About Nyepi

This day of complete silence and stillness has taken on a new ‘green' meaning this year, with Bali's regional government calling on the whole world to embrace a Global Day of Silence in a bid to fight the effects of climate change.

Traditionally, Nyepi involves 24-hours of rest as Bali shuts down all transport and businesses (except for hotels and hospitals) in an attempt to fool demons into thinking it has been deserted so they will go elsewhere. The days either side of Nyepi are full of festive ceremonies as the Balinese take part in an island-wide street-party, but on Nyepi itself, everyone locks themselves indoors, the airport and harbour close, all traffic ceases, and shops pull down shutters.

According to tradition, the Balinese should not eat or drink, no source of light but the sun is allowed, no electricity may be used, and no recreation activity enjoyed. It is a day of introspection and meditation.

For foreigners, the rules are more relaxed, so long as they respect the ‘Day of Silence' by not leaving their residence or hotel and keeping noise to a minimum.

The call to make the tradition of Nyepi an annual worldwide event was made at the UN climate change conference held in Bali in December, where Bali 's governor announced that the ban on using transport and electricity for this single day helps to save tens of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Whether or not the world adopts the idea, Bali 's unique Nyepi tradition is a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your senses.

Art of Living

The internationally-renowned Art of Living Retreat from March 10-14 addresses those aspects of our busy modern lifestyle that most people find overwhelming at times. Now is your chance to restore balance and perspective into your life.

This worldwide spirituality workshop is based on the ancient Vedic Knowledge of Life, adapted to the needs of modern life by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar , founder of the Indian-based Art of Living Foundation. Sri Sri's unique, world-renowned breathing techniques aim to relieve stress on an individual level, and disease and violence on a broader level.

The retreat comprises five, three-hour evening sessions. Among the benefits of taking part are reduced stress, improved efficiency and productivity, more joy and enthusiasm, heightened self-esteem and interpersonal skills, greater awareness and perception, and enhanced beauty, health and wellbeing. The price for this retreat is ?

To register contact Prana on (361) 730 840, email: spares@thevillas.net  or Niqqita on +62 (0) 816 904 531, email: niqqita@indo.net.id

Registration is Rp. 500.000,- for early bird (until March 6th, 2008) and Rp. 600.000,- after that.

Detox Retreat

A Detox Retreat scheduled for May 24-31 is being held in association with Shunyata Retreats, to remove toxins, parasites and other waste from the bloodstream and cells of the body.

Run over eight days, the program includes all detox drinks and supplements, as well as eight nights accommodation at The Villas, airport transfers, daily yoga sessions, massage and reflexology vouchers, a 20 percent discount on all Prana treatments, a Breaking the Fast breakfast and a raw food cooking class on your final day.

The price for this 8 days retreat incl. 8 night accommodation is US$ 2.729++,

Should you run out of time a 4 days retreat incl. 4 nights accommodation is also possible, priced at US$ 1.583++ and scheduled for May 28-31

For more information and bookings, please contact our spa sales manager, Sri Pujayanti on (361) 730 840 or email her on sri@thevillas.net

For a more detailed description on the detox program please click here

Ayurveda/Yoga Retreat

A five-day Ayurveda/Yoga Retreat scheduled for November 9-14 will be led by Rachel Hull , a very experienced teacher who has led retreats and teacher trainings around the world.

The package includes six nights accommodation at The Villas, airport transfers, two dinners and two lunches/afternoon teas at Prana Restaurant, two Ayurvedic treatments at Prana Spa, and a 20 percent discount on all spa treatments.

The retreat is equally beneficial to novices and experienced yoga practitioners (but it is recommended that you have practised yoga for at least six months). The classes are dedicated to asana and pranayama techniques that target the Ayurvedic Doshas (vata, pitta and kapha).

If you don't know what this means, don't worry: the retreat includes a session to help discover your Ayurvedic constitution. If you already know yours, you can use this session to address any imbalances you may be experiencing.

The retreat will begin every morning with a yoga session, while afternoons will involve a mix of yoga, discussions on Ayurveda, and trials of Prana's popular Ayurveda treatments. And of course, since this is Bali , there will also be some free time for shopping, sightseeing and restaurants!

The complete package is priced at US$1.752++

For further information and bookings, please contact our Spa Sales Manager, Sri Pujayanti on (361) 730 840 or email her on sri@thevillas.net