Anyone who has ever seen ‘Eat Pray Love’ would know that Bali has an inherent mystical quality about it that draws thousands of people to the island every year. With healthy food cafes, yoga immersions, affordable housing and a holistic approach to wellness- you can see why the place is full of wellness professionals and fitness enthusiasts.
During my week long stint in Canggu in September, I found myself at Desa Seni. Located on a quiet stretch of road overlooking the rice paddies, this eco village is very warm and inviting. The founders want to induct you into their home and allow wellness to become a lifestyle rather than a chore you take on daily. They have various aspects of health and healing that they focus on from sustainability, organic cuisine, yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage.
I had sustained a hip injury from my aerial yoga class in Jimbaran earlier that week so moving around was proving very difficult but after a consultation with the doctors and the therapists- I got onto the mat. I also asked for a remedial massage that would help facilitate and promote recovery. Unlike other fitness retreats that push you to go harder and work tirelessly to get results, Desa Seni has all the resources for you to choose from but encourages you to go with your gut. It can be pretty intimidating to not push yourself when you see incredible yogis and yoginis spending 2-3 hours daily committed to their practice but I learnt to go at my own pace.
Another observation: most retreats have a European feel about them, Tom Tallucci (founder), made sure that Desa Seni was modelled to represent Indonesia in its infrastructure, design and by preserving its traditions. Frequented by guests who want to take their health into their own hands- the guests at Desa Seni are very discerning and believe in the conscious way of life. They even help out and volunteer at the yoga shala and spend time on the fields learning more about organic farming. The idea at Desa Seni is for everyone to feel like they are a part of a larger community that is conscious and kind to others and the environment around them.
The space is gorgeous and you feel like you are in a sanctuary with all the foliage and the water bodies. The rooms are absolutely stunning with traditional balinese details and a gorgeous balcony or sitting area. The bathrooms usually have outdoor showers and are fitted with all the amenities you might require. Each room has a torch, mosquito repellant, tea and coffee maker and some delicious raw chocolate.
Days typically start with meditation or morning yoga at the shala followed by a leisurely breakfast. You can choose to curl up with a book and spend some time by the pool if you wish or grab a jamu with a friend. Afternoons are usually spent at the spa or exploring Canggu’s iconic spaces like surf spot, Old Mans and a bunch of healthy vegan cafes. The spa is called Merapu Svaasthya Wellness and is beautifully constructed. It envelopes you in peace and tranquility and you can feel yourself winding down from the moment you step in to this place. Evenings can get a bit chilly in here so you might want to grab a shawl or a stole and enjoy the peace and quiet. I definitely recommend going in for a yoga or a meditation session as its the perfect way to work up an appetite. Dinner can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own villa or at the restaurant if you like dining with friends. The food at Desa Seni deserves special mention because the menu has been carefully curated to keep in mind your dietary preferences. With a smattering of traditional Indonesian dishes and a bunch of healthy staples, there’s something for everyone in this menu. I absolutely loved their healthy desserts, their home brewed kombucha and the chicken noodle bowl soups.
USP- the focus in here at Desa Seni is to do things that helps reduce the carbon footprint. The entire place has been built dutifully from recycled and repurposed products. The kitchen works painstakingly with the eco farmers to ensure that almost 80 percent of the produce comes from the land. There is a strict no plastic policy on the premises. The bathrooms are equipped with organic, safe and eco friendly cosmetics and detergent to ensure that we don’t pollute the environment.
The highlight of my trip apart from the incredible yoga classes was most definitely the balinese cleansing ceremony. This 60 minute purification ritual is highly sought after and performed by a local priest. People who are suffering from exhaustion, chronic illness benefit greatly from this ritual. I remember I was in a lot of pain during the treatment because of the inflammation in my hip but I felt a lot better and more renewed with energy for weeks following the treatment. The ‘Melukat’ ceremony aims to serve as a purification ritual remove the evil eye, ridding the body and soul of impurities, while restoring vitality and balance.
Verdict: Desa Seni is a fantastic space for people who want to learn how to be kinder to their bodies. The attention to detail in this place is absolutely remarkable from the wellness services to the menu options- everything is well thought of. The service is highly personalised and with a great staff and ratio , you can be assured that you will always have someone to help you out. The staff is very attentive and friendly and always eager to help you plan your day better. I think if you opt for only experience please try the healing ritual with a Balian or opt for a session with Andy Taylor (resident acupuncturist). If you are looking for accommodation where everyone knows your name and it starts to feel like home – you’ve picked the right place. Desa Seni also hosts a number of well known yoga practitioners from all over the world so head over to their page and enrol yourself into one of their retreats.
For those of you wanting to take your practice to the next level or if you are looking to get certified- Desa Seni has a number of teacher training courses through the year. It arms you with all the knowledge and the hours you need to advance your training. Who knows what might happen, you might even end up teaching Yoga right here at Desa Seni.
Thank you for such a fabulous experience. I cannot wait to be back in Canggu at my second home. I will definitely stay on for a week so that I can experience everything this place has to offer. Terima Kasih
Quick Notes-
Desa Seni
Address: Jl. Subak Sari No.13, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 8446392
About 45 minutes from Denpasar airport.
Check out www.desaseni.com
Facebook-www.facebook.com/desaseni
Email- info@desaseni.com
Photo Courtesy- Desa Seni
