.uma.como.bz Ubud, Gianyar 80571, Bali, Indonesia
t: +62.361.972448 f: +62.361.972449