Ubud, Candidasa & Sanur

Today you visit the KIM Women's Center, a community hub that empowers Balinese women through art, education and craftsmanship. You meet the women at work and join their workshops, which range from traditional offering-making with palm leaf and flowers to batik design. It is a hands-on morning and a close look at daily Balinese ritual and craft. The afternoon is spent back at your retreat at leisure. Overnight in Ubud.

Tirta Empul Temple, where sacred spring waters are believed to cleanse body and soul, with a purification ritual at the holy pools guided by a local priest. Continue with a private session led by a Balian, a Balinese healer, and close the day in meditation.

A day in the centre of Ubud. You start at Ubud Market, stacked with crafts, textiles and jewellery, then continue to local galleries showing both traditional and contemporary Balinese work. Afterwards you walk into the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where ancient moss-covered temples stand beneath tall banyan trees and macaques move freely through the grounds. The rest of the day is free in town. Overnight in Ubud.

A morning walk through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, cut in steps down the valley and still watered by the traditional irrigation system. You continue to a nearby village known for its crafts and organic plantations, where spices and coffee are grown. In the afternoon you learn Balinese dance with local instructors, who explain the story and meaning behind each hand and eye movement. Overnight in Ubud.

You drive east this morning to Besakih Temple, Bali's 'Mother Temple', set in terraces on the slopes of Mount Agung and the island's most important sanctuary. From there the road continues into the Sidemen Valley, framed by rice terraces, palm groves and distant volcanic peaks, with stops for photographs along the way. You then carry on to the east coast for check-in at Candidasa. Overnight in Candidasa.

A full day of village life in Sidemen. You walk through the rice paddies with local farmers, who explain the planting cycle, then see age-old crafts including hand weaving and natural dyeing. A hands-on Balinese cooking class follows, with ingredients picked from the garden, and the day closes with a traditional temple blessing ceremony. Return to Candidasa in the afternoon. Overnight in Candidasa.

After check-out you drive south along the east coast to Goa Lawah, the 'Bat Cave Temple', built around a cave inhabited by thousands of bats. You continue to Klungkung for the Kerta Gosa Pavilion, the former royal court of justice, whose painted ceilings illustrate Balinese philosophy, reward and punishment. The drive then follows the coast to Sanur, where you check in. Overnight in Sanur.

A day by the sea in Sanur. You can spend it on Sanur Beach, where the water is calm and shallow and the cafés along the sand are filled with local art, or follow the paved coastal path past small temples and brightly painted wooden fishing boats drawn up on the shore. Cycling tours and art workshops are available nearby if you prefer something more active. Overnight in Sanur.

A coastal journey west to Tanah Lot, the sea temple perched on its own rock formation and surrounded by water at high tide, with wide views over the Indian Ocean. You return to the coast near Sanur for the evening, when you board a traditional Phinisi sailing vessel for a sunset cruise along the shore. Transfer back to your hotel afterwards. Overnight in Sanur.

You sail across to Nusa Penida, an island of dramatic cliffs and largely untouched beaches. The day takes in the Kelingking Beach viewpoint above its famous headland, Broken Beach with its natural rock arch, and Crystal Bay, where clear water and coral make for easy swimming and snorkelling. You return to the mainland by boat in the late afternoon. Overnight in Sanur.

Arrive in Sanur and check in at your hotel. The day is entirely at your own pace — a sunrise stroll along Sanur Beach, a look through the town's galleries and boutiques, time at the pool, or a quiet hour in one of the hidden cafés tucked down the lanes. The beachfront promenade is easy walking, with warungs and seafront restaurants along the way. No fixed programme today. Overnight in Sanur.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out at the usual hour. Your private driver transfers you from Sanur to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar for your onward flight, a short run down the coast. Allow time for check-in and formalities at the terminal. End of programme. We hope you take home good memories of Bali, its beaches, temples and people.