Sacred Bali: A Wellness Journey

Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport, where a local representative will be waiting for the private transfer to the hotel in Ubud. After checking in, unwind with a relaxing one-hour massage, the perfect introduction to the journey ahead, with dinner in the evening. Overnight in Ubud.

Start the morning early with a private one-hour yoga session at the resort. After breakfast, discover some of Ubud's many charms, beginning at Monkey Forest to meet its cheeky resident macaques, then continue to Ubud's Royal Palace, built in the 16th century and still home to the town's royal family, viewable from the outside. Just across the street, browse Ubud Market for souvenirs and exotic local produce. Continue to Moksa Ubud, a plant-based restaurant set within a tranquil 2,500-square-metre permaculture garden in Sayan, for lunch amid its lush, welcoming surroundings. From there, visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the former home and studio of Antonio Blanco, arguably Bali's most famous resident artist, now a museum housing an extensive collection of his work. Return to the hotel to freshen up before departing for dinner, followed by a memorable Balinese dance performance. Overnight in Ubud.

Depart at 8am for a full-day excursion around central Bali, beginning at the Royal Temple of Mengwi, a stunning piece of historic architecture ringed by a moat, with multi-roofed meru shrines and intricately carved wooden gates. Continue to Batukaru Temple, the starting point for a two-hour leisurely bike ride through local villages and lush scenery, passing through Jatiluwih Village, renowned for its terraced rice fields and bamboo forest. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Jatiluwih area, then continue to Bedugul, a highland region famed for its beauty and three lakes, visiting the traditional market for fruits, vegetables, orchids, spices and souvenirs. Ascend further into the hills to reach Lake Bratan, where Ulun Danu Temple, set on a small island in its peaceful waters, ranks among Bali's most iconic and photogenic sites. Return to Ubud late in the afternoon. Overnight in Ubud.

Embark on a spiritual journey to the Mambal area, arriving at the Beji Griya Waterfall complex amid lush green rice fields and cool mountain air. Beji Griya is the traditional bathing place where the Balinese Melukat purification ritual takes place. Dress in traditional attire and meet a local guide for prayer at Taman Beji Temple, before continuing to Pingit Cave, hidden beneath a canyon cliff. Complete the spiritual journey at Beji Griya Waterfall itself, its waters splashing as high as 15 metres, offering the chance to release negative energy in its sacred pools. Receive a final blessing from a priest at the main temple, expressing gratitude to the gods, before unwinding with a 90-minute healing massage from a Balinese healer, a traditional ritual of deep bodywork and energy balancing passed down through generations. Complete the day with a three-course celebration of epicurean plant-based cuisine, in honour of the day's renewal. Overnight in Ubud.

After breakfast, transfer to the Ayung River for a white-water rafting adventure. Guides provide a helmet, life jacket and paddle, along with a safety briefing and paddling demonstration, plus a dry bag to keep valuables and clothing dry. Cover 10 kilometres of the river over approximately 90 minutes, split into two stages with a rest stop on the riverbank at the halfway point. At the finish, enjoy a cup of tea before a late buffet of Indonesian food for lunch, with showers and changing facilities available. Continue to a beach resort in southern Bali, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Southern Bali Beaches.

Transfer to today's activity: a stand-up paddleboarding lesson, a relaxing, almost meditative sport suited to every skill level and requiring no prior surfing experience. Afterwards, enjoy a healthy lunch at a local restaurant, then return to the hotel to freshen up before the afternoon's excursion. Visit Uluwatu, one of Bali's most impressive temples, perched dramatically on the edge of a steep cliff. As the sun sets, watch a dramatic Kecak dance performance, its male performers chanting rhythmically while throwing their arms in the air. Cap off the day with a seafood platter dinner at Impossible Beach, a semi-outdoor dining experience of freshly caught seafood and side dishes enjoyed with the sea breeze. Overnight in Southern Bali Beaches.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the morning at leisure, before the transfer to the airport for the onward flight home.